Moving to the Charleston Area (North Charleston, North: apartment complexes, rentals, crime rate)

[BetsyJT]

My wife and I are thinking of moving to the Charleston area by early next year. We have decided to rent, at least for 6 months to a year. We have both only been to Charleston once, so we aren't familiar with the area at all, but we love being near water. Are there any apartment complexes/townhomes with a nice view of either the ocean or any water for that matter? If so, how expensive are they for about 1200 SF? We also would like to be near entertainment (bars/pubs, restaurants, etc.). Any information about the best places to rent that include water, bars/pubs, and dining would be great.

[DJShymansky]

There are rentals available in the Charleston area that are either on a marsh, tidal creek, or with river views. The rent, of course, would vary on the amenities included and the closer to the water, obviously the higher the amount. Varying from $1200-$3000+.

Ripley Light Marina, Harbor Creek, Headquarters, Pelican Pointe, Ashley River Commons, Etiwan Pointe and Simmons Pointe, to name just a few. All are within 15-20 minutes to downtown Charleston, less to the beaches, and most have amenities like parks, playgrounds, pools, etc.

[jeena]

Several web-sites have apartment ratings by present and former tenants. When I was thinking about renting in Charleston last year, I consulted those sites and was very surprised at some of the comments. I didn't go because of a knee injury.

I was there 4 years ago, and I liked the Mt. Pleasant area the best, it's close to the beach, has nice restaurants and new shopping centers. I would stay out of North Charleston, it had the third largest crime rate per capita in the U.S. when I was there.

Good Luck!

[Charleston native]

A few of the places that DJ mentioned are West Ashley. Look into more properties there, as all of the conveniences and lifestyle of Chas can be utilized in that area. James Island is another option for properties as well.