Questions about Summerville

[Rockgirl]

Wow, those insurance costs and taxes are enough to make us reconsider whether Summerville is a practical place for us to retire down the road. As much as I'm not overly fond of New Mexico, it definitely is much more tax friendly, at least right now.

[carriemomof3]

Originally Posted by klipsie

We are considering Summerville for our retirement in several years and are wondering several things-first-how accepting and friendly are the neighbors with transplants? We we always be the "Yankees next door" or will we someday fit in.

Secondly-what are the real estate taxes like in Summerville? We would be looking for a home in the $250K neighborhood.

We moved here a few years ago. I am a yankee too. Most people who live here seem to be from somewhere else. My next door neighbors, and several others, are older, retired couples. I think it is a great place to live. I certainly love it. Our house was a little over $200K and taxes are just under $800. Hopefully, that will give you some idea. Good luck!

[goosecreeker]

I posted this link elsewhere on the site but it is great so here I go again. Here is a handy tool to use before you buy. It is the national map from the USGS. you can check the elevation and topography of the neighborhoods. you can also see if a few years back the areas were listed as swamp land and you could be in for foundation problems.
"People from off" are sometimes surprised at the elevations around here [like my sister in laws downtown is 12 feet above sea level]. This is a good clue if you are going to be required to buy flood insurance.

National Map Viewer

[goosecreeker]

Sorry to repost, but we own a 5br, 3.5b brick colonial in Crowfield, which is berkeley county and pay less than a thousand a year in property and school taxes. Just to give you an idea. there are property tax breaks available to some people, if you apply for them.

[Leone]

If you want the weblink to Dorchester or any other area that tells the amount what each house sold for in your area, the address, owner and assessed value I will Direct Message it to you. It is all public knowledge. I'm just uncertain if I can post a link in here.

Where is there a property for sale at 100K??? If anyone is paying under $1000 in real property tax I would estimate their house was valued at around 100K or less or they are on a tax relief program.

Here is the calculation for a 100K real property as an example:

Step 1: Calculate the Assessment[
Appraised Value x Ratio = Assessment
Example: $100,000 x .04 = 4,000
Note: An individual’s residence ratio is 4%. If non-residential, the ratio is 6%. Other property is taxed at 10.5%. Vehicles will be taxed at 7.50% starting January 2005.

Step 2: Calculate the Gross Tax Amount Due
Assessment x Millage Rate = Gross Tax Amount
Example: 4,000 x .2825 = $1,130.00
]Note: "Gross Tax" is the amount prior to any credits, deductions or additional fees (Solid Waste & others).
STOP! If the property is residential (at 4%), continue to step 3. If at 6%, skip to Step 6.
Step 3: Calculate *Homestead Exemption (*read below for eligibility requirements) If it doesn’t apply, go to Step 4
a) Exempt Value x Ratio = Exempt Assessment
Example: $50,000 x .04 = 2,000
b) Exempt Asmt x Millage Rate = Exemption Amount
Example: 2,000 x .2825 = $565.00
Step 4: Calculate Property Tax Relief (asmt example uses 2,000, but you can use 4,000 asmt.)
Assessment (up to 4,000) x **PTR Millage = PTR Amount
Example: 2,000 x .1106 = $221.20 (District #2)
Example: 2,000 x .1234 = $246.80 (District #4)
Step 5: Gross Tax – Homestead – PTR = Net Tax
Example: $1,130.00 - $565.00 - $221.20 = $343.80
Step 6: Net Tax + SWUF ($60.00) + STWMF ($29.20 Storm Water Waste Management Fee) + ***SWCF ($84.00, only Dist. 207) = Total Due
]Example: $343.80 + $29.20 + $60.00 = $433.00
Homestead Exemption allows homeowners who are age 65 or older to be exempt from taxation on up to [the first $50,000 of the appraised value of their homes. This amount was increased from $20,000 to $50,000 by law in 1999 beginning in 2000.
**Property Tax Relief allows homeowners to have a portion of their School Operating taxes paid by the State. This is limited to $100,000 of the value of the home or a 4,000 assessment. Up to 4,000 of the balance of the assessment left over after the homestead assessment is deducted (if applicable) will qualify for Property Tax Relief. The applicable millage rates for this discount are:
110.6 for any district beginning with a "2"
123.4 for any district beginning with a "4" - Solid Waste User Fee $60.00
Applies to all dwellings in the county Storm Water Management Fee ]$29.20
Applies to all PARCELS (each TMS#) in the county) Solid Waste Collection Fee$84.00
Applies to dwellings in the Town of Summerville, District 207, ONLY

Also in Dorchester County the sales tax isn't 5% anymore, it is 7% on most goods. Food 6%. They also have a state income tax.

[janrey]

Leone, Some of your points are valid. The smell of the paper mills can be an issue when winds blow just right, although the smell may not be in all areas of Summerville and some people get used to it, some never do. Taxes vary as you posted depending on where you live and in fact I believe that the state portion of the tax has increased to 6%. Some counties charge an additional tax, some don't. Food tax state wide is 3% currently, I've heard it is/maybe removed entirely with a tax swap. Locally an additional 1% or 2% maybe added. Next year the school portion (which again varies by where you live) will be removed from property taxes (the 1% increase in state tax was swapped) so you're tax bill should go down dramatically, however with that your county or city can increase the additional tax on sales. State income tax maybe an issue if you come from a state without one but if you come from Tax(oops Mass)achusetts then it's peanuts.

Where I disagree with you is your personal assessment of things from your view point. While I don't disagree that these are valid to you and to your neighbors, they may not be an issue for someone else. It really sounds like you miss home and that's a problem that may never be rectified. I know when years ago I had the chance to relocate to California I cried after going out there. While I enjoy visiting California I just could not deal with the traffic or the housing. When the opportunity to move to South Carolina came up I had no issues, especially after visiting. Yes, housing, construction etc. is different than Massachusetts but it isn't on the top of my list of importance as it doesn't affect the sale of my house when they are all built this way. Taxes on a whole are different; I would be paying almost $5,000 a year vs. $1800 currently on home property taxes while I'm probably paying more on vehicle taxes. My insurance; however, is far lower than it would be in Massachusetts. Crime, well yes it does seem to be a lot of crime but the majority is between people who know each other or who are dealing in the wrong things. Occasionally, especially in the summer, there is a rash of crime involving kids who have nothing better to do. As to your issues with contractors the best bet is to talk to others to find out who they used, about what they paid, and whether they had problems. What a contractor charges is not set in stone. They may give someone who they know a break while charging someone else more. It's not illegal but if you get quotes, check out the BBB and with others, you'll be able to negotiate better.


HOA's yep a pain, but be aware as the development ages the HOA's seem to get better (people move and others take over) although costs might increase if you have community pools that need fixing. If HOA's bother you it might be better to move into an older development where you can read and speak with neighbors about the HOA than a brand new one or to get yourself on the HOA board immediately. Initially my HOA wouldn't allow Dish's for TV because they were big ugly monstrosities but now that the technology has changed they are allowed. HOA's eventually adapt with pressure from the homeowners. They aren't GOD, they are elected by the homeowners and can be thrown out if they don't do what the majority want. It's when the community is new and the subdivision is not completed that they believe they are GOD.

[Luvsdabeach]

As someone that has grown up here, I am used to the paper mill. It used to be a whole lot worse than it is now. If you live close to where it is located you will smell it but the farther away, say Goose Creek or Summerville, you only smell it on occasion. Depending on the wind.

On the news they are saying the Summerville city council is considering putting a moratorium on housing development until roads can be established. Which makes total sense and I wish other area's would do the same. There has been such a housing boom here that the roads are congested no matter what time of day you drive. Some times, like rush hour, are worse.

[Luvsdabeach]

Originally Posted by DJShymansky

I think this year the entire population of Ohio is moving down here. Every other person I talk to seems to be coming from Ohio.

My husband and I have joked about this for the last three years. It doesn't matter where you drive, you see Ohio plates everywhere. I wonder if anyone is left in Ohio?

[DJShymansky]

I guess they could be moving into OH from Canada, for a bit of warmer weather.