Questions about Summerville (Charleston, Mount Pleasant, York: real estate, property taxes, appraise)

[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.

[meks]

most people here are from outside the state so other than a couple of jokes now n then you'll fit right in

I am from this area, raised here... most of these "locals" have one parent or another that wasn't really from here, the several military bases we used to have here brought most people here at one time or another

taxes? not bad at all, cheaper than up north so I'm told... it gets taken out of my escrow so I don't really notice it...

lots of good neighborhoods for the price you're looking to pay

[DJShymansky]

A $250,000 tax appraised home, owner occupied, would be about $1200 per year in taxes in Summerville.

You'd be welcomed as transplants. You're in good company, the Charleston area gets more each year. 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.

[klipsie]

That's amazing!! I can't believe the taxes. We're paying nearly $4000 a year here in SE Pennsylvania! ARe you including everything, school taxes also? I don't quite understand the SC auto tax-we don't have anything like that here. Does anyone know how that works?

[DJShymansky]

There isn't a separate school tax in SC like there is up north. You'll pay a yearly property tax for your auto after it's registered in SC to allow you to keep your registration/tags current.

[McGeno]

Originally Posted by klipsie

That's amazing!! I can't believe the taxes. We're paying nearly $4000 a year here in SE Pennsylvania! ARe you including everything, school taxes also? I don't quite understand the SC auto tax-we don't have anything like that here. Does anyone know how that works?

Wow thats amazing I pay $8800...in NY

[SCDweller]

Summerville is definitely a mix of people. I have grown up in S'ville, but my wife is from Long Island New York. Everyone loves her to pieces and she has loved the area and people. I think you will find people very warm and welcoming. A lot of things will factor in to how at home you feel...church, community events, charity organizations. People love to be involved in Summerville and love new people with new ideas and thoughts. Also, you will find a LARGE amount of people who have retired to the area, so you will be in good company. There are an increasing amount of communities that are being specialized for retirees.

[rwcohen]

Originally Posted by DJShymansky

There isn't a separate school tax in SC like there is up north. You'll pay a yearly property tax for your auto after it's registered in SC to allow you to keep your registration/tags current.

Please tell me more about the car tax. Is it like the advalorum tax we have here in Georgia.? I thought I read that it costs $25 for a new resident to register their cars in SC. Is there another surprise and when would that surprise come due?

I know property taxes are cheaper, but are there any exemptions to the sales tax, such as services, rx, etc. And btw, what is the sales tax in Berkely County.

Thanks

[DJShymansky]

Here's the best site to help explain the SC property tax. Lay it out nice and easy. Property Tax Guide

[Leone]

Personally, I would reconsider your place you have chosen to retire.

We pay $3700.00 in property taxes.
Flood $500.00 annually
Hazard Insurance $1700 annually
Autos about $150.00
Auto insurance I hear is high, but I have been with the same company for eons, accident free and multi policies. So, my other insuarance maybe seem inexpensive too.
Utilities, Electric/Gas monthly $300 average... up to $400.


Beware of the phase "I am a God fearing Christian." That is to gain your trust in a business dealing to take your money.

I am sure to be local is better than to be a transplant. Hard to figure who is on the up and up. Some are diehard Confederates. I sense prejudices exist. Very rare to see blending socially of races with the locals.

Regardless if you purchase the top of the line products or check with the BBB you still get shoddy and unethical business dealings. The change their companies names often.

I guess my main complaint about the area is the way companies conduct business. Buyer beware. And it stinks like rotten cabbage, paper mill whether you are in Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Charleston or Goos Creek. It stinks. I've seen more beautiful cities. The charm...the porches, the Spanish Moss...superficial.