charleston vs. Seattle (North Charleston, Summerville, Hanahan: homes, job, private school)

[skerfoot]

Hello,
Me and my bf are considering a move to the Charleston area. We are also considering the seattle area. We are both from Mn and like the area, but are ready for a change. Ive been reading a lot in the seattle threads and it spikes an interest. But im now starting to investigate the charleston area.

My questions for you are this;
How is the crime rate in the area?
What is the general cost of living?
Is the humidity unbearable like in texas?



Any information you could share would be great, thank you!

[DJShymansky]

Crime exists everywhere, there's just no escaping it. In certain parts of the lowcountry, it is as close to non-existant as I've ever seen. There are many, many neighborhoods in the area that I'd be absolutely happy to move my family into and know they'd be safe.

There are others as well, that I wouldn't let anyone move into without my opinion of the area as a former Charleston City police officer.

The cost of living, I can't imagine it being as high as Seattle (from what I hear) but you might want to speak to someone who's lived there as well.

Humidity runs high, but the only times I find it to be too much are during the hottest days of July-August. It's also something you'd quickly adjust too, just like Seattle's rain.

I'd take sunshine over rain anyday.

[sbohandley]

As far as crime goes, it depends where you go. Every community has bad area's and even notorous places such as North Charleston have their good area's. The worst area's seem to be the northern part of the pennensula and much of North Charleston. You will feel totally safe downtown Charleston and Summerville. I am not as familliar with Mt. plesant, but they have a very nice mall area that has a downtown feel to it. West Ashley seems to be good, but like anywhere you have to pick and choose your location.
Goose creek on paper has the lowest crime rate in the area, below the national average. I have not seen the bad pockets, I here they have them as well. Below are some websites that will help you out. Use the area connect one to compare statistics of communities. Just remember statistics only tell part of the story and communities differ on how and what they report. Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed
bhttp://www.morganquitno.com/cit05pop.htm HomeFair.com: "Error"

[DJShymansky]

It's unfortunate that Eastside in Charleston, and Daniel Island both get lumped into the "Charleston crime rate" as well. They're worlds apart in just about every category.

[SCDweller]

My questions for you are this;
How is the crime rate in the area?
What is the general cost of living?
Is the humidity unbearable like in texas?

Great questions...
1.Crime rate-I have to agree with the two previous posts. Up and down. In Dorchester County, the sherriff's dept is excellent (imo) and does a great job keeping us safe. The Summerville Police Department also works extremely hard and keeps everything safe and friendly. Growing up in Summerville, we never locked our doors and never worried about crime. Things have changed a bit, obviously as more people have joined the area, however, the feel in most places is still that same way. Other areas of Charleston are up and down, North Charleston is the most famous for bad crime rates. However, there are safe areas there as well. Going around with someone who knows all the areas will be your best bet.
2. Cost of Living is lower than other parts of the country. Charleston is rated 127 while Seattle is rated 169 according to Forbes. com #62 Seattle WA - Forbes.com
3.Humidity-yep we've got it. It's only really brutal during July and August however, and you stay in the A/C or at the beach and you're fine.
Hope this helps!

[Luvsdabeach]

Why is Daniel Island being lumped into Charleston? I thought it was in Berkeley county. If the kids aren't in private school they go to Hanahan High. Or have I missed the annexation into Charleston?

[DJShymansky]

Daniel Island is part of Charleston city. That's why it's patrolled by Team 10 of Charleston City Police Department. The address of Daniel Island homes is XXXX, Charleston, SC 29492.

[Luvsdabeach]

Ah, but they are in Berkely County correct?

[DJShymansky]

Yes, Berkely County but Charleston city.

[Luvsdabeach]

That's what I thought. My niece that goes to Hanahan said some of her friends live on Daniel Island.