Visited Summerville last weekend.. (Charleston, Orangeburg: loan, landscaping, live)

[beth1104]

Just wanted to confirm what jsmikesell experienced was identical to my first impression of the area... when I found out my family was relocating to the area, I got online, requested info from the Chamber etc... and was very excited. However, the actual experience was nothing like the write-ups and pictures. HOWEVER, I didn't see "Historic" Summerville. I (thought) I was everywhere there, but somehow missed it. I only had 1 day to see the area, and going in I had determined that the 2 to choose from were Summerville and Mt Pleasant (based on schools). After seeing Summerville, I decided Mt Pleasant must be the place for us, but it was disappointing at first glance too. I guess I was hoping for more after hearing that Mt Pleasant was one of the "top 100 cities", but neither area seems near as progressive as where I'm coming from. I suppose I just need to get back there to find what I missed on my first visit. I didn't say anything until now, assuming I had unrealistic expectations, but when I saw the above post, I just wanted to let those defending the area to jsmikesell know that I had similar perception.
After finding this website to check out S.C., I looked at the threads from my current area of residence, to see what was being said. It made me realize I need to take all comments with a grain of salt, but please, keep them coming!

[imperieux]

Thanks DJShymansky, but I actually did take a ride over to the site and picked up some info while I took a look at the site.

Well, I should start off by saying it looks like it will be a very impressive neighborhood, just as thought when I saw it on paper. You can tell they have put a lot of time and effort into the design and architecture of the subdivision itself; although there are no homes built really, the first phase seems to have a lot of it's amenities and streets already in place. They have also kept most of the pine trees surrounding the area, which is fantastic.

However, I am not crazy about the location. Although it is quite close to where I live now, it is situated in a very rural section of town, which I honestly consider to be Knightsville and not Summerville, and I don't think I would be comfortable with it at this stage.

There's really nothing out there, but then again the same could have been said about Central Ave as well.. before the area grew to what it looks like today.

I think I will just wait and see what becomes of it all.

[organicangie]

DJ- Can you pm the info on The Ponds too? Thanks!

[imperieux]

Beth, as you can see from my last post, it's really hard to get a feel for all of Summerville in a day... I've been here over a year and I'm still not completely familiar with the entire area. And Mt Pleasant is also another large area that I feel would need at least it's own day or two to properly get the feel of the place. When I first visited, I missed half of it as my realtor sped me through subdivision after subdivision. Not only was I confused as to everywhere I had been by the end of the day, I was completely overwhelmed!

In my own opinion, I feel as though Summerville has different sections to it. You have many subdivisions in the southern part of it, such as where the infamous Wescott Plantation is. There is a lot of commerce there, a lot of businesses and restaurants and conveniences.Then you have Legend Oaks sort of it in the middle, in a less congested area, definitely more of a rural feel, then you have historic Summerville, with it's small town feel, original businesses along the Main St. and the live oaks and stunning original lowcountry homes that it's famous for. If you travel north from there, on Central Ave, you come to other subdivisions such as where I am in White Gables, Pine Forest Country Club,etc. The Ponds is situated even further out, beyond Orangeberg Rd.

I also don't think that Summerville and Mt Pleasant can be properly compared, it feels like we're comparing apples and oranges. Mt Pleasant is a true coastal area, with many master planned gated communities, where Summerville is more of a true suburb, with it's country type of feel instead and smaller neighborhoods.

That's just my own take on it, and I'm not an expert or a native!

[SCDweller]

OrganicAngie...Not sure if you have seen their website Where town and wilderness meet it has a lot of helpful information on there as well. I was out there last week and have to agree with imperiux regarding the location. Right now, it's hard to see it being a great location since it is quite a bit further out. However, Summerville is growing and in another five years, it could look like Central Avenue. The community itself is breathtaking with the magnificent oaks and gorgeous landscaping. They are preserving 1100 acres of the development and dedicating it to keeping it in green space, ponds, trees etc. From what I can tell so far, it is going to be a beautiful contained community.

[ECX]

how close is PeeDee? I heard it has the WORST schools in the entire country and very high crime...

[moneill]

We've been out to the Ponds site a couple of times now. It is going to be a lovely community. The developers are doing an amazing job . It will have so much available to the homeowners -- schools, the YMCA, an amphitheatre, etc. The pool and club house are close to completion. Unusual to have the amenity area almost finished before any home owners move in. The potential for appreciation on your equity could be substantial.

It is far out and the ride towars the highway is going to be a nightmare in the morning and coming home at night is not going to be fun. Definitely back road options will need to be considered.

It is still on our list...but after a week of working in downtown Charleston and speaking with colleagues my husband is talking Mount Pleasant.

We still have 7 months before the whole family moves. Fun to explore all our options.

[scjj]

The Ponds is going to be gorgeous. It might look rural right now, but once The Ponds takes root I foresee a lot of changes happening out that way. Especially with all the land that is for sale over there. If I'm not mistaken all that front entrance land going into The Ponds is going to be retail and commercial. Not far from The Ponds another mixed used community is going up which will also consist of retail and commercial called Limehouse Plantation. I've heard of a few other projects over that way as well. I would say that any investment over that way should see some pretty good equity once it starts to take off and more people start finding out about it. I believe some pretty high end custom homes are going in both communities.

The only back roads to get into Charleston is to go Highway 61 if you don't use the interstate. Anyone looking out that way should know too that the roads are getting widened. Dorchester Road will become 4 lanes from Trolley up to 17A. Bacons Bridge will be widened to 4 lanes up to Highway 61. Berlin G. Myers will be expanded to come out onto Highway 17A. So it is all going to change eventually. Granted this is all going to take years but it is planned. In comparison the traffic in Mount Pleasant isn't any better and could possibly be worse.

p.s. beth1104, I'm not sure where you were to have missed the historic district, but if you missed that, then you missed the heart of Summerville.

[belladee]

I just checked out the ponds website. it looks Awesome! I dont think that is in our price range

[meks]

I wouldn't move to S'Ville if you plan on working in Chas, too long of a ride in that's only getting worse by the day... your 8 hr day will turn into 11 with travel time through rush hours and the likes

I'd head to MtP if you can afford it or JamesIs/WestAsh