Charleston for 3 days. What should we do to get to know the area? (Goose Creek: real estate)

[Bogota]

We may be offered a job in the area and would like to check it out before we accept. We only have monday -wednesday and we'll have our 1yr old with us :-) Where should we go to get a real feel for the area and its community? We are early thirties.

[scjj]

There are several areas and towns to choose from around metro-Charleston. Depending on what you can afford and how much home you want and how far you are willing to commute is usually the determining factor on the area where people choose to live. I know your child is only a year old but those years go fast and schools need to be in the back of your mind also. Living in a good school district will also help with resale. You might find yourself having to live 30-40 minutes outside of Charleston to find what you want. If you can give us an idea of what you are looking for it will help to narrow down places to get you started.

[Bogota]

We are looking for an area that has cafe charm, pubs, parks, and young progressive families. Im a teacher so Ill be looking for strong district with opportuntites. My husband will be in Hanahan. We want to be in an area that is not far form community activities and shopping. We also want a spacious home :-) for 200ish. what do you think? where is this dream place?

[DJShymansky]

Tanner Plantation in Hanahan, plenty of homes in that price range, with much new construction and a 41 acre park underway nearby. I think there's a super- Bi-Lo being built right next door as well, and some offices/shops (hopefully a cafe) just built right at the entrance.

If you'd like to go farther out Goose Creek and Summerville could work too.

[lowcountry]

There are a lot of travel sites for Charleston. Here are a few.
36 Hours in Charleston, S.C. - New York Times
Charleston Area Convention & Visitor Bureau - Charleston, SC
But I would Google Charleston as well and make sure you stop first at the very extensive visitors center in Charleston. There will be signs for it as you drive in.
For real estate there are many search sites by companies like Re-max or Weichert. Also realtor.com is a good one.
Google the various towns. Most of them have good web-sites