Moving to Charleston area and need advice! (where to live, realtor, jobs, and things to do when we come to visit!) (Mount Pleasant: 2014, rentals)

[danyellr526]

My husband and I are looking to relocate to the Charleston, SC area in the very near future! We currently live in Northern VA (Washington DC metro area) and desperately want to get away from the unending traffic congestion, the overly fast pace of life around here, and the cold winter temps. We have heard nothing but good things about Charleston (well, the one semi-negative thing we’ve heard is that it gets really hot and humid, but we can deal with that!), and we think Charleston will be a great place for us to settle down and eventually start a family.

We are coming to visit the last week in June, but beforehand, I wanted to ask a few questions to those who live in / are familiar with the Charleston area:

1) What area of Charleston would be a great place to live? I’ve heard great things about Summerville. Would you recommend Summerville or any other areas/particular neighborhoods? Any areas or neighborhoods we should stay away from? We are 29 and 32 years old, and we don’t need to live right in the midst of all the action/nightlife of downtown Charleston. We love the beach; however, we’d be happy if we could get to the beach in 45 mins. to an hour. We would prefer to live somewhere close to shops, restaurants and parks/outdoor activities. A safe neighborhood is a must, and an area we could eventually start a family would be even better. We are looking to rent a home when we first get down there and would prefer a single house with a garage and fenced-in yard (for our dog!). In terms of rent, we would love to keep it around $1200/month or less.

2) Does anyone have a realtor they could recommend to help us find a rental home?

3) Regarding jobs…. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work remotely with my current employer, so I will be bringing my job with me. My husband is currently on the job hunt in the Charleston area. He has over nine years of experience as a Personal Trainer and an Exercise Specialist at a physical therapy clinic (working with patients on their exercises after they’re treated by the PT), and he has a bachelor’s degree in Phys. Ed. Next year (2014), he may be attending the Physical Therapy Asst. program at Trident Technical College. In the meantime, can anyone recommend any contacts, gyms or physical therapy clinics that he could look into for a full-time position?

4) Since we will be coming to visit Charleston the last week in June, can anyone recommend activities or places we should see while we’re there? This will be our one year anniversary vacation, in addition to the “explore places to live” trip, so we want to do fun activities. We will be staying in a hotel that’s about a 10 min. drive from downtown Charleston. Which beach should we check out while we’re there? Isle of Palms? Folly Beach?

Thanks in advance for your help! I may think of additonal questions at some point, but that's it for now.

[paprika60]

We are in the same boat. Coming from NY. We have young children so school district is very important. I've been looking in Summerville. Any feedback on schools is much appreciated.

[2nd-part-of-life]

The Dorchester 2 school district is a desirable School District. Being my self from NY I am pleased with the school district. I would advise renting for a year before purchasing a home. This way you're own personal knowledge of the area will guide you where too purchase. We enjoy living here, our family really adjusted well. Our kids enjoy the school system and made numerous friends. PS. Throw out 75% of your stuff.

[danyellr526]

Thanks for the responses! Why do you recommend throwing out 75% of our stuff? Moving expenses?

[Baconisgood]

The further away you are from the beach communities the cheaper housing, taxes and insurance gets! Summerville is growing like crazy because of cheaper housing than say Mount Pleasant...BUT traffic if much worse if you're commuting into Charleston down I-26.

Rentals property is available in your price range but it really depends on the sort of neighborhood you want to live. We rented at Palmetto Place Condominiums off Clements Ferry Rd which is off 526 in Berkeley County (cheaper taxes and insurance) and really loved the access to both Mt Pleasant, the beaches and an easy commute to N Charleston or downtown.

Welcome Y'all!

[OleTomCat]

Originally Posted by danyellr526

Thanks for the responses! Why do you recommend throwing out 75% of our stuff? Moving expenses?

That and if you are coming from NY to SC you won't need anything heavier than a wind breaker....

[mattsk42]

Same boat as OP here, very interested to hear opinions on those specific questions. Especially cost of living and realistic weather info from locals.

[bluehorseshoe]

Originally Posted by OleTomCat

That and if you are coming from NY to SC you won't need anything heavier than a wind breaker....

Can one wear shorts year round? Are outdoor pools open year round?

[OleTomCat]

I wear shorts most months, but not year round, Most outdoor pools are closed during our winter but that doens't mean you can't have one that is heated.

[ProudPatriot07]

Originally Posted by bluehorseshoe

Can one wear shorts year round? Are outdoor pools open year round?

I ran in shorts year-round (although I do wear long sleeves, and gloves).

I mostly just hate running pants, I only wore them like twice this year and one was when it was 35 and the other day was a race where it never got above freezing (Feb. 2, in Summerville).

But wearing shorts year round... nah... you won't need to put them away for the winter though because even in January or February we have those warm days when ya can wear shorts!