Lots of questions!!!! (Charleston, North Charleston, Goose Creek: crime rate, home, transfer)

[coloradosprings]

We are possibly moving to the 29418 zip code in charleston. Are there 4 seasons? Where is snow for skiing? Is the weather hot and very humid? I heard that crime was high-is it in that zip code, actually what is the name of that area with the 29418 zip code? You can tell we know nothing about the area. Is there an undercurrent of racism there? Are people nice? Are there hurricanes that affect the area, do you have to evacuate? Thanks!

[Luvsdabeach]

*4 seasons? Not like the 4 season you are used to.
*Snow/Skiing? We may get a trace every now and then once a year. You would have to head to the North Carolina mountains to get snow and to ski. Charleston is flat.
*Hot/Humid? Yes it can get very hot and humid here especially in July and August.
*Crime? Crime is high is certain parts of that zip code. A good realtor will help direct you away from those areas.
*Racism? I still think it exists with some people.
*Nice people? I think we are as nice as people in most other areas.
*Hurricanes? Yes we have been affected by hurricanes as most coastal regions are. Our last hurricane was 3 yrs ago but it was only a cat. 1. It became that just before making landfall. Depending on how strong the hurricane is you maybe asked or it may become manditory to evacuate. Especially along the coast or in low line area's.

[DJShymansky]

29418 is North Charleston.

We have 4 seasons. Summer, Still Summer, OMG it's still Summer?!, and Christmas.

Coming from Colorado Springs? Yes, MUCH different climate.

[Luvsdabeach]

Yeah that pretty much sums up the seasons.

[goosecreeker]

29418 is North Charleston. It may be better to expand your search areas for a place to live.
You generally don't evacuate from Summerville or Goose Creek, they are far enough inland if hurricaines make you nervous. Best schools and safer too.

Possibly a military transfer, from Peterson? Like a whole new planet. Have summer skied near there. Maybe consider water skis, parasailing, kayaking or surfing. There are places around here only 20 feet above sea level. Temps are in 60s and 70s this week.
If you need to ski, you can get to the mountains to resorts like Maggie Valley, NC in about 3 hours. They had a only a dusting when I drove through there just this morning. the season is short.

[jscottc]

Anyone who was in Summerville or Goose Creek when Hugo came through in '89 will tell you that you DO want to evacuate when a large enough storm comes to town.

[Luvsdabeach]

Exactly! Sure you won't get any storm surge but the winds and tornado's are what you have to be concerned about. When Hugo hit we were living in Moncks Corner and we lost every tree in our yard with the exception of the large oak but it took a good beating. The sound of the wind is something I will never forget. It just kept coming and coming. My inlaws live on the other side of MC and we had to use a chain saw to cut the trees out of the road to get to them and it was a main road they lived off of.

I wish I would have taken pics of the damage but at the time that was the last thing I had on my mind. People think the damage is contained to the coast which is totally not true. The Francis Marion Forest is just now recovering from the storm.

[SCDweller]

Welcome ColoradoSprings! Yes...we are a different climate and different place than where you are used to! Hopefully, you will enjoy it...Everyone has done a great job answering your questions. I would just add that I would look near the zip you are working in, but not necessarily right in it. Many people commute into North Charleston, but live in Summerville or Goose Creek in order to take advantage of the better school system, lower crime rate and reasonable home prices.

[jrmcoop]

What school districts/high schools or middle schools are great places in which to be a teacher? (I am moving to Charleston area in Spring 2008 and will be applying for jobs; I would like to hear from practicing or recently retired teachers.)

[ChasHome]

Colorado Springs -- call the local police department and ask them about crime. It may take being transferred a few times, but they will eventually put you in touch with the guy who has the statistics and can tell you which areas are better than others. I have a friend who wanted a short commute to his job in North Charleston. The neighborhood was a little run down but the last few years crime stats were negligible (domestic violence and a tenant issue) and he's quite happy where he is now. Don't rely on heresay--get the facts.