Is Goose Creek Worth It? (Charleston, North Charleston: insurance, crime, home)

[laurab3]

My husband and I will be relocating to the Charleston area in the next few months because of his job. He'll be working in Goose Creek and has been offered some incentives to buy/rent in GC. I think we'd rather live in an area like Mt. Pleasant that has more going on, but these incentives are a little tempting. We aren't real sure where I'll be working, so I am a little concerned about traffic into the city during rush hour from GC if we end up there. Just how bad is traffic to and from GC in the mornings and evenings? Also, I realize that there are many new developments in the GC area and that it is growing, but I've also heard that it is still a little too rural to suit some people. For those of you familiar with the area, is GC too far out? What is your overall opinion of the area? We are a young, rather newly married couple with no kids and we love to get out and have fun. We are big fans of movies and live music-- would GC be able to offer that sort of entertainment? Just trying to weigh our options and figure out if GC would be a good place for us to live. Any feedback is appreciated! Thanks!

[NS_Highlander]

If it were me who had to make this decision, I would live in Goose Creek. First off, Mt.Pleasant is very expensive and you can have a much nicer and larger home for the money in Goose Creek.
In regards to commuting, I don't know what rush hour traffic is like from Mt. Pleasant into Goose Creek everyday, but I know that traffic in Mt. Pleasant can be brutal. Traffic is bad anywhere in the Low country though and there is no telling when a good mass transit system will be put into place to alleviate such problems.
Personally, I would rather have a short trip to work everyday during peak traffic periods and travel longer distances for occasional entertainment at off peak times. After a long frustrating commute, many people don't feel like doing anything after work anyway.
However, in the case of where you personally are going to work, there is no magic answer as rush hour traffic is bad just about everywhere. It all depends on what your occupation is that will determine the likelihood of where you should live.
As far as Goose Creek being "rural", they have some stuff there and it is growing. Also it is not far from Summerville or Rivers Ave in north Charleston either. But, then again it isn't that refined either.
Personally I am not a big fan of Goose Creek. I have heard some talk that it doesn't have that warm of a feel to it there and it seems like one big bottleneck. Personally, I don't think it is half the town Summerville is. But, I would take Goose creek over a very long commute any day of the week. That is my $.02 worth!

[Jim3310]

Originally Posted by laurab3

We are a young, rather newly married couple with no kids and we love to get out and have fun. We are big fans of movies and live music

The closer to downtown Charleston the better. Where are you coming from? We can make comparisons based on that.
jim

[laurab3]

We are moving from the metro Atlanta area. Although we live about 30 minutes north of Atlanta, we are in a very large suburb with lots to do. Are there any areas in Charleston that are very convenient to GC but still have lots to do? Is it the general feeling among folks in Charleston that GC is still pretty rural with not a whole lot to do?

[Condorll]

I am relocating from a major city like yourself and find Charleston so small, I plan on being fairly close to it (Mount Pleasant). I have not seen Goose Creek but did visit Summerville and sorry, waaaay to small for me.

[NS_Highlander]

As far as live entertainment is concerned, yes the closer to downtown Charleston the better. However, it is all relative to how often you actually do go out. If you go out on the town quite often, your best bet might be an apt close to downtown.
I can't honestly say what the rush hour commute would be as I haven't done it. The traffic seems to be the worst from the Goose Creek and Summerville area's heading towards North Charleston in the morning and it may not be to bad in the opposite direction. However, things seem to plug up around where the 26 meets the 526 and there are often accidents which seem to slow everything down.
What I would do if I were you would be to take a look at the highway camera's (in the link below) during rush hour and observe what the traffic is like in a route from downtown to Goose Creek paying particular attention to where the 526 and I 26 meet. SCDOT - Getting Around in South Carolina - Charleston-South Traffic Cameras

Also hopefully someone can shed some more light than I can on what the rush hour traffic is like when you travel this route.

[laurab3]

Thanks for the info, I will definitely take a look at the cameras. That's a great idea. My husband and I have checked out Summerville cause we heard lots of positive things about that area. For us, though, it's too small as we are used to a large city like Atlanta where 30 minutes outside of the city still feels like it's a part of it. I am assuming Goose Creek is going to be a little rural for us, but keep the comments coming. I really like getting lots of perspectives from those in the Charleston area! Y'all are great!

[Jim3310]

Laura,
I think you are more suited to West Ashley, Daniel Island & perhaps Mount Pleasant (MTP).
As long as you can easily get to 526 & 26, you'll be okay. The commute to GC won't be too bad because your going against traffic.

Check out Daniel Island.
jim

[lpyrbby]

I live in Goose Creek and really like it. BUT, if you are used to more of a city lifestyle, you will NOT be happy with it. Goose Creek is an up and coming town but it is not busy so to speak like a bustling city. I agree with your initial thought that Mt. Pleasant might be your best route to go. It's a busy (maybe slightly overpriced ) town with lots of things to do.

[Luvsdabeach]

lpyrbby, did you read in the Gazette what the mayor is planning for our city? Looks like we have some great changes coming. Goose Creek Gazette Online - Opinions. Goose Creek, South Carolina News, Sports, Opinions, Education and Crime Report (broken link)

laurab3, if you are used to a big city then GC might not be for you. However GC is only about 20 minutes from downtown when it's not rush hour. And you are far enough inland where you wouldn't be hit as hard by a hurricane. Insurance along the coast is a bit higher. Check out Crowfield Plantation before deciding if GC isn't for you. Here is the link. Crowfield Plantation - Home Page (broken link)