James Island - Kentwood Circle? (Charleston, Mount Pleasant: real estate, homes, landscaping)

[movingtosc]

What neighborhood is this located in? Good or bad? Nice to walk around? Close to parks? I can see on the map the actual distance to Stiles elementary, but is it really that far?

We have only been considering Mt. Pleasant up to this point, but can see that JI has many nice neighborhoods as well. Because there certainly aren't as many amenities as Mt. Pleasant's defined communities, what recreational, park, pool, and family opportunities are there in James Island?

Thank you in advance!

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by movingtosc

What neighborhood is this located in? Good or bad? Nice to walk around? Close to parks? I can see on the map the actual distance to Stiles elementary, but is it really that far?

We have only been considering Mt. Pleasant up to this point, but can see that JI has many nice neighborhoods as well. Because there certainly aren't as many amenities as Mt. Pleasant's defined communities, what recreational, park, pool, and family opportunities are there in James Island?

Thank you in advance!

Now that I'm living here, I think the only thing that James Island/West Ashley doesn't have that Mount Pleasant has is a Whole Foods store , slightly better shopping, and traffic problems. I've never experienced any real traffic issues on James Island since I've been here since before Christmas.

You are actually closer to downtown from JI/WA than you are from MP so that is a plus. There's plenty of shopping and restaurants and it has a lot more character with more established neighborhoods and shopping areas. As far as beaches go, it seems like Folly Beach has more to offer with such close proximity to shops and restaurants right near the beach and things to do if you get bored sunbathing or want to get away from the sun for a while that are accessible without having to get in your car and drive to them than Sullivans or Isle of Palms beaches.

There are also new neighborhoods/, like MP has with the obligatory swimming pool and club house.

Unlike MP, JI still has some untouched land and it seems there is more breathing room here with not as many neighborhoods or shopping areas crammed into every square inch of real estate the way you find in MP.

From a character standpoint, I think James Island wins hands down.

JMHO

[winston]

Hey - I was browsing this site today and noticed your question about Kentwood Circle. Moderator cut: removed

James Island is close to Folly Beach for recreation and your dollar will typically stretch a little farther than in Mount Pleasant. I would agree with emilybh and her assessment of the differneces between the two areas. It really just depends on what you like. james Island is typically a little more laid back. Moderator cut: removed

[emilybh]

I found some nice developments and homes off of Ft Lamar Road and Secessionville including Seaside Plantation off of the latter. Many of the homes have docks and marsh/river/creek views with harbor/ocean views in the far distance .. plus they are not far from Folly Road and the landscaping is very romantic with enough trees and vegetation to give a feel of privacy as compared to Daniel Island (that seems to be all the rage) where, in my opinion it is too stark and too far away from downtown.

[movingtosc]

Oh, thank you, these areas sound very nice! We love trees and I can just picture how scenic it is there.

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by movingtosc

Oh, thank you, these areas sound very nice! We love trees and I can just picture how scenic it is there.

Yes! You'll like it. Today it was sunny and 74 degrees and I saw people out running and walking their dogs. I liked it because at least the areas along the Marsh/waterfront seemed private. Secessionville Road defintely has a rural feel yet it is close to Camp and runs parallel to Folly. I liked Ft Lamar Rd better but "No trespassing" and "private road" sings kept me from snooping down to the end where the 5 star views and properties were. Ocean Neighbors is also off Secessionville but not on the water side.

The only thing about it is that is not close walking distance to any shopping. You need a car or at least a bike. I did pass a golf cart on my way down Ft. Lamar some teenagers were driving. A Golf cart would be great to have except possibly dangerous on Folly Road.

[meks]

stiles point elementary school? that's where I went when it was brand new...

they also have the James Is County Park with bike paths, paddle boats, kayak meets, festival of lights during xmas etc etc etc...

and you'll be close enough for us to meet for lunch and discuss our differences of opinion over some good ole southern BBQ at Melvins... lol

just kidding, I wouldn't trip you up that fast...

[SCBeaches]

Originally Posted by meks

stiles point elementary school? that's where I went when it was brand new...

they also have the James Is County Park with bike paths, paddle boats, kayak meets, festival of lights during xmas etc etc etc...

and you'll be close enough for us to meet for lunch and discuss our differences of opinion over some good ole southern BBQ at Melvins... lol

just kidding, I wouldn't trip you up that fast...

You're a trip!!!

[moneill]

Only concern with James Island are the schools. They are okay -- not great. Hard not to pick great when you have a kid heading into middle school.

[SCBeaches]

Stiles Point Elementary is one of 10 schools in Charleston County which earned an Excellent Rating (10) last year, and Harborview earned a 9.....Fort Johnson Middle School is good and James Island Charter High School is very good as well, with a nationally ranked Academic Bowl team. I can't speak for the other schools on the island, but please don't lump all the schools on James Island into one category of being "not great". I happen to teach at one of them...parents from out of state move into our district for the schools and are very pleased!