Relocating from NC - best areas? (Charleston, Summerville: renting, house, established neighborhood)
Charleston areaCharleston - North Charleston - Mt. Pleasant - Summerville - Goose Creek
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Hello! My husband got a job with Volvo we are moving to the Summerville area. We have 3 kids 7,13 and 17 (on the autism spectrum). New construction seems to be popping up a quick as they can slap them together, any guidance on areas/schools?
My husband actually grew up there (in the 70s/80s) so it’s changed a bunch. Kings Grant was the new thing then haha.
I have questions and in no particular order of importance -
Berkeley county vs Dorchester Schools (I know test scores aren’t everything, but they are at least something)
Opportunities/ connections for young adults with special needs?
Youth sports?
What about nearby cities, Moncks Corner/Hanahan?
Our budget is $350-400k for a 4-5 bedroom 2500sf+ home (preferably large lots)
What are the best “established” neighborhoods?
Any advice in general for someone moving to the area?
Dorchester county and Berk are both good. Berk has lower taxes and Dorchester schools are slightly better but its kind of people preference. Moncks coner is farther from volvo but the town has less traffic. You can get more for your money with more land also. Jedburg area is closer to the job and also good. Consider knightsvillearea
also . Hanahan is right slab in the middle of everything so it is faster to get to things and your husband would most likely do reverse traveling so traffic wouldn't be an issue getting to work in the mornings and getting home in afternoons.
I'd start my search around Cane Bay, Nexton, Carnes Crossroads, and Yassamassaw Plantation. If you'd like something a little more rural, then Wentworth Hall, Pine Forest, and Mallard Crossing over off of Jedburg Road (and Old Orangeburg Rd) are good communities and a fairly easy commute.
Hello! My husband got a job with Volvo we are moving to the Summerville area. We have 3 kids 7,13 and 17 (on the autism spectrum). New construction seems to be popping up a quick as they can slap them together, any guidance on areas/schools?
My husband actually grew up there (in the 70s/80s) so it’s changed a bunch. Kings Grant was the new thing then haha.
I have questions and in no particular order of importance -
Berkeley county vs Dorchester Schools (I know test scores aren’t everything, but they are at least something)
Opportunities/ connections for young adults with special needs?
Youth sports?
What about nearby cities, Moncks Corner/Hanahan?
Our budget is $350-400k for a 4-5 bedroom 2500sf+ home (preferably large lots)
What are the best “established” neighborhoods?
Any advice in general for someone moving to the area?
Schools are going to be important. I'd go to GreatSchools.org and similar sites to narrow down areas that have schools you'd be ok with first. I know those sites aren't the final word but as you said, at least they're a starting point.
The hard part of your search is going to be "large lots". They're not building a whole lot up that way with larger lots. Do you want new construction?
You're not as likely to find large lots in the newer neighborhoods, unfortunately. About .15 to maybe .25 acre is what I usually see but there are exceptions.
Older neighborhoods like Ashborough might have something for you. Also, I would suggest Legend Oaks, depends on how far your husband wants to commute. Some of those properties have larger lots.
Actually, Kings Grant is still a good established neighborhood! Plus it's very convenient to all the shopping that has built up since your husband lived here.
My advice: You probably are aware that Summerville addresses can be in Dorchester, Berkeley or Charleston County, even within the same subdivision. So, my advice would be to pay close attention to the school district for any house you consider.
Most good subdivisions in Summerville have HOA's. Again there are exceptions, but usually you can tell the difference between the ones that do and the ones that don't just by driving through. I suggest obtaining the CCR's for any neighborhoods you are considering to determine if you can live with their particular rules. Management companies can and will fine for violations up to and including liens on your house. Some are more slack than others, but there is always the risk of incurring violations.
If possible, visit several times before you buy. I will be outvoted on this, but I don't recommend renting for a year like some suggest. Rents are high and you have to move twice, keep stuff in storage and disrupt your family. If you do your homework, you're not likely to make a huge mistake and can settle in instead of feeling transient. Maybe it makes sense for a single or couple, but IMO not for a family.
We considered high schools in both Berkeley and Dorchester counties and were happy we chose DD2 (Ashley Ridge.) Overall, the DD2 schools are good throughout.
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