Where to live in Charleston, Single and early 30's??? (Mount Pleasant: condo, travel)

[smashle]

Hi! I'm thinking about moving to Charleston from DC. I lived in Charleston for a few months about 12 years ago...loved it! However, I am at a different stage in my life and am not sure where to live. I've researched quite a bit...downtown and folly beach seem to be good locations. I am in sales, single, and in my early 30's. I still like to go out and have fun, but I don't want a total party! Thanks for your help.

[Jim3310]

Depends on a few factors.
Will you be living alone?
Do you have a job lined up?
How much per month? (rent vs buy).

etc!
jim

[DJShymansky]

Charleston doesn't have the high level of nightlife that DC, Georgetown and Baltimore do, but it's certainly vibrant for a city of its size. Charleston also doesn't have DC's travel issues, so you could live in a host of places down here and still be within 20-30 minutes of downtown Charleston and/or the beaches.

Answering Jim's questions would help us narrow it down for you quite a bit.

[smashle]

I will be living alone with a small dog...As for the job, I just started looking into this, but I work in pharm sales now (8 years)...so, traffic or location is not a huge concern. I will definitely buy...looking at $200K to $350k 1 -2 bdr condo/townhouse. I live in Old Town Alexandria in a 630 sq foot condo and I love it...so, sq footage is not an issue either. I want to be near water or live on the beach. I like being around other people, but like I said before, I don't have to be where everything is happening. I grew up in New Orleans, so I'm used to the city. I'm looking for a change, but I don't want to be in total suburbia and I'd like to be around other young professionals in their 30's. Hope this helps...let me know if you'd like more info.

[DJShymansky]

In that price range you have plenty of options, honestly. You could be in historic downtown Charleston in a condo or townhome. You could be -on- the beach at Folly in a 1 bedroom condo. You could be mixed in with the young professionals on Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant or James Island.

You'll have to set up a trip to come down and have a realtor show you around.

[smashle]

What is the difference between North and South downtown Charleston? Is one a better area to live in then the other?

[DJShymansky]

It's a matter of perception. I live North of the crosstown downtown. In your price range you could afford a condo, townhome or single-family home with a yard in North downtown. Generally, the lots are larger, traffic's lighter and parking's easier in neighborhoods like Hampton Park, Wagener Terrace, North Central, etc., north of the crosstown. South of the Crosstown puts you 3-5 minutes closer to MUSC, nightlife, the shopping on King street, the colleges and all that comes with it.

[Jim3310]

DJ's right on North vs Downtown. I vote perhaps a bit more toward downtown, perhaps on the W Ashley or James Island side. You can be right across the river, literally, and not have to deal with typical downtown issues.

I would most certainly consider Daniel Island. $300k, brand new, 2 br with plenty of room. I placed a pharm rep there & she loved it. Upscale, middle location for the area, quick run to downtown. Now she went to the West Coast. ouch...
jim
jim