Help!! Where to move to in Summerville. (Charleston, North Charleston: litigation, relocating)

[keysda]

I know that in some ways this question has been asked, but I can't seem to be able to put all the info together. So if you can help--thank you so very much. This is my first major move and a little nervous. I have three boys ages 7,5 and 2. my husband is going to be relocating to the naval base by cooper's river and we have really liked what we have seen in summerville. However, I have a bunch of questions.

1. For a family with young children looking to spend between 400, 000- 550,00o for a house that is in a family friendly subdivision, with safe streets for kiddos to ride bikes etc.. close to some shops and with a very good school (Dorchester 2 schools)- which subdivisions would be the best to look in.

2. How far is summerville from the naval base during rush hour?

3. If we wanted to live closer to the naval base are there any types of areas that would have the above mentioned characteristics?

Thank you, thank you, thank you for any input. I feel like I have checking this out for so long and can't put it all together. We'll be down soon to take a look, but will have the guys with us, so I need to be organized in where we look.

[scjj]

Seriously, do yourself a favor and hook up with a Realtor. There are just too many options. Summerville is split between Dorchester and Berkeley County and some of North Charleston as well. It can get confusing if you don't know your way around. There are neighborhoods that you can't find just riding around on your own, it is pretty spread out. Besides that, if you find a house you like then you can get inside and look at it and narrow your options down. No need to stress if you don't have to.

[keysda]

scjj--thank you for your reply. I think that is a good idea. I was just hoping to get some advice to help narrow somethings down for when we can come to visit. Thanks again for your advice and have a great day!

[beachme]

In your price range you may want to consider Mount Pleasant also.

[ah090206]

Definitely come check out the area with a realtor.

A few good neighborhoods in Summerville that fit what you described: Pine Forest Country Club, Legend Oaks Plantation, and The Ponds. Pine Forest CC is probably the shortest driving distance to the interstate to get to the Naval Base. There are several houses in the "Historic District" in that range, but I don't think you'd have the neighborhood feel with streets for riding bikes.

From most places in Summerville, it will be about a 45 min. commute to the Naval Base.

You might want to consider Mount Pleasant for something closer. You won't get as much house there since housing costs are higher, but your husband will have a shorter drive.

[DJShymansky]

The current inventory in Mt. Pleasant in the 400-550k range would encompass a large variety of homes and neighborhoods. You generally get more home for your money in Summerville, but Sellers in that price range in Mt. Pleasant have been taking less and are starting to change that perception.

Just pulling the actives in that price range in both areas, the current list prices are averaging $153 per sq.ft. in the Summerville areas, and $186 per sq. foot in the Mt. Pleasant areas which is down from historical averages. Both areas have a tremendous inventory in that price range and both would serve you well if the travel time fits.

[Jim3310]

I'm going to go with the kids first, in priority order.
So, to me, that narrows it down to Summerville, Daniel Island & portions of MT Pleasant that have quick access to 526.
I lean more toward Daniel Island for you.

As for commuting, It depends on the shift. If it's a basic day shift, Daniel Island may be better.
jim

That is three very different areas and you would not want to do it on your own.

[meks]

if I were you I'd check out Ashborough East, the Quail Arbor's, Irongate... these are a little older houses but are built much better than the stuff they throw up today IMHO... and most importantly they are in the Dorch2 district so your kids will go to the best public schools in the area, which is why I moved here... there are tons of new neighborhoods to choose from too but many are just cookie cutter houses they bulldozed an area down, all the old growth that makes the place historic and gives it personality, and stamped out plastic homes... many of which are in litigation now because they were built so shoddy and are either full of mold due to lack of widow moisture barriers etc or are just plain falling apart already... I wouldn't buy anything new in the entire lowcountry because of all the things we've heard over the last cpl years, but that's just my opinion and I'd rather have a brick house that you can't huff and puff and blow the house down as will happen to many the next time a storm brushes it's way through... you will learn to appreciate a substantially built house here in time... look through the archives at charleston.net and you'll find many problems with newer homes all through the lowcountry, and for the money you are willing to spend I wouldn't settle for a 2nd rate house because someone told it was in a more prestigious area... Daniel Is is going through a serious issue now with builders that didn't build the houses to code and got away with it because no one inspected them during the builds, mold growing all through them etc etc...ScottsMill - new houses are falling apart and no one's taking care of it, tons of lawsuits... Wescott - all new area with very low water pressure, overbuilt, the air stinks like a dump due to methane or something in the soil, other projects being built on top of it that will bring values down, houses falling apart etc etc... Mt.Pleasant - most homes in the area that are under foreclosure, way over built with horrible traffic, many of the same issue's as other places with the builders... and the list goes on n on n on... homes that have been here awhile and are still holding up extremely well is the way to go IMHO if you plan on staying here awhile... but that's just me, I don't take chances with things like a house and I could care less what the Jones are doing... take your time and be careful

[ah090206]

In response to above...so far the only Daniel Island builder that has been in trouble for mold is DR Horton. I know they have built a lot of houses there, but not the entire island.

I personally like newer homes because I don't want something I have to renovate and can't stand things that look old (dark paneling, etc.) I think considering there are hundreds of new neighborhoods, a few with problems still means there are slim odds of having a house with a major issue like the ones on DI.

With that said, I don't care for most of the new, cheap, thrown together neighborhoods either. And I agree with you about Wescott...its never been one of my favorite neighborhoods and I had to convince my parents not to buy a 2nd home there (they aren't from the area and don't know Dorchester Rd. traffic.)

[keysda]

Wow!! Thanks so much for all of the information. This is exactaly what I needed to find out. I really appreciate all of your time in responding and will take all of the advice under consideration. Please keep the thoughts coming and I am going to search Daniel island, Ashborough East, the Quail Arbor's, Irongate, Pine forest CC and Mt. Pleasant on the internet now--thanks for the leads