Summerville Neighborhoods (Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Marion: best schools, living, law)

[outofsc]

You're right - every state has problems. I'm not denying that. All I'm saying is that there ARE problems here in Summerville that a lot of people want to ignore. It does the town no good to turn a blind eye. Summerville has a lot going for it but uncontrolled growth will kill the atmosphere. I mean, how many cheaply built cookie cutter homes must be built before we lose our charm? And, you don't have to hang out with the wrong crowd to notice the problems that exist. That's crazy to suggest so. I have sitters (from church) that live in the most exclusive neighborhoods and they can point out the crack house down the street. The house may be well kept and beautiful but the teenager living there takes the same algebra class as other Summerville kids. Of course, drugs are a problem everywhere - not just here. Yes - all places have problems - but not all communities turn a blind eye to the problems that crop up from too much growth - too fast. That's all I'm pointing out. For anyone who loves this town, I say get involved and go to the community action meetings. I've been and let me tell you - there are a lot of empty seats. Lots of people say they love this place but they won't take the action to back up their talk.

[scjj]

So you're basing this on some teenager who is telling you that some other teenager down the street uses crack and now suddenly the house is a crack house? There is a difference between a crack house and someone living in a house that uses crack. Not the same thing. Besides, if you know about these supposed crack houses all around town then why aren't you doing your part and turning them in? What are these exclusive neighborhoods? I can't imagine the people living in these exclusive neighborhoods letting a crack house operate and do nothing about it. I think someone is exaggerating a bit. Show me documented proof of existing crack houses in every neighborhood around Summerville from the Sheriff's Department then I will believe you, not some word of mouth from a teenage babysitter spreading rumors. I can assure you that there are none in my neighborhood and it is considered pretty upscale.

[outofsc]

Wow - you seem a little tightly wound. I personally don't know the name of the crack house residents. I do know that the local police are aware of the activity. Do you read the crime reports in the local paper? The REAL issue, which you seem to ignore, is the uncontrolled growth. All fast growing areas have problems related to growth - it's a matter of how your community deals with it. Summerville has a lot going for it - including nearby employment opportunities. In order for the community to remain attractive, people need to get involved and discuss issues as they arise. There are always two sides to every disagreement. Some people dislike the huge housing developments with their nondescript anytown feel. They also dislike the excessive amounts of traffic they cause. It's getting harder and harder to pull out of my old, established neighborhood everyday b/c all the cars are headed out to the new developments that strip the land of flora and fauna and leave giant beige boxes in it's path. Others love the housing options and excitement of growth - heavy traffic is relative, it depends on where you came from. A responsible community works towards a consensus - and in the past, Summerville has heavily favored uncontrolled growth and urban sprawl instead of preserving it's small town feel.

[scjj]

Not tightly wound at all. Just don't care for the fact that someone takes on the name "outofsc" and then comes to the forum and starts bad mouthing it. You obviously hold a grudge. I think "goingtoPitts" would have been a much better name myself.

I read the crime reports and watch the news everyday. Never see crack houses busted in Summerville. Anyone else out there see this in the news on a regular basis? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Growth? Well I'm basically for it. I don't feel that Summerville has lost it's small town feel at all. Still seems underdeveloped to me, so we'll never agree on that one. Enjoy your Pittsburgh.

[eastusa]

Every town will have its problems..........BUT, Summerville is still a very safe and wonderful place to live. We have lived here for many years and have never had one single problem.......ANYWHERE around Summerville. Yes, the town is growing. What wonderful town isn't? There is still a small, quaint downtown and we are very close to the most wonderful city out there.......Charleston!

[outofsc]

scjj - I'm sorry you can't see that I write about the good points of Summerville as well as bring up the concerns of a growing community. I think " bad mouthing" is a poor choice of words. Is this junior high or an adult forum where ideas and opinions are exchanged without prejudice? I choose not to bury my head in the sand - unfortunately, a lot of residents do and they merrily go about their business and fail to contribute to their own community. If you love Summerville (and I believe you do), then please work to keep it that way if you currently aren't involved. If you are - that's great! That's all I have to say on the matter. Oh, outofsc has more than one meaning - ever think of that?

[eastusa]

Oh PLEASE tell us what outofsc means????? Please, oh please!
I will take it as............thank goodness such a negative person, that does not like the area, is OUT OF HERE!
I hope you are enjoying the area you are in now much better. I hope you are defending the wonderful area you live in now, as we are here, on this forum.

[scjj]

People come to this forum to get accurate information to make important decisions. When statements are made such as crack houses in the middle class and upscale neighborhoods you bet I take issue with it. Especially when I live here and know it is untrue. You will need a bit more of a reliable source then a teenage babysitter.

I would give you credit for bringing up good points about Summerville if I actually read any, but I didn't. Just blanket statements that it has a lot going for it. Oh and I'm supposed to believe that "outofsc" has another meaning when you are looking to move somewhere else? Oh, okay, sure thing.

[FrozenAngel]

Originally Posted by outofsc

You're right - every state has problems. I'm not denying that. All I'm saying is that there ARE problems here in Summerville that a lot of people want to ignore. It does the town no good to turn a blind eye. Summerville has a lot going for it but uncontrolled growth will kill the atmosphere. I mean, how many cheaply built cookie cutter homes must be built before we lose our charm? And, you don't have to hang out with the wrong crowd to notice the problems that exist. That's crazy to suggest so. I have sitters (from church) that live in the most exclusive neighborhoods and they can point out the crack house down the street. The house may be well kept and beautiful but the teenager living there takes the same algebra class as other Summerville kids. Of course, drugs are a problem everywhere - not just here. Yes - all places have problems - but not all communities turn a blind eye to the problems that crop up from too much growth - too fast. That's all I'm pointing out. For anyone who loves this town, I say get involved and go to the community action meetings. I've been and let me tell you - there are a lot of empty seats. Lots of people say they love this place but they won't take the action to back up their talk.

Here are the stats from City-Data:
Charleston Population as of July 2005 - 106,712
251 Sex offenders as of early 2007
means 425 people to 1 sex offender

Summerville Population as of July 2005 - 37,714
201 Sex offenders as of early 2007
means 188 people to 1 sex offender

Mt Pleasant Population as of July 2005 57,932
1 sex offender as of early 2007
means 57,932 people to 1 sex offender

There is no way anyone can close their eyes to these figures. Look at Summerville compared to Charleston! Why would City-Data make huge mistakes on something so important! I presently live in a town of 3,970 people and we just got our second sex offender. I cringe when I hear someone say that not all the sex offense or serious ones. These are CONVICTED offenders. When I moved to this small affluient town in MA. I went to the local police department to find out who the registered sex offender were and where they live. That is my right, I was so disappointed to hear the officer defend the offender. All that matters to me is that they were convicted. Not that it doesn't happen but chances are slim that they convict the wrong offender.

I am sorry but I can't sift through 201 files and feel excited about moving to Summerville. I think OUTofSC has a good point. You live in Summerville and love it ... GET INVOLVED!

[eastusa]

GET INVOLVED...................What about being a police officer and an EMT.............is that involved enough. Don't put statistics up and then tell the people that love their community to get involved when you don't know what they do for a living.
By the way, the city data is a good tool, but it is just that, a tool. Until you are out on the streets and see where the real problems lie, you haven't a clue. There are murders and major domestic disputes which are VERY dangerous everywhere. Yes, Mt Pleasant has a lower amount of sex offenders, (oh, by the way, you may want to research different zip codes around the area instead of just the 'township' for more accurate information - http://www.city-data.com/soz/soz-29464.html - some townships have lower residents in the specific area) but it is VERY expensive to live there. Maybe that is why all the sex offenders have moved out. Not everyone, like people who are on police officer and EMT salaries can afford to live in that area.

The bottom line is this, do your research on the area/subdivision in which you want to live. If it is Summerville, then ask neighbors and maybe POLICE OFFICERS (they are the ones who see the day to day crime) where the great and not so great areas are. We love the area we live, we ARE involved, and we don't rely on city-data to tell us where to live. We are diligent, intelligent people who watch where we go, who we talk to, and where we live!