considering relocating from NJ (Charleston, Mount Pleasant: insurance, how much, houses)

[danali67]

Family of 4. (2 kids, 10 & 8) 41 yrs. old and always from NJ. Considering relocating to Charleston area suburb. We are an active family looking for good schools. low taxes, family oriented neighborhood. My kids love sports and we love to go to the beach. We wouldn't mind living in a community with a pool or having our own pool. Where would you recommend?

[DJShymansky]

Depending on price, I'd recommend a host of neighborhoods in Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Daniel Island, West Ashley, James Island, etc. How much home and in what price range were you considering? The last couple I helped relocate here from NJ are finishing up building their home in Mt. Pleasant and couldn't be happier.

Most areas of the lowcountry would be within 20 minutes of the ocean, and many newer neighborhoods have pools as amenities. It's just a matter of matching your wants and needs with what's available.

[OleTomCat]

If you want to put your children in Government Schools I would recommend Summerville for the better schools, if you are going to go with a private or parochial school then the school district doesn’t matter.

Prices closer to the beach are going to be much higher with higher property taxes and insurance, saying that you will still be paying less than a third of what you are currently paying in the Socialist Republic of NJ.

As a former resident of Mays Landing, I grew up there before joining the military; I can tell you that this is one of the best places to live in this country. I must warn you that it is hot in the summer, but warm in the winter and the springs and falls are gorgeous; the bugs here are bad, but we have exterminators; we have snakes, alligators and a plethora of other creatures that live in close proximity to people.

Good luck and contact me if you have any questions.

[Jim3310]

I relocated from NJ, be prepared to pay the exit tax. We have quite a variety of places here that can match what you are looking for. Have you been here before?
jim

[JerseyGirl217]

I'll trade houses with you lol. I'd love to go back to NJ.

Summerville is a pretty nice area, and Dorchester District II schools usually get good "reviews" (I didn't go to school here though, nor have kids, so I cant vouch for it 100%) It's more affordable in S'ville than say Mt. Pleasant or West Ashley, but slightly further away from the beaches (usually takes us ~40mins to get to IOP or Sullivans from our house).

[beachme]

I just helped a nice family from Howell NJ move here. They love it.They wanted to be close to the beach and good schools they chose Mount Pleasant. If you can afford around 300K you can get a nice home in a great community in Mt. Pleasant. If your looking to spend less than you'll need to go further away from beach-Summerville.
So check out Mount Pleasant and Summerville area for the best schools.
I use to live in NJ- Belmar. You'll love the free beach here

[tgava]

My family and I came down last September, from Union Beach, NJ. And when I say family I mean ... my husband, daughter and me ... my parents ... my brother his wife and 3 girls ... and my recently widowed sister and her 3 kids will be down in a few months. We're all in Summerville. We all like it but it's VERY different from NJ. If you'd like to contact me I'd be happy to tell you everything we've learned and experienced in this area and try to answer any questions you might have. FanningFamilySC@aol.com

[OleTomCat]

I was moved down here unwillingly by Uncle Sam nearly 20 years ago, once I became acclimated I rarely even go home to visit.

[beth1104]

Originally Posted by beachme

I just helped a nice family from Howell NJ move here. They love it.They wanted to be close to the beach and good schools they chose Mount Pleasant. If you can afford around 300K you can get a nice home in a great community in Mt. Pleasant. If your looking to spend less than you'll need to go further away from beach-Summerville.
So check out Mount Pleasant and Summerville area for the best schools.
I use to live in NJ- Belmar. You'll love the free beach here

Don't take this as me disagreeing, because you would know better than I, but I'm curious to know where in Mt. Pleasant can you get a "nice home in a great community" for a family of 4?. My casual looking at the MLS and some open houses, everything under 400k is either small (<2000 sf) or needs lots of work.

[beachme]

I did a quick search and there are over 100 listings much less than 400k over 2000 square feet 4 bedrooms in family friendly neighborhoods like Park West, Dunes West, Rivertowne, Charleston National, Ivy Hall..just to name a few.