Please help: Upscale community with high elevation (Columbia, Charleston: insurance, new home)

[beablessing]

We're considering relocating to Charleston for its charm, history and climate. I know it's generally flat terrain, but which upscale community has the highest elevation? We'd like fairly easy access to downtown, but would consider a 30 minute drive tolerable, but our new home must have direct access to a good hospital and health care providers and be in a safe area. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

[fqtravlr]

It's not generally flat... it's FLAT. Summerville is few feet higher than Charleston, but I believe you would have to go up around Monck's Corner or Bonneau (maybe Cross) to get significant elevation. The Dam in Monck's Corner is 80 feet above the Tail race Canal, which feeds Cooper River. That is the the best elevation guage I can offer. I am sure there are some US Geological Survey Maps you can order that will give you more insight, but you will have to do some digging.
I know that most of Charleston County is Coastal. The highest ground I have seen in the Charleston city area on survey maps is yet to be developed, and that is the Long Savannah Plantation development.

[Rggr]

Charleston is at sea level and flat. Your best bet would be to look inthe Summerville area, but there isn't much elevation.

[beablessing]

Thanks for the replies. That's what I thought from our visit: Charleston seems @ sea level, but the forum stats cite 118 ft or so elevation. I'd like to find a locale that is at least 35 ft above sea level. Is that in the realm of possibilities in the greater Charleston area? I really want to move to Charleston, but I have to convince my better half that we won't be swamped by a tidal surge like the Gulf coast. Mt. Pleasant was my 1st choice, but that seems even lower than the city. Not crazy about Summerville.

Please HELP me find a new home!!!!

[pcamps]

Whitehall and Coosaw Creek North Charleston . Both Communities on the Dorchester Rd , good schools , close to shopping , no crime, 30 minutes downtown, friendly neighborhoods and priced fairly.

[meks]

go to google earth and drag your mouse over the different areas, it'll show the elevations...around Bonneau is higher elevation but the lake is higher than most of that surrounding area, if the dam was to ever break most of that area would be under water quickly... not likely but a thought

there is no "high" elevation around the lowcountry, hence why it's called the lowcountry

however if it's storm surge your worried about, anywhere 10 miles or so inland and not next to a river I would think would be far enough not to worry about that... Awendaw n McClellanville were under water during Hugo, other areas weren't simply because they weren't in the surges path...

it came in a cpl miles into the woods up there

S'Ville is probably your best bet, but you weren't too hip on that area so maybe look upstate some like in Columbia or the likesjust MHO

[Geechie North]

I hate to complain, but really lots of these questions can be answered by looking in an Atlas, or even a 5 minute search on line.

Using a "average person" definition of your criteria, I'd say your best bet would be Asheville; perhaps Park City (Ut).

But, of course, more than 1/2 Hr. commute- uless you have skills and access to a Blackbird (SR-71, I believe the zoomies designate it).

[beablessing]

Why bother to post rude responses as you're representing your community to the world? It's quite interesting to read the varying tones in researching areas. While the internet may provide anonymity for some, it conveys much about regional character.

In this dire economy one would think furthering a positive impression might help your area prosper and counteract the negative image of a state ranked at the bottom with a poor and uneducated population. Fortunately many Charlstonians have been very helpful in conveying knowledge and appreciation for their area.

I'm well aware that low country is not confined to Charleston but covers a far stretch from below Savannah up beyond Charleston. Given that much of the coastal portion is @ or near sea level, there is still a variance of quite a few feet in low country which makes a big difference in minimizing risks and insurance costs. Even within a subdivision, elevations can vary enough for different flood ratings on adjacent properties. That's why I hoped someone familiar with differing communities could help me narrow my search.

[OleTomCat]

Originally Posted by beablessing

Why bother to post rude responses as you're representing your community to the world? It's quite interesting to read the varying tones in researching areas. While the internet may provide anonymity for some, it conveys much about regional character.

In this dire economy one would think furthering a positive impression might help your area prosper and counteract the negative image of a state ranked at the bottom with a poor and uneducated population. Fortunately many Charlstonians have been very helpful in conveying knowledge and appreciation for their area.

I'm well aware that low country is not confined to Charleston but covers a far stretch from below Savannah up beyond Charleston. Given that much of the coastal portion is @ or near sea level, there is still a variance of quite a few feet in low country which makes a big difference in minimizing risks and insurance costs. Even within a subdivision, elevations can vary enough for different flood ratings on adjacent properties. That's why I hoped someone familiar with differing communities could help me narrow my search.

Geechie, doesn't live here, they always bash SC....

And they don't represent the people of SC....

[PawleysDude]

Originally Posted by beablessing

Why bother to post rude responses as you're representing your community to the world?

If you're offended by some of the responses, please accept apologies. You gotta understand that most of us don't have a life during winter and this is what we do to while away the hours. At the same time, your question cannot help but bring small, unavoidable smirks to those of us who live here. As someone pointed out, the lowcounty is .... low.... country. If you're that up tight about it already, there is a high probability you or your husband will not be happy here. The risk of flooding or hurricane damage is a fact of life down here. I don't know anyone thrilled about it, but you either live with it or you eventually move. Besides, it's just one of the things you can either accept or spend your days worrying about. In addition to the hurricanes, there are always the earthquakes (last week), the fire ants, the palmetto bugs , the snakes, etc. You gotta take the bad with the good. It's heavenly but it ain't paradise.