Need Advice Please -Active Country/Social Club (Charleston, North Charleston: short sales, real estate)

[D.MD]

Hello Everyone,
We MAY be moving to the Charleston Area in the very near future, due to an Employment Offer. We will be reviewing area.

My Question is -

I would greatly appreciate advice/recommendation on an active Country/Social Club.
An enviornment with many activities would be fabulous! We are Professionals 30-40's crowd, and we will know - absolutely No One in the Area. I would prefer to be able to meet other couples and Social Contacts as soon as possible, so that we may become part of the community and make our transition more enjoyable. For a Club - We enjoy; Golf, Tennis, Dancing, Dining, Wine Tastings, Sunday Brunch and Swimming. ( Tennis is foremost)

Also, this may help in our search for a new home. We are undecided as to if we should purchase or lease for the immediate timeframe. BUT - Club does not have to be next door to where we live!!

Thank you for your input!!

[SCDweller]

What area were you hoping to live in? There are many active country clubs in Mount Pleasant as well as Summerville. It really depends where you need to be located. Pine Forest for Summerville...Dunes West in Mount Pleasant are two that jump to the top of my mind.

[D.MD]

As to the Area - We have absolutely No Idea at this time. We are thinking of renting for 6 mos as we get a feel for the communities.

A loft/condo in the city - but it does not appear as if you have high rise buildings with all the extras. Mt P is also a possible, but depending on traffic and possibly beaches, we may look closer to the shore.

Our concern is the economy, we do not wish to over pay or make an imprudent choice. We find it quite unusual that your average salary and average house costs are quite skewed. The unemployment for your state is high and it will be rising, and your area has a significant tourist trade economy that will be a further detriment in the upcoming season. ( an increase in Foreclosures and short sales )

We would like to purchase in an area that is desirable and has good resale history as we may only be in Charleston for approx. 5 years. We do not have a price range as of yet, due to our ignorance of your current realestate market.

By the way, do you have to be sponsored for most of your clubs, and if so can the real estate agents handle the introductions?

Thank you for your input.

[Catgirl]

I'd give the Dunes West clubhouse a miss. The initiation fee is $1500 plus $780 a year and you get a sorry excuse of a gym and an average swimming pool. There are a couple of tennis courts but I see them being used most of the time so I assume you'd have to book quite in advance.

[c99]

About 5 years ago or so, I really enjoyed living in Coosaw Creek County Club in North Charleston.

At the time there were a lot of activities, tennis courts (I never used), a decent swimming pool, decent clubhouse, though the food wasn't the best. The customer service was great, as were the golf pros.

A potential downside to that area is that it is "North Charleston" and it's a hike to the beach and I saw Coosaw as kind of an island unto itself. Not a ton of activities that interested me outside of the club. I really, really enjoyed golfing their course. I also didn't care for the area immediately around Coosaw. I haven't been there since I moved. It will be interesting to see what will happen to the housing market in that area.

I am sure the local realtors will chime in, but at first blush I would think that Mt. Pleasant may have a lot of what you are looking for. Lots of activities in both Mt. Pleasant & downtown Charleston and an array of clubs from which to choose.

Best wishes,
c99

[D.MD]

Thank you all for your time and information.