Another Yankee (Brooklyn, NY) moving South to Charleston, with some questions please (Summerville: apartment, houses)

[MichaelNYC]

Thanks for the detailed traffic reports

Yes 100% once we are there renting, we will get a true feel for the traffic patterns.

Actually traffic does not concern me that much, albeit after I mentioned it in my posting and almost knocking out Daniels Island because of it.

I work actually 3 days a week, be it 12-14 hour days so I can get away with 3 days a week, which I cherish. The commute would/might be a hassle only in the morning because I come home 8,9pm where traffic would not occur. So I guess some morning traffic a few days a week I can handle
Actually the best fit for us as a place to live is the utmost importance and not some traffic a few days a week.

I have heard the same comments, yuppie vs hippie.. problem is... I am neither one :P

Well Dunes West is out as gated is out of question for us, thanks for the heads up.

[USCJoe]

If you are seeking a relatively safe and family friendly area in which to live, I think that most of the Charleston area communities will give you what you want.You commented about a reluctance to purchase in a community with a HOA. If you want a community with a neighborhood pool, tennis courts and play areas, you are going to have to live with a HOA. In my opinion there are more upsides than downsides to HOA's. The purpose of an HOA should be to enforce the covenants and restrictions in a reasonable manner, in order to maintain property values in the community. From my experience, some subdivisions/communities are more stringent than others in their enforcement and interpretation of their covenants. Daniel Island and the ParK West development in Mt. Pleasant are two examples where in my opinion the HOA has gone overboard on occassion in their enforcement of the covenants and restrictions without showing some flexability in certain situations. This being said, I personally like Park West and areas of Daniel Island. If you are concerned about closeness to your neighbors and privacy in the $400,000 range, I don't think that Daniel Island would be your best choice. Mt. Pleasant as well as other Charleston area communities certainly have their share of "cookie cutter" communities, particularly in the under $400,000 price range, although more so in Mt. Pleasant than in some of the other less expensive areas of Charleston.If schools are your number 1 priority, and I feel they should be if you have children of school age, I think that Mt. Pleasant would be an excellent choice if test scores are indicative of the academic quality of a school. If your wife is into running, the new Mt. Pleasant tract in Park West would certainly be just one more reason for fucusing in on Mt. Pleasant.





A link to the Mt. Pleasant Track Club Web Site.

Your renting option for 6 months may make sense for you. I don't anticipate real esate prices to rise much if any the remander of 2009. My only concern would be that any increase in interest rates in the coming months may give you less purchasing power unless real estate prices fall further in the coming months. I know many forum members believe this will happen and they may be right. Regardless of where you may wind up purchasing, I know that you will find the Charleston area a great place to raise children and to enjoy life.

Originally Posted by MichaelNYC

Hi and thanks for stopping by

First of all, I want to say, this forum has been a HUGE help to someone like me trying to realize our dream of moving South. Everyone has been so very helpful and willing to offer advice; it just makes me want, even more, to move to an area where these hospitable people could be my neighbors someday!!


I have initially corresponded via other persons posts for Charleston.. but decided it was time to post my own.

Our lil' family, my wife, myself and our 6 month old son currently live in NYC, specifically Brooklyn (where I was born).

Not to worry, it will not be culture shock as some suggest to a New Yorker.. I lived in Upstate NY for 12 years before moving back to Brooklyn for family matters and crave that non-city, non-hustle, non-noisy, non-garbage strewn sidewalks and streets, relaxed and laid back simply enjoy family and life atmosphere/attitude. And a nice backyard with grass for my son to grow up with.
And will not bring any NY attitude with me...

I am Jewish, my wife of Muslim background,,, forget about the Middle East conflict.. just come to us
Our son is being brought up Jewish... and would look to join a synagogue when there.

We have a genuine and sincere desire by 2010 to move to Charleston.. more specifically its surrounding areas, as in Mt Pleasant, James Island or Daniels Island... no interest for Summerville nor W. Ashely, sorry.

My niece and her family live in Raleigh.. but our interest is S.C.
At least a lot closer than NYC to them.

We really liked what Charleston has to offer us. Besides of course moving south of the Mason-Dixon line... we truly liked and appreciated the fact that there is the City of Charleston that we can enjoy while living in its suburbs (James/Daniels Islands, Mt Pleasant). We appreciate the culture of Charleston and all it offers, its architecture, amenities, classiness and would really enjoy the City of Charleston while living so close by. Of course enjoying the weather, beaches etc of the area and everything else each area (James/Daniels Islands and Mt Pleasant) offers as we would spend the majority of our time in our community..

I can find work for myself in S.C. (I am a pharmacist and so far hear work opportunities are good, though I will specifically obtain a position before moving) and my wife works in finances but will give it up to be home full time with our son for awhile.

We are simply seeking a nice, safe, interesting, family, friendly, fun area to live.
Would like to have family activities as in community pool, tennis courts and playgrounds.
The new outdoor track complex located in Mt Pleasant looks great... as my wife is a runner and was on her Country's national track team as a runner and might get into coaching.
We also enjoy biking, both mountain and road biking.

We would rent for the first 6 months or abouts and then purchase a home, after completely checking out all the areas, neighborhoods, sub-divisions, streets while renting there.
We are looking for a home up to let's say $400K range.

We really have no interest in night life (our current night life is our 6 month old crying and not sleeping :
No interest in fancy clothing stores, restaurants, video rentals, starbucks etc.... we are just seeking the basics as for local stores.
Taking walking tours of Charleston, parks, beaches are more for us.

We would like 'some' land and not have our neighbors right on top of us, nor us them. When living in Upstate NY I had 1 acre of land.. but I know I would tail that down for these areas, not a problem.

We have no interest in a gated community.
No interest in cookie cutter sub-divisions.
No new "pop-up" developments with 2-story houses built right on top of each other where they tell you ifyou can put up a fence and what kind and what color to paint your house...I see these on trips and it looks like a fake version of Disney World. Nice for some but not for us.
HOA we do understand and welcome them within limits... if we like that particular development, division, area and there is a HOA.

My wife is very interested in good schools as is everyone with children of course... and that is Priority !

As I mentioned we are looking at Mt Pleasant, Daniels Island and James Island.
Though Daniels Island might not be a fit, commute wise, as I would be driving to work in Charleston and Mt Pleasant and James Island weekly.. and as far as I see it on the map, commuting from Daniels Island to all the other areas (except Mt Pleasant) would be a hassle... you tell me please ?

Otherwise what I hear about Daniels Island appeals to us. Meaning Mt Pleasant might be a bit too set-up, established whereas Daniels Island is more up and coming and rural now and might be great to get in, though my wife would like the more established... sheesh... whats a person to do

I plan on driving down the beginning of June for a week for a look around myself. If all looks good, then the next trip in about another months time will be a drive with my wife and baby.

This trip will be a fact finding trip as I have done previously for other areas.
Speaking to real estate agents/brokers, job opportunities and driving in and out and all over Charleston and the areas mentioned.

Besides comments on living in these areas and what we are seeking about family, living, atmosphere, housing, communities, neighborhoods, amenities...
Please send me all tips, ideas on anything else you think I should check out when down there next month besides what I mentioned.

Thanks for stopping by... I deeply appreciate it.
Looking forward to corresponding with you and seeing you down there one day soon

Michael

PS feel free to e-mail me personally

[beth1104]

Originally Posted by MichaelNYC

Thanks Beth... for your comment.

Hey what do I know, therefor I post and ask

When there I will drive the various routes myself weekday and see how it is.. in the meantime welcome residents feedback.

Beth, how is Park West, would it be a fit for us ?

Any other comments, please feel free and thank you

Yes, Park West sounds like a good fit. The Mt Pleasant rec dept has so much to offer kids, and many activities take place in Park West. The track/cross country clubs (for kids, but they love adult help) meets there. (they also run the bridge, the beach....). As for decent sized yards, some homes in Park West have very nice yards. In fact, the home across the street from me is for sale with one of the lushest yards I've seen down here... (but the current owner is retired and spends a lot of time on it). It happens to be in your price range, FYI Everyone's different, but FYI, a nice, large yard for the kids was always a pre-requisite for me as well. But here, I'd rather have lower maintenance to have more time to enjoy the area.
If I had to do over, completely based on location, I probably would have looked at Snee Farm, Long Point, or another more 'central' subdivision.
As for "yuppie" or "uppity", I don't see it at all! It's not even close to the midwest town I moved from.
I sometimes wish I had gone with a lower cost of living area to get more for the $, but when I leave Mt Pleasant I'm almost immediately glad it's what I chose.
The thing I've been most disappointed with here is lack of service from many businesses, and I don't think turn signal use was a part of drivers ed here, LOL
Good luck!!!!!!!

[MichaelNYC]

Hi Joe and thank you for reading my posts and replying.. always enjoy your replies to other posts

Yes true about HOA... more upside than downside .. and I did not say it is out.. just did not want one too strict. Thanks for the heads up about those areas with a less than desireable HOA.

Figure D.I. is out as our affordability does not afford us that area... we do not want to afford what we can 'just' afford.. that is not our lifestyle.. we can actually afford more than we are going for, but we believe to live well within our means if anything happens. Compared to the American Dream people tell me about.. which is purchasing a house more than they can afford

Anyway....... MP does sound best.. will well check it out next month in some drive throughs, not to be associated with drive throughs in other parts of the nation !

Thanks for the link to the track club.. I did not know there was a link. Yes I referenced the track in my posting, as my wife was a runner on her country's national track team and might teach.. as well as teach MBA classes... when down there...well rounded woman and Mom !
My sports were within the track... football

Any comments on James Island Joe ?

Of course any further comments on anything I mentioned or did not mention that you think would be good to enlighten me, please do and THANK YOU for your time and interest to help... it is very much appreciated.

[MichaelNYC]

Hi Beth and Thanks for the feedback.. it is appreciated very much so.

Perhaps everyones turn signal is on the blink... (no pun intended
Perhaps a mechanics garage that specializing in repairing turn signals might be a great business.
Well lack of turn signals beats up here in NYC where people run red lights, try to pass you on a one lane one way street, jump curbs at red lights etc etc... sheesh !

A very good point about a less maintenance yard .. it does have its benefits.
When I moved Upstate NY.. I quickly chopped down 6 trees on my property cause of the maintanence of fall clean-up. I was lucky.. only 1 tree fell in the wrong direction from where I planned on it falling. Actually used an old ex-NYC Firemans ax given to me which I still have. I did certainly learn my lesson about falling trees and how to make certain they will fall where you want them to fall

In my house in NJ I had a 30'x30' square vegetable garden and that took LOADS of maintenance. I grew everything, corn rows, cabbage, beans etc.. and while quite fun and enjoyable,, best is eating the corn straight from the stalk, never cooking one ear ever... but it was a lot of tilling and I will keep that in mind along with your comment on less maintanence might be better... !
With a son now.. there will be plenty to occupy my time

Regarding hippie vs yuppie... someone sent that comment to me... and I am neither
But I will see and take to word what you said.
I was also told MP is full of BMW's and Benzs cars, suvs.. do you see this ?
I am a pick up truck kind of guy... I leave class for my wife !
(no knocking pick-up truck guys please)

Any further comments on what you wrote..
Snee Farm, Long Point, or another more 'central' subdivision

Thanks again Beth.. it is all very mcuh appreciated,

[OleTomCat]

Pickup trucks are a better fit in Summerville, Monks Corner and Goose Creek....

[USCJoe]

James Island is certainly convenient to downtown town and the beach.James Island Charter High School has an excellent reputation and scored "excellent" on the 2008 State Report Card. James Island Elementary and Middle Schools both graded out as "average." I find James Island as not being quite as consistent as Mt. Pleasant in terms of commercial and residential area appearances, although this is just a personal opinion. I think you will also find home prices on James Island to be no less expensive than those in Mt. Pleasant, all things being equal.

If you prefer more established neighborhoods than some of the newer ones such as Park West, than Snee Farm, Longpoint, Brickyard, Wakendaw Lakes and possibly Hobcaw Creek Plantation are just a few in Mt. Pleasant you might want to consider. However, keep in mind that many of the homes in the older more established neighborhoods may need a bit of updating.



Longpoint Subdivision



Snee Farm subdivision



Wakendaw Lakes Subdivision

Originally Posted by MichaelNYC

Hi Joe and thank you for reading my posts and replying.. always enjoy your replies to other posts

Yes true about HOA... more upside than downside .. and I did not say it is out.. just did not want one too strict. Thanks for the heads up about those areas with a less than desireable HOA.

Figure D.I. is out as our affordability does not afford us that area... we do not want to afford what we can 'just' afford.. that is not our lifestyle.. we can actually afford more than we are going for, but we believe to live well within our means if anything happens. Compared to the American Dream people tell me about.. which is purchasing a house more than they can afford

Anyway....... MP does sound best.. will well check it out next month in some drive throughs, not to be associated with drive throughs in other parts of the nation !

Thanks for the link to the track club.. I did not know there was a link. Yes I referenced the track in my posting, as my wife was a runner on her country's national track team and might teach.. as well as teach MBA classes... when down there...well rounded woman and Mom !
My sports were within the track... football

Any comments on James Island Joe ?

Of course any further comments on anything I mentioned or did not mention that you think would be good to enlighten me, please do and THANK YOU for your time and interest to help... it is very much appreciated.

[MichaelNYC]

Beautiful photos Joe thank you.
We researched and visited on a fact finding exploratory tour of Florida the west coast and we missed the greenery. Lovely trees and greennnnnnnnnn !!!!!!!!
We did not find any state pride in Florida and each community knocked their neighbors.. it did not have a nice feel to it.. but we went for 10 days and drove 700 miles in and out and all around a few counities and opted out of Florida. But the feel for SC and Charleston was of state price and city pride and community pride without knocking the adjacent areas. The greenery is lovely.. that is a reason we negated AZ, NM etc. Cannot wait to drive around in June and take pics and videos for my wife waiting at home with our newborn (6 month old). It all seems to fit !!

Interesting point about real estate values being the same for JI and MP... all things considered of course as you said. It does all point to MP.. but will of course drive around JI and take a look and get a feel. Will drive all around the neigborhoods you mentioned as well as others. Cannot wait !
Will also get up and out in the AM and check out traffic conditions in the morning drive to work. As I said... I come home 8,9,10 pm so the traffic would only be luckily in the AM.

Thanks Joe again and keep any other comments, ideas, feedback, suggestions coming

[moneill]

Those are great pics of those subdivisions but nothing beats a drive through.....or two....or three.......

[MichaelNYC]

without a doubt a long and thorough drive through...
we did it for FLA in and out of so many blocks... in various counties we picked and then narrowed it down to specific areas within those counties and then of course... just made a turn here, a right here a left hear off the beaten path to see what we find and that is as much as a predetermined drive.

I posted this because I am trying to get a lot of the legwork out of the way prior to coming in June. A lot to see .. so trying to get feedback to areas in Charleston...

Will drive around Charleston itself for a look and feel... I look at the people, the stores as well as the architechture, will also drive through D.I. though it is out for our price range.. will drive more so in James Island and even more so in Mt Pleasant.. taking it all in. Stopping to speak to people, shop owners as I purchase things, food etc. Stop in local pharmacies (I am a pharmacist) and speak with them. Local synagogues or local chapters as well for feedback.

Deciding where to put up for my time there.
I am not a hotel person, prefer motels or better yet a bed and breakfast so I can meet people. Might actually look into Craigs List for places to rent for the week to 10 days... possibly some sub-lets apartments that are looking for more time, month I guess but can give them 7-10 days at least and some income,,, same as people looking for roommates, apartments to share.. might give me a better sense. Simply will miss my wife and newborn and beats room alone and a frontdesk

Alot to see... a lot to remember and take pics and video.

Will also look into rental apartments, housing when there as we will rent initially.

Thank You and please keep those comments coming, it greatly helps.