looking and wondering (Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Walterboro: real estate, 2009, to rent)

[LOST AND AFRAID]

My husband and i are looking to move into the area around Nov. 2009 neither one of us have ever been to the area and not familiar with its surroundings. Is there anyone that could give me a point to start looking in order to make this move smoother? i need help with looking for a job being that we are from Texas, the best place to start a home or apt living not looking for anything fancy considering just new to area. pleas someone help! Even if you have any more suggestion I'm open to hear them

[fqtravlr]

You've taken the first step. Not just this site, but the search engine of your choice will show you so much about Charleston and the surrounding area. You will find information about surrounding towns here, and remember the defining lines between most communities here are blurred with the growth that is still ongoing. There are a few real estate agents on the forum, or you can search for charleston real estate and talk to several agents. I'm sure one of them will provide a link or two with which you can browse local options. See what you can see and compile a list of questions. There is no shortage of opinions here, so feel free to ask specific questions!

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by LOST AND AFRAID

My husband and i are looking to move into the area around Nov. 2009 neither one of us have ever been to the area and not familiar with its surroundings. Is there anyone that could give me a point to start looking in order to make this move smoother? i need help with looking for a job being that we are from Texas, the best place to start a home or apt living not looking for anything fancy considering just new to area. pleas someone help! Even if you have any more suggestion I'm open to hear them

Does one of you have a job or do you have an income stream of some sort? Charleston is probably the most expensive area in South Carolina.

I was where you are not that long ago but it took me so long to sell my house that I had lots of time for visits and to spend months on-line researching maps; charleston.net --which is the website you should visit to subscribe to the newspaper here called "The Post and Courier" ( they have an electronic edition or you can just read the highlights on Charleston.net) -and to peruse the various real estate websites realtor.com; charlestonrealestateguide.com; zillow.com among others.

Do keyword searches within the City-Data Charleston, SC forum to learn about "schools"; "neighborhoods" "restaurants" "jobs" "beaches" "shopping" and the various sections of Charleston including West Ashley; James Island; John's Island; Daniel Island; Mount Pleasant; Isle of Palms; Sullivan's Island; Walterboro; Edisto; downtown; and North Providence.

You'll find all the answers from this forum's members to the "frequently asked questions" about the area by doing that.

Generally speaking most advise not to move here unless you already have a job and to rent first at least short term so you have time to learn the lay of the land and decide what areas you like best.

[OleTomCat]

It will all depend on what you can afford to pay to live here.

Charleston is probably on par with Houston for expense of living, it all depends on what you are looking for.