Relocation (Charleston, Summerville, Marion: house, established neighborhood, price)

[Robert A. Johnson]

I am a retired builder in Connecticut and, after a week-long trip to the Charleston area, my wife and I have decided that we would like to relocate there. The people seem invariably friendly and outgoing and the area is beautiful. We are looking for a home on a .50+ acre lot in an area that does not flood with any regularity. We plan on having a small boat which we would trailer to salt water. We do not wish to be out in the boonies but would like a bit of breathing room. A one-story house would be ideal but I hear that they are rare. Because of flooding? My wife is a tennis nut and would like to be not too far from such activity. It seems that James Island/Summerville/Monc's Corner/Mt. Pleasant are all possibilities. ANY insight you might offer would be greatly appreciated.

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by Robert A. Johnson

I am a retired builder in Connecticut and, after a week-long trip to the Charleston area, my wife and I have decided that we would like to relocate there. The people seem invariably friendly and outgoing and the area is beautiful. We are looking for a home on a .50+ acre lot in an area that does not flood with any regularity. We plan on having a small boat which we would trailer to salt water. We do not wish to be out in the boonies but would like a bit of breathing room. A one-story house would be ideal but I hear that they are rare. Because of flooding? My wife is a tennis nut and would like to be not too far from such activity. It seems that James Island/Summerville/Monc's Corner/Mt. Pleasant are all possibilities. ANY insight you might offer would be greatly appreciated.

understanding FLOOD ZONES in South Carolina in the Charleston and Mt. Pleasant SC areas

"Charleston, South Carolina is called the lowcountry for a reason..."

Buena Suerte.

[NS_Highlander]

I don't think what you are looking for is that big of a problem. Some of the outlying areas of Summerville have just what you are looking for. I don't think Summerville is a huge flood risk area and there are plenty of 70's era single story brick ranch style homes.

What you are looking for in Charleston or Mt. Pleasant isn't impossible, but you will be in the upper 200's with that much land and those locations.

If it were me and I owned a boat, I would probably lean towards Moncks Corner. More house for the money and I have been on lake Moultrie and Lake Marion is nearby. They are fantastic boating lakes with lots of wild life to be seen such as Alligators. But, I am not sure what the tennis is like there. But, your wife won't be far to travel to tennis. Remember, YOU have to have a good boating spot! Just make sure the wife doesn't let the tail wag the dog!

[Techgeek]

That much land may require a little trip out of town. Moncks Corner would be ideal. You may also want to check out Daniel Island and Cainhoy. There is a tennis center on Daniel Island and Cainhoy is only about 20-30 minutes up Clements Ferry Rd and is a bit more Rural so you would be able to find a large plot of land. Both are very close to salt water.

[USCJoe]

Even though much of the closer in Charleston area is in a flood zone, the area does not flood with any regularity" as you had asked about. If you are looking for a one story home on a 1/2+ acre lot, you will have a number of options at any given time in the Charleston area. The main determining factor is going to be the size of home that you would want/need and the general price range in which you would like to stay.

Originally Posted by Robert A. Johnson

I am a retired builder in Connecticut and, after a week-long trip to the Charleston area, my wife and I have decided that we would like to relocate there. The people seem invariably friendly and outgoing and the area is beautiful. We are looking for a home on a .50+ acre lot in an area that does not flood with any regularity. We plan on having a small boat which we would trailer to salt water. We do not wish to be out in the boonies but would like a bit of breathing room. A one-story house would be ideal but I hear that they are rare. Because of flooding? My wife is a tennis nut and would like to be not too far from such activity. It seems that James Island/Summerville/Monc's Corner/Mt. Pleasant are all possibilities. ANY insight you might offer would be greatly appreciated.

[In the Pines]

Check out Country Club Estates in Summerville. There are tennis courts, a pool, and a golf course in the neighborhood. Most of the homes are all brick and the lot sizes are large - 1/3 one acre lots I believe. It's an established neighborhood so you get mature trees. It's a very desirable area that is extremely stable with very friendly folks.

Good luck in your search!

[mrpeatie]

Well the the mention of .5 acre + lot, one story, salt water boating and not in the boonies/but room to breath pretty much shout James Island to me. A lot of the are was built as brick ranches in the 50s-70s and they are typically on decent lots. Since you were a builder I imagine it will be easy for you to see the potential in a lot of those homes. Also James Island is bounded by the Stono, Wappoo cut, the harbor and a plethora of creeks where it fades into march before Folly Beach. So their are a decent number of options for boating and the only area closer to salt water would be one of the barrier islands.

The entirety of the cost is not in a flood zone and the biggest issue with that would be impact zones at the very coast, low-lying areas which actually occur inland as well and areas that are lower than adjacent properties and get the brunt of runoff regardless of their proximity to a body of water.

[Robert A. Johnson]

Originally Posted by NS_Highlander

I don't think what you are looking for is that big of a problem. Some of the outlying areas of Summerville have just what you are looking for. I don't think Summerville is a huge flood risk area and there are plenty of 70's era single story brick ranch style homes.

What you are looking for in Charleston or Mt. Pleasant isn't impossible, but you will be in the upper 200's with that much land and those locations.

If it were me and I owned a boat, I would probably lean towards Moncks Corner. More house for the money and I have been on lake Moultrie and Lake Marion is nearby. They are fantastic boating lakes with lots of wild life to be seen such as Alligators. But, I am not sure what the tennis is like there. But, your wife won't be far to travel to tennis. Remember, YOU have to have a good boating spot! Just make sure the wife doesn't let the tail wag the dog!

Thanks much. Will definitely check out in depth on our next trip. Advice is appreciated!

[Robert A. Johnson]

Originally Posted by Techgeek

That much land may require a little trip out of town. Moncks Corner would be ideal. You may also want to check out Daniel Island and Cainhoy. There is a tennis center on Daniel Island and Cainhoy is only about 20-30 minutes up Clements Ferry Rd and is a bit more Rural so you would be able to find a large plot of land. Both are very close to salt water.

Thanks much. You folks are great and we look forward to our move.

[Robert A. Johnson]

Originally Posted by USCJoe

Even though much of the closer in Charleston area is in a flood zone, the area does not flood with any regularity" as you had asked about. If you are looking for a one story home on a 1/2+ acre lot, you will have a number of options at any given time in the Charleston area. The main determining factor is going to be the size of home that you would want/need and the general price range in which you would like to stay.

Thanks! We would be looking for 2500-300 sf and expect to spend $350-$400K. I am impressed with how many responses you good people have sent.