Are sections of Summerville drastically different depending on location (Charleston: HOA, crime)

[pvjd]

We are looking into moving to Summerville area, and hear mixed reviews of the different locations. Since I am not from SC or know much about Summerville apart from the brief visit I had, can someone tell me what the different areas are like in Summerville? I live in Birmingham, AL, and depending on how far you drive in any direction it can be like several different cities in one. What is Summerville like, from one extreme to the next?

[NS_Highlander]

As far as Residential areas go, like anywhere else in the state it is hit or miss. You can go from trailer park, to run down older neighbourhood, to new neighbourhood to beautiful historic.

Other than the nice historic downtown, it is pretty commercialized with strip malls in most parts of the area called "Summerville". If you don't already know (its complicated) there is the town of Summerville and other parts of areas such as Ladson and North Charleston that are also called Summerville, but are not part of the incorporated town. Also, the area you call Summerville sits in 3 different counties. Mostly Dorchester, some Berkely and a little Charleston.

In my opinion (I am not a local) -No Summerville isn't that drastically different. The most distinct thing is the Historic downtown and it doesn't have enough good bars if you ask me!

[OleTomCat]

There are two good bars in Downtown Summerville.

O'Lacy's and the Icehouse.

There is another one that just reopened not too long ago, it used to be McGuire's but I don't know what the name of it is now....

[SCDweller]

I would have to say that Summerville is different depending on which way you drive. Depending on your priorities (schools, community, older/newer, proximity to interestate, price range), different areas are going to be more desirable than others. The downtown area of Summerville is more historic, sidewalks, churches on many corners, quaint shopping etc. As you move out in almost any direction, there are more newer developments with neighborhood pools, associations, communities etc. It just depends which direction you want to go. That said, there are a some not so desirable areas that are more run down and not taken care of. You need to make sure your realtor is knowledgeable and knows the lay of the land. Good luck! Let us know if you have any more specific questions.

[pvjd]

Thanks. My wife and I are not really worried about nightlife, though we enjoy movies, the occasional concert, and going out to eat. We don't want to drive 20 min. to the nearest store, and we are concerned about crime but are also smart enough to know how to avoid it, just don't want to move into the thick of it (this is why we were told to avoid N. Charleston, considering we don't know the area). Schools are important for future children, as are family/kid friendly activities. We want a newer home in the 160-180k range. I don't think that's too unreasonable.

[NS_Highlander]

It depends if you want new construction or not. At the moment Dorchester II schools are rated the best for the public system. But, if you were considering sending the children to one of the many private religious schools around than Berkley has the lowest property taxes. Also your square footage needs will dictate the location as well.

I will throw a couple of ideas out there. One is Bridges of Summerville where you can get a two story bungaloo in your price range. The neighbourhood is a couple of years old and in a good location in Dorchester II. I prefer the ones built by Centex rather than Beazer. (I think Beazer was in there)

White Gables. The location isn't as good, but they have very nice looking home in there and they are built by Saucy Burbank which seem very good. I am not so sure you would get as much square footage.

Weatherstone park. It is in Berkley county, which the schools aren't up to Dorchester II. I can't verify it, but the word is they have been improving. Weatherstone is one of the most convenient locations in Summerville. Right behind all the shopping and the theatre. It is Centex built and minuites from the interstate. At the moment there isn't a lot of homes there that seem to have a lot of square footage in your price range if that is a consideration. But, worth a look when the time comes.

Carriage Lane. Jessco built. (seem to build quality and have good customer service). On the opposite side of the interstate as Weatherstone, it is a very convenient location.

Bear in mind there are other good locations, but I didn't reccomend because I personally don't like the reputation of the builders. Anything built by Beazer, DR Horton, KB, Keystone or Meridian stayed off my list.

Also a good realtor is vital. I have had some that didn't know the neighbourhood I wanted to move into even existed. I met another who did a CMA on my home that was half the square footage of mine, a lot less money and not even similar at all. This person didn't even consider the many others around that were like it! The guy I have as a sellers agent right now is top notch. He knows construction, all the local builders and which ones to avoid. He pays attention to the local economy and even shows up at HOA meetings to learn about the neighbourhoods. Very, very thorough and methotical.

Yes it is great to have a good realtor. But, if you get one that sucks and is out to make a quick easy buck, you might as well be on your own!

[pvjd]

Originally Posted by NS_Highlander

It depends if you want new construction or not. At the moment Dorchester II schools are rated the best for the public system. But, if you were considering sending the children to one of the many private religious schools around than Berkley has the lowest property taxes. Also your square footage needs will dictate the location as well.

I will throw a couple of ideas out there. One is Bridges of Summerville where you can get a two story bungaloo in your price range. The neighbourhood is a couple of years old and in a good location in Dorchester II. I prefer the ones built by Centex rather than Beazer. (I think Beazer was in there)

White Gables. The location isn't as good, but they have very nice looking home in there and they are built by Saucy Burbank which seem very good. I am not so sure you would get as much square footage.

Weatherstone park. It is in Berkley county, which the schools aren't up to Dorchester II. I can't verify it, but the word is they have been improving. Weatherstone is one of the most convenient locations in Summerville. Right behind all the shopping and the theatre. It is Centex built and minuites from the interstate. At the moment there isn't a lot of homes there that seem to have a lot of square footage in your price range if that is a consideration. But, worth a look when the time comes.

Carriage Lane. Jessco built. (seem to build quality and have good customer service). On the opposite side of the interstate as Weatherstone, it is a very convenient location.

Bear in mind there are other good locations, but I didn't reccomend because I personally don't like the reputation of the builders. Anything built by Beazer, DR Horton, KB, Keystone or Meridian stayed off my list.

Also a good realtor is vital. I have had some that didn't know the neighbourhood I wanted to move into even existed. I met another who did a CMA on my home that was half the square footage of mine, a lot less money and not even similar at all. This person didn't even consider the many others around that were like it! The guy I have as a sellers agent right now is top notch. He knows construction, all the local builders and which ones to avoid. He pays attention to the local economy and even shows up at HOA meetings to learn about the neighbourhoods. Very, very thorough and methotical.

Yes it is great to have a good realtor. But, if you get one that sucks and is out to make a quick easy buck, you might as well be on your own!

That's very informative, thanks. I hear that DorchesterII are best for schools, and have been a little confused about zoning. I assume if it is Dorchester County it would be Dorchester Schools? You mentioned Berkley County having lower property taxes and possibly cheaper homes. Do you feel like that is enough to offset the cost of a private school? Also, if I did move to Berkley County, would it be any different safetywise? I hear both good and bad thigs about N. Charleston, and since I don't know enough about the area to know the better parts of it I am a little concerned about being too close to it. Is that irrational? I don't even know how close Berkley County is to it. As for homes, I suppose I am looking for 4 bedroom, or 3 with a bonus room, around 2000-2400 sf. Thanks again.

[Luvsdabeach]

I have lived in Berkeley Co. my whole life and have never had a problem with crime. Parts of Berkeley Co. are very rural which is why the schools do not rank higher. You have generations of people that do not think education is important. I live in Crowfield Plantation in GC and love it here. Berkeley Co. does have a great elementary magnet school you could send your child to. After that you could send your child to private but I've heard some good things about Westview Middle. (That's the middle school most of Crowfield goes to unless you live in the Hamlets.) My child went to Stratford High and enjoyed it there very much. I volunteered 4 yrs there and loved the kids.

I believe I read where you are looking to spend 160-180. I just looked at the MLS and the only home in that price range in Crowfield has 1987 sq ft and costs 179,900. Most the homes in the 2000-2400 sq ft range are 200,000-260,000 price range.

Here is the link to the magnet school.
Howe Hall AIMS

[NS_Highlander]

Originally Posted by pvjd

That's very informative, thanks. I hear that DorchesterII are best for schools, and have been a little confused about zoning. I assume if it is Dorchester County it would be Dorchester Schools? You mentioned Berkley County having lower property taxes and possibly cheaper homes. Do you feel like that is enough to offset the cost of a private school? Also, if I did move to Berkley County, would it be any different safetywise? I hear both good and bad thigs about N. Charleston, and since I don't know enough about the area to know the better parts of it I am a little concerned about being too close to it. Is that irrational? I don't even know how close Berkley County is to it. As for homes, I suppose I am looking for 4 bedroom, or 3 with a bonus room, around 2000-2400 sf. Thanks again.

I am not too sure on all the schools, but I don't think Berkley county's taxes are that much less that they are going to offset private school, but if you would do it anyway, than why pay more. Also the homes in Berkeley seem to be a bit cheaper, because more parents want to get into Dorchester II.

As far as the price goes, I am not sure about most of them. I am in your boat and around your age without kids. But, I decided that they would go to Summerville Catholic when the time came. I think the parishner rate for there is around 3k a year for one child, which to me seems pretty reasonable.

As far as North Charleston goes, the trendy Park Circle looks pretty nice, but I am unsure of the crime. Also, the schools would be Charleston county and the magnet school isn't guaranteed if you get my drift. Wescott is a big subdivision there near the Summerville border, but being in Dorchester II and a convenient location to the base the prices right now are above 200k.

Berkley has some bad spots, but for the area the worst parts of North Charleston take the cake. But, most of the crime isn't against regular 9-5 people but those in the wrong place, at the wrong time at their own choosing. I just write it off as slime vs slime.

The square footage you are looking for at the price point is totally realistic and you should have have dozens of choices in Summerville. Pick your favoirit location and make sure it was built by a good builder. Even if the house you want is fine, the rest of the neighbourhood could fall apart in a few years.