Charleston Trip Report.House Hunting content. (Goose Creek, Summerville: hotel, houses, schools)

[zionrug]

Hey all,

Just got back from Charleston yesterday after an abbreviated work-related and house-hunting trip.Overall I liked what I saw even though the abbreviated timeframe and rush to accomplish a lot left me a little daze.

For starters the weather was awesome compared to Philadelphia.While it was hot it didn't feel overwhelming at any point.I ended up staying with some of my staff a hotel in N. Charleston by the outlets.This was the only area that left a negative impression with me due to the sketchiness and reverse-racism that I encountered. I attribute the weird experience that I had at a Kangaroo gas station to all of the drunken visitors that were shopping that night.The event that triggered the clerk's tirade against me was when I politely asked if I could get a dollar in change back in quarters.I won't get into details here about the whole event but I ended up cracking up as I left the store.PM me for details if you want the whole story.Overall I found people to be courteous and friendly from all walks of life.

My new job is located at Citadel Mall and didn't seem to find the mall to be as bad as people say it is.Demographically speaking everyone shops there and I even had a safe and polite experience when I asked an "entrance thug" for directions.The mall traffic was okay and the mix of stores was decent.

I only went downtown once due to my schedule and found it to be very charming and picturesque even with the Harbor Fest traffic and crappy meal at A.W Shucks.I can't wait to be able to stroll around with the family on a day off.

Besides work I spent the majority of my time house-hunting with a pheneomenal realtor.This realtor was very acccomodating, insightful, easy to work with, and knowledgeable.In fact he's a regular on the boards here and I don't know if I'll get a ModCut if I post his name but PM me for his info.I didn't have a car to use and he was willing to work around my schedule and show me places that even though they were a little far out for my needs, they were worth noting and becoming familiar with.I ended up looking in Goose Creek, Summerville(South and North), and West Ashley.In a bizarre and hilarious moment while we were eating MickeyD's both our wives called simultaneously to let us know that Michael Jackson died.

Goose Creek:Meh, I guess it was okay. The ameneties and proximity were positives but the homes were mediocre at best.We looked in Crowfield and 2 out of the 3 houses were duds as soon as I pulled into the driveway.Overall I wouldn't go out of my way to find a home in Goose Creek

West Ashley: Loved the flow and details of the homes at Bolton's Landing but the lack of a yard and length of contruction are concerns.That being said the proximity to work and town still make it a contender for me.The traffic on 17 coming in and out during rush hour wasn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

Summerville:A tale of 2 cities.I didn't realize the scope Summerville and I looked in all areas.I'm partial to the Wescott Plantation area but not in Wescott Plantation if you know what I mean.I also liked Cane Bay but hated the fact that there was hardly any shopping close by and the distance to my job.We did deal with 26 and 526 during afternoon rush hour and it was slow for about 5 minutes then back to cruising at 70 MPH.We passed through downtown Summerville and I liked it.Overall Summerville gives me a lot to think about.


I'll be down sooner than anticipated so I need to find a house.If anyone has any questions or comments feel free to post up or PM.



Adam

[skyegirl]

Thanks for all the details, sounds like it was a pretty productive visit!

[Luvsdabeach]

Traffic has been light on I-26 during rush hours thanks to schools being out and vacations taking place. I wish it was that light all of the time.