I need help choosing where to live! (Charleston: middle school, college)

[OurGreatEscape]

If schools aren't necessary and money is no object, you might consider Seabrook Island or Kiawah. Both are about 45 minutes from downtown Charleston. Both have areas which will provide marsh and/or ocean views.

Differences between the two islands--KI is more "commercial"--it has a 5 star hotel and several restaurants and shops located within gates.

Seabrook is a private gated community (you can't get through the gate unless you're a property owner or guest of one). No hotels, no high-rise buildings. The only restaurants located within the gates of SBI are owned by the private club.

Bohicket Marina is located between Seabrook and Kiawah and offers boaters a chance to put in more than a kayak:-)

[tmiller696]

Thanks, I will look into homes in Mount Pleasant. Does anyone know anything about Awendaw and its proximity to private schools? I love the homes in Awendaw but Im sure Mount Pleasant will have the same. What would you say the political views in the area are?

Dream home but just a little bit more than I could pay-http://www.weichert.com/23992398/?cityid=2400%2c17909%2c34525&mls=32&minbr=4&pg=2

[USCJoe]

The home you identified is in Dunes West, the same subdivision as the lot I videotaped. Nice community and in my opinion good public schools which are on par with Fairfax County schools when I lived in Springfield, Va. Awendaw is a town located adjacent to Mt. Pleasant. Zoned for public school with low test scores and some what inconsistent in terms of upkeep of properties. Christ Our King, Porter Gaud and Ashley Hall are some private schools that you might want to consider and the distance in driving time might be an additional 15 minutes further than many of the other Mt. Pleasant subdivision dependent on time of day and specific location of the property/home. You should be able to get the same style home in Mt. Pleasant as you will find in Awendaw, although for the most part they will be on lots slightly more than one acre(Dunes West) or in the 1/3 - 2/3 acre lots in your price range in most other Mt. Pleasant subdivisions. Your will find the political views fairly diverse in Mt. Pleasant and should feel comfortable no matter what your political leaning may be.

Originally Posted by tmiller696

Thanks, I will look into homes in Mount Pleasant. Does anyone know anything about Awendaw and its proximity to private schools? I love the homes in Awendaw but Im sure Mount Pleasant will have the same. What would you say the political views in the area are?

Dream home but just a little bit more than I could pay-http://www.weichert.com/23992398/?cityid=2400%2c17909%2c34525&mls=32&minbr=4&pg=2

[tmiller696]

Thanks, does this area suffer hurricane damage?

[USCJoe]

Any area close to the coast will suffer hurricane damage if the winds are strong enough. The last major damage the Charleston area suffered occurred about 20 years ago from hurricane Hugo.

Originally Posted by tmiller696

Thanks, does this area suffer hurricane damage?

[keysda]

USCJOE, You wrote that, The home you identified is in Dunes West, the same subdivision as the lot I videotaped. Nice community and in my opinion good public schools which are on par with Fairfax County schools when I lived in Springfield, Va. Just curious as I am really trying to get a feel for the school system and where the better schools are in Mt. P. Is this quote from your personal experience or substantiated by test scores etc.. Thanks so much

[USCJoe]

At the current time, Dunes West is in the Wando HS, Cairo Middle and Pinckney Elem. school zone. Wando received an "excellent" score, Cairo Middle a "good" and Pinckney Elementary an "excellent" score on the 2008 State Report Card scores. The feedback I have received from former clients whose children have attended or attend these schools, including my own(Wando HS), has been complimentary.

Originally Posted by keysda

USCJOE, You wrote that, The home you identified is in Dunes West, the same subdivision as the lot I videotaped. Nice community and in my opinion good public schools which are on par with Fairfax County schools when I lived in Springfield, Va. Just curious as I am really trying to get a feel for the school system and where the better schools are in Mt. P. Is this quote from your personal experience or substantiated by test scores etc.. Thanks so much

[DJShymansky]

Not to forget that the Principal for Wando just received the U.S. Prinicipal of the Year award.

[USCJoe]

Here is a youtube video of an interview with the Principal of Wando which many may find of interest.

This may have been posted before.

Originally Posted by DJShymansky

Not to forget that the Principal for Wando just received the U.S. Prinicipal of the Year award.

[tmiller696]

I would prefer my children to go private. Any good words about Porter Gaud?