What about Charleston (North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek: low income, best neighborhoods, apartment)

[pattibug]

I have been looking at charleston for awhile now, and it looks beautiful. But I also have heard some horror stories as well. Is the crime there as bad as some people have said. Please can anyone give me some true info on charleston. Thank You

[scjj]

North Charleston has the highest crime, it is mostly industrial and low income although they are trying to revitalize it in some areas. Outside of North Charleston such as Summerville or Mount Pleasant is safer. Downtown Charleston in the historic district is okay but very very expensive. As long as you stay out of the bad areas you will be fine, most of the crimes are drug related and usually in the same parts of town.

[anonymous]

I agree with scjj. If you look at the statistics, Charleston does have high crime. However, it's pretty much limited to certain areas. Certain parts of downtown, and North Charleston.

Most middle class people in Charleston live on James Island, Mount Pleasant, or in West Ashley. Summerville is a nice place to live, but I don't consider it Charleston. You could look for a place in downtown, but it's going to be old and very, very expensive - or it's going to be in a bad neighborhood, and still kind of expensive.

[Lowcountry Girl]

Charleston IS very beautiful...the areas that are dangerous are very well known and generally drug-related and directly related to income. The gorgeous homes on the battery for example are in the million dollar range. I have worked as an EMT in all the local counties and know very well the places I would not live. I really can't say James Island is a particularly safe area and is in an on and off battle with Charleston about becoming it's own city. West Ashley is an area that if you can afford a home in a nicer area you'll be fine..such as "Shadow Moss" and some newer neighborhoods. If the home is inexpensive I wouldn't risk it. It's sad so many hard working people that can't afford the more upscale homes have to live in higher crime areas..almost all of North Charleston is a nightmare. Having said that, there ARE some nice subdivisions, great law enforcement, and tons of shopping. Mt. Pleasant is lovely (and expensive)lol~ traffic is horrible, they're trying to resolve their issues though. Just outside of Charleston is Summerville (where I live) close enough that you can still enjoy all the beauty that is Charleston, or as many of us do...commute to work. I hope that this has helped some and remember that there are many communities around Charleston that people are very happy in.

[AmznGrace]

I absolutely love Charleston - the historic downtown is great to visit and so many wonderful places to dine!! Wonderful beaches (Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, Folly Beach and Edisto, et al). This is one major reason my family and I moved here last weekend. We are in North Charleston, and I have read the comments about the high crime here. In fact, I saw one comment that said the crime rate is higher here than in Wash, DC. That, I do NOT believe for one minute having just left the WASH, DC area and knowing that city VERY well.

So, I just pray and hope we are in one of the "nicer" parts of N. Charleston, which I think we are. Actually, much closer to Summerville than I first thought. We are building in Summerville, but are living in a gated apartment community for six months. (Hhhmm, perhaps there's good reason for the gate!?)

From what I have seen here in this part of North Charleston, there are several very nice communities, i.e., White Hall (a bit older commuter); Coosaw Creek (very, very nice, gated and expensive), and Westcott Plantation is fairly nice. All within 1 mile of each other in North Charleston off of Dorchester Rd. Plus, lots of convenient shopping.

I'm excited and happy to be here. I would just add that if you have school aged children and are going the public school way, then focus on the Dorchester 2 School District. Cheers, GRACE

[scjj]

Grace, you are definitely in the "nicer" area of North Charleston. Not all of North Charleston is run down and bad. The closer you get to Summerville and Goose Creek the better it gets.

[jsmikesell]

Lowcountry Girl, my wife and I are currently looking to relocate from Orlando to SC. Irmo and Summerville are two of the towns we're interested in.

What are some of the subdivisions we should be looking at in Summerville? We're trying to stay within the $250-350 range.

[Lowcountry Girl]

Hi! Two of the best neighborhoods in Summerville, (new and resales) would be "Legend Oaks" and "Pine Forest Country Club" both are lovely, and offer several reputable builders, and are golf communities. Although you don't have to live directly in line of bad golfer's shots..lol~ I also like a brand new sub. called "The Bluffs at Ashley River" David Weekley is the builder and they are so stunning if you like an 8 foot deep porch and a Southern look. Only one problem with them as they are too close together, but if you're not looking for acreage that's a bonus. "DW" also builds at "Legends", in the price-range you mentioned I think those are where you would get the most quality for your dollar. In fact that price range here will get you a very beautiful home. Safe neighborhoods and friendly people...good luck and if those don't fit the bill let me know more specific info and I'd be happy to let you know what I can.

[jsmikesell]

Thanks for the info.

Here's a few more for you...

Newington Plantation

Weatherstone

Woodlands

Waterside Landing

Summer Park

Highwoods Plantation

Felder Creek

Maybe this will help. We have 2 elementary aged children, 5 & 6, and want a family friendly neighborhood that has the possibility of appreciating over time and offers a good education for our children.

[AmznGrace]

Originally Posted by jsmikesell

Lowcountry Girl, my wife and I are currently looking to relocate from Orlando to SC. Irmo and Summerville are two of the towns we're interested in.

What are some of the subdivisions we should be looking at in Summerville? We're trying to stay within the $250-350 range.

Just to add to LowCountryGirl, we are building in Legend Oaks and the David Weekly homes are very nice. We are actually building a Beazer home because we wanted to keep our price under $320k. With the David Weekly homes you can go well above $400k after all the upgrades.

We actually looked at Weatherstone and it was on our priority list until we actually drove down here and looked around. In our opinion, Weatherstone was fairly isolated and too close to 26, but VERY close to great, convenient shopping. It just didn't have the "feel" we wanted.

It really depends on what type of community you are looking for. The Legend Oaks area, which is indeed a wonderful community, the lots are very small, i.e., .2 acres or less. However, you get great value living in a very nice golf community with swimming and tennis.

Also, that part of Summerville seems more country to me, which I like.

Westcott Plantation, Coosaw Creek, and some other new subdivisions right along the Dorchester Road corridor heading towards Summerville are very nice, but not "far enough out" for me, personally.

The best thing you can do is take a couple of weekends and just drive around the area between Goose Creek and Summerville. Both have different feels to me, but both nice. It's so much fun coming down here and looking. We've been here just over a week and I'm loving so far!

Grace