I just got a job at the VA Hospital in downtown Charleston! Where to find an apartment? (Goose Creek: rental)

[PugLife311]

I am thrilled to say that I have obtained my dream job as a medical lab scientist at the VA Hospital in downtown Charleston. The hospital is located on Bee St.

I am looking for a two bedroom apartment with a short commute. I would exchange a short commute to be closer to the beach if I could afford it. I have a small dog. I'd like to keep the rent under $700/month.

I currently live in a two-bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse and would like something similar, or even a small rental house. A dishwasher and large closets would be nice.

Any suggestions? Is the newspaper a better place to look than apartment communities?

I am so excited that I will soon be able to call Charleston home. Thank you for helping me!

[Strib]

Congrats on the job, hell of place to live...

Take my advice w/ a grain of salt, but to give you an idea of where this perspective is coming from, I'm a 24 yo professional. Moved down here 3 years ago right after college.

In my humble, honest opinion... the absolute best place to live in Charleston is Wagener Terrace. It's the neighborhood that surrounds the Citadel. North of Lockwood..West of Rutledge. There are some sketchy areas right around 17, but anything around the Hampton Park area is great. You're downtown but you still have a great community/neighborhood feel. You never have to deal with commuter traffic, and you can bike to work. Houses actually have yards (unlike downtown-downtown). You might be looking at 700 w/ a roomate or more to live by yourself, but everyone who lives in the Terrace knows it's the place to be. Plus, it's hard to beat a $8 cab ride from the downtown bars. I can get from my house to Sullivan's Island in less than 15 minutes. Folly is usually 45 minutes or better, but that's b/c Folly is a cluster****.

If you're set on getting an apartment/townhouse. Check out Colonial Grand, Mira Vista, and The Regatta -- all are on James Island, and right over the James Island Connector from the VA hospital. Closer to Folly, but still a good long wait to get out there. 30 minutes?

I've got a buddy who works at the VA. He lives in Mt. Pleasant all the way out by 526, and his commute still isn't bad. Mt. Pleasant would put you really close to Sullivans Island. 10 minutes? Check out these places in Mt. P -- East Bridge Town Lofts & Harbor Pointe.

Oh yeah, and if you live in Hanahan, Goose Creek, Summerville, or Ladson... don't even consider yourself as moving to Charleston. Avoid those places like the plague.

Any other questions, ask away!