Anyone from or lived in Charleston SC?? (Orlando, Melbourne: rental homes, houses)

[momto4boys]

We are contemplating a move to the Lowcountry and were wondering if anyone could tell me how the area compares to CFL. We are really interested in Summerville or Mt. Pleasant. What cities in Seminole County are they comparable to, if any? We want good schools, family/kid friendly community, outdoor activities, etc.... Any suggestions or input would be appreciated. Thanks

[blot327]

Originally Posted by momto4boys

We are contemplating a move to the Lowcountry and were wondering if anyone could tell me how the area compares to CFL. We are really interested in Summerville or Mt. Pleasant. What cities in Seminole County are they comparable to, if any? We want good schools, family/kid friendly community, outdoor activities, etc.... Any suggestions or input would be appreciated. Thanks

I'm actually moving to Central Florida, so I can't compare to Seminole County; however, my brother recently began a new job in Charleston, and I helped him move there, so I can give you a little input.

Mt. Pleasant is a very nice area. I don't know home prices, but the cost of living is significantly lower in SC than it is in Central Florida. I haven't been to Summerville.

Another nice area is North Charleston. It's a nice, "normal" suburban-type area, with tons of shopping.

Foley Beach is beautiful, and your family will love it.

One thing to note is, there isn't a whole lot to do in the Charleston area, especially compared to CFL. They have some minor league sports teams and a very small arts scene, but not much else to brag about, per se. If you have only lived in CFL, you may be in for a little culture shock.

Well, those are my tidbits. Did you post this on a SC board? Either way, I'm sure you'll get more helpful replies, but in the mean time, I hope this was some help to you!

[momto4boys]

Thanks so much for your input...you really gave great info! We're going up in April to really scope out the neighborhoods we've researched.

[CathLean2]

I lived in Summerville for 6 years and then in Melbourne, Fl for 10. I'm back in Summerville. I loved both cities. The cost of houses and taxes are lower in Summerville but the cost of living is not. I have found prices in stores to be higher in Summerville and also the cost of repairs and labor seem to be higher here. Both cities have the top schools for their area. If moving to Summerville the schools are by county. Dorchester 2 is an excellent school district. Part of Summerville is in Berkely County. I am partial to Dorchester County because my kids went to school there and I was very pleased with the school district.
Housing costs in Mt Pleasant are higher because of it's location to Charleston. I hear the schools are good in Mt Pleasant but Charleston County schools are not up to Dorchester County.
Florida seems to have more to do and especially for the kids then the Charleston area. Just my opinion but like I said, Love both Cities.

[pianogal]

According to Forbes you would need an income of 108,000 in Charleston compared to 100,000 in Orlando for the same purchasing power. Charleston has a higher cost of living compared to Orlando.

I just returned from a long weekend trip to Charleston. It is a lovely place especially if you appreciate all the history.

[backtofla]

"According to Forbes you would need an income of 108,000 in Charleston compared to 100,000 in Orlando for the same purchasing power. Charleston has a higher cost of living compared to Orlando."

huh? in what year? i had family looking to move to that area and there were looking at houses that were pretty darn cheap. and this was a few yrs ago when orlando was still decently priced...

[mojow]

don't know if this helps... I only did this one seach just now for Charleston, but from past searches, I remember prices of housing being pretty cheap in lots of places in SC

Basic Search I don't know if this link will work because the page loaded from a search form.... 4 bedroom house, (in photo, it looked decent), $30,000. Makes me yearn....

[mojow]

nope, just checked, it didn't bring up the results page, just the seach form page. I filled in the bare minimum, didn't put in price range or anything, clicked lo-high to make results show cheaper first, and then clicked the first search button.

[mojow]

rentals... Charleston SC Rental Homes - CENTURY 21 Properties Plus, Inc.

hmmmm, 3 and 4 bedroom, $1100 and up...

[pianogal]

Originally Posted by backtofla

"According to Forbes you would need an income of 108,000 in Charleston compared to 100,000 in Orlando for the same purchasing power. Charleston has a higher cost of living compared to Orlando."

huh? in what year? i had family looking to move to that area and there were looking at houses that were pretty darn cheap. and this was a few yrs ago when orlando was still decently priced...

As I said....according to Forbes magazine this year. I will look for the link and post it.