Which town???? (Charleston, Greenville, Summerville: insurance, house, movies)

[Pattig]

My husband and I will be going to Charleston in May to check out areas around there for retiring ( me, semi-retired). We are going to check out Mt. Pleasant, James Island, Summerville and then drive down the coast to Beaufort and Bluffton. I am in the health care field so as long as there is a hospital within 10 miles I'll be happy. We are looking for a town that has a lot of historical charm and a house about $300,000. We don't want a postage stamp sized lot, but maybe 1/3 - 1/2 acre lot. Is it possible to find what we are looking for in the towns I've mentioned. If not any other towns I've missed , I would appreciate any suggestions. Also how does the Beaufort area compare to say the Mt Pleasant area??? Is housing less expensive and do you have to sacrifice conveniences being further away from Charleston? Is it hotter down towards Beaufort?? Thanks for all your opinions....
Patty

[Coasters]

They are all very nice. The answers will be apparent when you simply drive around the areas you mention. You should know that except for Summerville, they are all in hurricane prone areas with high flood and storm insurance costs. Mt.Pleasant and Summerville have the most infrastructure and cultural opportunities. Beaufort is the heart of sea island lowcountry and beautiful tidal marshes. They all reek with history.
The acreage might be a little hard to find but you might enjoy the typical smaller lots with low upkeep.
These places all have great websites. Beaufort has a great bookstore near the firehouse and library. They specialize in local information. All things considered, Summerville is basically near all of it, including easier access to the mountains. Stop at the visitor center.
You probably can't live right in Charleston for that price but stop at the visitor center there. It is a huge multi-media center with guides and movies and historic displays and tours. Check the website: charlestoncvb.com
It is a little warmer in Beaufort and maybe quiet in the winter months. If you don't love the coast, look into Aiken and and also Pinehurst NC. For the nicest home for the money check out the Greenville area. There are lots of pictures on this forum.