Moving...From PA Attn: Charleston and Beaufort Area Residents (North Charleston: low crime, houses)

[brohdaw]

I have been determined to move south for quite some time now...first it started with Florida or South Carolina then it changed to just South Carolina but after looking up the status of crime rate, education, and employment - it's not looking too good...nonetheless, I'm still moving! I was aiming for Beufort only because I knew someone from there and learned that the beach is only 20 minutes away not to mention Paris Island which has a military camp for my son...etc... However, I never knew that Charleston was so close to the bay and only 20 minutes from certain beaches - all-in-all be said, I want to live in Marathon Key Florida but I imagine there's not too much there for school and employment lol. I just want to be close to the beach (I'm a dolphin 'freak')...So what I need is some help; I'm looking up statuses but still needs some advise - especially those who have kids (mine are both boys 12 and 9 - one has autism/PDD and the other has ADHD/ODD) therefore, it is important to me in the type of programs available at school..my oldest with ADHD/ODD does pretty well now and makes honor roll and no 'specialized' classes, however my youngest with autism needs speech - but is doing very well at this point (he's high functioning).

I never realized I'd be so nervous about moving because of the kids...I'm worried about crime rate and education - but on the other hand, I have a Bachelor's Degree (and working on my Master's) in Criminal Justice lol so I have to make a decision if I want a job - which higher level of crime would do that and hopefully I have taught my kids to make the right decisions - not to mention becoming a victim if crime rate is high (Like in Harrisburg, PA) or if I want a low crime area so they have less temptation. I know this all sounds stupid, I should want a crime safe community for my kids and I do but lets face it, that really wont exist anywhere! Basically what I want is some people to give me opinions on the best places in South Carolina to live preference one, near a beach and preference two - Out of Charleston and Beaufort or along those areas. ANY AND ALL advise is welcome even if you feel it may not be helpful; I am doing research but not everything, especially people already living in these areas, are available via online....and I thank you very much!

Kerri

[TNKY]

Hey brohdaw,

As of yet I am not an SC resident, but like you am researching. You should try posting this same thread on the Charleston forum. Don't get too excited about the high crime rate. Much of it is regulated to pockets in North Charleston and often it doesn't involve innocent people in the wrong place at the wrong time, but people hating on people they know.

Employment may not be the best in SC, but compared to MI (where I'm stuck) it's not bad. I doubt with your resume you'll have a problem.

And you'll likely see plenty of dolphins in that area. Again, not being a resident I am no authority on this subject but if you put this on the Charleston forum you'll probably get more locals responding. Good luck.

[adam7]

Charleston and Beaufort are both great places to live. Beaufort is significantly smaller though. My girlfriend just bought a house there, and I may be moving down in about a year if we get married. It definitely reminds me of Charleston, just on a smaller scale.

[the victor]

I've lived in Beaufort 21 yrs. I don't know about the school situation re Adhd, etc, but for this reason I'd suggest Charleston. Much more progressive and likely better school options, better educated work force, very close beaches (even better than Beaufort!) and the size is very nice... big enough to have city things, great restaurants, etc. but small enough to have a smaller-town feel as well. Greenville, SC is also a nice town but away from the water, close to the hills. I'd stay away from Savannah, GA, more crime and bad schools. You might look at Bluffton, SC, in the same county as Beaufort and Hilton Head, basically it is the town just off HH island. Very fast growing, decent employment opportunities (but not sure about right now!) but the downside is lots of big box stores and traffic. Right now, growth is stopped, houses are cheaper but jobs are scarce. I'd go with Charleston, it's a great place. Might be tough to find reasonable housing in a decent area, though. I'd be glad to answer questions when possible, I know folks there but not in law enforcement... martin223@yahoo.com