SC native ... will answer questions (Charleston, Greenville: condo, crime, homes)

[sunshinedreamer]

Hi,
I was just trying to find my post. Was this the right place to post my note?
Thanks

[kat2k]

Originally Posted by sunshinedreamer

Hi,
This is my first time posting to this site. I found it a few months ago and it looks great. Everyone is so helpful and informative. We are planning to visit South and North Carolina this July (I know it will be hot). We are hoping to move from Lake Oswego, Oregon (Portland metro area) in two to three years or sooner. My husband and I are both originally from sunnier climates and have never gotten used to the cold and rainy "rain season" that lasts 9+ months here. It is very beautiful in the summer, but we would like a place that is warmer. I've visited North Carolina as a child and don't know much about the different areas in the Carolinas except for what I have read in various places.

We have two twin girls that are 5 and starting kindergarten this September. Good schools and education are important. I know for sure that we want some place in the foothills maybe Anderson or Greenville areas because the mountains seem too remote and possibly cold and the low country might be too humid (mold problems) and buggy. Also, I love the rolling hills type of countryside with lakes nearby for their beauty and recreational amenities. I am not looking necessarily for a big city. Portland is much larger than the type of community that I am looking for. Although, I am not ready for a really small town either. We would like someplace that has charm (not just a bunch of strip malls), good schools, good medical facilities, pretty/ scenic location, good economy, low crime, upbeat community with community events like farmers markets, festivals, etc. We are in the real estate / apartment business and would most likely buy and manage some small apartments wherever we move. I know that I am describing a utopia like place, but is there anywhere that sounds like what I am describing? The good news is that we aren't restricted by a job relocation, but this also opens up the state and we need to refine our search.
Thank you all for your help.

sunshinedreamer,

Greenville is the place for you, definately. I love Greenville ... it has virtually ALL of the major stores you can think of, lots of chain and local restaurants [more are opening soon], an international airport, ect but the city has a very charming and quaint feel to it. The schools in most areas are good, and there's always something going on downtown. The St. Francis Hospital is EXCEPTIONALLY good and the Greenville Hospital System is pretty good. For scenery ... you can't beat the beauty of the foothills. Sure, the area has problems, but there is no perfect place.

I suggest looking at the 'suburbs' like Greer and Simpsonville. The schools there are good and there are all of the shopping basics, especially in Greer. I personally don't care for S'ville that much but a lot of people like it. Greer has some beautiful scenery. Both of these towns are just a hop, skip and a jump to Greenville for the most part. Good luck!

[kat2k]

Originally Posted by melody1

Hello,

We are relocating from Ohio to the Charleston area, and would like recommendations on desirable areas to live. We are in our late 30's and would like to be relatively close to the beaches, shopping, activities, etc...Some of the areas that we've been checking out are Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and James Island.

What can you tell me about these areas? Are there any other areas you would recommend for us to consider? We want to buy - or possibly build a home. Any info you could provide would be truly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi melody

All three of the places you mentioned are rather newly built places [1990-]. Summerville is around 25? miles from the beaches, it's a little further back from the ocean than the other two. It's a little older than the other areas. The area has the basics when it comes to shopping if I remember correctly

Mount Pleasant is a newer area. It's really grown but has gotten pricey. I thought the area was pretty nice. There is plenty of available shopping nearby.

James Island I am not familiar with. I've heard about it, but have never been there. Sorry I couldn't help more with that one.

Good luck

[moedog]

I could be wrong, but I always thought Carolina winters were somewhat cooler than the climate in the Portland area. It you settle in the upcountry, you will get a chance to see snow once in a while, at which time the locals will go crazy and the whole area will go into emergency mode. Ice storms can also be a problem--power can be off for weeks at a time. Low/High temps are usually in the 20-40 range in the upcountry of SC in Jan and Feb. If you decide to consider SC, I suggest you look at the Fort Mill/Rock Hill area---part of the Charlotte metro area and more compariable culturally/socially to the Portland area. The Greenville area is also nice though very conservative.

[bmo618]

Hello Kat2k,
Just a quick question. I very recently got a job in Beaufort. I will be coming down there by myself as I have no time to move the family. I am looking for nice areas in or surrounding towns of Beaufort for a 1 bedroom apartment. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

[wildwumanxoxo]

hey, we are looking for an area near to the ocean, but far enough so we can afford to live. Summerville has caught my eye. How's the job market for electrician's? I work for a flooring co. in Lowes. My baby is graduating so we would like a quite community. Thanx for helping. JP from Central NY

[kat2k]

Originally Posted by bmo618

Hello Kat2k,
Just a quick question. I very recently got a job in Beaufort. I will be coming down there by myself as I have no time to move the family. I am looking for nice areas in or surrounding towns of Beaufort for a 1 bedroom apartment. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

Beaufort is a nice town, I personally wouldn't mind living there at all. If you're wanting some other towns that are surrounding, I always liked Port Royal. It's right outside of Beaufort, but I'm not sure how growth is there and apartments. I'd go with Beaufort, there are some other surrounding areas but some are pricey and a basic apartment would be pretty high.

[kat2k]

Originally Posted by wildwumanxoxo

hey, we are looking for an area near to the ocean, but far enough so we can afford to live. Summerville has caught my eye. How's the job market for electrician's? I work for a flooring co. in Lowes. My baby is graduating so we would like a quite community. Thanx for helping. JP from Central NY

Hi, I would imagine with the sizely amount of construction that is going on in the Summerville/Charleston area, jobs for an electrician wouldn't be hard to find. Summerville is a very nice area, and it's pretty affordable. Mount Pleasant is nice also, but it's gotten more expensive lately.

[mjetch]

Thank you for the answers. We will continue to research it and check out others city in SC. It does overall seem like the best place to raise a family. The north is just getting to fast, impersonal and exspensive..

[sunshinedreamer]

Thank you for your help!