James Island questions (Charleston: 2009, crime, attorney)

[TheChooch]

Can you tell me how James lsland is compared to Mt. Pleasant in terms of housing stock, environment and general vibe? Is it upscale and family oriented? Is it considered to be a pretty place and desirable?

[mLeeTaylor]

Originally Posted by TheChooch

Can you tell me how James lsland is compared to Mt. Pleasant in terms of housing stock, environment and general vibe? Is it upscale and family oriented? Is it considered to be a pretty place and desirable?

Mt. Pleasant is much more up and comming. It is perfect for the young professional or the "resort" minded. Its larger, more up to date, and there is just more of everything. I think living in Mt Pleasant would be wonderful. Although my personal preference is James Island. It has a lot to do with my personal history and tastes. James Island is a bit eclectic, bohemian, and artsy. James Island is much more of a laid-back culture than Mt Pleasant. I suppose it really depends on your personal style. I sell homes for a living. Some people insist on James Island. Some insist on Mt Pleasant. You will find more abundance of upscale housing in Mt Pleasant although I dont know if Mt Pleasant could be considered more family oriented than James Island.

[TheChooch]

Thank you. Is is possible to get a really nice house in James Island for under 300k? Any particulary nice established neighborhoods? We are trying to avoid new developments. TIA

We don't mind laid back at all, as long as it's pretty and safe, and people take pride in their homes. I prefer access to a walkable downtown with outdoor cafes and coffee shops. Does this sound like James Island?

[mLeeTaylor]

Originally Posted by TheChooch

Thank you. Is is possible to get a really nice house in James Island for under 300k? Any particulary nice established neighborhoods? We are trying to avoid new developments. TIA

We don't mind laid back at all, as long as it's pretty and safe, and people take pride in their homes. I prefer access to a walkable downtown with outdoor cafes and coffee shops. Does this sound like James Island?

First off go to "google maps" and zoom in on Charleston SC. You will notice that Charleston and James Island are seperated by water. The good news is that its only a five minute drive between Charleston and James Island and its beautiful scenery along the way. There are some new developments but not many. With a Realtors help you can eaisly drive through all the primary subdivisions on James Island in one day or two days max. At that point you will have a subdivision style that you like. If you go to a different area. Get a Realtor that works that area. As far as price is concerned, I have a 3BR, 2BA, 1600sf new home I am selling for 279K. That will give you an idea.

[Everwatchful]

James Island used to be a fairly safe place to live. Then came the downtown connector which opened the door to the world around ten years ago, and rampart development is driving an increased culture clash with attending social pressures. Crime is on the increase, or it being better reported, or both.

Making matter worst was the recent incorporation of the Town of James Island, which includes about half the area of the Island. The Town has no standing police force and since it was formed in 2006, a woman was raped virtually at the back door of Town Hall. Another man was killed in a home invasion nearby, and recently a man used a big rig to ram a County Police cruiser and two other vehicles about a mile away on Folly Rd. Even one of the Towns Councilmen's home was robbed. Years ago, a friend of mine had a bad accident in front of where town hall is now at Christmas. People actually came up and stole gifts from his damaged car.

The integrity of those who run the town is also suspect, as it appears they violated State Ethics Commission rules while campaigning. This includes an attorney, a minister, a former mayor and two longtime bureaucrats who should have known better. These are the people who make laws that governs others, and you would think they would know and abide by laws that apply to them. According to the Head if the State Ethics Commission, the forms a candidate has to file are simple, and if these seasoned politicians did not disclose their expenditures, and filed late, it must have been out of indifference, not ignorance. But they appear to have friends in high places because as best can be determined, they only had to pay a small fine, instead of the tens of thousands required by law. It also appears the town may have been illegally incorporated, a matter that will ultimately be decided by the State Supreme Court.

Those planning to move into the area need to use due diligence and check out police data and on-line crime statistics in comparison with other communities.

Suffice it to say that anyone who feels completely safe these days is a little naive. A really good indicator of any area is the number of post where people say they are sorry they ever moved to the area. I have seen few if any of those where James Island is concerned.

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by TheChooch

Thank you. Is is possible to get a really nice house in James Island for under 300k? Any particulary nice established neighborhoods? We are trying to avoid new developments. TIA

We don't mind laid back at all, as long as it's pretty and safe, and people take pride in their homes. I prefer access to a walkable downtown with outdoor cafes and coffee shops. Does this sound like James Island?

.

No. Nor Mt Pleasant.

[mrpeatie]

Actually the Riverland Terrace section of James Island does have walkable neighborhoods and a couple of nice restaurants adjacent to it. Getting in under 300 would mean a smaller home but in this market it wouldn't hurt to look out for an unexpected bargain or desparate seller.

[Luvsdabeach]

You all do know this thread is back from May of 2007? lol

[Everwatchful]

I guess they must feel other people might be looking for answers to the same question in 2009. Not sure how long City-Data keeps threads?