any suggestions? (Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville: house, best schools, property taxes)

[jnnfr_brnr]

We are from NE and are interested in relocating to the south. We are interested in both NC and SC. We have four children ages 4-12 so a good school system is top of the list. We'd like to live in or near a small city. We also like the idea of a downtown area, not just a development off a major highway. We would be looking to spend approx 200,000 on a house and preferably not a cookie cutter type home. An older home would be an option if it's in good shape. We live near the coast now and would prefer to be no more than an hour or so away. I appreciate any advice.
Thanks

[GoCubs]

I'd choose Mt. Pleasant SC. Best schools in SC, no more than 10 minutes to beaches of the Isle of Palms & Sullivans Island. The "old town" might be where you could get a home that needs work for 200K. The town is safe, has many restuarants and is just across the new bridge from all that Charleston has. Last but by no means least, the taxes are unbelievably LOW. Should you move here, you will think the tax man has made a mistake on your property taxes. Good luck! We moved here from NJ and have had 8 great years so far. You'll not like the heat and humidity in summer but the winters are worth waiting for.

[USCJoe]

Certainly, Mt. Pleasant has a lot to offer. However, it will be difficult at best finding a home in "good shape" with space for a family of six in the $200,000 range, particularly less than 10 minutes to the beach. If you want to stay in the $200,000 range you might want to concentrate on the Summerville area.

[MayorCheryll]

Mount Pleasant is great, but you are right...tough to find a home for $200,000
Hanahan or Summerville in Dorchester 2 district would be great for housing and for schools...maximun 45 minutes away from the coast! Cheryll Woods-Flowers