Moving from FL to Mt. Pleasant (Charleston, Mount Pleasant: rentals, employment, neighborhoods)

[cooperjess]

Another one considering a move to Charleston area We are currently in central Florida and are looking to possibly move this summer before the school year starts. Have a couple questions/concerns:

State Income Tax: This is our biggest concern! We have none in Florida. Is it offset somehow when you file the state return?

Anyone here moved from FL and regretted it?

Schools: Have done research and all seem to be highly regarded. Are there any elementary schools that are not up to par in Mt. Pleasant?

Housing: We will be renting at first. I am overwhelmed by the amount of beautiful neighborhoods! We have 2 preschool-aged children and want a friendly, family-oriented neighborhood (pool, playground). We prefer not to be in a cookie-cutter with small lot. Close to shopping/restaurants/beach. Since we are renting we are flexible. If anyone knows a realtor who handles rentals please let me know

We already have employment as we can take our jobs with us. Used to the weather as we are in FL now and vacation in HHI every summer. Looking at SC becuase it seems to have more character/culture and closer to beach and family.

We are coming early June to take a tour of schools and drive thru some neighborhoods. Any advice is appreciated.

[beachme]

I moved from Florida (south) 6 years ago and love it! I would recommend you take a good look at the Mount Pleasant area and all the schools are great. That's where I chose to live because it was most like what I was use to in Florida. My kids range from 18,14,5 and 3. The 5 year old will be starting kindergarten this fall.
Rentals are few and hard to find because of the high demand in this area. So when you come be prepared to find a place to rent. Do not come more than a month before you want to rent and bring a checkbook for deposits. (people come here all the time and forget that)
I would be happy to assist you with a rental in the Mount Pleasant area, we usually do not handle rentals in other areas. Just message me and I will email you some rental listings etc.