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I don't have children or grandchildren, but based on my brief research I'm pretty sure James Island schools are good. Living on the island in the city of Charleston, north of Camp Road, is working great for us. We use interior neighborhood streets to get within a couple of blocks of the James Island Connector (expressway), and MUSC is 10 minutes from our doorstep.
However, if you are into head banger / rage music it could be a perfect fit. Driving home in stop and go traffic, screaming in your car, other drivers look over and shake their heads like "yes, we agree".
"Traffic??? What traffic?"
I've noticed the traffic deniers have been less vocal
Do you know your schedule at MUSC? They tend to have a lot of off shifts- meaning 7 am staff changes and some office jobs coming in at 9. Those off times are in theory rush hour but will help you a lot getting in the morning from outer West Ashley (but not as much from Summerville.)
Also MUSC has a lot of satellite facilities in the area so sometimes commute options open up because of that- but I am assuming you know the exact location. Some of the drive can be mitigated by the CARTA (local bus system) that runs Express busses from park and ride lots directly to MUSC, College of Charleston and maybe Roper. They cut out all the intermediate stops and they are free to employees. It doesn't necessarily cut down on time but it greatly reduces the stress level and I have a couple of coworkers who start or end the day tending to loose ends/reading reports/emailing from the bus.
One other area I'd look into is Hanahan. It has pretty good schools and can be a better commute than Summerville or outer West Ashley depending on time of day and location. You have more options because of the age of your kids. With all the professionals, business owners and skilled labor transplants a lot of the former also ran schools are getting an influx of more educated or higher income parents who are bound to help spike school scores/rankings.
Hanahan will still likely have worse traffic than West Ashley or James Island though. Hanahan and Summerville both need I26 or River Road or Hwy61 to get there.
West Ashley and James Island are your best bets. Your kids will get a good schooling and your commute will be much easier. Plus that's less you'll be throwing away on gas and less milage on your car over time.
Maybe Mt Pleasant further down the line, but for now I think you can find something that fits you and your family in West Ashley, with James Island being a second option.
Good thing is MUSC is on the western edge of the peninsula, so you'll be saved from having to drive all through downtown.
I will be working roughly 730-430 (give or take) and at the main campus there.
I will definitely look into the hanahan area you mentioned!
I would estimate you'd still be looking at 50+ minutes at that time to that location. Same awful conditions as well. Also, on the subject of MUSC, you will most likely be parking in a satellite lot (Hagood most likely) and then your will have to take a bus to campus. So, add another 10-20 minutes to your commute.
I would estimate you'd still be looking at 50+ minutes at that time to that location. Same awful conditions as well. Also, on the subject of MUSC, you will most likely be parking in a satellite lot (Hagood most likely) and then your will have to take a bus to campus. So, add another 10-20 minutes to your commute.
That's correct. They had parking in lots when I was there but it was like $80 a month to park.
I would not live in Summerville if my job was at MUSC. You are looking at 60 minute drive times on average and probably once every week or two traffic stops and takes 90 minutes to 2 hours to get home or to work. I would look at James Island, West Ashley or Johns Island. Probably Johns Island schools are bad though.
I second this. Took me close to 90 minutes to get to Summerville from Ashley Ave. Your kids are young, James Island would work. Alternatively, Mount-P might work as well.
It depends whatbtime you have to be to work. My wife has to be there at 8am. She leaves around 640and there bfore 730 most of the days. Afternoons would take her around 45mins if there isnt a accident
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