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Long time lurker here - mostly reading the Boston forum, where I currently reside with my wife and 2 preschool age children. Contemplating either buying a home in the Boston area or making the jump down to Charleston this Spring/Summer (where we have family and visit quite often - mostly during the summer).
The "Charleston Option" is becoming more and more attractive to me as housing and cost of living in the Boston area has exploded the past 5 years. We love it here, but finding it harder to justify the costs to stay.
My question to the forum:
Suggest some neighborhoods to start prospecting over the next couple of months based on the info below. (I plan to come down with the family for 3 months with a short-term rental as a "test run" first - as the wife is very hesitant).
Largest considerations: - A good education for the kids. Boston area PUBLIC schools are excellent, would any public school district in the area compare?
- Will my wife like it?
1. Budget to 750K for the right place (although would be nice to stay around 500-650k and save some money)
2. House/Condo/Townhome?House, we would be more than happy with around 2200-2600 sqf give or take.
3. Employment Status(commute/work from home)
Self-employed (remote) I would be going back to boston probably twice a month, other than that would work from home.
4. Children(public school vs. private)
Would ideally want to be in the best public school district in the area.
5. Suburban, Coastal or Urban lifestyle preference or a mix of them together (or even Rural)
Would consider all 3.
6. Amenities preferred or must-haves
- I see many beautiful new homes online, but all seem to be in cookie cutter neighborhoods with absolutely no land or spacing from neighbors (hence no character outside of the house itself). I'm not looking for an estate with 3 acres, but a little bit of "breathing room" between homes would be nice. A marsh or landscape view would be nice too.
- Would be open to buying a less expensive home in an older neighborhood and renovating to our liking with the difference in budget.
7. Preferable demographics of desired neighborhood
A good mix of cultured professionals who share similar values (not politically - but more along the lines of valuing education, good manners, culture and tolerance). Race, creed or color is irrelevant... We have European roots, so Russian and/or international/well-traveled would be nice.
We are in our late 30s early 40s and both bi/tri lingual. Our children speak Russian and English so it would be nice if there were other Russian speaking children they could play with in order to not lose their proficiency.
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I know there is a lot of info here, thank you in advance for taking the time to read and respond!
Can't help with the language part, but all other wants point to Mount Pleasant. Price range should be able to get a larger lot in a few of the North Mount Pleasant area, I am a little more unfamiliar with how far your money would go in the Old Village. Wouldn't hurt to ask your relatives if they have a reliable realtor, tell them what you want, and let them send you a list of homes available to show you what your money can buy.
Long time lurker here - mostly reading the Boston forum, where I currently reside with my wife and 2 preschool age children. Contemplating either buying a home in the Boston area or making the jump down to Charleston this Spring/Summer (where we have family and visit quite often - mostly during the summer).
The "Charleston Option" is becoming more and more attractive to me as housing and cost of living in the Boston area has exploded the past 5 years. We love it here, but finding it harder to justify the costs to stay.
My question to the forum:
Suggest some neighborhoods to start prospecting over the next couple of months based on the info below. (I plan to come down with the family for 3 months with a short-term rental as a "test run" first - as the wife is very hesitant).
Largest considerations: - A good education for the kids. Boston area PUBLIC schools are excellent, would any public school district in the area compare?
- Will my wife like it?
1. Budget to 750K for the right place (although would be nice to stay around 500-650k and save some money)
2. House/Condo/Townhome?House, we would be more than happy with around 2200-2600 sqf give or take.
3. Employment Status(commute/work from home)
Self-employed (remote) I would be going back to boston probably twice a month, other than that would work from home.
shortly
4. Children(public school vs. private)
Would ideally want to be in the best public school district in the area.
5. Suburban, Coastal or Urban lifestyle preference or a mix of them together (or even Rural)
Would consider all 3.
6. Amenities preferred or must-haves
- I see many beautiful new homes online, but all seem to be in cookie cutter neighborhoods with absolutely no land or spacing from neighbors (hence no character outside of the house itself). I'm not looking for an estate with 3 acres, but a little bit of "breathing room" between homes would be nice. A marsh or landscape view would be nice too.
- Would be open to buying a less expensive home in an older neighborhood and renovating to our liking with the difference in budget.
7. Preferable demographics of desired neighborhood
A good mix of cultured professionals who share similar values (not politically - but more along the lines of valuing education, good manners, culture and tolerance). Race, creed or color is irrelevant... We have European roots, so Russian and/or international/well-traveled would be nice.
We are in our late 30s early 40s and both bi/tri lingual. Our children speak Russian and English so it would be nice if there were other Russian speaking children they could play with in order to not lose their proficiency.
-----
I know there is a lot of info here, thank you in advance for taking the time to read and respond!
[/QUOT
Ill try to be more expansive later ...heading out shortly for dinner ...but to start you off...top of mind would be Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island.... Ive noticed that folks moving here with family from New England... find those areas an easy transition for all your needs/wants except for your last nicety ... not many Russian folks here but both communities do have a mix of foreign transplants...
Just another quick observation .... my son bought a home on Daniel two years ago .... larger than the home his family had in Westport CT....on the marsh... and pays annual real estate taxes ...close to equal to what he was paying per month in Westport. Sure helps with the carrying costs...lol
Thank you all thusfar for the replies. It does seem indeed that Mt Pleasant is the best fit. How does the public school situation look for Daniel Island?
Any particular areas or neghborhoods in Mt Pleasant to keep a watch on? I realize eventually a realtor will help here, but these days with the internet i think i may see a good listing before my realtor would.
@cynic - yeah, no kidding... taxes up here for the homes we are looking at are around 1k/mo. And i only see it getting worse.. although you get a private school level education for that price for the kids... but seems like mt pleasant schools rate well enough to offset that plus the savings.
@bsjasas - how are the schools in west ashley, i see the math and science school rates very well, but is that a public school?
@johngolf - do you ever miss boston? Would you move down there with young kids if you had to do it again. Judging from your nick i take it you much prefer it there with the weather and golf
Thanks again for everyones time and input. Its very much appreciated.
My question to the forum:
Suggest some neighborhoods to start prospecting over the next couple of months based on the info below. Mount Pleasant
- A good education for the kids. Boston area PUBLIC schools are excellent, would any public school district in the area compare? The schools are good but do not compare in terms of resources to the schools up north. This is great in terms of taxes, but 'good' here vs 'good' there is not apples-to-apples.
Budget to 750K for the right place (although would be nice to stay around 500-650k and save some money)
Amenities preferred or must-haves
- I'm not looking for an estate with 3 acres, but a little bit of "breathing room" between homes would be nice. A marsh or landscape view would be nice too. Dunes West or Darrell Creek
- Would be open to buying a less expensive home in an older neighborhood and renovating to our liking with the difference in budget. I would not seek out a reno project here unless you plan on doing it yourself. The housing market has exploded and finding a good reliable contractor for small to medium sized projects is very, VERY difficult
7. Preferable demographics of desired neighborhood
A good mix of cultured professionals who share similar values; valuing education, good manners, culture and tolerance Good manners, cultural and tolerance describes Charleston very well
I know nothing about the public elementary or middle schools for West Ashley. Personally, I wouldn't/didn't pick West Ashley High, though. Check greatschools or the like for more info. What grades are your children in? I hear good things about Orange Grove Charter (K-7th I think).
James Island Charter High is a possibility, too, as I was told it is open to anyone in Charleston County, but I think you have to provide transportation if outside James Island. Then, there's Palmetto Scholars Academy, about 20 minutes from West Ashley.
Mt. Pleasant would have things you are looking for, but when you said you will have to go to Boston twice a month, I assumed you would fly commercial? If I had to make frequent trips to the Charleston airport, I would rather be on that side than way up in Mt. P. or dependent on 526 to get there to make a flight. I stress over getting to the airport on time, so I like to have options in case (or the very likely possibility) of a wreck causing a significant delay.
I know nothing about the public elementary or middle schools for West Ashley. Personally, I wouldn't/didn't pick West Ashley High, though. Check greatschools or the like for more info. What grades are your children in? I hear good things about Orange Grove Charter (K-7th I think).
James Island Charter High is a possibility, too, as I was told it is open to anyone in Charleston County, but I think you have to provide transportation if outside James Island. Then, there's Palmetto Scholars Academy, about 20 minutes from West Ashley.
Mt. Pleasant would have things you are looking for, but when you said you will have to go to Boston twice a month, I assumed you would fly commercial? If I had to make frequent trips to the Charleston airport, I would rather be on that side than way up in Mt. P. or dependent on 526 to get there to make a flight. I stress over getting to the airport on time, so I like to have options in case (or the very likely possibility) of a wreck causing a significant delay.
The airport is 30 minutes from the most northern reaches of Mount P.
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