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Hello folks, thought I'd get some opinions on where to live. We've visited a few times, really love the area, and we're looking to move out of Somerville (Boston) and down the Charleston area. I've definitely noticed how the divisions in income are much more pronounced (we live in East Somerville/Sullivan Square) than up here-- even if we're the only white people in the neighborhood, it's not a huge deal. I get the feeling it's not the same down there, though. We'd love to live near/around King street, but we probably can't afford to (we're looking for under $1100 a month + utilities)-- anyways, it looks like James Island/West Ashley is where we'll be heading. However, we only have 1 car so there needs to be decent/somewhat reliable public transportation. I've seen firsthand how bad the buses are down there-- do they even run that far out of downtown? Can anyone vouche for public transportation in that area? Also-- what areas would be more-- bohemian (?) -- in those areas. We're both vegetarians that listen to lots of folk and are big fans of art and the diy-culture (gardening, beer-brewing, etc.); I don't want us to be too out of place.
MY wife and I are planning on the possibility of moving to Charleston from Tallahassee in the next couple of years and although we're not vegetarians, don't live a bohemian lifestyle, and have 2 young elementary-aged school children, we are probably looking for a similar culture to live amongst. So I'm eager to hear any responses.
Also, where are the best schools? Right now, in Tallahassee, I can live in a safe downtown neighborhood, adjacent to an art culture, 2 blocks from the best public schools in the area, and pay $1200 rent for a 3 BR house on a 1/3 acre...most similar houses in the area would run about $200,000 if I was to buy. Can I get a similar set-up in Charleston or am I asking for too much?
All downtown schools are kind of bad, so if you live in downtown, you have to go private. Also, there is no way you can get 3br on a 1/3 acre for $1200 in good condition and good neighborhood for 1200 downtown.
We're looking for more of a 'downtown' feel-- we liked some of West Ashley and most of the peninsula, but obviously the latter is a bit more expensive than we'd like to go. I know Mt. Pleasant doesn't really have a downtown--are there any areas that have at least some walkability (i.e. walk to the coffee shop, etc.)? Any mix-zoned areas? I'm not looking for Boston or New York, but something similar to downtown Charleston (I hate to use the term, but something almost hipster-esque)?
There are plenty of mixed-zone communities (master planned communities) in the area, but IMO most of it is just suburban sprawl - definitely not hipster-esque. They are more geared towards families - at least East of the Cooper River. West Ashley is probably your best bet outside of downtown.
Honesty, from your posts, you should consider visiting Asheville, NC.
I think Red Fox is still waiting for that one........
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