Relocation
If you’re among those thinking seriously about moving to the Lowcountry and making Charleston your permanent or part-time home, we have a news flash for you: This idea is not entirely original. It has occurred to others, with some frequency. Starting with the influx of military retirees who fell in love with the area during their World War II Navy days spent here, the concept of retiring to Charleston has only grown more popular with each passing year. And why not? The Lowcountry really has it all—sun, sea, golf, history, culture, plus educational and entertainment opportunities galore. Young people are similarly attracted to the area. Employment opportunities, especially for professionals, are getting more plentiful as the population surges upward. Therefore, a Relocation chapter is in order—as a helpful service to the next generation of insiders who will soon be calling Charleston and its environs “home.”
The Neighborhoods chapter will give you an overview of some areas where newcomers are currently finding homes. We’ve included a spectrum of price alternatives. And we’ve listed, below, a few of the major real estate companies ready and willing to help newcomers start their relocation process. Some newcomers choose to rent apartments, condos, or even homes while they acclimate to the area and select a neighborhood that’s best for them. There’s information for apartment dwellers, also. We’ve thrown in some practical information, too, such as where to get your new driver’s license, how to register to vote, what are the utility hookup contacts, and even some recycling information for our new neighbors who, we hope, will be ecology-minded citizens here in the Lowcountry.
1. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Co.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 723-7847
Address: 635 East Bay St.
Description: Ravenel is a small, family-owned company that has been in business since 1945. Its experienced agents can help you with purchases of historic downtown properties, waterfront properties, and commercial real estate. They also handle property management.
2. Carriage Properties
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 266-8000, (877) 266-8005
Address: 19 Exchange St.
Description: Early in 2002, six veteran sales associates from a top-producing downtown Charleston real estate company decided to form their own company. These agents—all major players in the fast-paced and highly competitive marketplace for historic homes in the Holy City—set up shop at a newly renovated downtown building and soon took on agents to help handle their growing business. The company specializes in high-end luxury homes and condominiums in the Charleston area, particularly on the historic Peninsula.
3. Daniel Ravenel Real Estate Co.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 723-7150, (800) 382-2279
Address: 33 Broad St.
Description: This is a full-service independent agency with deep roots in the community. An affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty expands their offerings to a larger audience. With offices in downtown Charleston, the agency provides customized residential, commercial, and waterfront real estate services throughout the Lowcountry, from the Battery to the beaches.
4. Disher, Hamrick & Myers
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 577-4115, (800) 577-4118
Address: 25 Cumberland St.
Description: This company’s agents primarily focus on historic properties in downtown Charleston. It is one of the leading brokerage firms in the historic district. Many of the agents are downtown residents who have been through the restoration process themselves, giving them a perspective that clients find invaluable. They have also opened a Seabrook Island office at 1101 Landfall Way to serve this resort community.
5. Historic Charleston Properties
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 853-3000, (800) 965-6111
Address: 17 State St.
Description: Begun in 1997, this real estate company came on fast and strong in the Charleston market, earning $18 million in sales their first year. The company now focuses on upscale residential properties and discreet, personalized service.
6. Lane & Smythe Real Estate, LLC.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 577-2900, (877) 451-4801
Address: 9 Broad St.
Description: This firm, founded in 1999, is proudly owned and operated by Lois Lane and Ruthie Smythe, who are skilled at presenting a total point of view, including the female perspective, on relocating to the Charleston area.
7. Pate Properties, Inc.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 577-3193
Description: This closely held company, with more than 30 years’ experience in the market, has a fantastic track record for handling downtown residential real estate, small investment properties, and property management. The owner is one of the city’s few buyer representatives, sanctioned by the National Association of Realtors.
8. Poston & Co. Real Estate, Inc.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 853-5300
Address: 304 Meeting St.
Description: Marketing mostly residential real estate in the upscale residential neighborhoods of downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, and Daniel Island, this firm has been in business for over two decades. It focuses on residential sales and relocation services, including the marketing and sale of existing homes, new construction, and residential lots. It also offers property management services.
9. The Beach Company
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 722-2615
Address: 211 King St.
Description: Founded in 1945, this is the largest full-service real estate company in Charleston. In addition to residential sales and property management, agents handle acquisition, development, construction services, and commercial brokerage.
10. Carolina One Real Estate
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 202-2030, (800) 476-1929
Description: This company takes an aggressive stance in the local real estate market with a wide-reaching array of regional offices throughout the greater Charleston area. It also serves newcomers with a full-time staff in the Relocation Services office. The relocation staff can help with school applications, tax forms, tuition fees, wheelchair accessibility, and even career assistance. The relocation agent then refers you to a handpicked agent in one of the local offices. For a listing of their offices, check out their website.
11. RE/MAX Professional Realty
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 767-7777
Address: 9209 University Blvd.
Description: This agency partnered with a well-known independent local realty company for several years when they were establishing their beachhead in the Lowcountry market. Today, they serve the entire Tri-County area.
Name: no value!
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Address: 4500 Leeds Ave.
13. harleston Apartment Guide
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 388-0085
Address: 461 Jessen Lane, Ste. G
Insider Pick:
Description: This revamped pocket-sized booklet is published monthly. It is well organized, with full-color photos, maps, and an easy-to-use color code for area neighborhoods from downtown to Moncks Corner. Sometimes hard to find, it is worth tracking down because of its comprehensiveness. One good bet is to look just outside area grocery stores and wherever newspapers are sold. Also, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce always has copies on hand.
14. South Carolina Electric and Gas (SCE&G)
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 554-7234, (800) 251-7234
Description: Many other municipalities have their own water and sewer commissions such as Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, Summerville, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, and North Charleston. If you are relocating to one of these areas, consult the telephone directory for their individual numbers.
15. Charleston Water Systems—Water & Sewer
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (843) 727-6800
Description: Many other municipalities have their own water and sewer commissions such as Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, Summerville, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, and North Charleston. If you are relocating to one of these areas, consult the telephone directory for their individual numbers.