Welcome to Charleston!
I know that searching for a specific property in the Charleston area can be a daunting task if you're not familiar with the lowcountry. Charleston SC is a great place to live! However, merely looking at pictures of hundreds and thousands of active properties within 30 minutes of downtown Charleston isn't likely to help much. Below is a basic primer for the Charleston area. Hopefully it will allow you to get a bit better acquainted with the different areas in and around Charleston, and it'll also help you narrow down which areas do and do not interest you so that we can get you that dream home that's RIGHT for you. Have a read and enjoy!
The Charleston Peninsula
When you think of Charleston, this is the part you're thinking of. Ante Bellum homes that witnessed the birth of a nation, cobblestone streets that still pave the way for horse-drawn carriages, world class shopping districts, antique furniture and art centers, fine dining and entertainment, all within walking distance. This is what you'll find waiting for you when you look for homes in Downtown Charleston.
Uptown Charleston, flows from Highway 17 up past The Citadel and on towards North Charleston and I-26. Uptown Charleston is home to some truly wonderful neighborhoods such as Hampton Park and Wagener Terrace. Both neighborhoods border The Citadel Military College and an absolutely gorgeous Hampton Park which is a circular park, complete with it's own biking/running/walking trail, duckpond, fountain, acres of gorgeous landscaping and entertainment facilities. Uptown is also home to some fine dining, new luxury homes communities, entertainment and the Charleston Riverdogs baseball stadium.
Homes in the Uptown Charleston area can be searched here.
The Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms is a luxurious oceanfront city that boasts gorgeous beaches, world-class communities, exquisite homes and nearly everything you'd ever need to move to the beach and never look back. Situated along the Atlantic ocean, about 20 minutes from Downtown Charleston, the Isle of Palms is certainly worth the trip. Whether you enjoy golfing, sunning, shopping, entertaining, or all of the above, the Isle of Palms is always a great place to look.
Isle of Palms homes can be found here.
Folly Beach
The Edge of America. Folly Beach is a true summer pursuit but a lifetime destination. Boasting some of the best stretches of sand this side of the equator, Folly Beach is also home to some truly wonderful entertainment, restaurants, parks and local events. Again, only 20 minutes from Downtown Charleston, Folly Beach feels worlds away when you're relaxing at a wine bar or walking the pier listening to the waves crash. Folly Beach is also a great place to look when thinking of buying a vacation property, either for yourself or to generate rental income throughout the year. Those who love the sun, love the surf, and love the Summer, would certainly be welcomed in Folly.
Folly Beach homes and vacation homes can be found here.
West of the Ashley
Also called West Ashley, this area of Charleston is literally just West of the Ashley River from downtown. Stretching all the way out to the Dorchester county line, West Ashley contains tons of small neighborhoods, numerous schools, plenty of shopping, and loads of entertainment. No matter what your interest, whether it's a jaunt to the local pub, a night out at the movies, a quiet walk through the oak-lined streets of your neighborhood or a tour of the majestic historical gardens in Charleston, West Ashley is sure to have everything you need.
West Ashley homes can be found here.
James Island
Situated across the Wappoo Creek, between West Ashley and Folly Beach, James Island is a unique and wonderful part of the Charleston area. Fine dining, entertainment, golf, and the lovely James Island Park are all part of what makes James Island a great place to live. Growing up in a small island community myself, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for island living. James Island has everything you could want at your fingertips and still allow you to be only a short car ride to downtown Charleston or the ocean at Folly Beach. Whether it's crabbing off a local pier, watching the sunset across the river, or just sipping iced tea on your back porch, James Island is sure to make you feel like home.
James Island homes can be found here.
Daniel Island
One of the newest areas in the lowcountry! Daniel Island is a fantastic island community situated between North Charleston and Mount Pleasant along 526. Daniel Island boasts some of the most amazing new construction homes and custom homes in the lowcountry, as well as top notch condominiums and townhomes. Inspiringly developed and planned, Daniel Island boasts waterfront homes, community centers, picnic and oyster festival areas, pools, new schools, the Family Circle stadium and a thriving "downtown" area within walking distance from your new home!
I hope you enjoyed this little primer. This list isn't exhaustive by any means and I could never list all the features that each area of the Charleston Tri-County has to offer. The Charleston Tri-County area plays host to a number of terrific and spectacular communities, each with their own appeal and character. To truly be able to match you with a local area and home, there's no substitute for getting to know you personally. If you'd like to call me and setup an appointment where we can discuss your wants and needs, I'd love to be able to find you that perfect spot for YOU in Charleston. Get in touch with me today by e-mail, cell phone, smoke signals, whatever, and I'll start looking for that perfect home for you right now.
Have a great day, and remember, your Charleston area dream home is only a click away.
Thanks!
D.J. Shymansky