Looking for info on Charleston.......

Seabrook and Kiawah are south of Charleston, very nice and close enough for daily access. Both are private islands. Kiawah is easy to get on, Seabrook impossible with out a property owners pass or a real estate agent.

North is Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms, also nice, bot not the level of the southern islands.

Living downtown is a real commitment.

North Charleston is blue collar, and somewhat depressed.

 

all ranges. Tell me what your rough price range is and I can suggest where to concentrate. How bout PMing that sensitive info??

 

I lived there for about 4 years (83-87), but I am sure it has changed dramatically. Next to Alaska, it would be my place to retire.

I always see a book at Barnes and Noble called the Insider's Guide to Charleston (white with green letters on the cover). It lists more than tourism, like schools, churches, golf courses, business economy. I think it would be a good source. I gave my last copy to a friend who moved to Sumpter, and she said it was very helpful for her visits to Charleston.

Lots to do, very maritime envoronment, great food, history, culture, carriage rides, incredible homes, and people. West Ashley, Moncks Corner and Summerville may be options, too.

You probably need to be the King of France to afford something downtown. Broad Street is a dividing line of affluence in the city. South of Broad is very rich (S.O.B.), and Slightly North of Broad is rich (SNOB).

A little Charleston humor - when asked why Charlestonians dont take vacations, they say, "why, we are already here."

 

Hi John. I live in Charleston. Well, actually I live in Summerville which is a suburb of Charleston. I've been here 21 years and would be happy to answer any questions you have. You can PM me and I'll give you my phone number - it's probably easier that way.

As far as your career opportunities go, almost all of the tour boats, dinner cruises, etc. are operated by Greyline Tours. That's where I'd start asking. If you're really good, you'll make a helluva lot more money as a harbor pilot. Those are the tugboat guys that guide the freighters in. High stress with compensation to boot.

Housing costs are very highly dependent on location. There are basically six areas. Mount Pleasant is nice - the up & coming yuppy area. Housing is expensive and traffic is a nightmare, but great if you have a young family. Downtown is fun because you're in the middle of things, but very expensive unless you buy a fixer upper in a questionable area. West Ashley is a good compromise - nice neighborhoods at reasonable price and good location (I'm including James Island & Johns Island). North Charleston is more industrial - not too desirable. Kiawah & Seabrook are very high end. Gorgeous but big money ($450k entry). Other barrier islands (Sullivans, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach) are nice - mid to high money. Summerville, where I am, is about 40 miles outside of downtown. Housing in the sizes you asked about run $170k to $230k. For perspective, Mount Pleasant would be another $100k for the same house. My sister-in-law is a realtor here and I'd be happy to put you guys in touch if you're interested in more detailed market information.

I'd be happy to talk to you more or show you around if you give me some notice. After all, somewhere in history you're family...

And there is a very good and reasonably priced independent Ferrari mechanic here...

 

Those numbers are spot on.

 

There are lots of waterfront condos. The only ones I've priced are on the unfashionable side of downtown, and they start around $350k. I'm sure there are better deals to be found depending on space and location.

If you're coming the weekend of June 9th I'll miss you as I will be in Montreal that weekend for the F1 race. However, if I can help you by phone or some other time I'm more than happy to.

A very close friend here is a talented graphic artist. She does all of the Charleston Visitor's Bureau publications (city guide, golf guide, wedding guide, etc) so she'd be doubly good for you to talk to. There seem to be some decent opportunities here, but she did take a significant pay cut versus working in Atlanta.

 

We are also moving to Charleston and the housing is expensive. If you want something with harbor or ocean view be prepared to pay between 700k and 1mil. Roger Trudeau with Prudential has been helping us and is not pushy and very helpful. He is at the office on Longview. He will also keep you updated by email about anything new that comes available. Summerville is a nice area as are some of the areas further out towards Georgetown. Daniel Island has some very nice condos but it reminds me of Pleasantville.

Not much available in the way of dinner cruises. Your best bet may be to try to get on with someone that needs help on their yacht. Harbor town in Hilton Head is probably better for that than Charleston. Go by Yacht Harbor at Wild Dunes and talk to them.

For the best meal in the area try the Boathouse between Sullivans and Isle of Palms or the Wreck in Mt. Pleasant(call for directions or you will never find it).

For dancing and a beer there is a little place next to the Red and White Grocery on Isle of Palms. Only it is packed on the weekends.

Watch out for speed traps. They are writing a lot of tickets in the construction zone at the new bridge. Mt. Pleasant and North Charleston are also bad.

For places to stay on your first trip you can either pick one of the great bed and breakfasts downtown or the beach will be very nice. We like the hotel at Wild Dunes. Last time I got a good deal on HOTWIRE

 

We also have a Boathouse here in Asheville, yes same owner, and the food is pretty good. I'd reccomend giving it a try as well.

 

I live on Johns Island, and in a carraige house South of Broad before that. I agree with all of the above, but there is a paucity of waterfront condos here, especially if you want to keep a boat nearby.

The prime condominium developments in town are the Bristol http://www.thebristolsc.com/charleston.cfm
and the Renaissance http://www.renaissancecharleston.com

Both are on the water. Bristol condos are about 525K for a 2 bedroom with a high regime fee of $650 a month. I haven't priced the Renaissance. Condos are very expensive on the water.

One thing that was confusing to me when I was looking here: West Ashley and James Island are in the Charleston city limits. Johns Island is unincorporated. Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island are part of the town of Mount Pleasant, and North Charleston is its own city separate from Charleston.

My opinion is that Mt Pleasant is not worth the money unless 1)you have kids and want the public schools or 2) you want to live on the beach (IOP, Sullivans). All property does well here, but N. Charleston has less appreciation.

You can pm me

 

I grew up in Charleston and left there about 5 years ago, but I still visit on a regular basis and keep in contact with all of my friends. I would recommend against living in West Ashley. As I was leaving, you could see the steady decline of the quality of the people moving in (I lived in Canterbury Woods for those of you familiar with the area). If you are eventually planning on raising kids, West Ashley High School is not where you want your kids to end up. I also lived in Summerville for a short while and I like it there. My aunt and uncle still live there and they enjoy it. If you're into going out and having fun, I would definately say live downtown. My cousin lives downtown and he loves it (He's 27 I believe). He's a lab supervisor at one of the hospitals and can walk to work which is another bonus. There is a nice condo complex on the Ashley River where 17 crosses over, it may be one of the ones linked above. As far as hotels, I stayed in the Charleston Riverview and heard it wasn't going to be good and was pleasently suprised. There is enough to do in Charleston that I wouldn't consider the hotel to be a place you're going to be hanging out at much. Also, while you are down there being a tourist, definately take a ghost tour. That was my favorite part on my last visit. Good luck with it all and sorry, I don't know anyone in the boat business.

 

The Fort Sumter and dinner cruises are run by www.spiritlinecruises.com