Best Areas to Buy in the Charleston Real Estate Market

The Charleston real estate market has 16 main areas to choose from, which makes our tri-county area overwhelming to many home buyers. In the past 10 years of selling real estate, we’ve received this question hundreds of times: “What are the best areas to live in Charleston?” We’ve included below our answers, and we hope this blog helps you narrow down your search based on the two most popular areas among home buyers in the Charleston real estate market.

Mt. Pleasant and James Island are among the top two suburb communities surrounding Downtown Charleston. Each community has its subtle differences that set it apart from the rest. By doing a little research and exploration, you will be able to choose a community that is fitting for you and your loved ones. Overall, the Charleston real estate market is flourishing. Inventory is down, sales are up, prices are steadily increasing, new construction has increased, and what was a buyer’s market has become a slight seller’s market. No matter which community you decide to purchase in, know that all of Charleston’s real estate markets are moving in a positive direction.

Mt. Pleasant real estate is extremely popular partly because it’s placed next to two beautiful beaches, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. It is 5 to 25 minutes to Downtown Charleston. The Town of Mount Pleasant’s population is over 67,000. It provides increased access to the marketplaces by air, land, and sea through the use of the international airport, container port, and integrated highway system. Some of the best shopping in Charleston can be found here. You will have the opportunity to find brand name retail stores, specialty shops, art galleries, exotic boutiques, and antique stores. The top four centers for shopping are: Belle Hall Shopping Center, Market at Oakland, Mount Pleasant Towne Centre (pictured above), and The Shoppes at Seaside Farms. The Town of Mount Pleasant was established over 300 years after the first Europeans made homes east of the Cooper River. There are many historical sites such as the Charles Pinckney National Historical Site. Mount Pleasant also offers a variety of dining options. Whether you are craving a fast bite, a traditional meal, or an experience completely unique to Mount Pleasant, it can be found in over 150 restaurants in the community.

James Island real estate is located just across the bridge that is south of downtown Charleston. It is an easy drive, only 5 to 10 minutes, to the historic district and the many museums and tourist attractions that people associate with Charleston. Just east of James Island is Folly Beach, a shabby, fun, and friendly beach. Home owners like the fact that James Island has the shortest commute to downtown for work. Folly Road is the main road which houses most of the shops and restaurants on James Island. Do not be surprised if you run into a friend at the grocery store, the county park, or local pizza joint. Residents enjoy that James Island is small enough to feel like a true community, but large enough that it still provides some anonymity. The great schools on James Island are also a draw for home buyers. James Island’s laid back atmosphere and small business mentality are what truly make the island popular. There are a few chain stores, but mostly you’ll find smaller, independently owned, quirky restaurants and shops. Also, there are unlimited outdoor activities such as rock climbing, fishing, biking, kayaking, and boating without ever having to set foot off the island.

The Charleston real estate market is a great market to invest in right now with the extremely low interest rates and prices that have already reached the bottom and are moving healthfully upward. If you are considering moving to Charleston, take a look at the top two suburbs, Mount Pleasant and James Island. These communities are different, but both offer a wonderful lifestyle to families who choose to make them their home.