Carolina Park: Pros and Cons from a Mount Pleasant Realtor

For Mount Pleasant home buyers in the $500K plus range, Carolina Park should certainly be on your short list! I’ve specialized in Mount Pleasant real estate for over 15 years, so I’ve seen this suburb grow and have helped buyers and sellers in Carolina Park since it was in its early development. Based on many clients’ feedback and also personal experience, here are the pros and cons of Carolina Park to help you weigh your options!

Carolina Park: Mount Pleasant’s Newest Large Scale Master Planned Community

Whether you want a brand new home or one that’s just a few years old (and can close in 30-45 days), the newness factor here is a huge selling point. In terms of commute, many residents like that its location is directly off Hwy 17 (with stop lights for easy turning on and off this busy thoroughfare). Kids can walk to school since Carolina Park Elementary and Wando High School are within the borders (pre-school is also convenient). Also check out the Charleston County public library opened in 2019, and Costco is right there, too.

Buyers end up choosing Carolina Park because of the curb appeal of these Low Country style homes. Some feel that it’s too cookie cutter, but the majority of folks I work with are very impressed after a tour of the community and want this very desirable lifestyle. For those wanting Carolina Park new construction homes, being able to choose your lot, floor plan, finishes, and everything else makes it so that even the pickiest buyers get exactly what they want without settling.

About the only amenity missing here is a golf course. You’ll find a zero entry pool which is helpful for all ages, a kiddie splash area, tennis, dog park, walking trails, and a fantastic playground. Of all the Mount Pleasant SC neighborhoods with amenities, Carolina Park has some of the nicest options, and it takes seeing them in person I think to appreciate them (the amenity center is located where Carolina Park Boulevard intersects Banning Street).

Drawbacks? Even Carolina Park has Them

The main complaint I hear from buyers is that this community is too far from Downtown Charleston (it’s on Hwy 17 just a few miles before you get to Awendaw). But that’s the tradeoff for having this much land designated for a neighborhood in Charleston’s most popular suburb. When it’s complete, Carolina Park will have more than 1500 homes and 300 acres of preserved land, so you’ve got to look further out in order to get enough land that’s not already developed.

Compared to where you’re moving from, Carolina Park might have smaller lot sizes than you’re used to. In my Charleston real estate career, though, I’ve learned that yard size is relative because I’ve work with so many folks from around the country. You can expect lots sizes to range from 0.15 to 0.45 acre.

With any new construction subdivision, you can expect less mature landscaping. So if you’re looking for large trees in your backyard with fully grown vegetation, Carolina Park will probably be bumped towards the bottom of your list.

What’s the Best Fit for Me and My Family? Ask Katherine Keadle!

Especially for folks relocating to the area, it’s hard to compare neighborhoods from afar. I’m happy to talk on the phone and recommend areas based on commute, amenities, etc. When you’re ready to see these in person, I can give you a tour and talk about nearby shopping and restaurants as well. Just let me know how I can help!