COMMUNITY PROFILES / CHARLESTON COUNTY
County Offices
4045 Bridge View Drive
Charleston 843-958-4000
https://charlestoncounty.org
Chamber of Commerce
4500 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston 843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
Services
Anchored by the historic treasure of the city of Charleston, Charleston County has been ranked among the “top ten most livable places” for its unique blend of historic treasures and progressive amenities. The area’s comfortable climate, oceanfront recreation, ideal location, and selection of quality resources place it in a class of its own for desirability. The diverse economic mix includes one of the largest containerized cargo ports on the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, a multi-billion-dollar tourist industry, an established base of U.S. and international manufacturers, and a strong military presence.
State-of-the-art healthcare services are available throughout the county, recognized as one of the Southeast’s most impressive medical hubs. The largest of the metropolitan region’s healthcare centers surrounds the Medical University of South Carolina, covering more than 50 acres in downtown Charleston. Six MUSC colleges and patient-care facilities offer a full spectrum of healthcare and educational services, featuring highly skilled staff members who are nationally recognized in such leading areas as cardiology, cancer, and pediatrics. Other respected hospitals that serve this area include Roper Hospital, Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, East Cooper Regional Medical Center, the Trident Medical Center, and the new Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital.
Strong support for education is evidenced by quality facilities and opportunities on every academic level in public and private institutions throughout the region. Trident Technical College provides a two-year campus environment where students of all ages can pursue an associate’s degree, various certifications, specialized training, or continuing education. Public colleges and universities include The Citadel, Lowcounty Graduate Center, and the Medical University of South Carolina. Private institutions include the Charleston School of Law, Charleston Southern University, Johnson and Wales University, and Webster University.
Lifestyle
Charleston County is the hub of Metropolitan Charleston, a three-county region that sprawls inland from the Atlantic Ocean approximately 50 miles. This panoramic coastal area offers 90 miles of white-sand beaches and world-class recreational opportunities. The same attributes and attractions that have made Charleston County one of the top vacation and visitor sites in the nation are drawing new residents in record numbers. Fine museums and a lively cultural community combine with premier fishing and water sports, magnificent architecture, and picturesque marinas for a gracious yet relaxed Southern lifestyle. The North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center offers a 14,000-seat multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue that showcases professional sports competition and a wide range of special events including the Broadway Nights Series.
Charleston County Parks and Recreation adeptly manages first-rate facilities that include three public beach parks filled with amenities. Those who prefer to have four hooves on the ground can look forward to horse shows, festivals, events, and exhibitions at the 738-acre Mullet Hall Equestrian Center at Johns Island County Park. The county provides a string of nearly 20 boat landings that include the Cooper River Marina, the docking home of many recreational boats. Fishing is wildly a popular sport, and the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier is known for some of the finest saltwater fishing in the area. The county also operates the Caw Caw Interpretive Center, a 654-acre site that is brimming over with natural, cultural, and historical resources. For the younger set, three water parks ensure a fun way to cool off on the warmest day.
Economic growth has spurred everything from beautiful new subdivisions to custom-built country manors and elite golf-course communities in Charleston County. In many areas, creeks and tidal pools frame attractive neighborhoods shaded by mature greenery. The communities in this area are so idyllic that more than 35 films and 40 TV movies have selected Greater Charleston as a setting since 1980. Take your time discovering all that Charleston County has to offer, from historic grandeur to the most progressive of contemporary amenities.
SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES
Awendaw
Municipal Offices
843-928-3100
https://www.townofawendawsc.org/
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
Those who desire the intimacy of a small, picturesque coastal town will find a comfortable and friend home in Awendaw. Best known for it Blue Crab Festival, this area draws crowds to many colorful celebrations promoted by the Sewee to Santee Heritage Commission that include the Awendaw Christmas Tree Lighting; the Sewee Coastal Retreat Center Fishing Tournament; the Festival of Homes, Music and Art; and the South Santee & Germantown Fish Fry. This small and charming community features the wonderful 50-acre Sewee Coastal Retreat Center with camping or lodging right on the water’s edge. The center includes conference facilities, a boat dock, and a swimming pool. Shoreline camping is also available in the Buck Hall Recreation Area in the nearby Francis Marion National Forest. Dining and live entertainment at its finest is available in famous local restaurants that are known for delicious seafood pulled from local docks and rich estuarine waters.
Folly Beach
Municipal Offices
843-588-2447
https://cityoffollybeach.com
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
Diverse and unique, this beach town calls itself “the edge of America.” Just 10 minutes from historic Charleston, the city of Folly Beach offers recreational and entertainment pleasures to residents and visitors alike. Supporting a modest year-round population, Folly Beach swells with vacationers and summer visitors who are drawn to nearly six miles of pristine ocean beach. Local employment and commerce is almost exclusively involved with the tourism industry. Crabbing, surfing, swimming, surf fishing, biking, waterskiing, and sailing are all popular pastimes. The magnificent 1,000-foot fishing pier even offers a snack bar, restaurant, and tackle shop. Historical sites, cultural attractions, a maritime forest, gourmet dining, and an eclectic nightlife make this the most original of Charleston County’s beach communities.
Hollywood
Municipal Offices
843-889-3222
https://townofhollywood.org
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
The former sleepy hamlet of Hollywood is drawing retirees and new residents to its serene, tree-lined streets in record numbers. Vast undeveloped acreage surrounded by scenic marshes and water have made this area a favorite for developers, changing Hollywood into a lively small town with public schools and convenient local shopping. One of the magnets for newcomers is the Stono Ferry development, a high-end development with marsh and river views in an exclusive community environment. These vibrant new residential options have increased the popularity of Hollywood as a bedroom community for Charleston commuters, driving property values in recent decades. Beautiful beaches, nearby historic sites, world-class water sports, shopping, and golfing are just a few of the popular pastimes.
Isle of Palms
Municipal Offices
843-886-6428
https://www.iop.net
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
Growing in popularity as a residential and resort island, the city of Isle of Palms features six miles of wide, white-sand beach. Newcomers to the Charleston metropolitan area will want to explore Isle of Palms for its lovely homes but also for its summer beach vacation appeal. Thousands of visitors from near and far flock to the island for sand, surf, and relaxation. The world-famous Wild Dunes resort nestles at the northeast end of the island, offering premier amenities that include Tom Fazio-designed golf courses. The Wild Dunes Yacht Harbor is one of the finest marinas on the entire Eastern seaboard. Charleston’s urban amenities are just around the corner, but the island supports a pleasing variety of commercial conveniences including shops, restaurants, and services.
James Island
Municipal Offices
843-795-4141
https://www.jamesislandsc.us/
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
Famous for the site where the first shot of the Civil War was fired, James Island has evolved into a major residential haven for Greater Charleston. The island is home to a thriving Gullah community, the name given to the cultural blend of African slaves with their European captors. James Island is only minutes from downtown Charleston and eclectic Folly Beach. The most spectacular local attraction is Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, drawing visitors from across the Lowcountry to dazzling light displays and holiday walks through an enchanting village. The park is a recreational favorite, offering a water park, campgrounds, and other amenities. James Island is also home to the Charleston County Senior Citizens Center. Newcomers will find a medley of housing options, from comfortable older neighborhoods to newly developed areas. The James Island Connector bridges the island with downtown Charleston with four lanes of express traffic, accelerating development in recent years.
Johns Island
County Offices
843-958-4000
https://charleston.com/areas/johns-island
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
Unlike the majority of Lowcountry communities, Johns Island is one of the last bastions of the gracious old rural South. Nevertheless, a few developers have managed to build residential communities that offer beautiful developments blending into pristine fields and marshland. These homes are particularly attractive to retirees who appreciate the tranquility and simplicity of the island’s slower pace. At one time Johns Island produced the lion’s share of the city’s fruits and vegetables and farmers markets or roadside stands are still common sights. The island’s most famous landmark is the Angel Oak, estimated at 1,400 years old from a younger limb but possibly twice that age. This massive 65-foot tree casts a 17,000-square-foot shadow—enough to shade the island’s entire population. Newly constructed Stono River bridges connect the island to a more contemporary world and will undoubtedly drive deeper residential development.
Kiawah Island
Municipal Offices
843-768-9166
https://kiawahisland.org
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
The town of Kiawah Island is situated just 20 miles from Charleston and is well-known for its natural beauty and environmentally responsible development. Less than 50 years ago, the island was an overgrown hunting reserve accessible only by boat. Today, the community offers an exclusive island retreat and some of the most desirable properties in the Southeast. Newcomers are enchanted by endless acres of pristine marshland, 10 miles of unspoiled Atlantic Ocean beach, deep forests, and abundant wildlife. The island is home to a collection of ancient live oak and palmetto trees as well as pine, hickory, sweetgum, and magnolia trees. Developed amenities include some of the nation’s finest golf courses, wonderful tennis facilities, exclusive shopping, and fine dining. Kiawah Island is a private community with access limited to property owners and resort guests. Public access to the beach is available at Beachwalker County Park at the west end of the island.
McClellanville
Municipal Offices
843-887-3712
https://www.mcclellanvillesc.org
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
The small town of McClellanville is 20 miles from the nearest fast food restaurant or urban amenities. For those who call this peaceful village their home, the sense of tranquility is worth the drive. The attractions of Charleston are just 30 miles away and Myrtle Beach is a 45-mile trip by highway. This historic antebellum village excels in Southern charm, gracing its oak-lined lanes with some of the most impressive hanging moss in the Lowcountry. McClellanville is situated at the eastern head of the Palmetto Trail, a 240-mile hiking path that stretches from the Lowcountry to northwest South Carolina. Premier fishing opportunities are available along the Intracoastal Waterway, and 17 golf courses are available within a half-hour’s drive. Local attractions include the Village Museum, a showcase of local lore and artifacts. McClellanville has been growing and harvesting oysters, shrimp and fish for more than 75 years and celebrates is proud heritage each year with its wildly popular Shrimp Festival.
Meggett
Municipal Offices
843-889-3622
https://www.townofmeggettsc.org
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
The small town of Meggett thrived at the turn-of-the-century as a Lowcountry railroad hub and major distribution point for one of South Carolina’s largest oyster and fish canneries. Today, the town’s proud planners and residents are actively revitalizing the town’s assets around a project aptly called Meggett 1925, reflecting a return to the community’s glory days. New features and renovation of existing properties include the Donor’s Pavilion and a new community park with a pond, walking trail, shelters, benches, and a playground. Sidewalks, historical lighting, and landscaping enhance the quaint downtown district, a focal point of community events and celebrations. In addition to the popular arts and crafts festival called April in Meggett, residents gather each holiday season at the center court of Donor’s Pavilion for the Meggett Christmas Tree Festival and Tree Lighting celebrations.
Mount Pleasant
Municipal Offices
843-884-8517
https://tompsc.com
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
Although the population of Mount Pleasant qualifies the community for “city status,” the designation as a “town” reflects the friendly hometown spirit that prevails. Founded in 1680, Mount Pleasant preserves a rich heritage while it serves as a desirable bedroom community. The days when residents depended on Charleston for urban amenities are gone, crowned by the new $40 million Towne Centre with 425,000 square feet of retail space. Patriots Point is the area’s premier attraction, distinguished as the world’s largest naval and maritime museum complex. The adjacent Patriots Point Links is one of the region’s most popular golf courses, offering breathtaking views of the Charleston Harbor and the peninsula’s skyline. Named one of the most desirable places to live in the nation, Mount Pleasant is attracting newcomers in record numbers. The town features many colonial and antebellum homes in the Old Village that draw tourists in numbers that rival those of downtown Charleston just across the Cooper River. The most famous home is Alhambra Hall, a favorite subject of local artists and photographers.
North Charleston
Municipal Offices
843-554-5700
https://northcharleston.org
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
Geographically the third largest municipality in South Carolina after Columbia and Charleston, the city of North Charleston was incorporated in 1972. As the business and transportation center of the Lowcountry, the city is the economic hub and retail leader for the lower half of the state. North Charleston is the home to the region’s international airport and Amtrak station and is well-served by Interstate 27 and the Mark Clark Expressway (I-526). One of the city’s premier attractions is the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex with its 14,000-seat Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. These exceptional venues draw crowds to events from Broadway shows to ice hockey with the South Carolina Stingrays. The housing selection is attractive and abundant, featuring some of the region’s most spectacular neighborhoods and residential communities. Recreational facilities and services are highly developed, from sports fields and courts to championship golf courses, tennis courts, private clubs, and fitness centers. Many of the luxurious planned communities offer their own first-rate amenities.
Seabrook
Municipal Offices
843-768-9121
https://townofseabrookisland.org
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
Just 22 miles south of Charleston, Seabrook Island hugs the Atlantic shoreline to offer a uniquely private community that is entirely owned by its residents and security gated, Breathtaking beauty is the hallmark of this area, with 3.5 miles of unspoiled beach along ocean shores and the Edisto riverfront. The Club at Seabrook provides two championship golf courses: Crooked Oaks, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.; and Ocean Winds, designed by Willard Byrd. Other amenities include a beach club, a tennis center, and a lovely Island Club House with restaurants and a golf pro shop. Seabrook is also home to a fine equestrian center. Rental villas combine with a medley of single-family homes that are nestled along the beaches, marshes, lakes, and golf courses. Bohicket Marina is an exceptional facility and creates an attractive retail center as well.
Sullivan’s Island
Municipal Offices
843-883-3198
https://sullivansisland.sc.gov
Chamber of Commerce
843-577-2510
https://www.charlestonchamber.org
South of Mount Pleasant and across from the Intracoastal Waterway, the community of Sullivan’s Island is one of the area’s true barrier islands. Access is available via the Ben Sawyer Causeway from Mt. Pleasant or the Isle of Palms Connector. This residential island blends charming older beach houses with newer construction for a medley of housing choices. A scattering of quaint 19th century “summer homes” have also managed to survive severe storms and the changing tastes in vacation architecture. Middle Street is the hub for the island’s cluster of restaurants and pubs, creating a casual strip for those who enjoy evening strolls. Sullivan’s Island is home to the site of the historic Fort Moultrie and its interpretation center, operated by the National Park Service. The center traces the fort’s history from the American Revolution through World War II. The island’s former military era has also left a fine old row of quarters that date back to World War I.
