COMMUNITY PROFILES / DORCHESTER COUNTY
County Offices
201 Johnston Street
St. George 843-563-0100
Summerville 843-832-0100
https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov
Chamber of Commerce
402 North Main Street
Summerville 843-873-2931
https://www.greatersummerville.org
Services
Dorchester County maintains its county seat in the town of St. George, but the town of Summerville has emerged as the fastest-growing area in terms of economic expansion. A portion of North Charleston also stretches into Dorchester County, although the majority of the city falls in neighboring Charleston County. Businesses and residents enjoy easy access to Interstate 95, the Charleston International Airport, and the Port of Charleston.
The county is home to some of South Carolina’s most respected public and private schools, including Dorchester Academy and Holly Hill Academy. Several prestigious colleges and universities are available within a quick commute, including The Citadel, Claflin University, the College of Charleston, Limestone College, and South Carolina State University. Trident Technical College provides an outstanding educational resource for students of all ages, contributing to the personal and economic growth of the three-county metropolitan area surrounding the city of Charleston. The college provides life-long learning opportunities for traditional and nontraditional students who are seeking college-track programs, certificates and degrees, and continuing education. The curriculum includes leading-edge specializations from the Culinary Institute of Charleston to the allied health sciences and business technology.
State-of-the-art healthcare services are anchored by Summerville Medical Center, a facility under the larger umbrella of Trident Medical Center and Trident Health System. The hospital provides a 94-bed acute-care institution with 24-hour emergency care and comprehensive medical and surgical specialties. Summerville Medical Center has developed an enviable reputation for cardiac services, its sleep lab, and women’s services that include birthing suites with a home-like atmosphere. Other important specializations at the hospital include outpatient and ambulatory surgery, diabetes education, occupational and physical therapies, Trident sports medicine and rehab, full laboratory services, and advanced medical imaging. The Greater Charleston area, including nearby North Charleston, expands the options for highly specialized care should the need arise.
Lifestyle
Life is simpler and the pace is slower in Dorchester County, home to the oldest landscaped gardens in the nation—the historic plantation of Middleton Place Gardens dating back to 1741. Breathtaking scenery and natural beauty are evident throughout the county, showcased in charming towns as well as in conservation land. Summerville is the focal point when spring brings its profusion of brilliant blooms, drawing throngs of visitors to the wildly popular Flowertown Festival. Each May, Summerville’s Azalea Park springs to life as an outdoor sculpture garden, as the exhibit and sale known as Sculpture in the South showcases the work of nationally known artists. Throughout the year, residents of Dorchester County gather in their communities gather to celebrate the area’s rich history and passing seasons, from Fourth of July fireworks to the lighting of holiday trees.
Recreational opportunities in and near Dorchester County are exceptional, including some of the nation’s finest golf courses and sports clubs. Water-oriented activities like fishing, boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, personal watercraft, and water-skiing are available in regional lakes, rivers, bays, and ocean settings. Deep forests provide opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, birding, and nature study. Nearly Harleyville, the Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp encompasses the largest remaining virgin stand of tupelo gum and bald cypress trees in the world. This 11,000-acre riverine sanctuary includes an Audubon Center and embraces 1,800 acres of ancient trees that tower over blackwater streams, clear pools, and 300 species of wildlife. Visitors can observe nature from a spectacular elevated boardwalk that continues for 1.5 miles.
The balance between reverence for the past and progressive conveniences make Dorchester County a popular home for newcomers. Some of the most affordable housing in the Lowcountry can be found in the county’s unincorporated areas or in the charming neighborhoods of small, welcoming towns. While the first-rate amenities and attractions in Charleston and North Charleston are conveniently close; Dorchester County has developed its own suburban flair with great restaurants, elegant shops, excellent healthcare facilities, and fine schools. For the best of all worlds, few places can rival beautiful and welcoming Dorchester County.
COMMUNITY PROFILES
Harleyville
Municipal Offices
843-462-7676
http://harleyvillesc.com/
Chamber of Commerce
843-873-2931
https://www.greatersummerville.org
Those who are looking for small-town friendliness will want to explore the Harleyville area, a lovely community filled with natural charm and community spirit. Friends, family, and neighbors join visitors each year for the See Saw Daze Festival, an extravaganza of arts and crafts, entertainment, and nightly street dancing. Harleyville’s most famous attraction is the Francis Beidler Forest owned by the Audubon Society, hosting many wonderful educational programs that interest residents of all ages. The boardwalk trail through an ancient cypress swamp forest offers a glimpse of ancient wonders and abundant wildlife. Harleyville’s unusual name has created a unique twist of additional revenue for the town in response to a long-standing problem. After years of replacing the Harleyville Town Limit signs—suspected to have been frequently removed by Harley-Davidson motorcycle fans—the town hall now offers them as a souvenir sale item!
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.
Ridgeville
Municipal Offices
843-871-7960
https://www.ridgevillegov.com/
Chamber of Commerce
843-873-2931
https://www.greatersummerville.org
Outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine premier recreational areas with the intimacy of small-town living will find an idyllic home in Ridgeville. Home to Givhans Ferry State Park, Ridgeville provides hiking trails, camping sites, and vacation cabins on the banks of the Edisto River. Visitors enjoy first-class fishing against the scenic backdrop of moss-draped oaks. Canoeists can also paddle into this wonderful 988-acre park from Colleton State Park. In fact, a section of the river is designated as the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail, a black water river course that showcases a fascinating world of wildlife and scenic beauty. Another important attraction in the Ridgeville area is the Timothy Creek Riding Center in close proximity to Francis Beidler Forest. Stretching over 800 acres of woodlands and open fields, the center boasts some of the most pleasurable horseback riding experiences in the Charleston area.
St. George
Municipal Offices
843-563-3032
https://saintgeorgesc.org/
Chamber of Commerce
843-873-2931
https://www.greatersummerville.org
Known as the “town of friendly people,” St. George serves as the seat of Dorchester County government. Local residents are proud of the town’s link to an insatiable appetite for grits, a claim to fame that is celebrated in style each year at the World Grits Festival. In addition to live entertainment, arts and crafts, and square dancing, competitive games include a corn shucking contest, a grits-eating contest, and a rolling-in-the-grits contest—all upstaged by the crowning of “Miss Grits.” One of the Charleston area’s major events, the festival draws crowds well over 50,000 to this welcoming small town. St. George provides outstanding recreational amenities close to home, including Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, and Four Hole Swamp for some of the Lowcountry’s best fishing. Forested land and the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail provide unique settings for weekend excursions. Many retirees call St. George home, easily assimilating into this active and friendly community.
Summerville
Municipal Offices
843-871-6000
https://www.summervillesc.gov
Chamber of Commerce
843-873-2931
https://www.greatersummerville.org
Nestled in the thick pine forests 30 miles from historic Charleston, Summerville stretches between Dorchester and Berkeley counties. Much of the northern section lies in Berkeley County, encompassing popular shopping and residential developments. Summerville began as a vacation retreat for wealthy Charleston residents in the 1700s. Today, this area draws newcomers to a combination of affordable housing, top-rated schools, and premier recreational opportunities. Each spring, “Flowertown in the Pines” lives up to its name during the Flowertown Festival, when the city is awash in brilliant blooms and famous artisans arrive from across the nation. Suburban development has added modern conveniences from eateries and restaurants to expansive shopping. Golfing, tennis, boating, and relaxing on pristine beaches are popular pastimes. The Francis Beidler Forest is also a short drive away, and the Dorchester Museum showcases some of the oldest fossils discovered in South Carolina.
