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Charleston Real Estate Homepage Center
THE TRIDENT AREA
The Trident area provides a variety of places to live and work. A region of 26 incorporated
communities and an estimated population of about 506,000 residents, the Charleston Trident
Area varies from the village of Jamestown in Berkeley County, with 84 people, to the cities of
Charleston and North Charleston, with populations of over 80,000 and 70,000 respectively.
As a well established but growing community, the Charleston Trident region offers diverse
options from reasonably priced new construction and affordable apartments with a wealth of
amenities to waterfront homes and historic townhouses. An ample supply of starter homes and
apartments abound throughout the region's bedroom communities.
According to the ACCRA Cost of Living Survey, the average cost of a newly constructed
three bedroom, two bathroom home in a middle management style neighborhood in the region
would be around $121,506.
A growing number of retirees are also fueling the Trident real estate market. As a retirement
friendly community, the Trident area stands unequaled with top marks as one of the best 30
places to retire in America, according to Retirement Places Rates, written by David Savagiau.
The Trident region provides for distinct living preferences in its variety of available
residences. From a simple, single-family apartment to a million-dollar beachfront mansion, the
combination of diverse lifestyles and income levels creates one of the finest things Trident
residents can afford, Lowcountry living.
Berkeley County
Berkeley county is a large rural county to the north of Charlestonians, and, in terms of land area,
is the largest of the three Metro area counties. It is the first county in the history of South
Carolina to secure over a billion dollars in new and/or expansion industry in a calendar year.
The suburban residential growth of Berkeley County has been incredible, with more than 14,000
housing units built since1980. Although the county is not located directly by the Atlantic Ocean,
recreational opportunities flourish in freshwater Lakes Marion and Moultrie, and in the
adjoining Cooper River. Berkeley County relies strongly on its agriculture and forest products;
however, manufacturing facilities are becoming extremely important to the economic
development of the county. There are nearly 70 facilities located in the county, including
DuPont and Alumax. Berkeley County ishome to six municipal governments, including
Bonneau, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Jamestown, Moncks Corner and St. Stephen.
GOOSE CREEK Goose Creek is the largest town in
Berkeley county and has a population of over 27,000. Its planned developments have become the
model for new single-family homes in the Metro region, offering amenities from private boat
docks to bicycle and jogging paths. The community offers numerous parks, tennis courts,
ballfields and a country club. HANAHAN Located in the
southern part of Berkeley county, Hanahan is a popular residential area and offers a wide
selection of homes and apartments.
MONCKS CORNER Moncks Corner is the
Berkeley County seat. It provides residents with small town charm plus larger city amenities
close by in Greater Charleston. Nearby Lake Moultrie, a 60,400-acre, man-made lake, offers
excellent fishing, water skiing, sailing, diving and swimming opportunities. The lake has 35 boat
landings and 14 camping areas, as well as access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic
Ocean via the Cooper River.
1996 GROSS RETAIL SALES $1.93 BILLION
1997 GROSS RETAIL SALES $204 BILLION
Source: SC Dept of Revenue, 3/98
% POPULATION BY AGE GROUP:
0-17 years old ..................... 33.1%
18-24 years old ..................... 9.4%
25-34 years old ................... 17.8%
35-49 years old ................... 23.2%
50 & over .................... 16.5%
Average Household Effective Buying Income (Ebi), or After Tax-income
............. $34,611
1997 AVERAGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ........ 4.0%
Source: SC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market
Info Division
POPULATION .................... 134,311
COUNTY SEAT ................... Moncks Comer
SQUARE MILES ................. 1,229
TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS .................... 44,600
Source US Bureau of Census
Charleston County
Charleston County Charleston County, is the cultural and economic epicenter of the Metro
region. Charleston County's two largest cities are Charleston and North Charleston. The county
also contains many small towns and communities, which comprise a large portion of the county.
These towns include Awendaw, Hollywood, Lincolnville, McClellanville, Meggett, Mount
Pleasant, and Ravenel. Charleston's barrier islands include Dewees Island, Folly Beach, Isle of
Palms, Johns Island, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island and Sullivan's Island.
PENINSULA CHARLESTON: Charleston is one
of America's most beautifully preserved cities, with a rich, 300-year heritage. A living museum,
Charleston contains more than 3,500 historic homes and buildings dating from the 1690s.
History is literally around every, corner. While thousands of visitors enjoy the historic district
each year, residents, too, enjoy playing tourist in their own town. No matter how long residents
live here, they often discover an intriguing historic structure, a little-known garden or a hidden
alley never before explored. Places like the new South Carolina Aquarium and Joseph P. Riley
Jr. Baseball Stadium bring new activities every year. The extensive array of festivals, cultural
affairs and special annual events keep residents' calendars booked. One of the best things
about peninsular Charleston is that residents can walk to just about any desired destination.
Stores, restaurants, shops and offices are within an easy strolling distance. The charm of
downtown Charleston makes folks want to park the car and travel on foot. Charleston's signature
housing type is the single house --a narrow, street-hugging house with side piazzas.
There are many other options, however, from a marshfront condominium to a studio apartment
to a multi-bedroom house.
EAST OF THE COOPER The East Cooper area
of Charleston County encompasses the town of Mount Pleasant and the beachfront towns of
Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms. The 1-526 connector bridge provides accessibility, to and
from all areas of the region. Founded in 1680, Mount Pleasant played a pivotal role in both the
areas and nation's history. Once a summertime haven for peninsula residents, today's Mount
Pleasant is the perfect combination of preservation and progress. In the past 10 years, Mount
Pleasant has experienced rapid, yet well planned and executed development. In fact, it is now the
eighth largest city in South Carolina. Mount Pleasant's neighborhoods feature a wide array of
diverse residential choices: suburban cul-de-sacs, exclusive resort properties, beachfront cottages
and upscale apartments. There are also several country club communities and many new
upcoming developments. Older neighborhoods exist as well, including the Old Village in Mount
Pleasant, which is considered the heart of the town and contains homes dating to the early 1800s.
Quaint retail shops and excellent restaurants are located near the Old Village and on Shem
Creek. Residents may also enjoy the outdoors by taking advantage of the many parks, plantations
and golf courses in the area. Palmetto Islands County Park is a family-oriented nature facility
featuring an open meadow, heavily wooded areas, a two-acre pond, a mile-long canoe trail, Big
Toy playground, numerous picnic sites and a 50-foot observation tower. The park also has marsh
boardwalks, jogging/bike paths and public fishing and boating docks. Splash Island is a water
fun park open seasonally featuring a 200-foot waterslide, toddler slides and a sand play area.
East of the Cooper's three barrier islands, Sullivan's Island, the Isle of Palms and Dewees Island,
offer a secluded and charming beach atmosphere. Historic and charming Sullivan's Island offers
a serene old-beach atmosphere, with restaurants and pubs lining the main road, while the Isle of
Palms has more restaurants, specialty shops, a shopping center and a beach- front pavilion. Isle
of Palms is also the home of Wild Dunes Resort. An award-winning example of the sustainable
development concept, Dewees Island offers residents a setting that is 100 percent
environmentally friendly.
THE NORTH AREA The city of North Charleston
is the largest in the north area. North Charleston was originally a suburb of Charleston, but has
now grown into a flourishing city of nearly 70,000 people. While only incorporated in 1972, it as
become the third largest municipality in South Carolina. With its central location in the Metro
area, North Charleston has earned the reputation of the Hub of the Lowcountry. Its central
location and the transportation facilities located there have enabled the city to become
increasingly important as a business and transportation center. The Charleston International
Airport, Amtrak Station, and some of the port facilities are all located there. Construction is
underway on the convention center next to the North Charleston Coliseum, to be completed
in 1999. North Charleston has much to offer its residents in terms of entertainment, culture,
recreation and community events. The North Charleston Coliseum is a state-of- the-art facility
with seating for 14,000, and hosts a variety of sports events, concerts, expositions, consumer
shows and other special events. In addition to the special events it hosts, the North Charleston
Coliseum is home to the South Carolina Stingrays Ice Hockey Team. Residents became loyal
and faithful fans during the Stingrays' inaugural season, and remain so today. Stingrays games
are often sold out, so tickets should be purchased in advance. One of the newest facilities opened
in North Charleston is the Carolina Ice Palace. With two ice skating rinks, virtual reality, video
games and more, the arena is a popular spot for all ages. North Charleston is a shopper's delight.
Area shopping malls feature national and local department stores and specialty stores that appeal
to every taste and affection. The area also boasts an impressive collection of outlet and discount
stores, as well as antique and collectible shops. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will love
North Charleston's outdoor activities and amenities. Nearby Francis Beidler Forest, a 3,000-acre
sanctuary for plant and animal life, contains the world's largest remaining virgin stand of bald
cypress and tupelo trees. The scenic beauty of Cypress Gardens is also close at hand, and Old
Santee Canal State Park is just down the road in Moncks Corner. Water access for recreational
boating is available on the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Charleston's historic district, antebellum
plantations, beautiful area beaches and scenic golf resorts are only minutes away. North
Charleston's relatively low cost of living and dozens of new neighborhoods and apartment
complexes, make the area increasingly popular among home buyers.
WEST OF THE ASHLEY A suburb area of
Peninsula Charleston, West Ashley has continued to prosper since the 1950s. Its luxury
apartments, 1960s-era neighborhoods, country club communities and starter homes provide a
variety of living options. It is not only convenient to downtown Charleston, but also to dozens of
restaurants, businesses and shopping facilities. The area islands west of the Ashley River include
James Island, Folly Beach, Johns Island and two upscale resort communities, Kiawah and
Seabrook Islands. The increasingly popular Kiawah and Seabrook Island communities offer
world class beachfront resorts, complete with golf and tennis facilities, set in a lush sub- tropical
atmosphere.
FOLLY BEACH Located just 10 minutes from
historic Charleston, Folly Beach is Charleston's original beach town. Once a vacation resort, it is
now an incorporated community that offers a beachfront neighborhood with a mainstay of
individualism. While Folly Beach has grown enough over the years to attract visitors, it has
maintained its beach town atmosphere and a relaxed, easy-going environment. Folly Beach is a
great place for outdoor activities ranging from fishing and crabbing to waterskiing and surfing. It
also boasts South Carolina's longest fishing pier. At more than 1,000 feet, the Folly Pier offers
serious angling, great sightseeing, a snack bar, tackle shop and full-service restaurant. Folly
Beach County Park is a beautiful beach access park with 4,000 feet of ocean frontage and 2,000
feet of river frontage. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally along a 600-foot section of beach, and
amenities include a 300-vehicle parking lot, dressing rooms, outdoor showers, rest rooms, a
picnic area, vending, and beach chair, raft and umbrella rental.
JAMES ISLAND James Island is a sprawling
suburb of Charleston, with country club neighborhoods and starter homes. Streets and avenues
lined with giant, moss-laden oak trees dominate James Island neighborhoods. The Ashley River
borders the island and makes for great waterfront living and dining, and affords residents easy
access to water sports and activities. James Island features an excellent public golf course
operated by the City of Charleston. James Island County Park is a scenic 640-acre park with
boardwalks, paved bike and rollerblading paths, fishing/crabbing dock, walking trails, 12 acres
of meadow, 16 acres of lagoons, an expansive playground area, picnic sites, a recreational
vehicle campground, an outdoor ice skating rink and 10 rental cabins. A recently completed
water fun park is open seasonally.
JOHNS ISLAND Johns Island, adjacent to Kiawah
and Seabrook Islands, is still semi-rural in nature, but a growing number of developers are
pursuing major projects along parts of its waterfront.
KIAWAH ISLAND Kiawah Island is a 10-mile long
stretch of undisturbed Atlantic beach that abounds in natural beauty, from endless acres of marsh
to thick forests of pines, magnolias and live oaks. The island is a private community with access
limited to property owners and guests. Championship golf, superb tennis facilities, and fine
specialty shops distinguish the island. A children's recreation program is offered during the
summer and on holidays for residents and guests. Beachwalker County Park, located at the west
end of the island, is open to the public.
SEABROOK ISLAND Seabrook Island is a
distinctive resort and residential community completely owned by its property owners. The
island has more than 900 permanent residents whose homes are situated along the beach, the
marshes, the lakes and the golf courses. The natural beauty of the island is striking. A canopy of
live oak trees makes for a grand entrance, and a myriad of trees and flora native to the sea
islands abounds. There are three and one half miles of pristine beach along the Atlantic Ocean
and the Edisto River. Championship golf, tennis courts in a racquet club setting, restaurants, and
shops are available. Seabrook Island's equestrian cen- ter is home to the annual Charleston
Summer Classic Horse Show. Nearby Bohicket Marina has 300 slips available for all sizes
of motor cruisers and sailing boats, and has dry storage facilities for smaller craft. Boat rentals
and charters for deep sea fishing, crabbing, shrimping, or exploring are available. A children's
recreation program is offered during the summer for residents and guests.
1996 GROSS RETAIL SALES $7.21 BILLION
1997 GROSS RETAIL SALES $7.55 BILLION
Source: SC Dept. of Revenue, 3/98
% POPULATION BY AGE GROUP:
0-18 years old. .................... 25.9%
18-24 years old ................... 12.0%
25-34 years old. .................. 17.1%
35-49 years old. .................. 22.2%
50 and over ......................... 22.8%
Average Household Effective Buying Income (Ebi), or after Tax-income
................... $41,191 1997
AVERAGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ....... 4. 4%
SOURCE: SC Employment Security Commission, Labor Market
Info Division
POPULATION (1997) ......... 314,578
COUNTY SEAT .................. Charleston
SQUARE MILES ................. 1,357
TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS ...... 120,500
Source: BCD Council of Governments
Dorchester County
Dorchester County has also experienced its share of rapid growth. Its population has grown at
the highest rate (53%) of all three counties in the Charleston region since 1980. Municipalities in
Dorchester County include Dorchester, Harleyville, Reevesville, Ridgeville, Rosinville, St.
George (the county seat) and Summerville.
SUMMERVILLE Summerville's simple charm is
not hindered by its status as the largest city in Dorchester County. The town is known for its
natural beauty, community spirit, historic past and special sense of civic pride. Summerville
boasts beautiful moss-draped streets and quaint Victorian homes mixed with progressive
development. More than 50 subdivisions constructed within the past 12 years surround the
immediate Summerville area. Housing ranges from economical prefabricated homes and
condominiums to country club residential developments and restored historic properties, many
dating from the mid-1800s. Reasonably priced homes are within 10 minutes of elegant shops,
restaurants and some of the finest recreational facilities in the state. The close proximity of
freshwater lakes and rivers, as well as coastal saltwater areas, allows residents to enjoy a variety
of boating, fishing and water sports activities. Givhans Ferry State Park, Old Fort Dorchester
State Park, Cypress Gardens, Old Santee Canal State Park and the Francis Beidler Forest are all
havens for nature lovers. Each spring, Summerville hosts the Flowertown Festival. More than
200,000 visitors and residents enjoy this festival, which features parades, contests, crafts, tours,
exhibits and other family activities--all amid dazzling azaleas and dogwood trees in full bloom.
ST. GEORGE Known as the Town of Friendly
People, St. George is a picture perfect setting for a small, rural southern town. A strong sense of
family and religion has characterized St. George since its inception. Each year families from
throughout the area gather for family reunions known as Camp Meetings. Natural resources
provide residents with some of the best hunting and fishing around. Located near Lakes Marion
and Moultrie, and the Four Hole Swamp, the area has easy access to numerous recreation
opportunities, including the Francis Beidler Forest and Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail. St.
George is home to the World Grits Festival. Each April, 50,000 people attend the three-day
festival and partake in such activities as the corn shucking contest, square dancing, the grits
eating contest, the falling in the grits contest, and softball tournaments. The festival also features
bands, arts and crafts, various grits meals and the crowning of Miss Grits.
1996 GROSS RETAIL SALES $861 BILLION
1997 GROSS RETAIL SALES $899 BILLION
Source. SC Dept of Revenue 3/98
% POPULATION BY AGE GROUP:
0- 18 years old ...................... 29.8%
18-24 years old ...................... 9.3%
25-34 .years old .................... 17. 4 %
35-49 years old ..................... 24. 7%
50 and over ........................... 18.8%
Average Household Effective Buying Income (Ebi), or after Tax-income
.................... $39,962
1997 AVENGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ......... 3.8%
Source SC Employment Security Commission Labor Market
Info Division
POPULATION (1997)....... .. ....90,730
COUNTY SEAT ......................... St. George
SQUARE MILER ....................... 577
TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS ............ 31,600
Source US Bureau of Census