When you’re beginning the home buying process, it can oftentimes feel like a daunting task. From showings and open houses to negotiations and contracts, there is plenty to manage when you are on the hunt for a new home. However, in a city as captivating as Charleston, searching for your next home can be a wonderful adventure. Your William Means agent will become the ultimate matchmaker in helping you find the area and neighborhood that works best for you and your lifestyle. Historic charm, planned communities and laidback island living are all at your disposal in the Lowcountry. Which one will suit you best? Let’s find out!
Strolling the cobblestone streets of downtown, you’ll find architectural excellence around every corner. If you’re seeking historic charm in your next home, you’re in luck! Dating back to the 1700s, these homes have a rich history that flows from room to room. Our city has the largest concentration of Pre-Revolutionary homes in the country and represent the finest architectural styles of the past – Adamesque, Neoclassical, Charleston Single house, Greek Revival and Italianate. Our listing at 13 Church Street (pictured above) was built in 1775 and captivates the historic Charleston Single design paired with modern day conveniences. You’ll also find that Charleston’s historic district is divided into “boroughs.” They include Ansonborough, Harleston Village, Mazyck-Wraggborough, Cannonborough, Elliotborough, Radcliffeborough, the French Quarter and South of Broad. Each area offers its own unique personality, so there is truly something for everyone.
If you love the architecture of an older home but don’t want to live downtown, look no further than the Old Village just over the bridge in Mount Pleasant. Now one of the state’s fastest-growing cities, Mount Pleasant wasn’t always such a bustling town. It started as a small fishing village laid out by James Hibben in 1803 and takes its name from an 18th-century plantation. That original plantation – the Hibben House – still stands in the Old Village. The Mount Pleasant Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and makes up 30 blocks bounded the Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek. The area has both colonial and antebellum period homes, houses with sweeping harbor views as well as historic churches and a stretch of shops and boutiques on Pitt Street. As a resident of the Old Village, you’ll enjoy the charm and history of small-town life in the South while surrounded by convenient amenities, schools and resources.
After touring the area’s historic districts, you might find that you favor the comfort and amenities of planned community living. Minutes from the Old Village, you’ll find the award-winning I’On community. The homes in I’On mimic traditional Charleston Single houses. They are purposely situated close to each other, and their wide porches invite neighbors to connect and friendships to form. We love the traditional design of our listing at 59 Joggling Street (pictured above). If you are drawn to life on the water, you’ll love the lakes throughout the neighborhood that are connected by canals and footbridges, or exploring the tidal creeks and marsh by boat. Active residents will also enjoy the I’On Club for swimming, tennis and fitness classes. Meet even more neighbors at the restaurants, shops and offices in I’On Square – the perfect place to enjoy a casual lunch or dinner and drinks. Don’t forget to stop by our office at 353 N. Shelmore Boulevard to talk real estate – you can’t miss us!
Another community that embodies live, work and play is Daniel Island. Recognized nationally for its outstanding community design and recreational amenities, Daniel Island has been named as the “Top Suburban Smart Growth Community,” “Top 100 Golf Community,” and is one of Urban Land Institute’s “Awards for Excellence” winners. Residents on Daniel Island have ample opportunity to soak up peace and quiet thanks to the island’s 23 miles of rivers and creeks, 20 parks and 12 miles of trails. It is also home to a public elementary school and one of the state’s finest private schools. With restaurants, shopping and activities just a short drive or bike ride away, you rarely must leave the island.
If a quiet beach lifestyle is calling to you, Sullivan’s Island is the answer. Locals know Sullivan’s Island is the place to go when it’s time to kick back, dip your toes in the sand and take a deep, cleansing breath of ocean air. This small beach town has a little more than 2,000 residents seeking a laid-back lifestyle. The beachfront is unique in that it is owned by the Town of Sullivan’s Island and held in a perpetual easement by the Lowcountry Open Land Trust. This means the natural beach environment is carefully protected, creating a slice of sandy heaven along the Atlantic Ocean. The protected beaches offer residents the opportunity to soak up the natural surroundings, appreciate wildlife and escape to serenity. Our listing at 1763 Atlantic Avenue (pictured above) is a perfect example of this. The property offers a wonderful opportunity to restore the existing mid-century cottage or start fresh and build your dream beach home. This unspoiled barrier island has majestic beach homes, cozy cottages and some of the area’s best restaurants for having a bite to eat after a day on the beach. However, if you’re seeking more of an escape while still being in proximity to Charleston, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island or Seabrook Island might also be the match for you.
As you can see from your house hunting tour, there is no shortage of options for buying your next Charleston home. Our William Means agents would be happy to guide you through the process of finding the area and lifestyle that best suits you. Whether it’s a historic property, a welcoming community or a picturesque island home, we know you’ll love it here. Pick up our Relocation Package or Neighborhood Guide to learn more about living in the Lowcountry.
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