Need suggestions for move to Charleston area (HOA, broker)

[Venice56]

I've been reading posts on moving to Charleston for a while and find all of the information very helpful. I'm moving from Wellesley, Massachusetts to retire in the Charleston area (who isnt??). I'm traveling to Mt. Pleasant in April for the 3rd time to look at neighborhoods. $425k is my max - I 'm hoping to avoid the feel of a development, with rows and rows of cars in driveways and no landscaping. I just need 3 bedrooms and would like a small yard. 1/2 hour or less to the beach. I don't think I can afford the upscale neighborhoods like ION, but neighborhood is very important to me. I'm 63, female. Any suggestions where I should look. Thanks so much.

[Caili]

I'd first of all choose a realtor who knows what's available in what you're looking for and can save you some wasted time just traveling around on your own.

For specific developments, look at Snee Farm and Brickyard; both more established developments, and in the price range you're looking for. Be prepared to do a bit of remodeling in either of these developments, as they're both older.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by Caili

I'd first of all choose a realtor who knows what's available in what you're looking for and can save you some wasted time just traveling around on your own.

For specific developments, look at Snee Farm and Brickyard; both more established developments, and in the price range you're looking for. Be prepared to do a bit of remodeling in either of these developments, as they're both older.

Local joke was the first thing one moved into a house in Snee Farm was a dumpster. Lovely area , great location, highly recommended area, close to every amenity one could want, less then 1/2 hour to the beach, but many homes there are in need of renovation. There are all size homes in Snee Farm but many of the newer ones are smaller and an ideal size for a single person.

There is a development named West Point located off Rifle Range Rd at the IOP Connector in MTP. Well built, smaller, older homes, well kept neighborhood, and a great location. Well worth looking at. Even closer to the beach. One could ride a bike to the Beach at IOP.

Both neighborhoods are as safe as being in church.

[Venice56]

Thank you both. I've been to Brick Yard but not Snee Farm or West Point. I will be with a broker during my visit and wanted to narrow down the search. Any additional thoughts will be most appreciated.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by Venice56

Thank you both. I've been to Brick Yard but not Snee Farm or West Point. I will be with a broker during my visit and wanted to narrow down the search. Any additional thoughts will be most appreciated.

When I think Brickyard I think lovely, larger, multi member family, multi-story type homes. I do not think smaller, easy to care for, maybe a single floor layout such as a single person/couple type homes. There is another smaller HOA out Rte 41 called Planters Point. They have some smaller, reasonable cost homes there. It is a very well run HOA.

Some say the traffic can be tough out Rte 41 and in north MTP but the traffic in MTP/Charleston is sissy traffic compared to traffic in the northeast. Being retired allows one to do their whatever (shopping, doctors, etc.) during non-rush hour thus traffic becomes even less of a factor.

One thing you will want to do. Is study up on Home Owner Association's (HOA's). All the areas mentioned have an HOA. All HOA's are not alike in rules and cost. There will be a monthly HOA fee (often called a Regime Fee) and they can vary depending on what is included.

[Venice56]

Thanks Johngolf. I must say it is a bit overwhelming because there are so many areas and so many communities within the areas. I have a month to narrow down the universe before I meet with the broker.

[Venice56]

Hi again. I visited Mt Pleasant and saw a number of homes. Difficult to remember what was where now that i'm back home. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about the Wando area in Charleston. Thank you.