Relocating to Summerville SC?
Relocating to Summerville SC?
4 years ago I relocated to Summerville SC from Dallas TX. I have lived in a few towns in Alabama, a few areas of Atlanta GA, just outside of San Francisco CA, Dallas/Fort Worth TX and finally landed in Summerville SC where, now after living here 4 years, I plan to retire here by age 45 through investing in real estate here (see my previous blog on investing with "leverage"). By no means do I consider myself a local nor do I attempt to play the part but my kids… they are.
A quick back story on how I got here...
It had been a sweltering summer day in Irving Texas, a suburb of Dallas, and I jumped into my 2001 Honda Civic well after the sun had sank on a Friday afternoon and zipped out of the office parking lot. Notice I didn't say screeched the tires b/c the little civic just didn't have the muscle or else I would have lite those puppies up. I was stressed to the max b/c a super important shipment had been lost by the freight carrier (through no fault of mine) and I had been threatened by my CEO that if I didn't find that freight, I would not have a job come Monday. I rolled the window down, flicked the little orange lighter I kept in the console and fired up a Marlboro light... crazy part is I didn't smoke (nor have I ever) and I hate smoking b/c it makes my head spin and makes me feel dizzy, but I had just purchased a pack the week prior b/c it was better that stopping at the bar and taking a few shots after a horrible day at the office… but I know better than that. Anyway, I got home and the wife said, "you know I hate when you work late on Fridays… and why do you smell like smoke". My answer was "lets sell this house, sell our house in CA, pack up our things and move back east and live at the beach”. Brittnay chuckled and said, "bad day?", but after she saw that I had not cracked the slightest grin and just continued to stare at her and wait for her answer, she said, "your serious, aren’t you?". 4 months later both houses were sold, we had both quit our jobs in TX, our belongings were in storage and at my parent’s house, we had spent several weeks traveling from city to city and we were signing a lease on an apartment in the Charleston area (West Ashley to be specific). Man was that an AWESOME time!
Now Back to Summerville!
So here I am now, 4 years later living in Summerville SC. There are several very nice towns scattered around Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, Johns Island, James Island, Summerville and many more. They all have their pros and cons and each is going to be the perfect city for someone, but Summerville was our perfect city. It took us about 6 months of living in the area (renting a tiny apartment) to decide which city was going to be Our city but when we decided, we went all in and signed a contract to build a new home here. Our house is a quick 45 minute drive to the beach which was very important to us being that was one of the main reasons we moved to this area; It is only a 30 minute drive to downtown Charleston which little did we know, we would rarely ever go there b/c we enjoy staying in Summerville; and probably most important was the fact that we could live the way we wanted to live given the cost of living in Summerville and our household income. Real estate in Summerville is much more affordable than in places along the coast line such as Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and Isle of Palms. The 2800 square foot home we built on half an acre in Summerville would be double (or quadruple) what we paid for it in any of the 3 cities I listed above if you could even find land to build on (which you cant). Along with these 3 major reasons we chose Summerville, there was a laundry list of other reasons: great public schools, Summerville town square, solid job market, interstate access, growing economy, etc…
Just last week, the Summerville police hosted a “cones with cops” at a local Dairy Queen where I took my 3-year-old for a frosty blizzard. Several police officers were there and knelt and spoke with him several times, gave him a little badge and just shot the breeze. Then we went outside and they let him sit in the police car and turn the sirens on. One office invited us to come back to the police station and see the firetrucks sometime. So the next week we just “popped“ into the fire station and the firemen gave Caden a little plastic fire hat, let him climb all over the firetruck and act like he was driving it. Little things like this are what I love about Summerville.
For anyone new to the area or considering moving to the area, Summerville SC is a wonderful place, however, with the rapid growth of the local economy, the streets are rather full during rush hour so before moving into town, you should really consider where you live in relation to where you work and what hours you will be commuting because it can get nasty at times. My advice to someone relocating to Summerville for a new job or just moving here as I did to be closer to that sweet salty air, find someone that knows the area well and make friends. People here are very friendly so you won’t have trouble finding anyone to help but just in case your short on ideas, a local realtor is always a good choice (and it just so happens i'm a realtor and I would love to make a new friend, wink wink).
In closing, I appreciate you taking the time to read this article and if your moving to my city, I look forward to catching you at a Third Thursday some day! Here is a link to my Facebook Page, please follow me
Here are a few links to some of my favorite things about living in Summerville SC as well as some other useful links if your relocating to Summerville SC:
Third Thursday – on every third Thursday of the month, Summerville town square shuts down the road and all types of vendors set up shop in the streets. My favorite spot is Accent On Wine b/c they serve meats, cheeses, chocolates and wine in the streets while a local band plays nearby. Get there early b/c it think this is everyone’s favorite spot and tables fill up fast.
Farmers Market – during the growing months, every Saturday morning you go downtown and purchase fresh fruit and veggies from locally grown farms
Flowertown Festival - Once a year for 3 days, a HUUUGE festival is had that stretches some ¼ of a mile down Main Street starting at town square. Tons of vendors selling foods, arts and crafts and even a small amusement park for the kids to enjoy a few rides.
Cuppa Manna – this is a super cute coffee shop which also serves all day lunch and breakfast located in the town square and it is a great little spot for mid day meetings or light lunches. They hold an OPEN MIC night every Tuesday where locals can come by and showcase their musical talents. If you haven’t done this, you should…
Charleston Bakery and Deli – this is one of my favorite places in Summerville and I live about .5 miles away. Amazing breakfast and amazing desserts are showcased in the large cases as you walk in. A MUST try
Heart and Haven Photography - if your in the market for some family photo's, be it a maternity shoot, newborn shoot, christmas card pictures or simply looking to update all the picture frames around the house, this company is your go-to. Full disclosure... its my wife but she is an amazing photographer. Have a look for yourself
