The Best Areas for Buying a Home in Summerville
If you are considering buying a house in Summerville, you’ve come to the right place! Summerville is a vast city, covering an area that can take about 45 minutes to drive from one end to the other. Due to its size, it comprises many smaller communities, each with its unique vibe and characteristics. In this blog post, we’ll break down the various areas within Summerville to help you determine which one might be the best fit for you.
Our Journey to Summerville
When we moved to Summerville about 10 years ago, we quickly learned that the city is divided into numerous neighborhoods, each with its own name. Initially, when people mentioned places like Knightsville or Oakbrook, we thought these were separate cities. However, we soon discovered they are just different parts of Summerville. Understanding this can save you a lot of confusion, especially if you are new to the area.
Downtown Summerville
Downtown Summerville is the heart of the city, known for its historic homes and charming streets lined with mature oaks and pines. Centered around Hutchinson Square, this area features beautiful older homes that are generally more expensive due to their prime location. The average home price here is around $600,000, with some properties ranging from one to two million dollars.
Lincolnville
Adjacent to historic Summerville is Lincolnville, a small area that connects the outskirts of downtown to Ladson. While not as prominent as other areas, you might see this on the map so we wanted to include it. Lincolnville offers a unique charm and a more affordable housing market compared to downtown.
Oakbrook
Located south of historic Summerville, Oakbrook is an older, established area centered around Old Trolley Road, Ladson Road, and Dorchester Road. This area boasts many businesses and well-established neighborhoods like Briarwood, Quail Arbor, and Ashborough. Oakbrook is ideal for those who appreciate the charm of older homes or enjoy home renovation projects. The average home prices range from $320,000 to $390,000.
Wescott
Wescott is a golf community developed in the early 2000s, located off Dorchester Road towards Charleston. This area includes neighborhoods like Kings Grant, Cedar Grove and White Hall and offers easy access to both Summerville and North Charleston. The average home price in Wescott is about $375,000 to $400,000.
Knightsville
West of historic Summerville lies Knightsville, a rapidly growing area that borders the more rural town of Ridgeville. Knightsville is experiencing significant development, especially with the upcoming Berlin G. Myers Parkway extension, which will improve access to the area. Established neighborhoods in Knightsville include White Gables and Pine Forest Country Club. The average home price here is around $415,000.
Dorchester and Berkeley Counties
The areas we’ve discussed so far are in Dorchester County, falling under Dorchester District 2 (DD2) schools. The next areas we’ll cover are in Berkeley County, which means they are zoned for Berkeley County schools. The county line between Dorchester and Berkeley counties is near I-26, so keep this in mind if being in a certain county or school zoning is important to you.
Sangaree
East of I-26 and south of Highway 17 lies Sangaree, a large development with homes built between the 1970s and 1990s. This neighborhood offers a variety of architectural styles, including ranch-style homes, split-levels, and two-story houses. Houses here a on the smaller size ranging from about 1000 square feet to about 2000 square feet which makes it ideal for those seeking starter homes or looking to downsize. The average home price in Sangaree is around $310,000.
Nexton and Carnes Crossroads
North of Highway 17 and across I-26, you’ll find Nexton, a large master-planned community that integrates work, leisure, and residential spaces. Nexton features restaurants, retail shops, and office buildings, along with extensive recreational amenities and green spaces. The average home price in Nexton is about $570,000.
Nearby is Carnes Crossroads, another new construction development. While not as large as Nexton, it is expanding towards Goose Creek and offers similar amenities. Both Nexton and Carnes Crossroads are vibrant, up-and-coming areas of Summerville.
Cane Bay
Cane Bay, located northeast of Nexton toward Moncks Corner, is a vast residential development centered around a series of small lakes and ponds. Google Maps will even call this area Moncks Corner sometimes, but it is very much still Summerville. Each neighborhood within Cane Bay has its own unique vibe and amenities. Since development in Cane Bay started in the mid-2000s you’ll see both older homes and new construction properties available, making it a versatile option for many buyers. This community does not incorporate commercial properties within its residential areas, but commercial development is booming around it, providing plenty of nearby conveniences. The average home price in Cane Bay is approximately $435,000.
Final Thoughts
We hope this breakdown of Summerville’s various areas has given you a better understanding of the city and helped you identify which neighborhood might be right for you. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of downtown, the established communities of Oakbrook, or the vibrant new developments in Nexton and Carnes Crossroads, Summerville has something to offer everyone.
Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll explore fun activities to do this summer in and around Summerville and Charleston. The Lowcountry’s hot and humid summers call for some cooler options, and we’ll provide you with plenty of ideas to beat the heat.
If you’re looking to explore these areas firsthand or need someone to give you a tour, whether in person or through video, we’re here to help. As your community and real estate experts, we strive to make your home-buying journey in Summerville as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Welcome to Summerville!
