What You Should Know Before Relocating to Summerville, SC
Are you considering a move to Summerville, South Carolina? Whether it's the mild winters, active community, or charming town square that's caught your eye, there are a few things you should know before making the leap. In this blog post, we've compiled insights from locals and newcomers alike to give you a comprehensive guide to life in Summerville.
Positive Aspects of Living in Summerville
Weather: Say goodbye to cold winters! While the mild winters are a welcome change for many, be prepared for hot and humid summers. Snow is a rarity, but occasional cold fronts can bring unexpected freezes to the Charleston area. Average temperatures in the winter are lows in the 40’s and highs in 50’s and 60’s. Things will start warming up mid to late February with little clusters of really nice spring-like days. During the early spring, the weather will be quite frustrating bouncing from winter temps to spring temps. Come April to May we’ll be consistently warm with highs in the 70’s-80’s. And into June, July, August you may wish you were back to cooler temps. Humidity will be high and temps are often in the high 80’s-90’s. We’ll even hit 100+ degrees a time or two and summer temps will last forever, often into October and even early November.
Active Community: If you want to live in a city where you can be involved and feel like you are part of the community, Summerville checks all the boxes! Despite its size, Summerville maintains a small-town feel, thanks in part to its central town square, Hutchinson Square. From regular events like 3rd Thursday to festivals like the Flowertown Festival, there's always something happening to keep residents connected.
Charming Town Square: The historic downtown area, which surrounds Hutchinson Square, boasts a variety of quaint shops and restaurants, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a bite to eat.
Proximity to Beaches: If you love the sand and the surf, you’ll love that Summerville has great access to several lowcountry beaches. The exact beach you go to just depends on which direction you drive. With beaches like Folly Beach, Kiawah, Edisto and Isle of Palms just an hour's drive away, Summerville residents have easy access to sun, sand, and surf.
Restaurant Scene: Foodies rejoice! Summerville's culinary offerings are top-notch, with a mix of local favorites and new hotspots to explore. Some newer local spots we love are Laura, Bexleys, La Rustica, Hall’s ChopHouse, Page’s Okra grill, & the Azalea Bar and Garden. With that being said, you shouldn’t forget about the long time favs such as The Icehouse, Myles & Jun and Oscars. So with regards to the food and beverage screen, the consensus is…it’s really hard to get bored with restaurants here. Period.
Challenges of Living in Summerville
Humidity: Be prepared for thick, humid air during the summer months, making it feel like you're swimming through a cloud.
Bugs: Summerville's hot, moist summers attract a variety of insects that may take some getting used to. We have mosquitoes. We have gnats. We have these little pesky things called noseums (tiny biting gnats which are so small you can hardly see them….no-see-ums). In our opinion, the worst of all the bugs are the palmetto bugs. These are just huge flying cockroaches. The only good thing about the palmetto bugs is they do prefer the outdoors so it’s not as common to see them inside.
Alligators: Sightings of alligators are definitely more likely the closer you get to the coast, but they can be found in Summerville’s rivers, marshes and retention ponds as well. Some people get nervous with these sightings but to us they are just a reminder to residents of the region's natural beauty and wildlife. Alligators will generally stay to themselves so just keep your distance and don’t disturb them.
Traffic: As Summerville continues to grow, so does traffic congestion. This is definitely something that many residents complain of. Road improvements are ongoing in the area, but growth has definitely outpaced the improvements.
Hurricanes: Living near the coast comes with a risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. The positive thing about hurricanes compared to other natural disasters such as tornadoes and earthquakes is we typically get a good bit of warning and can plan accordingly. Areas closer to the coast will of course take the brunt of the storm but even in Summerville we will be affected by high winds and flooding.
Flooding Potential: They don’t call it the Lowcountry for nothing! Being at sea level, some areas of Summerville are prone to flooding. Flooding risks are the highest when a big storm system passes through, but even a few consecutive days of rain can leave some areas a little soggy and under water.
Car Tag Tax: While doing our research on this topic, this is the one that we were not expecting and it took new new residents by surprise. People who moved here were surprised that they have to pay property taxes on their vehicle every year in order to renew their tags. The assessed tax amount is based on the value of your car and is usually a couple hundred dollars to several hundred dollars. Because this is an expense that takes new South Carolina residents by surprise so we included it so you can be prepared.
Tips for Navigating Summerville
Embrace the community spirit: Get involved in local events and festivals to fully immerse yourself in Summerville's vibrant culture.
Be prepared for the weather: From hot summers to occasional freezes, dress accordingly and have a plan for extreme weather events.
Consider flood insurance: Research flood zones and assess the need for flood insurance when purchasing a home in Summerville.
Budget for car tag taxes: Factor in the annual vehicle property taxes when planning your finances in Summerville.
Stay away from and do not feed the alligators :)
In conclusion, Summerville offers a blend of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and culinary delights, making it an attractive destination for newcomers. By understanding both the positives and challenges of living in Summerville, you'll be better prepared to make the most of your experience in this thriving Lowcountry community. Welcome to Summerville – we're glad to have you here!
