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Area Information...
Your
Pathway Home

Finding your dream
home in Charleston is no easy task, but
only because there are so many quality
choices available for you and your
family. Where will you and your family
feel most comfortable? A beautiful house
built more than 200 years ago? Maybe a
house overlooking the ocean or a
world-renowned golf course? If that
isn't your style, how about a house
nestled in a lovely neighborhood where
children play at the park, the ice cream
shop is only a bike ride away, and you
know all of your neighbors by name? The
good news is, no matter where you choose
to live, the surroundings are beautiful,
the people are friendly and I-526, the
James Island Connector and the new
Arthur B. Ravenel Bridge make the entire
Metro area more accessible than ever.
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Charleston homes
Historic Charleston

Downtown Charleston
buildings date back
to the mid-1700s and
its "single-houses"
are treasured pieces
of the city's past
with double porches,
iron gates, and
courtyard gardens.
Since 1947 the
Charleston Historic
Foundation has
worked tirelessly to
protect and preserve
the houses,
buildings, and
neighborhoods that
make Charleston such
a unique city.
As exclusive as
Downtown Charleston
seems, home prices
vary. Living south
of Broad Street (or
as the locals call
it, South of Broad)
is luxurious living
at its best, with
homes ranging from
$1 million to more
than $6 million.
Revitalized
neighborhoods like
Mazyck-Wraggborough
include homes
starting at
$300,000. Multiple
family buildings
renovated into
condominiums are
gaining popularity
and start as low as
$250,000.
Downtown Charleston
is often referred to
as a pedestrian
community. Not only
are commercial
offices near many
residential areas,
but residents can
also walk, ride a
bike or rickshaw to
dine at world-class
restaurants, shop
for designer wear on
King Street, browse
the French Quarter
art galleries, and
visit the numerous
historic
attractions. This
convenience combined
with historic beauty
and close proximity
to area beaches
makes downtown
Charleston one of
the most desired
areas.
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Charleston homes
Mt. Pleasant

A short drive over
the new Arthur B.
Ravenel Bridge is
Mt. Pleasant. Once a
quiet bedroom
community to
downtown Charleston,
Mt. Pleasant is now
home to more than
56,000 people. Its
close proximity to
downtown, the
beaches, plenty of
shopping,
restaurants, and
recreation make the
area popular. Mt.
Pleasant offers
something for
everyone: boating
communities, golf
communities, areas
that are reasonably
priced, and some
that are exclusive.
One neighborhood,
Raven's Run, even
has its own grass
air strip.
Some of Mt.
Pleasant's more
exclusive
neighborhoods
include I'On, Olde
Park, and the Old
Village. Houses in
the Old Village date
back to the 1800s
and look like
residences found in
a small New England
town. Listing prices
start around
$700,000.
Neighborhoods like
Park West offer
communities with a
wide range of
housing options from
condominiums, to
moderately priced
homes, to waterfront
homes priced over $2
million.
Buyers will find the
average price for a
four-bedroom house
in Mt. Pleasant is
$552,991. Some of
the more reasonably
priced developments
are in the
$250,000-300,000
range.
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Charleston homes
Daniel Island

Just 20 minutes from
downtown Charleston
by I-526, Daniel
Island has created a
popular
neo-traditional type
community. Most of
the houses are built
close together, the
garages are located
in the back among
alleys, and the
yards are smaller
than average. The
neighborhoods vary
in style with
recently opened lots
having access to the
Wando River.
Named One of
America's Top 100
Golf Communities in
Travel + Leisure
magazine, Daniel
Island celebrates
the recently opened
18-hole course
designed by Rees
Jones that now joins
a course by Tom
Fazio. The island's
parks and two sports
stadiums host
festivals, sporting
events like the
annual Family Circle
Tennis tournament
and Charleston
Battery soccer
games, events and
concerts. Shops,
restaurants and
schools are
conveniently located
near the six
traditional
neighborhoods which
include
single-family homes
and brick townhomes
in the high
$300,000's to homes
along the water,
marsh or golf course
from the $900,000's
to more than $3
million. The average
price for a
four-bedroom house
is $902,208.
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Charleston homes
Sullivan's Island
and Isle of Palms

Just 15 minutes from
downtown lies
Sullivan's Island
and the Isle of
Palms, two of
Charleston's barrier
islands. With 10
miles of sandy
beaches, beautiful
marshes and
luxurious living,
these islands have
given its residents
an escape from urban
living since the
1800s.
The East Islands are
especially
attractive to
relocating
executives, perhaps
because they are
only minutes from
Mt. Pleasant and a
short drive to
downtown. The East
Islands have quick
access to shopping,
restaurants,
hospitals and
businesses while
living the beach
life.
Sullivan’s Island,
located at the
entrance to
Charleston Harbor,
has a history of
proudly protecting
the harbor from
military invaders
and is the sight of
a major battle of
the American
Revolution. Today it
is an established
residential and
vacation community.
Quaint shops,
restaurants and pubs
welcome locals and
visitors. There are
no hotels, motels or
bed and breakfasts
on the island. Most
homes range from $1
to 7 million.
Right next door to
Sullivan's Island is
the
Isle of Palms,
a residential
community bordered
by the Atlantic
Ocean and lying 10
miles north of
Charleston, this
island, with its
salt marshes and
wildlife, offers the
best of both
worlds…vacation and
permanent living.
The Isle of Palms is
self-contained, with
shops, dining, an
array of beautiful
accommodations, and
two championship
golf courses.
Charlestonians have
been flocking to the
island for holidays
since 1898.
With new bridges and
easy access, the
island now offers
the seclusion and
charm of a sea
island, where people
from around the
world often turn
their vacation into
permanent living.
Just minutes from
downtown Charleston
and the culture we
all dearly love
about the South.

Wild Dunes,
a world-famous
resort and private
community, is
located at the
northeast end of the
island. Housing
options range from
oceanfront
condominiums to
luxury homes on the
ocean, marshland or
overlooking golf
courses. Boating,
Golfing, Fishing,
Crabbing or just
sitting around the
cabana listening to
low country
music…this resort is
a lively place to
visit and a happy
place to live.
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Charleston homes
West Ashley, James
Island and Folly
Beach

West Ashley is the
oldest suburb in
Charleston and
features many
neighborhoods lined
with moss-draped
oaks. Neighborhoods
closest to downtown
like Byrnes Down and
Avondale feature
cottage-style brick
homes built after
World War II. Newer
neighborhoods
feature reasonably
priced homes and
condominiums.
Executive homes with
deep-water lots and
views of the Ashley
River, tidal
marshes, and creeks
are in high demand.
West Ashley
residents enjoy the
convenience of the
Citadel Mall and
plenty of
restaurants, shops,
businesses, and
medical facilities.
West Ashley also has
its share of history
with Charles Towne
Landing, the
original site of the
first permanent
English Settlement,
and three beautiful
historic plantations
that are open to the
public year-round.
The Battle of
Secessionville, the
first major Union
effort to take
Charleston during
the Civil War, was
fought on James
Island. After the
war, only a few
homes remained and
the island reverted
to a sparsely
populated rural
farming area. In
1993 the James
Island Connector
opened, drastically
improving access to
James Island, which
brought increased
residential and
commercial
development.
Today James Island
is a popular,
family-oriented
island only minutes
from downtown and
Folly Beach. From
comfortable, older
neighborhoods to new
developments, the
island boasts a wide
variety of housing
options. Many
homesites have views
of the Charleston
Harbor. Those with
deep-water lots and
water views can cost
up to $3 million.
The wide-range of
neighborhoods
include homes priced
from $250,000 to
$500,000. Condos,
built with
executives in mind,
are priced around
$250,000.
Often referred to as
the "Edge of
America," Folly
Beach is an eclectic
beachtown 15 minutes
from downtown.
"Folly Beach is a
place where
community rules,"
says A Charleston
Broker,
broker-in-charge and
owner of a local
real estate company
"This is a
tight-knit community
with a real sense of
belonging. Old meets
new while the spirit
and flavor of Folly
remains unmistakably
the same." Many of
its modest beach
homes, beginning
around $500,000
still remain, giving
Folly Beach a
comfortable, casual
atmosphere. "There's
something really
special about Folly
Beach and it doesn't
take long to fit in
and relax to the
beat and life style
unmistakably Folly
Beach," says A
Charleston Broker.
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Charleston homes
John's Island,
Kiawah Island and
Seabrook Island

Like James Island,
John's Island is
benefiting from road
and bridge
expansions. Today,
the short drive to
downtown and West
Ashley is bringing
more residents to
Johns Island. In new
communities and
established
neighborhoods, home
prices start around
$300,000. Waterfront
properties with deep
water access cost in
the millions.
Development has been
slower and its
maritime forest
vegetation and
beautiful live oaks
give the island a
perfect spot for
relaxed living.
Only 21 miles from
Charleston is Kiawah
Island, a
10,000-acre private
residential resort
community renowned
for its natural
beauty and
environmentally
responsible
development. From
villas and cottages
starting around
$300,000 to
multi-million dollar
oceanfront homes,
Kiawah Island
attracts some of the
world's famous and
affluent people.
Seabrook Island is
also a private
resort development
located next to
Kiawah. Seabrook
Island is owned by
its residents and is
completely private.
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Charleston homes
North Charleston

Geographically,
North Charleston is
the third largest
city in the state
with a population of
over 80,000. The
area's commercial
business is booming
with quick access to
I-26, I-526 and
Charleston
International
Airport.
Homes on the Ashley
River with
deep-water access
cost in the
millions. Older
homes in established
neighborhoods can
cost less than
$100,000 and some of
the new construction
starts around
$130,000. In many of
the new
neighborhoods,
developers have
integrated fitness
centers, jogging
trails, parks and
community centers.
Overall, North
Charleston house
prices are less
expensive than other
areas.
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Charleston homes
Goose Creek, Moncks
Corner and
Summerville

It is said that
Goose Creek, Moncks
Corner and
Summerville are
towns that still
possess natural
beauty and a rare
sense of community
that is hard to find
in today's world. So
it is no surprise
that these
qualities, along
with the convenient
location off of I-26
just north and west
of Charleston, that
have made Goose
Creek, Moncks Corner
and Summerville some
of the hottest
housing areas in the
region. It's a
desirable region
whether you're
looking for land, a
charming historic
home, or a brand new
starter home. Rest
assured, affordable
housing is abundant
(the average home
price in the region
is $127,500) and
there are many new
starter
neighborhoods from
which to choose.
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Charleston homes
Our Mission…Happy
Families
There are a lot of
choices out there
when it comes to
finding your dream
home, and all you
can do is take some
time to a look at
them all. See which
neighborhood best
fits you and your
family. Find out
whether you'd like
to live in a brand
spanking new house,
or one that has
lived a little. One
thing is for sure,
you will have a
great time
investigating all
the housing options,
and get to know your
new hometown while
you are at it.
Elementary and
High School
Education
The Charleston area
is comprised of four
public school
districts: Berkeley
County School
District, Charleston
County School
District, and
Dorchester County
School District Two
and District Four.
More than 88,700
students are
educated in 134
schools. Forty
percent of the
region's teachers
have earned a
master's degree
while an additional
16 percent possess a
six-year certificate
or doctoral degree.
All four school
districts strive for
educational
excellence and each
has distinguished
itself with a
variety of
achievements and
awards.
Another 11,200
students attend the
75 private and
parochial schools in
the region.
In Berkeley County,
SAT scores continue
to improve. The
composite score of
college bound
seniors rose 58
points over the past
five years. More
than 12,000
classroom computers
have access to the
Internet making this
one of the state's
most up-to-date
districts in current
technology. The
district's
instructional
program combines
proven best
practices and the
necessary teacher
training to ensure
curriculum
effectiveness.
The district has set
the standard in
other areas as well:
teacher evaluation,
career planning and
computer technology.
Last year 18
graduate level
courses were offered
to Berkeley County
teachers while many
other workshops and
staff development
activities were also
available. Its
Teacher Forum is one
of the most active
in the state and has
served as a state
model for leadership
development. The
$192 million bond
referendum that
passed in 1999 paid
for the renovation
of 17 schools and
the building of
three new schools.
New building and
renovation needs are
currently being
addressed.
Charleston County
School District is
divided into eight
Constituent
Districts. The
districts educate
approximately 48,500
Pre-K through 12th
grade students in 42
elementary schools,
13 middle schools,
eight high schools,
12 magnet schools,
four charter
schools, and eight
programs. With more
than 3,200 teachers,
Charleston is the
second largest
school system in
S.C. and one of the
area's top
employers.
Charleston County
School District has
embarked on a
five-year, $365
million building
program, which is
seeing dramatic
facility
improvements. When
complete, the plan
will include four
new high schools,
two new elementary
schools, and
numerous school
renovations and
additions touching
every community the
district serves. The
first of these new
schools, West Ashley
High School, opened
in August 2001 and
is considered the
flagship facility in
the district's
building program.
Following the
example of the State
Department of
Education,
Charleston County
School District has
embraced
accountability as
the key to effective
public education.
The district's
commitment began in
1998 when it became
the first public
school system in
S.C. to publish
report cards about
its schools. In
addition to
providing quality
education to
Charleston County
students, the school
district strives to
remain an important
part of the overall
community through
programs such as
continuing
education, the Gold
Pass Club, parent
resources, and
emergency shelter
locations.
High expectations
for all students, a
quality teaching and
support staff, and
strong parental and
community
involvement make
Dorchester School
District Two one of
the leading and
fastest growing
school districts in
the state. The
district serves over
17,000 students in
nine elementary
schools, five middle
schools, and two
high schools.
District Two also
operates the Givhans
School, an adult
education center
that received the
U.S. Secretary of
Education's Award
for the Top Ten
Adult Education
Programs in the
nation.
The S.C. Association
of Public Charter
Schools presented
Dorchester School
District Two with
the Public Charter
School District of
the Year Award and
named its assistant
superintendent as
School District
Administrator of the
Year for 2005. The
district was also
selected by Money
magazine as one of
the top 100 school
districts in the
nation. More than
400 business
partnerships and
2,500 volunteers in
the district helped
it earn this coveted
designation. Five
schools in
Dorchester District
Two have been named
"Palmetto's Finest"
schools and three
have been recognized
as National Blue
Ribbon Schools.
All schools in
Dorchester Four are
accredited by the
Southern Association
of Colleges and
Schools.
Serving
approximately 2,600
students in Pre-K
through Adult
Education, the
district has the
highest percentage
of teachers with
advanced degrees and
the most per pupil
expenditure.
District Four offers
gifted and talented
education, special
needs services,
vocational training,
and a wide array of
core curricula and
extra-curricula
programs, artistic
and athletic
programs. District
Four's mission is to
develop successful
citizens in an
environment
conducive to
learning by
providing
challenging
experiences and
promoting character
development.
Challenging
educational programs
and utilization of
available resources
make this mission a
reality for its
students.
Helping students
prepare for life
after high school is
imperative to their
success. Whether a
high school senior
is bound for a
two-year college, a
four-year college,
or the work force,
he or she must
possess the skills
and abilities
necessary for future
success. The
School-to-Work
Transition Act was
passed in 1994 in
recognition of
changing work force
demands. It allows
school districts to
implement a system
that prepares
students for the
work force. A major
component of the
program is the
fostering of
partnerships between
schools and
businesses.
Throughout the
region, businesses
are working with
students, teachers
and administrators
to prepare students
for the careers of
the future.
School-to-Work
initiatives give
businesses the
opportunity to work
with local schools
and prepare students
for successful
careers. Employers
benefit from an
increased number of
qualified
applicants.
Community
involvement with
area schools is
important to
residents. This
commitment is
demonstrated in
various ways: bond
referendums,
classroom
volunteers, Junior
Achievement programs
with area
businesses, strong
parent-teacher
association
involvement, and the
encouragement of
student and resident
participation in
community service
projects. The Metro
area also promotes
continuing
education, as many
of the region's
school districts
sponsor classes for
adults. The course
list has everything
from the art of
calligraphy to basic
auto mechanics.
PUBLIC SCHOOL
DISTRICTS
Berkeley County
Public School
District
P.O. Box 608, Moncks
Corner, SC 29461
843-899-8600 •
www.berkeley.k12.sc.us
Charleston County
Public School
District
75 Calhoun St.,
Charleston, SC 29401
843-937-6300 •
www.ccsdschools.com
Dorchester County
School District II
102 Greenwave Blvd.,
Summerville, SC
29483
843-873-2901 •
www.dorchester2.k12.sc.us
Dorchester County
School District IV
500 Ridge St., St.
George, SC 29477
843-873-8634 •
www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Approximately 11,200
students in the
region are enrolled
in private schools.
The tri-county area
has more than 75
private and
parochial schools
that provide various
options to students.
For a complete
listing of private
schools contact:
Tri-County
Admissions Council
P.O. Box 1733, Mt.
Pleasant, SC 29465
www.chastac.org
Organized in 1987,
the Tri-County
Admissions Council
provides a forum for
collaboration and
dialogue between
area private and
parochial schools.
Admission &
Development
Directors from
member schools meet
monthly. The
organization's
purposes include
standardizing
admissions testing
where applicable,
promoting alternate
education choices to
Lowcountry parents,
reviewing laws that
effect independent
schools and sharing
marketing
information. The
member schools are
located in
Charleston,
Berkeley, and
Dorchester counties.
Ashley Hall
172 Rutledge Ave.,
Charleston, SC 29403
843-722-4088 •
www.ashleyhall.org
The Charleston
Christian School
2234 Plainview Road,
Charleston, SC 29414
843-556-4480 •
www.charlestonchristian.org
Charleston
Collegiate
2024 Academy Dr.,
Johns Island, SC
29455
843-559-5506 •
www.charlestoncollegiate.org
Charles Towne
Montessori School
56 Leinbach Dr.,
Charleston, SC 29407
843-571-1140
Daniel Island
Academy
300 Seven Farms Dr.,
Daniel Island, SC
29492
843-971-5961
www.danielislandacademy.com
Early childhood
development center
serving ages 1-4 in
half-day, full-day,
MMO, and
supplemental
programs with the
highest standards
set forth by NAEYC.
Registration
information
available online at
www.danielislandacademy.com.
First Baptist Church
School of Charleston
48 Meeting Street,
Charleston, SC 29401
843.722.6646 •
www.fbschool.org
First Baptist Church
School is a
co-educational,
college preparatory
school for K3-12,
set on an historic
downtown campus. The
school's mission is
to provide Academic
Excellence with a
Christian
Perspective. The
talented faculty
provides a nurturing
environment while
developing the mind,
body and spirit of
each child. First
Baptist is fully
accredited and
offers honors and
dual credit courses.
The school provides
12 athletic
programs, the arts
and a variety of
campus activities
and clubs.
Mason Prepatory
School
56 Halsey Blvd.,
Charleston, SC 29401
843-723-0664 •
www.masonprep.org
Pinewood Preparatory
School
1114 Orangeburg
Road, Summerville,
SC 29483
843.376.0142 •
www.pinewoodprep.com
Pinewood Preparatory
School, an
independent, college
preparatory school,
is dedicated to the
intellectual,
physical, ethical,
and social
development of
students, their
families, faculty,
and staff.
Trident Academy
1455 Wakendaw Road,
Mt. Pleasant, SC
29464
843-884-3494 •
www.tridentacademy.com
Trident Academy
offers an
individualized
academic program for
students with
diagnosed learning
disabilities in
grades K5 through 12
who have average to
superior
intelligence and are
free from emotional
disabilities.
COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES
Higher education
opportunities are
offered at the
undergraduate and
graduate levels by
eight institutions.
The Charleston
area's colleges and
universities stand
at the head of the
class in the
Southeast. More than
30,000 students take
advantage of the
educational
opportunities that
the surrounding
institutions have to
offer, such as
medical and
technical training,
numerous levels of
graduate and
under-graduate
programs and even
culinary arts
degrees. Recently,
The Citadel, a co-ed
military college,
was featured in
Newsweek magazine as
one of the nation's
25 hottest colleges.
Graduate programs
for full and
part-time-students,
including masters of
business
administration and
teaching, are
available from
Charleston Southern
University, The
Citadel, the College
of Charleston, the
Medical University
of South Carolina
and Webster
University.
American College of
the Building Arts
21 Magazine St.,
Charleston, SC 29403
843-577-5245
Charleston School of
Law
P.O. Box 535,
Charleston, SC 29402
843-329-1000 •
www.charlestonlaw.org
Charleston Southern
University
9200 University
Blvd., Charleston,
SC 29406
P.O. Box 118087,
Charleston, SC
29423-8087
843-863-7000 •
www.csuniv.edu
The Citadel - The
Graduate College
171 Moultrie St.,
Charleston, SC 29409
843-953-5089 • Fax:
843-953-7630
www.citadel.edu/cgps
• Email: cgps@citadel.edu
The Graduate College
at The Citadel
offers nationally
accredited graduate
and undergraduate
programs. Classes
are offered in the
evenings; we excel
in providing a
quality, civilian
education tailored
around your
profession, family
and lifestyle. Visit
us: www.citadel.edu/cgps.
City Colleges of
Chicago Charleston
Air Force Base
843-552-5959
College of
Charleston/University
of Charleston
66 George St.,
Charleston, SC 29424
843-805-5507 •
www.cofc.edu
Culinary Institute
of Charleston
7000 Rivers Ave., N.
Charleston, SC 29406
843-820-5090 •
www.CulinaryInstituteofCharleston.com
Culinary arts,
baking and pastry,
catering, and
hospitality/tourism
management programs
offered in an
innovative
77,000-square-foot
facility. Short
courses also
available for
professional or
personal enrichment.
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical
University
101 W. Hill Blvd.,
Building 221
Charleston AFB, SC
29404
843-767-8912 •
www.embryriddle.com
ECPI College of
Technology
7410 Northside
Drive, N.
Charleston, SC 29420
843-414-0350 •
www.ecpi.edu
Limestone College
4500 Leeds Ave., Ste
208, N. Charleston,
SC 29405
843-745-1100 •
www.limestone.edu
Miller-Motte
Technical College
8085 Rivers Ave., N.
Charleston, SC 29417
843-574-0101•
www.miller-motte.com
The Medical
University of South
Carolina (MUSC)
171 Ashley Ave.,
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-2300•
www.musc.edu
Southern Wesleyan
4055 Faber Place
Dr., Suite 301
Charleston SC 29405
843-266-7981•
www.swu.edu/ags/charleston.php
Southern Illinois
University
Charleston Air Force
Base
N. Charleston, SC
29404 • 843-552-7320
Springfield College
at Charleston
7410 Northside
Drive, Ste. 200
N. Charleston, SC
29420 • 843-569-7003
www.spfldcol.edu/homepage/dept.nsf/shs
Strayer University
5010 Wetland
Crossing
N. Charleston, SC
29418 • 843-746-5100
www.strayer.edu
Trident Technical
College
7000 Rivers Avenue,
North Charleston, SC
29406
843.574.6111 •
www.TridentTech.edu
Trident Technical
College is a public
two-year college
offering more than
150 programs of
study, University
Transfer options and
high school dual
credit classes.
University of South
Carolina Extended
Graduate Campus
5900 Core Ave., Ste.
502, N. Charleston,
SC 29406
800-950-7622
www.mooreschool.sc.edu
•
www.gradschool.sc.edu/egc
Voorhees College
Charleston Satellite
Campus
7301 Rivers Ave., N.
Charleston, SC 29406
843-553-1175 •
www.vorhees.edu
Webster University
5300 International
Blvd.
N. Charleston, SC
29418
843-760-1324 •
www.webster.edu
MOVING AND STORAGE
TIPS
When moving to a new
home, select a
Professional
Realtor(r) who will
help you sell your
old house and
purchase a new one.
The members of the
Charleston Trident
Association of
REALTORS(r) are
experts in the
Charleston Metro
area and its housing
market. These
professionals will
analyze your needs
and locate a home
for your family.
www.Charlestonrealtors.com
PRE-MOVE ACTIVITIES
• Confirm hotel and
travel arrangements
in advance.
• Check interstate
regulations
concerning
transportation of
pets and plants.
• Send out change of
address notices to
the post office,
credit card
companies, banks,
charge accounts, the
State Department of
Motor Vehicles,
insurance companies
and magazines.
• Arrange to have
all utilities
disconnected. Obtain
any deposits and
letters of credit
from power and phone
companies.
• Close or transfer
personal checking
and savings
accounts. Buy
travelers checks.
Empty safety deposit
boxes.
EXPENSES AND TAXES
Review IRS
procedures for
claiming tax
deductions on your
moving expenses. The
provisions of
Schedule A -
Itemized Deductions,
Form 1040 - allow
employees and
self-employed
persons to deduct
certain moving
expenses if the move
is job related. To
qualify for these
deductions, your new
workplace must be at
least 50 miles
further from your
old home than your
old home was from
your former
workplace. If you
meet the IRS
deduction
requirements, call
the local IRS office
and request
Publication 521,
Moving Expenses. The
following can be
deducted:
• Cost of moving
household goods and
personal effects
from a former home
to a new home.
• Travel and lodging
expenses incurred
during the move to a
new home.
• Cost of moving
household goods and
personal effects to
and from storage.
• Cost of storing
household goods and
personal effects
while at the new job
location.
PACKING TIPS
• Organize and label
all boxes for
contents and
designate where they
will go in the new
home.
• Empty gas out of
any power tools and
dispose of all
volatile and
corrosive chemicals.
• Clean and defrost
the refrigerator and
freezer. Place
several pieces of
charcoal in the
freezer to prevent
mold and mildew.
• Pack all essential
items - house keys,
medical and dental
records, school
transcripts,
insurance policies,
credit cards, bills
and tax records - in
a safe and easily
accessible location.
• Moving company
fees are based on
shipment weight so
dispose of any
unwanted items.
• Tools and personal
items - pain
relievers, can
openers, hammer,
silverware, paper
plates, screwdriver,
flashlight and
batteries, soap,
toilet paper and
scissors - can be
lifesavers in a new
home.
STEPS TO HIRING A
MOVING COMPANY
PREPARING FOR THE
MOVE
• Compare the cost
and convenience of
moving yourself to
hiring a moving
company.
• Most transport
companies give a
free estimate based
on the distance of
the move and the
amount of cargo
hauled.
• Generally, the
actual cost of a
move is calculated
on the weight of
your shipment.
• Take inventory of
all items being
moved. If the moving
company damages your
belongings, a record
is needed in order
to file a claim.
CONFIRM PICKUP AND
ARRIVAL DATES IN
ADVANCE
• Find a mover that
guarantees pickup
and delivery dates.
This should be a
part of the contract
signed with the
mover.
LIABILITY INSURANCE
COVERAGE
• Make sure
liability insurance
coverage is included
in the
moving contract.
Most companies will
insure the shipment
for a specified
limit. For a copy of
Your Rights and
Responsiblities, a
free pamphlet
published by The
Interstate Commerce
Commission, a
federal regulatory
agency for
interstate moves,
contact the
following:
ICC Office of
Compliance and
Consumer Assistance
Washington, DC 20423
NEWCOMER SERVICE
Relocating is often
a scary process.
Charleston's Welcome
Wagon reaches out to
newly relocated
families and
individuals to help
them adjust to the
new area. The
Welcome Wagon
specifically caters
to homebuyers and
provides new
homeowners with a
personal address
book containing
recommended area
businesses. The
Welcome Wagon also
customizes the
information for
homebuyers depending
on where they have
settled in the
Charleston area.
For more information
about the address
book or to learn how
to become a sponsor
of Welcome Wagon,
call 1-800-WELCOME.
TEMPORARY LODGING
Area accommodations
range from the
Historic District's
quaint
bed-and-breakfast
inns to economy
extended stay motels
to opulent
beachfront resorts.
Even with some
11,000 hotel/motel
and inn rooms in the
Metro area, it is
advisable to make
advance
reservations. For a
complete listing of
area accommodations
and room rates
contact:
Charleston Area
Convention and
Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 975
Charleston, S.C.
29402
853-8000, toll free
(800) 868-8118
www.charlestoncvb.com
Chambers of Commerce
Local chambers of
commerce provide
information to aid
new residents. Kits
are available from
the following
chambers:
Berkeley County
Chamber of Commerce
Nesbitt House, 1004
Old Hwy. 52
P.O. Box 905, Moncks
Corner, S.C.
29461.......761-8238,
577-9549 or (800)
882-0337
www.bcoc.com
Charleston Metro
Chamber of Commerce
81 Mary St.
P.O. Box 975,
Charleston, S.C.
29402.......577-2510
www.charlestonchamber.net
Greater
Summerville/Dorchester
County Chamber of
Commerce
402 North Main St.
P.O. Box 670,
Summerville, S.C.
29483.......873-2931
www.gsdcchamber.org
UTILITY CONNECTIONS
Both private
companies and
governmental
agencies provide
utility services to
the Metro area.
Services can be
subscribed to by
phone or in person.
TELEPHONE SERVICE
• BellSouth provides
telephone service to
customers in most of
Charleston and
Dorchester counties,
in addition to rural
areas located in
Berkeley County.
• Deposits for home
telephone services
can vary depending
on your individual
credit rating and
type of services
ordered. Often
deposits are waived
for customers with
an excellent
payment record with
a previous phone
carrier.
• To place an order
for residential
service with
BellSouth,
contact.......780-2355.
Several regional
carriers provide
telephone service to
outlying areas:
Home Telephone
Company, Inc.
579 Stoney Landing
Road, Moncks Corner,
S.C.
29461.......(843)
761-9101
(Area includes most
of Berkeley County
and portions of
Dorchester County)
TDS Telecom -
McClellanville
1130 Hwy. 45
P.O. Box 888,
McClellanville, S.C.
29458.......(843)
887-3201
(Area includes
McClellanville and
Awendaw)
TDS Telecom- St.
Stephen
3897 Byrnes Dr.
P.O. Box 128, St.
Stephen, S.C.
29479.......(843)
567-3111
(Area includes
Bonneau, Pineville
and St. Stephen)
GARBAGE REMOVAL
• Municipalities
provide garbage
disposal to homes in
the Metro region.
• The cost of
disposal is levied
in your taxes or
included in water
and sewer service
fees.
• Several isolated
rural areas depend
on private garbage
collection services.
Contact the
following city and
town departments for
information on
garbage collection
services:
City of Charleston
Public Service
Department.......724-3754
Berkeley County
Water &
Sanitation.......761-8817
Hanahan Public Works
& Sanitation
Department.......529-3413
Isle of Palms Office
of Public
Works.......886-8956
James Island Public
Service
Department.......795-9060
Mt. Pleasant Public
Service
Department.......849-2022
City of North
Charleston Public
Works &
Sanitation.......745-1026
St. Andrew's Public
Service District
Commission.......556-6310
Sullivan's Island
Town
Hall.......883-3198
Summerville Street
Department.......871-6000
WATER
BERKELEY COUNTY
Berkeley County
Water & Sanitation
Authority.......572-4400
City of Goose
Creek.......797-6220
Jamestown Water
Department.......257-2233
Moncks Corner Water
Works.......761-8041
Town of St.
Stephen.......567-3597
CHARLESTON COUNTY
Charleston
Commissioners of
Public
Works.......727-6800
Folly Beach Water
Department.......588-2447
Isle of Palms Water
Company.......886-6148
Mt. Pleasant
Waterworks & Sewer
Commission.......884-9626
St. Johns Water
Company.......559-0186
Sullivan's Island
Water Department,
Town
Hall.......883-3947
DORCHESTER COUNTY
Dorchester County
Water
Authority.......875-0140
Dorchester County
Water &
Sewer.......767-2474
St. George Water &
Sewer
Department.......563-3321
Summerville Water
Department.......871-0810
ELECTRICITY AND GAS
Berkeley Electric
Cooperative.......572-5454
Edisto Electric
Cooperative.......563-3292
Santee
Cooper.......761-7010
South Carolina
Electric &
Gas.......554-7234
RECYCLING
• Glass, aluminum,
plastic containers
and newspaper are
recycled through the
area's curbside
program.
• There are
different drop-off
sites for large and
unusual recyclable
items such as
vehicle batteries,
corrugated
cardboard, large
appliances, used
motor oil and scrap
metal.
• There are several
private recycling
businesses in
Berkeley and
Charleston County
and one public
landfill off Highway
52 that accept
corrugated
cardboard, vehicle
batteries, used
motor oil, large
appliances and scrap
metal.
• Charleston
County's recycling
program includes
drop-site collection
at 48 sites around
the area, urban
curbside collection
and the operation of
an 80-ton-per-day
recycling center.
• Charleston County
residents are
provided 18-gallon
bins for recyclables
in areas involved in
the curbside
program.
• Charleston County
has placed
15-cubic-yard
containers in
convenient locations
along major
thoroughfares, in
shopping centers and
at fire stations.
• In Charleston
County, a curbside
truck collects the
recyclables
bi-weekly.
• Dorchester County
operates four
drop-off sites for
recyclable material.
Newspapers, plastic
bottles, used oil,
large appliances,
aluminum cans and
glass bottles are
the only materials
that can be left at
the sites.
• Dorchester County
also has urban
curbside collection
in certain
neighborhoods.
For more information
on recycling, call:
Berkeley County
Government
Office.......723-3800
or 572-4400
Charleston County
Solid Waste and
Recycling.......720-7111
Dorchester County
Recycling.......832-0070
EMERGENCY RELATED
PHONE NUMBERS
To assure immediate
response to an
emergency in
Berkeley County,
Charleston County,
Goose Greek, or
Summerville, dial
the 911 emergency
service number. The
911 service number
gives callers access
to fire, rescue and
emergency medical
services, as well as
police, sheriff and
South Carolina State
Highway Patrol.
Residents of
Dorchester County
should keep a list
of local emergency
telephone numbers
near the telephone.
Note that homes
located on the
outskirts of
municipalities in
the Metro area
generally require
service contracts
with local fire
departments for
protection. Call the
local fire
departments for more
information or ask
your Realtor(r)
about the police and
fire protection in
your neighborhood.
TDD for the
Deaf-Police
Emergency -
Charleston
County.......744-3200
Dial 911 for all
fire and police
emergencies.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES
Hanahan.......744-4073
Moncks
Corner.......723-3800
x 4113
Summerville.......873-5111
OTHER EMERGENCY
NUMBERS
Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Helpline
(24-hour).......(800)
252-6465
Careline Hotline
(info/referral for
pregnant
women).......(800)
868-0404
Child Abuse Hotline
(24-hour).......(800)
422-4453
Crime Stoppers of
the Lowcountry
554-1111
or.......(800)
452-1111
Drug Abuse Hotline
(24-hour).......(800)
662-4357
FBI/U.S.
Government.......722-0135
Hotline (24-Hour
Confidential
Telephone
Counseling).......744-HELP
(4357) or (800)
922-2283
Poison Control
Center
(24-hour).......(800)
922-1117
South Carolina
Highway
Patrol.......740-1660
TeenLine
(counseling).......747-TEEN
or (800) 273-TALK
The Regions
impressive health
care system plays a
significant role in
the continued
economic development
of the region. As
one of the fastest
growing sectors in
the area, the health
care industry
employs an estimated
32,000 people
locally.
By forming new
partnerships and
offering innovative
services to
residents of the
region, the area's
medical community is
meeting the
challenge of a
nationally growing
restructuring
movement throughout
the health care
industry.
The Charleston
region has more than
2,000 physicians and
10 hospitals that
provide the highest
level of patient
care in areas as
diverse as neonatal
care and liver
transplants.
Hospitals in the
Charleston area
include Roper St.
Francis Hospital,
Charleston Memorial
Hospital,
Summerville Medical
Center, Trident
Medical Center, East
Cooper Regional
Medical Center, the
Medical University
of South Carolina,
U.S. Naval Regional
Medical Center, and
the Veterans
Administration
Medical Center.
The focal point of
the health care
industry is situated
within an
eight-block area of
downtown Charleston.
In this medical hub,
the oldest health
care facility is
Roper Hospital,
which was
established in 1850
as the first
community hospital
in the Carolinas.
Roper Hospital and
Bon Secours St.
Francis Hospital are
now united and form
Roper St. Francis
Healthcare System,
the Lowcountry's
first multi-site
health care system.
Also located
downtown is the
Medical University
of South Carolina's
campus and hospital,
which according to
U.S. News & World
Report, ranks among
the country's best
hospitals. MUSC
employs 8,200 people
and has an annual
budget exceeding
$550 million with a
total economic
impact on the area
of $1.2 billion
annually. Its six
colleges educate
more than 2,200
physicians, nurses,
dentists,
pharmacists, and
other health care
specialists each
year.
The Charleston
region also offers
specialized health
care at facilities
like the Storm
Memorial Eye
Institute, the MUSC
Burn Center, the
MUSC Medicine and
Rehabilitation
Center, the Hollings
Cancer Center, the
MUSC Children's
Hospital, the MUSC
Family Medical
Center, and the
Ronald McDonald
House.
The medical
community is served
by MEDUCARE, a
helicopter transport
service that extends
across a 200-mile
radius, delivering
patients to the
region's hospitals
within 35 minutes.
The medical
community in the
Charleston area is
the most innovative,
providing the best
patient care in the
state and teaching
the bright minds.
- The Charleston
Metro Chamber of
Commerce
Major medical
facilities in the
area
Bon Secours St.
Francis Hospital
2095 Henry
Tecklenburg Drive
Charleston, SC 29414
• 843-402-1000
East Cooper Regional
Medical Center
1200 Johnnie Dodds
Boulevard
Mt. Pleasant, SC
29464
843-881-0100 •
www.eastcoopermedctr.com.
East Cooper Regional
Medical Center, part
of Tenet South
Carolina, is a
100-bed acute care
hospital that has
been serving the
medical and health
care needs of the
greater Mt. Pleasant
community since
1986. East Cooper
strives to be the
primary health care
facility in its
community, providing
services from
women's care to
spine and general
surgery to
outpatient physical
therapy. The
hospital also
includes continence
and sleep disorders
centers.
LowCountry Women's
Specialists
9291 Medical Plaza
Dr., N. Charleston,
SC 29406
843-797-3664 •
www.lcwomensspecialists.com
LowCountry Women's
Specialists is a
group of
gynecologists,
obstetricians,
physicians
assistants, nurse
midwives,
nutritionists and
counselors. Offering
the most advanced,
least invasive
techniques for
treating women of
all ages, their
services range from
pap smears to bone
densitometry to
mammograms.
Medical University
of South Carolina (MUSC)
171 Ashley Avenue,
Charleston, SC 29425
www.musc.edu •
843-792-2300
The Medical
University of South
Carolina has served
the citizens of
South Carolina since
1824. It has
expanded from a
small private
college for the
training of
physicians to a
state university
with a medical
center and six
colleges for the
education of a broad
range of health
professionals,
biomedical
scientists and other
health related
personnel.
MUSC Medical Center
www.muschealth.com
The MUSC Medical
Center is comprised
of many specialized
hospitals and areas
of care. With
Charleston's only
Level One Trauma
Center, Level III
Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit and
Transplant Services,
MUSC has the
technology and
resources to provide
specialized care to
patients throughout
the state and
Southeast. The
Medical Center
includes the
Children's Hospital,
Heart and Vascular
Center, Institute of
Psychiatry, Hollings
Cancer Center, Storm
Eye Institute and
many Ambulatory
clinics.
MUSC Children's
Hospital
Built in 1987,
Children's Hospital
is South Carolina's
largest and most
comprehensive
pediatric healthcare
center. The hospital
houses the only
Level III neonatal
intensive care unit
in the region where
the tiniest newborns
are provided
state-of-the-art
care. Our Pediatric
Intensive Care Unit,
the only one in the
region, is staffed
exclusively by
trained pediatric
critical care
physicians and
nurses. MUSC
Children's Hospital
has earned top
ranking from U.S.
News & World Report,
American Health
Magazine and The
Best Doctors in
America. Child
magazine continues
to rank MUSC
Children's Hospital
as one of the top
pediatric facilities
in the country.
R.H. Johnson V.A.
Medical Center
109 Bee Street,
Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-5011 •
www.med.va.gov
Roper St. Francis
Healthcare
316 Calhoun St.,
Charleston, SC 29401
843-724-2000 •
www.ropersaintfrancis.com
Roper St. Francis
Healthcare's
not-for-profit
health care delivery
system is the
largest private
employer in the
region with more
than 3,800
employees, over 780
physicians partners,
594 beds and more
than 20 outpatient
facilities in four
counties; and we
contribute more than
$50 million annually
in direct community
support.
Summerville Medical
Center
295 Midland Parkway
• Summerville, SC
29485
843-832-5000
Trident Health
System
General Information:
Trident Medical
Center
9330 Medical Plaza
Drive
N. Charleston, SC
29406
843-797-7000 •
www.tridenthealthsystem.com
Trident Health
System is an
HCA-hospital system
comprised of three
acute care hospitals
which include
Trident Medical
Center, Summerville
Medical Center and
Colleton Medical
Center, as well as
seven diagnostic
centers throughout
Berkeley,
Charleston, Colleton
and Dorchester
counties.
U.S. Naval Hospital
3600 Rivers Ave.. N.
Charleston, SC 29405
843-743-7000
Al-Anon Family Group
and
Al-Ateen..........762-6999
Alcoholics Anonymous
Tri-County
Intergroup
Office..........723-9633
American Cancer
Society..........744-1922
American Heart
Association..........853-1597
American Lung
Association of South
Carolina..........556-8451
American Red
Cross..........764-2323
Berkeley Community
Mental Health
Center..........569-0070
Berkeley County
Health
Department..........723-0766
Roper / St. Francis
Healthcare
HealthLine
(Physicians Referral
Service)..........402-2273
Roper / St. Francis
Healthcare Advantage
Senior Resource
Center..........724-2489
Carolina Children's
Charity..........554-6222
Charleston County
Health
Dept...........746-3800
Charleston County
Medical
Society/Physicians
Referral
Service..........577-3613
Charleston/Dorchester
Community Mental
Health
Center..........852-3363
Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation..........800-336-0329
Department of
Alcohol and Other
Drug Abuse Services
of Charleston
County..........958-3300
Dorchester County
Commission on
Alcohol and Drug
Abuse..........871-4790
Dorchester County
Department of Social
Services..........821-0444
East Cooper Regional
Hospital (Physician
Referral
Service)..........800-311-4803
Gamblers
Anonymous..........800-313-0170
Guardian Ad Litem
Program..........875-9842
Hospice Health
Services..........852-2177
Hospice of
Charleston..........529-3100
The Kennedy
Center..........577-9181
Lowcountry
Intergroup of
Overeaters Anonymous
(call for meeting
times and
places)..........577-9499
March of Dimes/Birth
Defects Foundation
Lowcountry Disease
Division..........571-1776
Narcotics
Anonymous..........852-3001
Trident Physician &
HealthFinders
/Senior
Friends..........797-3463
Special Needs
Association for the
Blind..........723-6915
Charleston Area
Alliance for the
Mentally
Ill..........727-6405
Disabled American
Veteran-VA
Hospital..........577-5011
Dorchester County
Board of
Disabilities and
Special
Need..........871-1285
Down Syndrome
Association of the
Lowcountry..........553-3725
Low Country Chapter
of the S.C.
Association of the
Deaf..........852-4160
TDD
phone..........852-4162
Relay South Carolina
(telephone
communication for
the
deaf)..........800-735-2905
S.C. Protection &
Advocacy for the
Handicapped..........763-8571
Boasting a
comfortable climate,
a great location,
historical charm and
a variety of
resources, the
Charleston area is
one of the best
places to live in
the nation.
The metropolitan
area is comprised of
Berkeley,
Charleston, and
Dorchester counties,
and stretches some
50 miles (80km)
inland, with 90
miles (145km) of
oceanfront.
With its diverse
economic mix and one
of the largest
containerized cargo
ports on the South
Atlantic and Gulf
coasts, the area
continues to grow,
yet its rich,
historic charm and
cultural
sophistication are
evident throughout
the city. The region
also boasts a
multi-billion dollar
visitor industry,
one of the
Southeast's most
impressive medical
hubs, a
well-established
base of national and
international
manufacturers, as
well as a large
military presence.
In addition, arts,
recreational and
cultural
opportunities are
abundant.
http://pressomatic.com/charlestonchamber/upload/At%20A%20Glance.pdf
CHAMBERS OF
COMMERCE,
VISITOR SERVICES AND
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENTS
Berkeley County
Chamber of
Commerce.........577-9549
or (800) 882-0337
Charleston Area
Convention &
Visitors
Bureau.........853-8000
or (800) 868-8118
Charleston Metro
Chamber of
Commerce.........577-2510
Greater
Summerville/Dorchester
County Chamber of
Commerce.........873-2931
Charleston Regional
Development
Alliance.........767-9300
COMMUNITY CENTERS
Berkeley County
Family
YMCA.........761-9622
Jenkins Orphanage
Administration.........744-2429
Jewish Community
Center.........571-6565
Lowcountry
Children's
Center.........723-3600
South Carolina
Guardian Ad
Litum.........958-4350
South Santee
Community
Center.........546-2789
Summerville
YMCA.........871-9622
YMCA, 61 Cannon
St..........577-9622
YWCA, 106 Coming
St..........722-1644
COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS
Charitable Society
of
Charleston.........727-0624
Charleston County
Medical
Society/Medical
Society
Auxiliary.........577-3613
Coastal Crisis
Chaplaincy.........724-1212
Knights of
Columbus.........723-9934
Elks
Lodge.........556-0048
Exchange Club of
Charleston.........572-3161
Junior League of
Charleston,
Inc..........763-5284
Mothers Against
Drunk Driving State
Chapter.........1-800-543-8692
NAACP - Charleston
Branch.........805-8030
Omar Shrine
Temple.........971-0131
Rotary Club of
Charleston.........971-4352
South Carolina
Wildlife
Federation.........(803)
256-0670
COMMUNITY SERVICES
American Red Cross,
Carolina Lowcountry
Chapter.........764-2323
Association for the
Blind.........723-6915
Berkeley
Citizens.........761-0300
Berkeley County
Rescue
Squad.........719-4295
The Community
Foundation Serving
Coastal
S.C..........723-3635
Family Services of
Charleston
County.........744-1348
or (800) 232-6489
Florence Crittenton
Programs.........722-7526
Helping Hands of
Goose
Creek.........553-7132
HOME - Charleston
Interfaith Crisis
Ministry.........723-9477
Hospice of
Charleston,
Inc..........529-3100
Lowcountry Food
Bank.........747-8146
Lowcountry AIDS
Services.........747-2273
TRICOUNTY FAMILY
MINISTRIES.........747-1788
My Sister's House,
Inc..........744-3242
People Against
Rape.........746-1003
Ronald McDonald
House.........723-7957
Salvation
Army.........747-5271
Sea Island
Comprehensive Health
Center.........559-4137
John Ancrum
SPCA.........747-4849
South Carolina
Coastal Conservation
League.........723-8035
Trident United Way
Information and
Referral
Service.........740-9000
DRIVING
Steps to Obtaining a
S.C. Driver's
License
• For any new
residents of South
Carolina, an
out-of-state
driver's license is
valid for 90 days
after moving.
• During new
residents' first 90
days in the state,
they may turn
licenses into the
S.C. Division of
Motor Vehicles
/Department of
Revenue and Taxation
and qualify for S.C.
licenses by passing
a written test and
paying a $2 fee.
• Military personnel
may continue using a
current driver's
license and license
plates from their
home state as long
as either are valid.
• New residents who
pass the written
exam are not
required to take a
road test.
• S.C. issues both
five-year and
10-year licenses.
10-year licenses
cost $25 and are
issued to those that
visit a DMV branch
to obtain an
original or renewal
license. Five-year
licenses cost $12.50
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