Lowcountry Communities

The greater Charleston Area is comprised of 12 major communities which are mostly separated by rivers & waterways and connected by bridges & highways. For the locals, navigating between these island towns and peninsula communities is second nature, but newcomers often find themselves looking over the Charleston Map their first couple of months in town.

The Peninsula of Historic Downtown Charleston is the central hub of the Charleston area and is separated by Cooper River to the East and the Ashley River to the West. Downtown Charleston features historic landmarks and beautiful historic homes on every corner. Inhabitants of the peninsula enjoy the convenience of world-class shopping and dining within walking distance and incredible historic and waterfront views every day. Travel east of the Cooper River (Pronounced “Cupper” River by Charlestonians) from downtown Charleston and cross over the Ravenell Bridge to get to the town of Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant is one of the most sought after destinations to live in the Low Country and is known for gorgeous neighborhoods, great shopping, and many dining selections. From Mount Pleasant travelers can access the beach communities of Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms which are located just south of the Mt. Pleasant mainland. Travel West on I-526 from Mount Pleasant and you will reach the Town of Daniel Island. Daniel Island is an exclusive community and is home to some of the most affluent residents of the Charleston area. This town features two private golf courses and breathtaking views of the water and nature. I-526 travels from Hwy 17 in Mount Pleasant in a semi-circle passing through Daniel Island and North Charleston and connecting back with Hwy 17 in West Ashley.

Traveling West of Peninsula Charleston, West of the Ashley River, is the community so appropriately named “West Ashley”. West Ashley is actually a peninsula itself and is home to three of Charleston historic plantation sites. This area is convenient to downtown Charleston, Summerville, and both James and Johns Islands. Johns Island is the largest island on the continental United States and is surrounded by the Stono River. Inhabitants of Johns Island enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of this rural area and the beauty of the unobstructed nature and Live Oak trees. South of Johns Island are the beach communities of Seabrook Island & Kiawah Island. Seabrook and Kiawah are known as some of the top golf destination in the country and offer incredible beaches, top notch service, and plenty of relaxation.

Next to Johns Island lies the community of James Island. James Island is one of the most convenient locations in all of Charleston. Residents here can enjoy a trip to Folly Beach, just 10 minutes away, or meet up with friends for lunch in Downtown Charleston in less than 10 minutes. The area is laid back and offers some affordable options as well as high-end waterfront homes.

Directly North of Peninsula Charleston is the area known as North Charleston. North Charleston offers some historic communities such as the Park Circle area and is convenient to the Charleston Airport, the Tanger Outlet Mall, and the downtown Charleston area. Northeast of N. Charleston are the communities of Hanahan and Goose Creek. Hanahan is very convenient to Daniel Island and is known to have some of the best schools in the Charleston Area. Goose Creek is located between Hanahan and Moncks Corner and offers the golf community of Crowfield Plantation as well as some great local shopping options. West of Goose Creek and North of N. Charleston is the area known as Summerville.

Summerville is a wonderful community in itself. Still within reach of the Charleston area, but with a downtown of its own, Summerville offers the acclaimed Dorchester II school district, a variety of affordable new-home communities as well as some great options for established communities. Many inhabitants of the Summerville area find enough dining, shopping, and entertainment here that they don’t feel the need to travel to downtown Charleston all that often. Homeowners here will find the luxury of living the low country lifestyle, while being able to get more house for their dollar than they could closer to the Atlantic Ocean.

The greater Charleston area truly has something to offer everyone. From city life to beach living, or the resort lifestyle to rural country living, Charleston is a wonderful place to live. With fantastic weather, sandy beaches, cool ocean breezes, and friendly neighbors, people from all over the world agree that Charleston is one of the best places to call home.