When I tell people I live in Mount Pleasant, SC they usually say, “Where? ” If I say I live “near Charleston, SC ” they usually say, “Wow – you’re so lucky! ” The truth is that I DO live in Mount Pleasant, SC and I am indeed very lucky. Mount Pleasant is a vibrant community, known generally in the area as “East of the Cooper River ” and it is definitely a great place to live, work and play.
Connected to the Charleston peninsula by the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, an engineering marvel of a steel-cable suspension bridge, Mount Pleasant offers up two distinct population corridors with two distinctly different vibes. Merge right at the base of the bridge, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Old Mount Pleasant. This is generally defined by the businesses and neighborhoods that line Coleman Boulevard as it winds along past Patriot’s Point on the harbor and transitions into Ben Sawyer Blvd., the main entry onto and from Sullivan’s Island. Merge left at the base, and you’ll be headed north on HWY 17, known for part of the way into town as Johnnie Dodds Boulevard. This corridor is known as “newer Mount Pleasant ” although much of the Johnnie Dodds area was developed as Mount Pleasant became popular at the end of the 20th century. Today most of the exploding growth of Mount Pleasant has followed HWY 17 North with neighborhood after neighborhood of new construction homes. Mount Pleasant is one of the fastest growing towns in South Carolina and there is certainly good reason why.
Old Mount Pleasant is a charming, “frozen in time ” kind of place, with historic homes clustered around Shem Creek and nestled alongside the Charleston Harbor. Many people don’t know that some of the most breathtaking views of Charleston can be found on the Mount Pleasant side of the harbor, and from here you can get as close a “land view ” of Fort Sumter as you are ever going to get. In the heart of Old Mount Pleasant is “the Old Village. ” Many of the homes in Old Village have pedigrees as prestigious and historic as some of downtown Charleston’s most beloved homes, and many of these with similar high price tags. Aside from the lure of being close to the water activities and restaurants that line Shem Creek, many people live in Old Mount Pleasant for it’s small town appeal, the quick easy access to downtown Charleston, and to enjoy a pedestrian, “walk everywhere ” lifestyle. Have a look at our current listing at 315 Morrison Street in the Old Village.
The northern part of Charleston County delivers access to a waterfront lifestyle, bordered along the Wando River to the west, and the coastal waters of Hamlin Sound and Bull’s Bay to the east. Decidedly suburban in feel, what residents love about the northern end of Mount Pleasant is it’s close proximity to the upscale Mount Pleasant Towne Center Mall and the quick access to the Atlantic coast beaches of Isle of Palms via the Isle of Palms Connector. Certainly one of the things that has led to Mount Pleasant becoming a “must move here ” destination is the exceptional quality of the schools including Wando High School, one of the state’s powerhouse 4A high schools and a leader in both academics and sports. Top elementary schools as well are located within the hub of HWY 17’s northerly growth, and this part of Mount Pleasant is home to affluent neighborhoods filled with professionals and young families. It has that distinctive vibe that comes along with master planned communities, lush manicured lawns, parks and soccer fields and loads of recreation.
As if the easy 15 minute drive into the heart of downtown Charleston wasn’t benefit enough, Mount Pleasant’s location along HWY 17 means you are an easy day trip away, often just a couple of hours from other South Carolina small town gems like McClellenville, Georgetown, Pawley’s Island and Myrtle Beach. Each one of these have a coastal, small town feel all their very own.
NOTE: The town of Mount Pleasant does indeed offer “something for everyone ” and I for one can’t imagine living anywhere else!
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