Neighborhood Spotlight: West Ashley

What does the “Ashley” mean in West Ashley?

West Ashley is located west of the Ashley River, hence its name. On its own, West Ashley weighs in with a 2020 population of more than 82,000 people. That accounts for more than 50 percent of the city of Charleston’s population.

This large area of Charleston stretches along the Ashley River inland to beyond the Westmoreland Bridge on the Mark Clark Expressway/I-526. West Ashley extends south to the Stono River. Geographically speaking, the area forms one large peninsula that lies west of peninsula that makes up downtown Charleston.

West Ashley Neighborhood Highlights

The grounds of Charles Towne Landing, the site of the earliest colonial settlement in South Carolina, located in West Ashley.

Highways and state roads crisscross West Ashley, with many of them leading to downtown Charleston and North Charleston. Interstate 526, Highway 61, and Route 17 provide commuting corridors for the Charleston residents who live in and outside of West Ashley.

Charleston history buffs know that West Ashley is the site of the earliest colonial settlement in South Carolina. English settlers from Bermuda and Barbados established Charles Town at Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River.

Today you can visit Charles Towne Landing where the settlers landed in 1670. One of its main attractions is the Adventure, a replica of a 17th-century trading vessel used to carry goods from South Carolina to Barbados.

Some of Charleston’s most important historic sites are located in West Ashley. These include Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall. 

West Ashley Community Amenities

With so many residents, it’s no surprise that West Ashley has an extensive number of public schools. Part of the Charleston County School District, West Ashley has seven elementary schools and four middle schools. The area is served by just one public high school. West Ashley High School has an enrollment of about 1,700 students.

And in such a large area, homebuyers can choose many home styles in West Ashley’s neighborhoods. West Ashley features many riverfront communities, including Edgewater Park on the Stono River and The Settlement at Ashley Hall.

The Avondale district of West Ashley is known as the area’s downtown with its vibrant restaurants, eclectic shops, walkable streets, and unique outdoor murals. Here’s where you can find Whole Foods Market West Ashley as well as popular restaurants such as Mellow Mushroom, Southern Roots Smokehouse, and Boxcar Betty’s.