Top Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in the Charleston Area
Handsome Properties October 15, 2021
Handsome Properties October 15, 2021
With approximately 43 people moving to the city on a daily basis, Charleston has quickly become one of the most desirable places to live in the country. The uncertainty that comes with moving to a new place is understandably stressful, but with a little education from some of the city’s best advocates— including Handsome Properties real estate agents—newcomers are ready to jump head first into the Charleston lifestyle.
The City of Charleston and its surrounding suburbs offer homebuyers a wide variety of family-friendly neighborhoods. From downtown Charleston, to the communities of Mount Pleasant and West Ashley, there are plenty of options that would well-suit most needs. Take a look at some of our favorite places for family living.
Downtown Charleston is one of the most family-friendly locations in the area. The iconic South of Broad neighborhood, in particular, features safe and walkable streets with plenty of families around every corner. While Charleston is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, South of Broad remains mostly residential and is the perfect setting to raise a family.
White Point Gardens, located on the southernmost point of the peninsula, is a quick walk for those who live South of Broad and offers a fabulous place for families to relax and for children to play.
The I’On lifestyle is truly a pleasure. This Mount Pleasant community is located minutes from the Ravenel Bridge and is just a quick hop to Downtown Charleston (only about a 7 to 10 minute drive.) Neighbors are kind to one another and street speed limits do not exceed 20 miles per hour.
The community’s lush walking trails, green spaces, and bodies of water make it as picturesque as it is friendly. While it is not a gated community, many would argue I’On is one of the safest neighborhoods in the Charleston area.
As one of the earliest urbanist communities in the country, I’On is comprised of walkable blocks of about 800 homes in close proximity grouped around public spaces for all residents to enjoy.
Hampton Park Terrace and Wagener Terrace are becoming more and more popular among young families relocating to the city. A bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the historic district, Hampton Park Terrace with the 13-acre Hampton Park offers residents the feel of city living, but without overly crowded streets and sidewalks. Wagener Terrace is located just north of Hampton Park Terrace. Both neighborhoods border the Ashley River.
A Wagener Terrace neighborhood favorite, started by local celebrity Bill Murray, is Rutledge Cab Co. Its relaxed atmosphere and menu offers residents a great place to unwind after a long day of work. Murray’s latest project, Harold’s Cabin, is a corner store/cafe that has taken the neighborhood by storm.
Located across from the Ashley River and north of James Island, West Ashley consists of dozens of smaller neighborhoods and subdivisions. West Ashley offers homebuyers a suburban character, shopping malls with major retailers, and access to Charleston’s major highways including U.S. Route 17 and Interstate 526. West Ashley is part of the Charleston County School District. Within West Ashley are seven elementary schools, four middle schools, and West Ashley High School
The popular 8-mile West Ashley Greenway is a hiking and biking trail that offers new parents the convenience of having an easily accessible, stroller-accommodating path. The homes typically offer large back yards, perfect for children and pets.
Finally, one of the many draws to the Charleston area is the beach. Sullivan’s Island is a beautifully charming beach community just a 25-minute drive to downtown Charleston. The island offers a residential, family feel that is truly unmatched in the area.
Devoid of hotels, Sullivan’s consists of 3.3 square miles of real estate at the entrance of the Charleston Harbor. Its small business district has quaint shops and restaurants that are popular among locals, including the always-busy Poe’s Tavern. A major draw for families is the state-of-the-art school that opened in August 2014, the Sullivan’s Island Elementary School.
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