Summerville is anything but a sleepy little town in South Carolina. Brimming with history and tradition, there is always something blooming in and around town. It is a close-knit community where neighbors still greet one another in passing, children can play safely, and events and functions are happening every day. Situated close to historic downtown Charleston, it provides a small-town feel with all the conveniences and modernity of city living.
Commonly referred to as the heart of the Lowcountry, the pace is slow, the tone is kind, and niceties are still a way of life. There is no lack of commerce from the downtown center that has shopping and fine dining, along with many casual eateries to sit on the patio and enjoy live music. It is a little haven where time moves slowly when you want it to, but there is always entertainment and nightlife to find if you want.
Why Relocate to Summerville, SC?
Here are all the things that you are sure to fall in love with that will make you want to call Summerville home.
Downtown Summerville, SC
Downtown Summerville is the heart of the community where shops are plenty and entertainment even more plentiful. There is a little something for everyone from the Hippie Soul to Katie Maes Klassy Flea & Antique Market, things never have a chance to get stale. If five-star cuisine is your thing, food is served up fresh, hot, and with Southern charm.
Sweet tea originated in Summerville and is still pouring round the clock with sweetness and down-home hospitality to boot. Although renovations have brought the city center back to life, all was done to preserve the original legacy and charm that draws people from all around the nation for wonderful couple getaways and family vacations.
Bustling Economy
Summerville might feel like seclusion from the rest of the hustle and bustle of a big city, but it has a strong and vibrant economy. The unemployment rate remains low at about 4% with future job growth forecasted to be near 35%. Summerville is also home to headquarters for Sunburst Properties, Scout Boats, and Linde Lift Trucks.
Utility Providers in the Summerville Area
Summerville’s electricity provider is Dominion Energy, the water and sewer providers are Summerville CPW, Dorchester Water and Sewer and Dorchester County Water and Sewer depending on your home address. They all make switching service over for new residents easy, with access via the internet. Cable providers are AT&T, Comcast, and Spectrum Cable, comparing prices and features is a good idea before you choose. We recommend that you begin the process of signing up and providing a move-in date in advance, so your utilities will be fully operational on your move date.
Summerville is the Best Place for Young Professionals in South Carolina
If you are a young professional moving to Summerville, you are going to get the best of all worlds. We are a family-centered community, but we also have plenty of outdoor activities, amazing eateries, and nightlife to enjoy. For those who work in Charleston, the commute is simple, and you get the hometown feel without all the big-city chaos. Of course, if you like the face-pace of Charleston, you get the best of all worlds. Summerville is also conveniently located close to Joint Base Charleston, Boeing, Bosch, Volvo, Mercedes and Charleston International Airport. So your home to work commute is easy.
Affordability
Summerville has all the benefits of living in the Lowcountry, alongside value. The homes for sale in Summerville are some of the most affordable housing in the United States. Whatever type of living situation you are in from empty-nester to single-family home for a growing crew, you will find a fair-priced home with the benefits of green space and some within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and hiking trails.
Here’s a list of some of my favorite neighborhoods in Summerville:
Spots and Other Activities
One of the things that attract people to Summerville, is the vast amount of outdoor activities to engage in. From hiking trails to water sports, there is a little something for every outdoorsman or woman. Something is always blooming at Azalea Park, which runs along Mainstreet. It is at the heart of Summerville’s expansive park system and is open to the public. There are also tennis courts available at Azalea Park and a space to rent to hold your special event.
Take a leisurely walk or hike on one of the many trails. One of my favorite hiking trails in Summerville is the Saw Branch Trail. It’s a 13 mile paved hiking/ biking trail that runs through the heart of Summerville. Here are a few more fun spots you may want to explore:
Doty Park is an excellent place to play tennis or pickleball. It also has three picnic areas, complete with seating, and horseshoe pits. It too can be rented for your special occasion celebration. Gahagan Park is home to the Jerry Blackwell Sports Complex and has six softball and baseball fields to accommodate adult and children organized sports, including the recent addition of Cricket Club. Plantation Playground is also a family favorite where kids can get their energy out and spend the day getting fresh air.
Hutchinson Square is located across from the Town Hall. The town square is a place where the community comes together to enjoy festivals, outdoor concerts, and special occasions like the Town’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Third Thursday Celebration. And for the daredevil in the crowd, the Summerville Skate Park is a must. It is a 5,000 square foot park that includes a grind box, ramp, railing, stairs, and the Hubba ledge for the well-seasoned skater.
Weather
Summerville offers some of the most tepid temperatures year-round to enjoy the great outdoors. The winters are generally short-lived and cool and comfortable. Snow is not the usual, although once in a while, it is a treat for those who don’t have to suffer winter-long with it. Summer is traditionally “Southern style,” hot mid-day in the sun, but cooler at night. During the Summer we often get evening showers that cool things down a good bit. From season to season, the temperatures typically fluctuate from about 38 degrees fahrenheit to 96 degrees fahrenheit.
Schools Excellent
For growing young families, Summerville, SC offers some of the most highly-rated schools in South Carolina. Relocating to Summerville with school-aged children is a good investment into their future. There are many options for both public and private school opportunities.
The highly coveted Dorchester District 2 is just one of the many reasons why parents choose Summerville. Summerville has one of the highest ranked public schools in South Carolina and for private schools, you can choose from Northwoods Academy, Faith Christian, Trinity Classical Academy, Summerville Catholic and Pinewood Preparatory School along with others.
Search for your new home by the high school district:
Location
Summerville, SC is one of the most convenient places to live in the Lowcountry. It is a hometown enough to feel small and quaint, but accessible to Charleston and many surrounding areas. Lakes, hiking trails, historic sites, and beaches are all within an hour or less. Also, metropolitan cities like Savannah, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Greenville are all commutable for a day trip!
Historic Sites in and around the Summerville area
One of the biggest reasons that people flock to the Summerville area is due to its deep-seeded tradition. Summerville is home to many historic sites that have been well-preserved and cherished for centuries. Whether you are in to visit or to find your forever home, don’t miss seeing these National Treasures.
Drayton Hall is the oldest plantation still available for public viewing. It was first constructed over 265 years ago and is home to the oldest African-American cemeteries in the Nation. Drayton Hall hosts events throughout the year, and also offers tours to the public to educate them about how plantations in the South were run and operated.
Following in the tradition of Charleston’s high regard for amazing dining, Summerville is loaded with everything from casual eateries to fine dining. Located throughout the area are amazing establishments that offer four-star cuisine, patio dining, and live entertainment spots. Although it is hard to find a restaurant that isn’t serving it up hot, fresh, and fabulous, our favorite recommendations are:
The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is open all throughout the year. It is a 17th Century estate that offers a view of the oldest public garden in our Nation’s history. The entire property was built in 1676, and it now serves as a venue for weddings, and provides tours and youth programs year-round.
Middleton Place is the Oldest Landscape Gardens in America’s existence. It is open to the public where you can tour the Stable yards or take a tour through the House Museum. While visiting, you can peruse the grounds via horseback or carriage ride and afterward, eat at the restaurant located on the grounds for an entire day filled with fun.
Colonial Dorchester is one of the most popular historic sites for both Summerville residents and tourists. Although not much of the original architecture remains, the St. George’s Anglican Church bell tower is a beautiful display of what the South looked like centuries ago. Archeologists are still uncovering hidden treasures that lay beneath the surface. Also, for those interested in sightseeing, you get a straight shot of the Ashely River, which is abundant with wildlife to explore. The Colonial Dorchester is open year-round, with the only exception being that it is closed on Christmas.
Some of Our Favorite Summerville Restaurants
Wild Ginger is an Asian Bistro Sushi Bar restaurant that has an outstanding menu and flavors that will blow you away. They also have a casual dining experience with upscale food. Choose from sushi rolls to classic Asian dishes and everything in between. This no-frills atmosphere is great for date night or to bring the whole family. Try the Kani Salad. It's amazing.
The Steel City Pizza motto is “Builders of Good Food” and man did they get that right! They have several different locations to choose from and have a menu that caters to pizza lovers from all walks of life. They also offer other traditional Italian dishes, sandwiches, and appetizers to feed the entire crowd. Originally from Pittsburgh, they have certainly incorporated Southern hospitality into every bite! You won’t want to miss out on the Godfather Wedgie or the Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Matt’s Burgers is the original awesome hole in the wall. Their old-school type way of serving food showcases nothing but their fantastic cooking and flavors. From specialty burgers to chili to homemade fries, their comfort food is comforting year-round and for every taste bud. Matt’s has the best burgers in town hands down.
Pad Thai I has a casual atmosphere with fantastic food. They offer a variety of curry dishes and noodle creativity that will excite your taste buds. They offer dine-in and carry-out, and to make things super convenient, you can order online. The restaurant only has four tables as most of their business is from takeout, but if you are lucky enough to get a table you will be glad you did.
Oscars is one of Summerville’s favorites. It is family owned and operated and has been in Summerville for over 25 years. When you go to Oscars, you always feel as if you are home, the staff and owner make a special point of getting to know everyone and are as welcoming as can be. Their Tomato Pie is a must, but you have to be on the lookout for it, it pops on the specials menu once in a while. A close second is the grilled chicken burrito, it is absolutely to die for! Fresh salsa, plenty of queso, tasty grilled chicken and it is ginormous to boot. They also have fresh baked pumpernickel bread with honey butter upon request and of course, they bring on the sweet tea that Summerville is known for!
Healthcare
When finding a place to set down roots it is important to know that you will have the best health care available instead of having to travel far distances to get your needs met. Summerville’s Medical Center or Trident Health System is an acute-care hospital that serves the families of Dorchester, Berkeley, and the surrounding areas.
It has been operating successfully for almost thirty years. There is also the Medical University of South Carolina, Roper St. Francis Hospital that also offers acute care, general medical assistance, and out and inpatient diagnostic care.
The Medical University of South Carolina has many satellites conveniently located around Summerville and surrounding areas. It is a great way to see a doctor on an urgent basis when the emergency room might not be warranted.
Summerville has a vast number of internists, pediatricians, dental care professionals, and networks to choose from according to your healthcare needs and insurance limitations. There are also many specialty care facilities like the MUSC Children’s and a number of senior care facilities to care for your loved ones close by.
We recommend Palmetto Primary Care for all of your personal physician’s needs. They are a well-established practice with close ties to the community and an amazing network of specialists for referral purposes.
One of the many things I love about this area that makes it great for people of any age is health care is right here in town.
Interesting Facts About Summerville, SC
- Population of Summerville – 53,037
- Media Age – 36
- Average Annual Temperature – 77 degrees
- Average Monthly Maximum Temperature – 83 degrees
- Average Monthly Minimum Temperature – 59 degrees
- Average Number of Sunny Days – 209
- Sales Tax – 7%
- Local Hospitality Tax – 2%
- Accommodations Tax – 2%
- Miles from International Airport – 8.6 miles
If you are looking to relocate to the Lowcountry, then Summerville, SC offers the most opportunities and the best value. From single-family to an empty-nester, there is something for everyone. Loaded with outdoor activities, fantastic commerce, and nightlife, it is a hidden gem close to Charleston. Summerville offers a community feel, with the convenience and accessibility of a big city. But it is nestled and somewhat secluded enough to feel like an amazing get-away when you want it to. Contact Sea Turtle Properties today and let us welcome you to Summerville by finding your forever home!