Charleston: Relocation Advice
 

Charleston locals: I am trying to help out my sister-in-law, she is coming to Charleston this weekend to get a feel for the area for relocation (retirement) in the future. Husband is a big fisherman, wants access to water. Doesn't want to deal with a realtor quite yet, where should she look for real estate?
Thanks!

I started to look in the overall Charleston area last spring until someone suggested James Island. I made a trip down, drove around, and liked what I saw. I stopped at a realtor, looked at several houses, but didn't find anything suitable to my taste and needs in my price range. For the next several months the realtor emailed me weekly, that weeks new listings which I tracked as long as they were on the market.
On the third trip I found what would suit me and I moved in in the fall.

I'm ten to fifteen minutes from Charleston, less than ten from Folly Beach and the fishing pier, about the same for several launching ramps, and five minutes from the James Island County Park which has a fishing pier and much more.

In the five months here, the only downside I found would be the traffic on Folly Road, but having lived in Northern Virginia for thirty five years, there is no comparison so even that is not too bad.

I've been satisfied with the restauants on the island and overall feel I made the right decision.

There are many subdivisions on the island and most I believe, have home owners associations, the other thing on my downside list.

I am not a Charlestonian but through generous friends I have been lucky enough to spend time there.

Isle of Palms offers a terrific package of quick access to the city, beach, golf, and real American town atmosphere (though not at all quaint). I do not know about charter fishing but certainly people in Wild Dunes (a development) have boats at their doors, though you probably have to have a higher end house to do this.

Boat maintenance is higher down there because of warm water. In New England, we scrape and paint the bottom once a year and forget it. In the south, everyone who can afford one has an electric lift on their dock. There are boat launches for those of us who have to trailer our boats.

Mt Pleasant, just behind the Isle onthe mainland and Sullivan's Island are also interesting places in their own right.

Unfortunately, your SIL is going at a great time of year. Before I sold my home and bought property there, I would want to visit in August.

Be sure your SIL visits during August. The heat is brutal. I can't tell you how many times I heard new transplants complain about the heat. Really?

If you need a realtor, my best friend is the best there is. My email address is on my profile.

Thanks for advice, I am looking forward to her response to area!

Not a real Charlestonian but have a son there. The Isles of Palms suggestion is excellent.