DH has been transferred to Charleston, and his company is sending us on a house-hunting trip this weekend. We will be looking for a townhouse/condo/house to rent, hopefully for $1400/mo. or less.

I've always gotten great advise when planning trips, so I thought "why not ask about places to live."

Our criteria: prefer at least a 2/2, it must allow pets, and would love to have a screen porch. Kids are grown and on their own, so not worried about the schools. We've been told Summerville is the place to be, but hear the traffic is miserable, and that doesn't sound great to us. DH stayed in Mount Pleasant for his interview, and liked that area, but future coworkers say its expensive.

So, what do you like or dislike about the area of Charleston you live in? Would you stay in the same area, or change locations if you had the chance? Would love to hear your opinions!

I actually live in Mt Pleasant, and yes it's more expensive than some other areas but that;s because it's nice. You don't have to sit in that God-awful traffic. You should be able to find something for that price.

I own in Old Mt Pleasant which is just before you get on the causeway to Sullivan's. It's a great neighborhood for me. I know nothing bout condos, except that there are lots in Mt Pleasant out 17 going toward Myrtle Beach. There are some nice ones on Daniel Island too.

Where will your DH be working?

DH will be working for Boeing in North Charleston. They have assigned us a real estate agent, who we meet with on Monday.

We haven't lived in a condo or apartment in decades, so it will be a learning experience for us, too. We would love to rent a house, but would probably have to go to Goose Creek, Hanahan, or Summerville to get one within our budget. Our gut feeling is that we will be happier in Mt. Pleasant, even if it means going down to a townhouse/condo, though I'm not sure the cats will agree! We are also considering Daniel Island, as there seems to be some pretty good deals there too.

DH liked the looks of the area where you live, but we're not seeing many rentals. Definitely more listed out 17 as you've mentioned. Some coworkers have mentioned West Ashley, but DH drove out that way, and says traffic is heavy and stores, etc. not as accessible as Mt. Pleasant.

Any other thoughts?

That's true. And I'm not as familiar with WA as I am this side.

The BEST piece of advice I can give you is to shoot for something on Daniel Island or Mt P if it's not too far out 17. 17 gets backed up during rush hour too, but not like 26 coming east in the am and going back in the pm. The traffic in the North area during the week is terrible. Summerville to Boeing will be heck on earth. DI is an easy drive to the beaches east of the Cooper, and the commute won't be nearly as bad as if you get something north of Boeing. And it's also an easy drive into Charleston. I have a friend who lives in an apt on DI with two cats and they seem to be happy. Belle hall also has some nice condos and near some shopping areas. Let me know how you do. Welcome to heaven if even if it IS hotter than the other place right now!

If you want to pm me I'm shanklemsw on Tripadvisor. I don't know if we'll get removed or not. If you pm me I'll give you my email address. I'm happy to help you.

This just came on my facebook page:
http://charleston.craigslist.org/apa/1843005938.html

Thanks suewoo. I've never used Tripadvisor, but will try to pm you tomorrow. Just managed to get to a computer today, but have to meet the real estate agent in a little bit.

Suewoo: If you'd move about 10 miles north you could be "Suewoo from Sewee".

That is true! I should do that. I could be close to the finest restaurant in the land, Seewee.

Hey suewoo! Life's been crazy-busy, but wanted to give you an update.

We were shocked at how tight the rental market was around the Charleston area. We looked at 3 places (2 houses in Hanahan and a townhouse in Mt. P) that were snatched up even as we were viewing them!

We came close to leasing a condo in Long Grove, but found out during a second tour that the next-door neighbor had 2 pitbull mix dogs that barked incessantly, so that killed that one.

We looked at 2 units beyond Highway 41 (Dunes West and Park West). They were ok, but DH decided that he really didn't want to go north of 41.

DH would have loved to find something in your neck of the woods, but everything was either too expensive, or was already rented when we called.

He also liked the idea of Daniel Island. He agrees with you that the drive to work would be ideal! But we didn't really fit the demographic of any of the available units-not quite younger enough or hip enough It may still be a possibility if we decide to buy a house.

We were hopefully about a condo in Belle Halle, but they insisted we would have to rent it sight unseen! Um, that would be a big NO!

In the end, we chose a 2/2.5 townhome in Hamlin Plantation. It was at the top of our price range, but it had everything we wanted in a unit, in area we both liked. Boeing is putting DH up in a hotel thru August, as the townhouse will be ready Sept. 1. I will start making the transition after that. We are keeping the house in Florida, and I will be traveling back and forth. The cats are going to have to get used to traveling!

Oh, and we ate at SeeWee. DH loved it, have a feeling we will dining there fairly often!

As well you should! It is great.

Hamlin Plantation is nice. I have a buddy who lives out there. Things get snapped in my neighborhood this time of year-the elementary school is the best in the state. And I guess all y'all Boeing people are coming in at the same time.

There's a couple of good restaurants out your way-Neil Jordan's and 17 North.

And drive to Sullivans for Atlanticville. We had a Dorothea Benton Frank sighting there last weekend. And if you don't know her, make a point to read her books.

Good luck. You'll love it as much as we do.