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also about crime, cost of living, friendliness of the people and distance from Myrtle Beach. We are from Philadelphia Area (Bucks County) and are looking to move South, within 45 minutes of the beach, close to a good hospital and enough shopping nearby to keep body and soul together. We are not looking for a "single family residence" but in fact a property that will help pay for itself, including zoning that will be commercial and be adequate for a small boardinghouse and at least one rental unit. I am partially disabled, due to multiple spine problems so I'll be offering reduced room rent in exchange for work. I hope this is workable because I have no relatives other than the two other family members I live with. Our ages are 56, 56 and 77. Also, what is the going rate for room and board in a reasonably priced area in MB area? This will be my first experience as a landlord. I do have one person interested in renting, also partially disabled. (Any subsequent renters will have to be able bodied.) Last but not least, we'd like a little land so we can grow our own organic produce and possibly have a side business selling some. Mom and I hate snakes and neither of us has ever seen one, except once in a creek, and all others, yes, in captivity. How can I avoid the snakes with the kind of property we want in South Carolina? Can something be installed or used around the property or at least the living areas? We're hoping to make the move in the spring. Our current home is not quite ready for the market. I read Socastee is nice and to some extent, Little River. Thanks for any help.
To help my helpful readers in replying, I'll list the issues in a recap here:
snakes
crime
friendly people, polite drivers
reasonable real estate prices
not too isolated
multiple zoning
small acreage
close to beach (45 min. max drive)
close to hospital
Snakes, spiders, palmetto bugs (roaches), insects and gators are all part of living in SC's lowcountry. They were here long before humans arrived and will still be here long after we're gone. Some folks - mostly realtors (not you, rrufast ) - will tell you they've never seen a snake down here. Those folks are either not paying attention or simply need to get out more often. We live in an established suburban neighborhood with a landscaped yard. We've probably seen 15-20 snakes this year, most recently a 4' black snake that has taken up residence in one of our natural areas. That's a good thing since they keep mice and other rodents under control. Snakes are less prevalent on the immediate coast and in urban areas. The more rural you get, the more likely you will see them. Trying to eliminate snakes on your property would be a futile, expensive, foolish thing to do. Education and caution are your best tools.
Zoning is a hit-and-miss thing down here, particularly as you get further into rural areas. Socastee and Little River are both nice areas. I think what you are describing will put you a little further from the coast, Conway area, perhaps, but I could be wrong. Good luck with your more.
Oh dear.. I have yet to encounter my 1st snake but I will say the fire ants took me for a loop, until I figured out how to kill 'em . The big bugs.. Palmetto bugs were scarey.. but we have a service that sprays for multi bugs - well worth the $, I must add, life is good!
Hopefully I'll not encounter a snake (while alone!)
Pawleys..., I'm not turned off yet, especially after reading the other posters reply. LOL Well, I really like the idea of a coastal town, which is in my favor. However, I don't know if I can afford that. As for the education you mentioned, I'm wondering about snake deterrents. BTW, how far from the ocean must you be in order to probably not see any snake?
Tessa, I'm curious where in MB area you are and how long you've been there, since you have not yet seen a snake, which judging from the other poster's answer, makes seeing one, for you, imminent. Well maybe I will get a few more posts on here, I like chatting about different areas.
Debbie..., I will be contacting you at the email, however we're not yet ready to even put our current property on the market (needs a little remodeling). Low cost and quality of life is essential to us. I know quality is subjective, but we need the friendliness-slow pace-law-abiding environment.
Good! Because I sure did not intend to turn you off! I was only trying to give you an honest answer. To the best of my knowledge, snakes are not usually an issue on oceanfront properties, or on the small barrier islands surrounded by salt water. At the same time, they are not uncommon at Huntington Beach State Park, which is an oceanfront park in the Grand Strand. Otherwise, snakes are a fact of life in SC. I grew up in upstate SC, and we had just as many up there as we have down here.
As far as deterrents, keeping a clean landscape, without piles of brush or stacks of firewood can make a difference. We have several flower beds and natural areas that use pine needles for mulch, and this is where we usually see them. Snakes, being cold-blooded, also like to crawl out on a warm road or paved driveway after dark, so when we walk late, we pay attention. I've heard of some people putting out mothballs, but I think that's an old wives tale. The deterrents sold in stores? Don't waste your money. They're on the same level as those sonic sound transmitters mounted on car bumpers to keep you from hitting deer. If you buy 'em, you're just helping somebody else's economy.
I haven't seen any snakes either, but then I've only been here for a couple of weeks. I thought I saw a snake the other day, but it turned out to be my garden hose! I have seen several very large and very scary looking spiders.
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) - will tell you they've never seen a snake down here. Those folks are either not paying attention or simply need to get out more often. We live in an established suburban neighborhood with a landscaped yard. We've probably seen 15-20 snakes this year, most recently a 4' black snake that has taken up residence in one of our natural areas. That's a good thing since they keep mice and other rodents under control. Snakes are less prevalent on the immediate coast and in urban areas. The more rural you get, the more likely you will see them. Trying to eliminate snakes on your property would be a futile, expensive, foolish thing to do. Education and caution are your best tools.
. The big bugs.. Palmetto bugs were scarey.. but we have a service that sprays for multi bugs - well worth the $, I must add, life is good!
I was only trying to give you an honest answer. To the best of my knowledge, snakes are not usually an issue on oceanfront properties, or on the small barrier islands surrounded by salt water. At the same time, they are not uncommon at Huntington Beach State Park, which is an oceanfront park in the Grand Strand. Otherwise, snakes are a fact of life in SC. I grew up in upstate SC, and we had just as many up there as we have down here. 
