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LocalHero, thank you again for your further input.
Yes, I totally appreciate that you get less house in a city like Charleston vs an area like Aiken. I'm not overly concerned about size of house (in Europe, we live in shoe boxes!); closed floor plan is the main criteria for me and land/privacy for hubby. I do think however that Charleston will have the 'it' factor for me (in terms of the aspects which makes downtown areas appealing - on a personal level). Aiken it seemed however had the home (style) that I liked - but I know that Charleston would be a better 'fit'.
Asheville, NC - yes, we have visited - and thought it was lovely all round 'except' perhaps for the very obvious (to us) hippie factor - and that was enough to put us off. Otherwise, we thought it was gorgeous.
Another question if I may... we will be spending a few days in Charleston and then driving on to Savannah for a few days (first time visit to both areas) and I can't wait to see the beautiful parks there.
I'm thinking the Airbnb/Vrbo will probably suit us best and wonder, what areas should we look for/avoid (in terms of a decent/straight forward drive) into Charleston downtown (read: not overly long hold ups, roadworks etc). I think a 30min drive would be just fine - and of course, we wouldn't be driving in rush hour or anything like that.
I suppose the other consideration is the drive from the airport once we arrive. We will be using a rental car.
Again, thank you everyone who has taken the time to reply; you're very kind and I do appreciate it!
For the most part, a "closed" floor plan will be found in the older homes and serendipitously, that's where you're also more likely to find larger lot sizes. In the nicer older neighborhoods, those homes can have quite a nice feel to them and the neighborhood itself will have an established treescape. In Summerville, Asheboro would be a good example of that kind of neighborhood.
Asheville... yes, definitely a hippie vibe! I have 3 siblings living in Asheville/Weaverville and my sister is a crafter with the Folk Art Center up there. I have heard Asheville described as the "Portland of the South" though I've not been to Portland so can't say if I'd agree.
If you can stand the heat/humidity, you'll probably like both Charleston and Savannah. As for where to stay in Charleston, West Ashley, Mt Pleasant, James Island, Johns Island would all be fine as long as they're not too far out from downtown. You can check on Google maps for approximate driving times.
I must add here that after 30 years of moving around the world, hubby is somewhat weary of moving (which I do understand); whilst also being a lovely chap, he does 'not' want to live on top of neighbors (in terms of sight and sound). He would love acreage but would settle for 1/2 acre with privacy (or option to add tall trees etc). I would love for him to have the space he wants (I feel he's earned it) and it would make him immensely happy. Plus we have a gorgeous doggy who would love it also!
Areas I thought might work are 'outside' of Charleston but with say a 30min drive for me to get to downtown; Greenville, Savannah, GA?? With hubby being retired military, I think he prefers SC (in terms of taxes, his retirement pay etc etc). Neither one of us has a desire to be near the beach or anything like that. Green and land are the most important aspects I would say.
I on the other hand would happily live downtown in an area full of beautifully landscaped parks (like London), where I can walk about and where I never need to drive. I rarely drove in England. But yes, I do appreciate that the good ol' USofA is somewhat larger! Anyway, restaurants and cafe's are important to both of us (to me especially) and we both prefer non chain. Jazz and piano venues are always a plus. I love learning, and adult education is my cup of tea. I cannot stress enough the appeal for me of a proper downtown that is both lovely and charming (I do miss that !
Eastbound, just wanted to chime in. I might be totally misreading, but I just wanted to make sure you were aware, as I couldn't quite tell from your post. Greenville is not a suburb of Charleston; it is its own metro about 250 miles (4.5 hrs drive) NW of Charleston in the NW corner of the state, about 60 miles south of Asheville. To be sure, it's downtown does not rival Charleston's, but it is very beautiful it self. The downtown footprint has expanded a lot in the past decade and will continue to do so. It has a very walkable downtown with plenty to see and do, and there are endless outdoor opportunities all around with some (small) mountains right outside. The climate is still hot and humid in the summer but not quite as bad as Charleston. The fall time is usually pretty and you may even see a snowflake or two. Anyway, not really trying to pitch Greenville, just wanted to make sure there wasn't any confusion there. Charleston has a lot to offer and the historic downtown is pretty special.
Good luck with your move!
Hello LocalHero
Thank you for the further info on Summerville/Asheboro; I’m taking ‘notes’ every time someone is kind enough to post so that I can check out all the places mentioned…
Thanks also for the places you mention not too far from downtown for our forthcoming stay.
Hello DistortedLogic,
Yes, I did appreciate that Greenville is some distance from Charleston (our neighbors here in Vegas are from there). Greenville does sound very, very nice but I do feel that Charleston is going to do ‘it’ for me personally. Being from England, I think it will just have the edge (perhaps ‘and then some’) in terms of historic architecture, green parks, non chain restaurants etc etc. Thank you for your input, all comments and posts are most welcome!
Last edited by EastBoundLady; 06-23-2021 at 05:39 PM..
Reason: Somehow ended up with a page of gobbledygook!
I’m in bedroom community to Greenville, and Greenville is terrific, but Charleston is intoxicating. I’m headed down this weekend for the observance of Carolina Day, a local holiday commemorating the spanking of the British fleet by rag tag canonneers in a makeshift fort!
While you're looking, I'd also visit Columbus, GA. Home of Ft. Benning, AFLAC, Synovus Bank, Total Systems (a Global Payments company), WC Bradley, etc..
While you're looking, I'd also visit Columbus, GA. Home of Ft. Benning, AFLAC, Synovus Bank, Total Systems (a Global Payments company), WC Bradley, etc..
I’m in bedroom community to Greenville, and Greenville is terrific, but Charleston is intoxicating. I’m headed down this weekend for the observance of Carolina Day, a local holiday commemorating the spanking of the British fleet by rag tag canonneers in a makeshift fort!
Hello McKee,
I realize I'm a tad late but, I hope you've had a wonderful time this weekend 'commemorating the spanking of the British fleet'! Enjoy, and have one for me!
While you're looking, I'd also visit Columbus, GA. Home of Ft. Benning, AFLAC, Synovus Bank, Total Systems (a Global Payments company), WC Bradley, etc..
Hello Columbusboy,
Thank you for this, I always appreciate recommendations And in fact, I did take a quick peek at Columbus, GA on realtor.com and I have to say, there was one gorgeous home on there, with beautiful traditional wood decor and a rather nice piece of land outside. Very nice indeed. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Burrito,
Many thanks for sharing I do appreciate everyone's comments and personal points of view, especially since I am in no way familiar with the area at all.
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Replying to LocalHero and DistortedLogic :)
