Strange as it may sound, you can take it from good authority the Tuberculosis Congress -- that the combination of pine trees and dry, sandy ridges in Summerville is therapeutic. This finding paved the way for a golden era in the history of this town. No wonder that the town has long regarded pine trees as sacred and there will be hell to pay for desecrating them!
Aptly dubbed the "Flower Town in the Pines", Summerville is home to the Annual Flowertown Festival, the largest celebration of arts and crafts in the state. This 15.4 square mile town is home to 44,000 people. It wasn't always the thriving community that it is now it was once the quiet land of refuge for people trying to get away from the insects and swamp fevers that plagued Charleston. Currently, with its mild climate and vibrant community, this town is the epitome of small-town values, which is the very substance of its charm. Think you’d feel right at home here? Let’s get you your own comfy abode first.
Home Hunting is as Easy as 1 2 3
Renting an apartment in Summerville won't cause too much of a dent in the pocket and it can be a very straightforward process. However, even with a not-so-challenging task, it helps to know some tips to make it downright easy-peasy. Here are some:
Prepare to pay the extra fees
Aside from a months advance on rent, agent, and deposit fees, prepare to pay for miscellaneous things, such as maintenance fees and a credit history or background check. Most landlords require that they run their own check on you and charge you for it. Also, if pets are allowed and youre planning to bring along your beloved dog, you may have to shell out a pet deposit.
Moving soon? Get busy
Although the rental market in Summerville is quite favorable for renters, you need to give ample time to home hunting. Unless the thought of temporarily moving into your parents' or friend’s house is an acceptable prospect, you need to give it at least a month or two before your scheduled move. Don't fall behind and miss out on a great place!
Prepare these as well...
Aside from a background check, you will be required to give references from your previous landlords, proof of employment or income; and for good measure, prepare your pet's records too. Some landlords require more paperwork on top, but these should get the rental application going. It may be a hassle, but it'll all be worth it.
Summerville Neighborhoods
The type of neighborhood you chose to live in reflects your values and lifestyle. Choose with the same discrimination as when you choose your apartment.
Town Center: This neighborhood wouldn't make it to peoples list of "Most Livable Places". However, because of its low rental rates, as well as the abundance of small and medium-sized dwellings, people employed in sales and service jobs flock to this place.
Brownsville: This suburban neighborhood has an abundance of 3 or 4 bedroom apartments. However, this is one area where renters don't have that much of a place, since most homes are owned and there are not many vacant dwellings for renters to occupy.
S Main St/W Carolina Ave: If you live in this neighborhood and you're anything like most residents here, you probably won’t know your next-door neighbors, and it won't be for lack of social skills. Most likely, it'll be because youre both too busy and occupied with your jobs. Residents here are the classic go-getters: driven, successful, and wealthy.
Dorchester Estates: If you crave that deep sense of belonging, this neighborhood has the right atmosphere for you. The community spirit is so palpable, youd reckon even pets feel they belong here. Another thing that easily noticeable here is the dominance of medium-sized single family homes.
Jedburg: If the sight of military servicemen provides a sense of safety, this neighborhood is perfect for you. Additionally, you might like to do away with conventional homes while youre here. Mobile homes are popular housing options in this side of South Carolina, so you might just well experience living in a mobile home park.
Clubhouse Crossroads: If you live in this area, you’ll find yourself hosting a backyard get-together for your neighbors before long.
Lotts Crossroads: More than half of the real estate properties here are relatively new compared to other areas in Summerville. If you don’t care for dilapidated houses with peeled-out paints, youll find this area heavenly. That is, if you dont have anything against military in uniforms, since there are many of them in this neighborhood as well.
Knightsville: A good percentage of professionals here are working for Uncle Sam. So if youre in the same boat, youll find a lot in common with your neighbors here. You will find that this area has a good mix of housing options, which includes single family homes, high rise complexes and apartments, as well as mobile homes.
Long Ridge: A mix of people from college students, to young professionals, to families, and even retirees call this place home. They are employed in a wide range of occupations. That’s why regardless of your background, you can make a home here.
Bacons Bridge Rd/State Hwy S: If you want a 3 or 4 bedroom established apartment that’s in close proximity to a country club, you’ll feel right at home here. The Summerville Country Club is within this neighborhood, so you dont have to drive too far to enjoy a game of golf.
Stallsville:This urban neighborhood is home to a mix of renters and homeowners. With rental properties predominantly consisting of small and medium-sized single family homes, high rise condos, and apartment complexes, theres always something to suit your taste and budget. The 9.6% vacancy rate is not too bad either, as that gives you ample room to choose and decide on the best abode for yourself.
Got Spare Time to Burn? Try These
Tourists and residents alike can get busy with all sorts of entertainment, attractions, and events in Summerville and the rest of Dorchester County. Have a love for the outdoors? Try canoeing and kayaking in one of the rivers in the area. Love to shop 'til you drop? This town has many specialty shops, antique stores, and boutiques for your picking. Give in to your wanderlust spirit and explore different areas of this town to see historic homes and landmarks, Antebellum plantations, gardens, museums, and country clubs. Some notable places of interest include: Legend Oaks Plantation Country Club, Miler Country Club, Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, Summerville Dorchester Museum, Azalea Park and Sculpture Garden, as well as Pine Forest Country Club, to name a few.
If you prefer to be just a spectator to all the action, then sporting events, Flowertown Festival, art exhibits and sales are the perfect avenue to do just that. And this town is a bird watchers paradise as well. Excited yet? It's time to move over here and get hold of some of the excitement!
