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Your Guide to Buying a Home in Summerville, SC

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Known as the official birthplace of sweet tea, Summerville gracefully blends the charm of a small Southern town in the Lowcountry with a vibrant urban vibe. Nestled on a ridge 40 minutes away from Charleston, this charming suburb offers a laid-back lifestyle with easy access to pristine beaches facing the Atlantic expanse, excellent restaurants, and outdoor recreation. Its downtown area is also worth a visit for its vintage charm and community events.

If you’re up for savoring that charming Southern charm in a picturesque town where gardens are abundant, the neighbors are friendly, and the cost of living is well within your means, then buying a home in Summerville is a smart decision. Learn about the nuances of purchasing Summerville, South Carolina real estate through this comprehensive guide.

Table of Contents

Summerville, SC at a glance

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Summerville has emerged as one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Southern Carolina. Located primarily in Dorchester County with portions in Berkeley and Charleston Counties, this town of more than 51,000 residents has residential and commercial areas interspersed with vast woodlands. This gives residents many opportunities to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities just outside their doorstep.

Family-friendly

Families with children will love the wide-open spaces and parks of this Charleston, SC suburb as they present enough room for their kids to run and play – a rarity in urban areas.

School-age children get access to quality Summerville schools under Dorchester School District Two. Summerville High School, particularly, is ranked third among Niche.com’s stand-out high schools in the Charleston area.

A place for enjoying your golden years

Summerville is showing an increased number of active adults choosing to live in the area. The growing active adult communities here mean that new residents 50 years old and up won’t have a problem integrating with existing residents of similar ages and interests.

Moreover, the town’s beautiful scenery, mild weather, plenty of outdoor recreation, and proximity to several healthcare facilities are guaranteed contributors to retired residents’ healthier lifestyles.

Best location for young professionals

Summerville not only gives young people living here a perfect work-life balance but also various venues to become upwardly mobile. This town is No. 10 in Niche.com’s best places for young professionals in the Charleston area for 2022. With Charleston, SC being less than an hour away, professionals working in the said city can easily come home to the tranquility of Summerville. And even within its borders, you will find companies like Google and Mercedez-Benz offering career opportunities to locals.

This proximity to Charleston also allows the younger set of Summerville residents the chance to partake in coastal urban pleasures like excellent restaurants, exciting nightlife, and the finest beaches.

Cultural diversity at its finest

Everyone from all walks of life is welcome to visit or stay in Summerville! The level of diversity of its population is remarkable with people from all social classes and ethnicities living and thriving here. You’ll find both blue-collar and white-collar workers coexisting and enjoying everything the Flower Town in the Pines has to offer. Interestingly, though, several Summerville residents have European ancestries with many of them having German roots.

Real estate in Summerville, SC

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Ranking fifth in Forbes’ list of the best places to live in South Carolina in 2023, Summerville, SC has the characteristics that entice people to purchase homes here, from the beauty of its woodlands to its proximity to just about anything from beaches to medical facilities to the Charleston International Airport. More people are also setting their sights on Summerville, SC homes due to their affordability relative to other properties in the Lowcountry region. Moreover, its innate charm and historical value are reflective of its Southern small-town appeal.

Taking these into consideration, it doesn’t come as a surprise that more people are setting their sights on purchasing homes in Summerville, SC. Add to that the promise of fresh stock to their housing inventory with the rise of new developments and master-planned communities in recent times.

Here are highlights of the real estate market in Summerville, South Carolina:

  • Prices of Summerville, SC homes have been on a steady climb in a three-year period, essentially bucking external economic upheavals and the pandemic. Year-on-year, home prices registered a 2.6% increase as of December 2022.
  • For the same period, the median listing price of homes in Summerville, SC reached almost $376,000.
  • Summerville, SC homes are selling faster than a year ago. December 2022 figures show houses in the area staying in the market for 127 days, compared to the previous year’s 261 days.
  • New neighborhoods are in the offing, one of which is Sawmill – aptly named for its proximity to the Sawmill Branch canal – which is due to be completed by 2025. A mixed-use property, it will be home to several apartments, as well as commercial, retail, and recreational venues. A local top-notch healthcare system is also set to open its doors there.

Summerville neighborhoods

Those looking for homes for sale in Summerville will be glad to know that there is a neighborhood here to fit every budget and lifestyle. Here’s a rundown of some of Summerville’s best neighborhoods.

Ashborough and Ashborough East

Home buyers looking for privacy will love the secluded appeal of this master-planned community. Houses in this Summerville, SC neighborhood are set wide apart from each other and are surrounded by trees and sprawling gardens. Lots span from 2,500 to 3,500 square feet with layouts that include 4 to 5 beds and baths. Prominent architectural styles of residences include Ranch, American Craftsman, and Colonial.

Amenities: clubhouse, pool, tennis and playgrounds, campsites and trails, lake access, and boat landing

Bridges of Summerville

One of the most affordable neighborhoods, the homes of Bridges of Summerville appeal to a wide range of home buyers, including first-timers looking for starter homes, those raising a family, and downsizing retirees. Covering around 1,300 to 2,500 square feet, homes for sale in Bridges of Summerville are medium-sized with 3 to 4 bedrooms. Architectural styles include Coastal, Craftsman, and the region favorite, Charleston.

Amenities: outdoor pool, clubhouse, and play parks

Cane Bay Plantation

This award-winning neighborhood is also one of the newer and more affordable communities in Summerville. Prices of homes for sale here range between $150,000 and $450,000. Cane Bay has 11 subsections, each with varied home styles and price points. It is designed to offer residents everything they need without having to leave the neighborhood.

Amenities: community center, healthcare and shopping services, bike paths, walking trails, outdoor pool, playgrounds, fitness center, tennis courts, library (in the works), and YMCA.

Carriage Hill

Distinguished for being an eco-friendly community, Carriage Hill is near I-26 and Charleston International Airport. Home styles include Charleston and Lowcountry, with a lot area spanning from 1,800 to 4,000 square feet and 3 to 5 baths and beds. Nearby shopping options include Walmart, Kohl’s, and Best Buy. Also found in the area are William Reeves Elementary School, DuBose Middle School, and Summerville High School. Carriage Hill also has some lifestyle communities for active adults.

Carnes Crossroads

A thoughtfully designed mixed-use concept characterizes Carnes Crossroads, Offering miles of neighborhoods, exclusive home designs, first-class amenities, and commercial areas, Carnes Crossroads exudes a classy, upscale feel.

This 2,300-acre master-planned community provides a selection of single-family detached homes and multi-family condo/townhomes built around lakes, parks, and open spaces. Homes adhere to the traditional, Southern architectural style with a large range of floor plans.

Amenities: junior Olympic-sized pool with splash zone, parks, playground, picnic areas, dog park, walking trails, ponds, fishing lakes, soccer field

Historic District

Timeless and beautifully restored historic homes can be found in the Historic District of Summerville. Mostly built between 1900 and 1950, architectural designs include Farmhouse, Victorian, Bungalow, Cape Cod, Craftsman, and Lowcountry styles. Brick ranches built in the 1970s and 1980s and newer Summerville houses are also found here.

Buying a home in the Historic District puts you within walking distance of Downtown Summerville where you’ll find an eclectic selection of shops, restaurants, museums, and arts and performing venues.

Amenities: bike paths, sidewalks, parks, and walking trails.

Lakes of Summerville

One of Summerville’s largest neighborhoods, Lakes of Summerville showcases single-family homes and townhomes. Home buyers are drawn to this master-planned community for the range of styles to choose from and affordability. Home prices in this neighborhood are between $150,000 and $385,000. Lots range from 1,300 square feet to over 2,200 square feet, with homes having 3 beds and 2 baths.

Amenities: amenity center with lighted swimming pool and clubhouse, paved sidewalks, lakes, and nearby nature preserve.

Legend Oaks Plantation

One of the few golf communities in Summerville, Legend Oaks Plantation is designed for upscale, resort-style living. The Legends Oaks Golf Course is at the heart of this popular community, with premier homes overlooking the golf course.

Legend Oaks Plantation offers a wider range of home designs than other newer communities in Summerville. The housing stock here is primarily composed of single-family homes that are spread across several smaller neighborhoods. Condos are also being offered in a section of the Highlands neighborhood.

Residents of this master-planned community enjoy a slew of resort-style amenities like an impressive clubhouse that’s surrounded by hundred-year-old oak trees.

Amenities: golf course, pro shop, restaurant, swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, green spaces, walking and running paths

Myers Mill

If you’re looking for affordable move-in ready homes for sale in Summerville, then Myers Mill has something for you. Typical floor plans include 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 3 full baths, attached car garages, and a lot area from 1500 to 2800 square feet. Homes for sale in Myers Mill range from $290,000 to $400,000 and are mostly in Lowcountry architectural styles.

Amenities: clubhouse, outdoor pool, and playgrounds.

Nexton

Clinching the Best in American Living Award by the National Association of Home Builders and named the Best Mixed-use Community in the U.S., Nexton thrives in its refreshing mix of residences, commercial areas, and nature. It’s located just off Interstate 26 and just a 30-minute drive from Downtown Charleston. Around 4,000 acres of land were used for this development.

Among Nexton’s residences, you’ll find single-family homes and two-story townhomes for sale, as well as apartments for rent. The single-family homes span from 1,500 to 3,800 square feet and have 3 to 4 beds and baths.

Conveniently located in the area are excellent schools under the Berkeley County School District like Cane Bay Middle and High Schools, and Nexton Elementary.

Amenities: Parks, trails and outdoor spaces, dog park, and Midtown Club with resort-style lagoon, lap lanes and fun zones, fitness room and gym

Pine Forest Country Club

One of the three golf communities in Summerville, Pine Forest Country Club is dubbed the Hidden Gem of Charleston. It’s popular among buyers with a preference for brick homes in Summerville. Moreover, it boasts diverse floor plans and large lot sizes.

Pine Forest home designs come in the following styles: American Craftsman, Ranch, and Charleston. Prices, meanwhile, range from $400,000 to over a million dollars.

Amenities: Clubhouse, an outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, restaurants, and a pro shop

The Ponds

The Ponds has a small-town atmosphere with homes surrounded by stunning natural beauty. About 1,100 acres of the community’s natural environment has been preserved so residences stand alongside picturesque ponds (hence, its name), oak trees, and green spaces. Homes for sale in this Summerville community have price points from $200,000 to $545,000. Home styles in The Ponds include Lowcountry, Charleston, and American Craftsman. The spacious floor plans offer 2 to 4 baths, 3 to 5 bedrooms, and 2 car garages. There are subsections designated as 55+ communities.

Amenities: clubhouse, amphitheater, bike paths, outdoor pool, parks, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing, nature trails, and walking trails.

Reminisce

Offering affordable, newer homes mostly built between 2006-2012, Reminisce caters to home buyers who prefer Lowcountry design influences. Most floor plans offer 1,800 to 3,200 square feet of wiggle room, 4 bedrooms with 2.5 baths, and 2 car garages. Lowcountry charm defines the majority of the houses, and you’ll see brick works in their builds.

Amenities: common areas, an outdoor pool, and parks.

Summers Corner

Hailed as the Best Community in 2020 and 2021 at the Charleston Choice Awards, Summers Corner offers an upscale, laid-back lifestyle to its residents. One of the newest neighborhoods in Summerville, Summers Corner is a walkable locale and a tightly knit community where neighbors know each other. At its center is The Commons, a gathering place for residents where various activities are held, including farm-to-table dinners, outdoor markets, and other weekend events. This idyllic neighborhood attracts outdoor enthusiasts because of the nature parks, freshwater lakes, and pine forests in its vicinity.

You can choose from a vast range of floor plans, especially since Summers Corner was developed by as many as four home builders. Functional as it is picturesque, Summers Corner gives various opportunities for families and neighbors to bond and mingle without having to leave the neighborhood.

Amenities: pool house, parks, gardens, walking paths, lake, retail and dining shops, and performing arts center

Sunburst Lakes

Just a few miles from the shopping and entertainment attractions of Downtown Summerville, Sunburst Lakes is a neighborhood composed of three streets that offer delightful waterfront living. It has some of the most reasonably priced pond and lakefront homes in Summerville, SC as some of them are being sold at under $200,000. Most homes span 1,600 square feet with 1-story layouts and amenities like a detached garage, 3 beds, and 2 baths. Special home features include screened porches, fireplaces, and garden baths.

Amenities: clubhouse, play park, swimming pool, storage for RVs and boats.

White Gables

This neighborhood is extremely popular for its upscale ambiance, charming designs, and well-priced homes in Summerville, SC. Home styles take on traditional design elements from Charleston, Victorian, and Lowcountry influences. Floor plans range from 1,300 to 2,400 square feet, with 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2 detached car garages.

Home sale prices in White Gables, Summerville range from $150,000 to over $400,000.

Amenities: clubhouse, play parks, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, boat and RV storage, and walking trails

Home-buying tips

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Summerville’s distinct charm, the abundance of green spaces and manicured gardens, and quiet comforts make houses for sale here hot items in the South Carolina real estate market. So, whether you’re thinking of buying your first home in Summerville, SC, or investing in a vacation property, you’ll do well to follow these tips to make buying a home in Summerville an incredibly fruitful experience.

Figure out your priorities

Organize your search for homes for sale in Summerville by listing down your top priorities. That way, you can narrow down your search, zero in on listings that meet your requirements, and eliminate the ones that won’t work for you.

A 2021 survey by Realtor.com revealed that the pandemic was the inspiration behind most buyers’ home search priorities. Their topmost priority was a quiet location at 28%, followed by an updated kitchen (25%), a garage (24%), and a large backyard (24%).

Make two lists to guide your home search

Before even starting on your search for houses in Summerville, SC, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Where do you want to live?
  • What do you have now that you can’t live without?
  • What are you missing now that you may need for the next several years?

The answers to the questions above will help you to craft a list of “must-haves“ and “nice-to-haves.” Your must-have list should contain non-negotiable amenities, fixtures, or characteristics you want for your new home as these are things that you cannot live without. Examples include a safe neighborhood, house size, shorter commute, good location, a specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and storage spaces.

Meanwhile, the “nice-to-have” list contains things that you’d like to have or have always dreamed of, but that you can live without. Smart home features, a pool, fireplaces, and a gourmet kitchen are examples of nice-to-haves.

Don’t overly focus on amenities

A house’s amenities and aesthetics may bring comfort and positive impressions but know that there’s more to evaluating a home than simply looking at these facets. For example, you may encounter homes for sale in Summerville, SC with unimpressive or outdated appliances and lighting features. Or the paint colors don’t exactly appeal to you. Simply replacing these details at a minimal cost could turn that home into your dream abode.

If you need to be detailed in your home search, focus on aspects of the home that you can’t change, such as location, age and structural stability of the house, and desirability of the neighborhood.

Find your dream home in Summerville, SC with Chucktown homes real estate

Buying a home in Summerville, SC is a sound investment that will reward you with some of the most remarkable views in the Lowcountry area and highly-prized real estate that guarantees a handsome return on your investment.

To help you find your dream home here, allow our team at ChuckTown Homes Real Estate to collaborate with and guide you in your search. Our team of Charleston-born real estate professionals takes pride in our 20 years of industry experience. We have assisted many satisfied clients in buying their new homes in Summerville and other nearby areas like Mount Pleasant and Charleston. Contact our ChuckTown Homes Real Estate team today at 888.210.3348 or send us a message by clicking here.



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