Living east of the Cooper has changed dramatically within the last decade. Mount Pleasant, a thriving community of Charleston, is minutes away from downtown and the barrier islands of Isle of Palms (IOP) and Sullivan’s Island. One of the most recognizable landmarks of Charleston, the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, links residents to downtown and I-26 takes commuters out to North Charleston, Summerville and other areas. The beaches are an easy drive via the IOP Connector on the north side and Ben Sawyer Boulevard on the south side.
As of 2019, Mount Pleasant was ranked as the fourth largest city in South Carolina with a population of 92,867. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the state, doubling its population between 1990 and 2000. The community is comprised of approximately 45 total square miles and it has seven elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools and a Trident Tech satellite campus for higher education.
According to the Town of Mount Pleasant’s (TOMP) 2017 Demographics Report, the ratio of detached single-family dwellings was 64.37 percent, with multi-family apartments, condos and townhomes making up the rest of the housing needs for residents.
Neighborhoods and the future of building
There is a multitude of choices when it comes to neighborhoods; so many, in fact, that the TOMP council members voted to limit development in 2019. The Post and Courier reported in November 2018 that “just 600 new dwellings would be permitted each year starting in 2019, with half the permits available at the start of the year and half July 1.”
Despite that, several new communities are in the building process and older, established Mount Pleasant neighborhoods have an undeniable appeal to many buyers.
Carolina Park, a new and popular north Mount Pleasant neighborhood, is a 1,700-acre master-planned community off of Highway 17.
”Residents here run the gamut – from move-up buyers to grandparents to empty-nesters and families – and there are several choices in Carolina Park,” said Brian Keels, Chief Operating Officer of Carolina Park. “The homes and lifestyle here cater to every stage of life.”
Keels stated prices range from the mid $400K to over $1 million. The townhomes at Carolina Park were snapped up early, as many buyers desired the low maintenance of a townhome with the vast amenities Carolina Park offers. The range of Lowcountry inspired home styles is vast, from cottage-style, one-level homes to large custom-built homes in the Riverside section of the community.
“There are eight different builders involved with the construction of Carolina Park homes,” Keels said. “One of the big draws of Carolina Park is the educational facilities. There is a pre-school, Carolina Park Elementary and Oceanside Collegiate Academy. Wando High School and the Wando Center for Advanced Studies are right here, and in the spring, the new library is scheduled to open.”
Merrill Gardens, a senior community, houses independent living, assisted living and memory care apartments. The Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital is minutes away from the neighborhood, as is the brand new Costco. There’s also a fire and police department within the community.
Keels stated that there are plans to add new shops for residents and that Bolden Lake, a 20-acre pond in the heart of the Riverside community, has a boardwalk and several nature trails that run alongside it. Custom homes overlook the lake, giving residents the ultimate in serene nature and water views.
Excerpted from an article in The Charleston Post & Courier - Written by Brigitte Surette - Feb. 23, 2019