Summerville, South Carolina
What It Is Like to Retire in Summerville
The old town of Summerville, South Carolina makes for an interesting retirement community. This charming community of 50,915 (2020 census), has become a city and suburb of Charleston. It is near the coast and the attractions of that tourist destination. The fast growing region is also home to many planned developments designed for the many active adults 55+ who are moving to this area. Summerville, "The Flower Town in the Pines", attracted wealthy people in the 1800’s. They built stately homes here because the area offered relief from the coastal heat, and also because it was believed that the scent given off by the turpentine in the area’s pine trees provided medical benefits to those suffering from lung disorders. The town has a charming downtown with many restaurants and unusual shops. There are many old plantations to visit. The attractions of nature and golf convince many retirees to make this their retirement community.
Where to Retire in Summerville and Home Prices
This fast growing region is also home to many developments designed for active adults 55+ (see link at top left). There are also homes in nice neighborhoods available for purchase. Mt. Pleasant is an adjacent town (nearer the coast) with many attractive developments. There is a good selection of nice homes in the $100's. Homes over $1million are available as well. According to Zillow, the median home value was $373,685 in mid-2023. The National Association of Realtors reported the median selling price in the Charleston-North Charleston Metro area was $430,200 in the 2nd quarter of 2023.
What Is Special about Summerville
• Flowertown Arts and Crafts Festival • Summerville Azalea Park with many facilities • Summerville High School coach John McKissick – most career wins at any level of football • More than 700 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places • Restored downtown with many shops • DREAMs HollyFest
What Is Not Special about Summerville
Intense growth in the area
Who Will Like Retirement in Summerville
Retirees will like living here in a relaxed setting who like a town with an interesting history. It is an excellent town for gardeners. Follow this link to the Wikipedia page on Summerville
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism, services, construction, military
Climate and Physical Environment
Summerville is located near coastal South Carolina in an area called the “low country”. This flat country has many river ways and bodies of water. Summers can be quite hot and humid. The average July high is 91 and the average January low is 35. August is the wettest month.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Nearby Charleston is the major source of cultural activities. The Flowertown Festival held every year in the Summerville Azalea Park is the largest arts and crafts festival in South Carolina. Don't miss the Summerville Community Orchestra
Crime
The crime rate is below average.
Medical facilities
There are several major hospitals in nearby Charleston (13-16 miles).
Transportation
Charleston AFB/International Airport is about 14 miles, Amtrak has a station in Charleston as well. Summerville is not a walkable community.
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