Summerville

Located approximately 30 miles northwest of Charleston and the beaches of the Carolina coast, Summerville is one of the most popular places to settle in the Tri-County area.  Nicknamed “Flowertown” and known as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea, this suburb traces its history back nearly 300 years, beginning as a summer retreat for Charleston residents to take a break from the heat of coastal summers. Throughout its long history, Summerville has evolved into a dynamic and bustling town while retaining the charm and hospitality its nicknames imply.  

With a wide range of home styles, neighborhoods and price points, Summerville truly offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for new construction or a cute vintage gem, Summerville has it and everything in between.  In historic downtown Summerville, you’ll find the charm of yesteryear in lush gardens, classic Victorian homes and a true main street dating back to the early 1900s.  Other established neighborhoods feature mid-century vintage homes with mature landscaping. Those looking for a modern or coastal style in a master-planned community full of amenities will find plenty of choices here too. Retirees also love Summerville for its selection of mature living choices. From low-maintenance townhomes and condos to retirement-age communities, the whole family can live close by.

Summerville’s emphasis on community means residents never have to travel far to find culture and fun activities.  In fact, some of the most widely attended community events in the Charleston area are hosted by the town of Summerville which holds an annual Flowertown Festival, Christmas Parade, Sweet Tea Festival, Spring Arts and Crafts Festival and the Sweet Tea Half-Marathon & 10K.  Full-time residents enjoy an ever-rotating schedule of events from the Summerville Orchestra to exhibits at the Public Works Art Center, to shows presented by the Flowertown Players, the local theater group.  Fifteen community parks also provide residents with a showcase of the beautiful and varied scenery of the Lowcountry.  There is a wide variety of programs for all ages at the local parks and recreation centers including sports teams, adult classes and senior programs. For those who love boating and water recreation, Summerville offers easy access to both the Ashley & Edisto Rivers. Herbert H. Jessen boat landing offers free access to the Ashley River with beautiful areas for picnicking, wild-life watching, fishing and more. The Edisto River is great for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing as well. If you are looking for diverse wildlife and a serene spot where you can drop a line, putter in your boat or drift along in a kayak, the rivers around Summerville offer endless opportunities for enjoyment. Water sports aren’t the only outdoor activities in abundance for Summerville residents; recreational and professional golfers will also find several great courses to play within minutes. History buffs will also find plenty of significant areas to explore the past. In addition to Summerville’s historic downtown and main street, Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site is a remarkably preserved archeological site offering a rare glimpse into life in the pre-Revolutionary War era of Colonial Charleston. Historic estates along the Ashley River are just a short distance away and a hop onto I-26 will bring you to the historic sites of Downtown Charleston in 30-40 minutes.

Although the town stretches across Dorchester, Charleston and Berkeley counties, Summerville neighborhoods exhibit the unique quality of small-town feel with big-city amenities.  Friends and neighbors enjoy gathering at the bustling Farmer’s Market. Restaurants, medical centers and shopping are abundant, and convenient access to major thoroughfares allow one to be on the road to the beaches, downtown Charleston or Charleston International Airport in minutes.  Summerville is also known for excellent schools across all levels that offer opportunities for kids to excel in both academics and athletics.  If you are looking for a wonderful community to put down roots in the Charleston area, you can’t go wrong with Summerville.