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Charleston, SC, is a big tourist draw, but it’s also a top place to live. Yet you may not want to live right downtown. That’s when you’re going to be looking to make your home among the best suburbs of Charleston, SC. This article helps you narrow your options with a bit about some of the favorites in the Charleston area.

Suburban options such as Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, Johns Island, and more give you the quality of life while being a quick drive to Charleston, SC, which always has a lot going on. For families, there are many different fun things to do. You’re also located right on the coastline nearby five beautiful beaches. Plus, you’ll be immersed in history and culture, not to mention being nearby a culinary hotspot.

But let’s focus more on the suburban options available to you if you’re looking to make the move to the Palmetto State.

Mount Pleasant is just across the Ravenel Bridge from Charleston. On niche.com, Mount Pleasant clinches #1 Best Suburb to Live and #1 Best Charleston Suburb to Raise a Family. Why? There are a lot of restaurants and coffee shops, and nightlife gets an A- ranking. A lot of young professionals make Mount Pleasant home. At the same time, the public schools here are highly rated.

Best Charleston Suburb Brought to You By the Letter ’S’

That’s going to be Summerville. Known as the “flower town in the pines,” Summerville is a small town with big charm. At least that’s what its tourism bureau says! But it’s been a destination of choice for Charleston residents for centuries. In the 1700s, residences on this pine ridge were where the wealthy of the city escaped in the summer to avoid heat, bugs, and disease. Charleston, of course, has cleaned up its act since then. Yet people still flock to Summerville’s neighborhoods. Forty years ago, Summerville had a population of just 3,000. Today it’s surpassed 46,000.

The Nexton community in Summerville boasts 46 parks across four neighborhoods (in two of those you can find a Saussy Burbank home to call your own). If a quality home with great outdoor space isn’t enough of a selling point for you, you may also want to know that Nexton is working to be a regional shopping destination and job center.

Best Suburbs of Charleston: The Island Options

Kiawah Island is where you’ll find elegant homes amidst stunning natural scenery. And golf courses. Lots of stunning golf courses. Kiawah Island is also known for high-end shopping, top private schools, and chic restaurants. You can enjoy public beach access only at East Beach, but you’ll be able to find a home with an oceanfront or river view on this lovely isle.

James Island is another suburban Charleston option with a rural feel. The majority of people own homes here, with a median home value of $272,000. Access to strong schools, restaurants, parks and make this Niche’s 11th best suburb to live in among South Carolina’s 121 options. It’s also the 13th best place to retire in the state.

Johns Island (also spelled John’s Island) is going to be your biggest island option in the Lowcountry. In fact, it’s the largest island in the state and the fourth-largest island on the East Coast. A third of its 84 square-miles falls within the city of Charleston’s limits. This unique location lets you enjoy oak trees, farms that produce local fruit, and easy access to the Holy City.

Kiawah River is a community set on John’s Island which is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston to feel like a getaway, yet still close enough to visit on a whim.

Sullivan’s Island is one more suburb to consider. Its peace and quiet are a pull for retirees. This two and a half-mile long barrier island is right near the Charleston Harbor. Home to just 2,000 residents, Sullivan’s is considered a very affluent Charleston suburb.

Making Your Home Around Charleston, SC

Thinking about migrating to the Charleston area? Here are four reasons now is the time to make your move. Once you’ve decided this is the right place for you, this round-up of some of the different suburbs nearby should help you find the right fit.

Saussy Burbank has been building custom, quality homes in North and South Carolina for decades. Our new construction homes have won awards for Best of American Living and customer satisfaction. Find out more about the choices we have for you in the Charleston area. Schedule a tour today!

The variety of options available among Raleigh NC neighborhoods can make it difficult to narrow your choices. One top contender is the Five Points area of this capital city.

The Five Points neighborhood is a consolidation of the historic suburbs of Hayes Barton, Bloomsbury, Georgetown, Vanguard Park, and Roanoke Park. Development in these areas in the 1910s and early 1920s, and the area flourished as these streetcar suburbs became reachable by car.

Historically, for large, prestigious grand Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival, Tudor Revival houses, you’d look to Hayes Barton. This area also features small park areas and street medians as the designer, preeminent New South landscape architect Earle Sumner Draper, viewed the garden as an outdoor living room.

The more modest homes in Vanguard Park were mostly constructed after the Great Depression, while the homes of Georgetown were built after World War II. In Bloomsbury and Roanoke Park, you’d expect Craftsman or Classical Revival Foursquares and modest bungalows with Craftsman detailing.

Today, this is an up-and-coming area with a wide range of housing styles in the neighborhood radiating out from the intersection of Glenwood Avenue with Whitaker Mill and Fairview roads.

On Trulia, residents and visitors describe Five Points as a “wonderful neighborhood with a small-town feeling.” It’s also described as “dog friendly” and “a great location to live with children.” It helps that the neighborhood is “low traffic and easy to navigate” and “close to Downtown, I-440, and really anything you need.” As one community contributor said, “Five Points in the ideal location to live in the Raleigh area with its proximity to everything.”

What to Expect from Five Points

The outer boundaries of Five Points may be debatable, but you can count on finding mostly single-family homes in this area. The epicenter of Five Points is a hub of antique stores, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and other shopping and entertainment options.

The neighborhood is home to Underwood Elementary School and Oberlin Magnet Middle School. Five Points’ Broughton Magnet High School is ranked above average on measures of college and career readiness.

The streets are walkable, and many are tree-lined. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage or take in the modern homes festively decorated for the holidays.

Families will get together at one of the several parks in the neighborhood, with Roanoke Park the closest to the epicenter, for outdoor fun. Meanwhile, those over 50 can enjoy programs including pickleball, chair yoga, line dancing, and more at the Five Points Center for Active Adults.

You can also expect to see many pet owners out and about. In fact, many of the restaurants and coffee shops are dog friendly! Maybe if the pups could get their paws on a computer for online voting, Five Points would clinch the number 1 spot among Raleigh’s neighborhoods. Right now, areavibes has it as No. 2.

What to Do in Five Points

The Rialto Theatre is a historic theatre building in Five Points. First opened in 1942, the venue today specializes in independent, foreign, and alternative film. Owned today by Ambassador Cinemas, this vintage theatre is cash only but also offers beer and wine at its concession stand.

Another good way to spend the afternoon? Checking out NOFO @ the Pig. This combo cafe, market, and gift shop is found in a restored Piggly Wiggly grocery store building. Named by Southern Living as one of the 50 best gift shops in the South, NOFO focuses on “all things North Carolina and the South. It promotes ‘Love Living Local’ with a wealth of carefully chosen products to eat, drink, wear, read, listen to, use, and enjoy from Tarheel and Southern food artisans, entrepreneurs, designers, farmers, craftsmen, musicians, and artists.”

For a night out in the neighborhood you might:

If you have a sweet tooth, try the renowned pastry shop Layered Croissanterie or Escazu Chocolates for small-batch chocolates as well as ice cream, frozen yogurt, coffee, and tea. Or try the vegan latte or banana bread at the eclectic Third Place Coffee House.

Making Your Home in Raleigh NC

Raleigh NC is a top place to live and work. The city is beautiful, with the promise of quality of life, career growth, and good education and healthcare available. Saussy Burbank is proud to offer high-quality homes in Five Points and other areas around Raleigh. In fact, our efforts in the Triangle Area have won us awards for customer satisfaction and for Best in American Living.

Learn more about finding your forever home in Five Points or the Raleigh area. We can help!

 

 

At Nexton, parks are more than just pretty places to look at as you drive by in your car. In the Charleston region’s most popular community, they make up the fabric of the neighborhoods, connecting homeowners to one another and with the natural environment.

Whether you want to play a pick-up game of kickball, lay out a blanket for picnic (and maybe a snooze), or unleash some of the kiddos’ ever-present energy, there’s always a park within a 5 minute walk of your Nexton home. The community boasts 46 parks across four neighborhoods, two of which you can find a Saussy Burbank home to call your own.

Brighton Park Village, Nexton’s original neighborhood, is a park lovers dream come true with 30 parks to choose from (see the park guide here). Encore Park, the newest to debut in the Summerville, SC community, is 5 acres of rolling hills centering on a natural amphitheater. Nearby, swings, slides, and climbing equipment will draw your kids in.

Inspiration Park, where tall trees create shade around a meandering pond, can be enjoyed from several new Saussy Burbank cottages – and three are currently available.

And along Sweetgrass Park, where dazzling pink muhly grass blooms each fall, you’ll find several of our popular Bayberry plans awaiting new owners.

In Midtown, all the park potential is just starting to emerge (see the park guide here), with three distinct parks already planned and under construction. Our new Nautilus collection, in which you’ll find the brand new Windward and Beacon plans, is exclusively found at Midtown. Attached garages, luxurious kitchens, downstairs owners’ suites, and Saussy Burbank’s renowned coastal-cool style are all on full display.

Come see us at 209 Carefree Way to find your new Midtown home. We promise it will be just minutes from a fabulous park (or three).

If you’re thinking of moving to South Carolina, you’re not alone. In fact, the state’s growing population surpassed 5 million in 2019. Here’s the information you need to know before relocating to South Carolina.

The Palmetto State is a southeastern state boasting an expansive 187-miles of coastline with subtropical beaches and marshes. The state’s biggest cities are found in the capital of Columbia, historic Charleston, vacation central Myrtle Beach, and the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson area. If you’re looking for a small hometown, try Smyrna, Tatum, or Jenkinsville which each has under 50 people in their populations!

First home to Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Creek, and Santee, South Carolina was established as an English settlement in 1670. After the American Revolution, South Carolina became a state in 1788. The first state to secede in the years leading up to the Civil War, South Carolina rejoined the Union in 1868.

Today, South Carolina has a steady job market. Its 2.6% unemployment rate was below the national average of 3.6%. Top industries include aerospace and aviation, automotive, agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics, as well as biotech and life sciences. In fact, the Children’s Hospital in Charleston has the highest number of employees in the state, followed by Medical University of South Carolina. BMW and Boeing Co are also major employers.

Moving to South Carolina Facts

When it comes to the cost of living in South Carolina, the prices can vary dramatically. Zillow reports the typical home value for the state is $203,707. Yet in Charleston, the median home value is $361,356, according to Smart Asset. Nearby Mount Pleasant’s homes are a median of $493,786.

South Carolina is a state with a majority of homeowners (70%). If they’ve been in state awhile they have likely been enjoying the rising equity as the market has increased in value by 79.44% since 2000. This is also a state where 70% of available real estate is single family homes.

The state’s income tax system is progressive, but it does have some of the lowest property taxes in the country.

Your friends and family may ask, “why move to South Carolina?” Another of the many reasons is the mild winter weather. If you’re tired of digging out of snowy drifts several months a year, the move to South Carolina will pay off. However, you may want to plan on visiting your old stomping grounds in the high heat and humidity of South Carolina summers.

All year round you’ll be able to enjoy many public park areas. South Carolina State Parks together comprise up to 80,000 acres of protected land.

More Things to Know about South Carolina

When moving to South Carolina there are a few things you need to know from the outset:

More Things to Know Before Moving to South Carolina

Another top industry in South Carolina? Tourism. South Carolina is always going to be a big draw for tourists. Top destinations include:

Still trying to decide where to live in South Carolina? Niche reports that the Top 5 Best Places to Live in South Carolina are Forest Acres and Irmo, both suburbs of Columbia, Fort Mill and Tega Cay, both of which could be considered distant suburbs of Charlotte, NC, and Five Forks, a suburb of Greenville.

Finally, if you’re thinking of retiring to South Carolina, you may be happy to know that the state doesn’t take Social Security retirement benefits. There’s also a $15,000 deduction for seniors receiving any other type of retirement income.

Now, instead of asking yourself, “should I move to South Carolina?” You’re likely saying, “I want to move to South Carolina.” Saussy Burbank is here to help.

Saussy Burbank offers more than three decades of experience developing and building quality new homes in the Carolinas. Our more than 8,000 new homes and townhomes have earned regional and national awards, including six Best in American Living® awards. Find out more about our South Carolina properties.

 

 

 

 

Midtown is a new chapter in Nexton, the Charleston region’s most exciting new homes community. Here, you’ll find all the good-living elements of Brighton Park Village (like fabulous parks, lightning fast internet, and thoughtful design) and a fresh selection of Saussy Burbank home plans and styles. It’s a new way to Nexton.

Meet the brand-new Windward plan, Saussy Burbank’s first attached-garage option in the Nexton community. If you’ve always loved our exceptional level of craftsmanship but found an attached garage better for your lifestyle, this is the plan you’ve been looking for.

Inside, a large, inviting entrance ushers you home to the Windward, flowing directly into the open-concept family area, which starts with a living space that can be upgraded to include a fireplace and built-ins. The chef in your family will fall in love with the perfectly appointed kitchen. It centers around a large island with plenty for space for whipping up something yummy while the kids knock out some homework just across. The heart of the home, this kitchen is complemented by abundant natural light, upgradable appliances and tile, and a recessed refrigerator. The walk-in pantry is the cherry on top – with several outlets to house countertop appliances. Nearby, the dining space is open to the kitchen but framed by stately columns, giving it character and creating an intimate feel.

The downstairs owners’ suite is tucked into the rear of the home for a quiet, private sanctuary all your own, and flanked by a large bath with walk-in tiled shower and a soaker tub – the best of both worlds. Opposite, a deep walk-in closet large enough for all your clothes and then some. The owners’ suite also features tall windows for letting in the morning sun.

Upstairs, two spacious secondary bedrooms share a large hall bath. A truly large loft area can become a fourth bedroom or remain open to serve as a bonus space, TV and game room, or play room. Your choice!

Be among the first to call a Windward home by Saussy Burbank home. You can see it in person at 209 Carefree Way. Send us a note at [email protected] or give us a call at 843-900-6321 to schedule a tour!

 

Durham, North Carolina may be known as “the Bull City,” but people touting this Triangle City as a top place to live aren’t making it up. Durham, NC, is a wonderful, welcoming community that combines business and booming tech with natural beauty and southern BBQ. Here are 11 things you ought to know about living in Durham.

#1 Durham is home to the nation’s largest high technology and research and science park. Founded in 1959, the 7,000-acre Research Triangle Park (RTP), is the reason the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill region is known as the Triangle region. RTP is home base for some 170 high tech companies. 

#2 Duke calls Durham, NC, home as does North Carolina Central University. Plus, Durham is only 11 miles from Chapel Hill’s UNC and 55 miles from the state’s capital, Raleigh, which boasts NC State.

#3 Durham is an easy 13 miles from Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU). RDU features 10 air carriers, flying to a multitude of nonstop destinations on 400+ daily flights.

#4 Business is booming. With Durham’s population at 311,640 in 2017 and its number of companies at 24,763 in 2012, that’s one company for every 12 people!

#4 Durham’s population is “young, friendly, diverse, and educated.” With a median age of 36.4 among residents in Durham and nearby Raleigh, there are lots of things to do in Durham, NC. Durham hosts 5,000 art and entertainment, sports, and outdoor adventure events annually.

#5 The city also boasts a thriving restaurant and brewery scene. Southern Living dubbed Durham “The Tastiest Town in the South.” You’ll find food trucks, independent eateries, bakeries, BBQ, and more in an area that can draw easily on regional small farms for ingredients. 

#6 Durham is known as a Top 10 city for creatives. So you can expect a vibrant art scene. Whiskey’s is a city jazz venue, but if you’re more into indie music check out The Pinhook (where you can bring in food and your dog) or Motorco Music Hall. Plus, the $48 million Durham Performing Arts Center, opened in 2008, is the Carolina’s largest home to touring Broadway and musical shows. 

#7 If sports are more your style find out when the Durham Bulls are stepping up to the plate. This Minor League Baseball team is affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball and plays it home stands in the 10,000 seat Durham Bulls Athletic Park. For hockey fans, the Carolina Hurricanes play their home games in Raleigh. Soccer fans can also find great games at the universities or in Cary, NC, which has hosted US national team games for women and men’s teams.

#8 Durham, NC, describes itself as “where city and country coalesce.” US News & World Report ranked Raleigh & Durham as #10 on its Best Places to Live and #15 on its Best Places to Retire. While parks and greenways offering biking, walking, and running, there are also waterways for boating and kayaking. Plus, the city was given a 98% as a walkable city by walkscore.com.

#9 Durham is also known as The City of Medicine because of its thriving medical industry. Durham has more than 300 medical and health-related companies and medical practices with a combined payroll exceeding $1.5 billion annually. The medical name is a bit ironic actually, as Durham didn’t get its Bull City nickname from the giant statue downtown. The namesake is instead an early tobacco brand, Bull Durham Tobacco, which had a Bull icon on its product when it was the city’s number one economic driver. 

#10 Durham, NC real estate runs the gamut. If you’re thinking of moving/relocating to North Carolina’s Triangle region, give Durham a look. The American Tobacco District is home to tobacco warehouses converted into condos, shops, and restaurants. The Duke campus neighborhood, meanwhile, remains an affordable area for young homeowners and investors alike. Young families might explore Southpoint for a taste of suburbia near the family-friendly Jordan Lake. Plus, Saussy Burbank’s own 751 South development features single-family homes, retail and commercial spaces, community parks and green spaces, and resort-style amenity centers.

#11 Cost of living in Durham is lower than the national average, and low property taxes help the city offer a “better value than similarly sized metro areas,” per US News & World Reports. Oh, and the average commute time is 25.3 minutes. 

751 South is a breakthrough neighborhood thoughtfully designed to spearhead modernized suburbia with purposefully placed homes that provide individual space while celebrating the walkability to life’s necessities from the front door. Enjoy the excitement and convenience of an urbanized downtown located in the comfort and safety of a neighborhood. Learn more today!

 

Think waterfront living is out of reach? Think again. With our stunning Kiawah River community, residents bask in the beauty that surrounds them daily—both inside their homes and just beyond their front door. Set in Johns Island, this peaceful community has the best of both worlds: far enough to feel like a getaway, yet close enough to enjoy the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston on a whim. Below, four reasons Kiawah River homebuyers say they’re here to stay!

Adventures in Nature Await

Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or simply looking to break out of the house every now and then, we’ve all seen the immense benefits of owning a home with a close proximity to natural walking trails, green spaces or miles of beach. In fact, the landscape that surrounds the Kiawah River community includes saltwater flats ideal for fishing and tidal creeks, where view dolphins, sea turtles, and crabs abound. Looking for fitness fun in the water? Kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing are favorites along the Kiawah River waterways.

A Little Slice of Coastal-Living Heaven

Snugly situated just inside the southern tip of Johns Island—the largest island in all of South Carolina—residents get to enjoy coastal-living of more than 2,000 acres. Contrary to the bustling beach towns of Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Folly Beach, however, this community feels more like a coastal sanctuary—calm and relaxing at all times of day.

Brand New Amenities

As a master-planned community, Kiawah River has it all. A working farm, boat ramps, waterfront village with retail opportunities and restaurants alike, a chapel and even an inn. Oh, did we mention a spa? Plus, set to open in 2021, Kiawah River is proud to welcome residents to our state-of-the-art swimming club. With a pulse on our community at all times, we aim to check every item off your amenities wishlist—and then some.

Luxurious Energy-Efficient Home Designs

Our residents aren’t the only ones who love all things nature. With a growing spotlight on climate change, our team has been hard at work to bring sustainable development throughout the Carolinas since 1989. While quality materials and craftsmanship are at the forefront of everything we do, we are equally focused on designing homes that are energy-efficient and practical. To date we’ve received six Best of American Living awards, as well as the National Association of Home Builders Research Center’s Green Partner award. 

That said, we would be remiss to not mention the beauty that awaits within the three customizable floor plans offered at Kiawah River. Amongst the highlights, the gorgeous hardwood floors, open floor plans that lead to entertainment and dining spaces begging for guests, and kitchens any home chef would love are always at the top of list. Happy homeowners, safer environments—you could say we’re pretty proud of this breathtaking waterfront community.

Ready to find your coastal oasis tucked inside Johns Island? Contact our team today for a virtual tour or more information on how to call Kiawah River home.

With 300 miles along the coast of North Carolina, the Tar Heel State actually has the seventh longest coastline in the nation. That means there are many great beach locales to choose from. Here’s a quick primer on some of North Carolina’s best beach towns.

Living on the beach offers obvious perks. Sun and sand, for one. Plus, being able to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean every single day. But, in coastal North Carolina you’ll also find towns with state parks right along the shore, top-notch restaurants (fresh catch specials anyone?), fishing piers, and fun-filled boardwalks. 

Coastal Cities in North Carolina

The best known of the coastal cities in North Carolina? Wilmington. Bordered by the Cape Fear River, Wilmington has been voted America’s Best Riverfront. Yet it’s a great coastal city too with one of the nation’s largest historic districts (230 blocks), family fun attractions in Midtown, and close proximity to Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach.

Jacksonville, NC, not to be confused with its Florida counterpart, is just 15 miles from Topsail Island and its three beaches. Southern Living has declared this military town “a lovely seaside retreat” with “Southern charm to spare.” Known for the Marine base, Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville is a place to be for people who love water sports as it also boasts the largest public water access in eastern North Carolina for fishing, kayaking, boating, and more.

The state’s first capital, New Bern is also known today as the birthplace of Pepsi and home to Tryon Palace. Of course, whatever type of Cola you enjoy, you can find happiness in this coastal city first founded in 1710. Along with offering direct beach access, New Bern has a mix of historic homes, cozy bungalows, and downtown condos. Whether you want to play golf, explore the outdoors, or enjoy culture, this is another top city on North Carolina’s coastline.

Best NC Coastal Towns

There are also many smaller NC coastal locations that visitors and residents both love. These beach towns include Elizabeth City, Southport, or Morehead City. 

Although Elizabeth City’s prosperous start began with the completion of the Dismal Swamp Canal, this best NC Coastal town isn’t dismal. Located between the Outer Banks and southeastern Virginia, “ECity” was named one of Southern Living’s most affordable towns they love. It boasts a historic, art-centric downtown, beautiful harbor, golfing, sailing, cycling, fishing, and more.

Further south along the NC Coastline you’ll find Southport. Billing itself as “the home of salubrious breezes” Southport is found where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This maritime city has natural beauty, historic charm, galleries, and fine dining. Coastal Living deemed it America’s Happiest Seaside Town in 2015. Now, it’s even been certified a Better City for Pets!

When looking at the North Carolina coastal map you’ll find Morehead City in the midst of the “Crystal Coast” locations. Having expansively renovated its waterfront docks and downtown buildings in the 1980s, Morehead City has long boardwalks edging along the water with wooden swings to admire the views of Bogue Sound and Money Island Bay. 

Beaufort is another Crystal Coast beach town spot. A small, charming harbor town with a lively marina and some historic buildings, Beaufort is also home to the state maritime museum. For nearby natural beauty, explore the Rachel Carson Reserve which appeals to birdwatchers, kayakers, hikers, and more.

The Quintessential NC Beach Town

If you really want to find a more intimate spot on a North Carolina beach map, try Oak Island. Edenton, or Ocracoke.

With 10-miles of south-facing beaches, Oak Island is also known for its golfing. Plus, dogs can play on the beaches year-round (even off-leash in the offseason). Being near all Wilmington has to offer, probably helped this NC beach town earn its Investopedia title as one of the five best places to retire in North Carolina. 

Located at the mouth of Albemarle Sound, the largest body of freshwater other than the Great Lakes, Edenton is a quaint harbor town. Recognized by forbes.com as “one of America’s prettiest towns,” scenic Edenton was also the first colonial capital of the state.

Ocracoke is only accessible by boat, so you can be sure this Outer Banks island offers more of a relaxed environment. No wonder the marketing slogan is “the Cure for the Common beach.” Ocracoke Island’s long stretches of beach are protected by the National Park Service too. 

With so many beautiful NC coastal cities and fun North Carolina beach towns to choose from, you can’t blame Saussy Burbank for setting up shop nearby. Our company builds some of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Raleigh and Charlotte, NC. Learn more!

We think it’s safe to say that when the clock struck midnight on Jan 1st, 2020, no one could have predicted quite how this year would go. 2020 has been one surprise after another—but all bad? Not if you’re in the market to buy a new house.

Interestingly, conditions for finding and financing your dream home in Charleston may be more possible than ever before. Here are 4 reasons we think you should consider if you’re still daydreaming about your first—or next—home buying adventure.

The Rates Are LOW

Don’t even blink or you may miss out on mortgage rates that are shocking the real estate industry. In July, rates fell to 2.98% and have since only slightly increased. Currently, most mortgage rates—specifically those at impact the 30-year loans—are just above 3%. According to BankRate.com, “Fannie Mae foresees a slight rate dip to 2.9 percent in the last three months of 2020 before the rate declines to 2.7 percent by late 2021. And Freddie Mac predicts rates will average around 3.4 percent this year and 3.2 percent in 2021.”

That’s all great news for homebuyers. But act fast!

Less Competition

According to some sources, mortgage applications have decreased in 2020, making the competition for the home you want less of an issue. For the sake of transparency, some sources cite a “low housing supply” as the reason for fewer applications. While this is a national trend, here in Charleston, South Carolina, we’re proud to report a healthy influx of homes to the market daily, particularly in new home communities like Nexton and Kiawah River, where we have dozens of homes finished or under-construction, and even more homesites  ready and waiting for the right buyer—and there’s nothing low about that.

Another reason fewer applications may be being processed right now is due to safety concerns. Some people are still too nervous to tour homes, and as a result, have delayed their search. We’re happy to discuss the protocols put in place to ensure the safety of everyone—homeowners, buyers, and agents— in our new home communities. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how safe it truly is to tour the homes you’ve fallen in love with online. 

A Little “Extra” Time to Move

Let’s be honest, there’s a little more time on our hands than normal with many of our favorite activities still shut down. Why not use that time to pack, organize and move your belongings from old house to new home? While we hope more businesses, activities, and programs are eventually operating at 100%, it is absolutely a great opportunity to make the most of our downtime that we used to never have enough of.

2020 is the year of the flexibility

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that children are incredibly flexible. Their ability to adapt to virtual learning or back to in-person school with new restrictions is evidence enough that where there’s a will, there’s a way. With the right communication, you may find this same flexibility with your children regarding a new house and neighborhood. Additionally, because so many kids are venturing into remote learning still, there’s a unique opportunity to move homes without interruption—or to move into a new school completely without ever skipping a virtual beat.

And speaking of flexible, with innovative spaces in most of our models, families are loving the additional room or nooks that can be utilized for remote and homeschooling. Even Mom and Dad are getting in on the flex spaces for work-from-home productivity success.

If buying a home in 2020 was on your to-do list, don’t put it off. The hyper-competitive mortgage rates alone are reason enough for most people these days. Contact one of our helpful agents to learn about safety best practices, available homes, and the best loans and rates available.

South Carolina’s beachfront border with the Atlantic Ocean has a lot to offer, whether you’re vacationing, relocating, or retiring to sand and sun. Looking at the best coastal towns SC has to offer, you’ll notice there’s a vast range of experiences available. 

From historic to high-end, or family-friendly to tranquil, these beach towns along the South Carolina coast each have their own appeal. Just looking at a South Carolina beaches map, it’s difficult to discern which town best suits you. This quick, informative guide can help. First, let’s start with the best-known of South Carolina’s coastal towns: Myrtle Beach and Charleston.

Myrtle Beach is, for many, the only coastal town in South Carolina that matters. A major tourist attraction, Myrtle Beach consists of several long sandy beaches along the South Carolina coastline. Many are packed with tourists throughout the year. Kings Highway is a long stretch of road connecting seafood buffet restaurants to water parks and go-karting as well as outlet shopping and family entertainment areas. You’ll also never be too far from one of the city’s more than 50 mini-golf courses.

Charleston is also a big tourist draw, but for different reasons. Even taking the oceanfront out of the equation, Charleston would be a top contender for best town in South Carolina too. This is the oldest city in the state. Founded in 1670, this historic city along the waterfront was one of the country’s largest hubs into the mid-19th century. You may not be moving into one of the gorgeous plantation homes near the Battery, but you can still enjoy all of the innovative restaurants, exciting nightlife, and cultural events this city has to offer. Charleston’s Spoleto Festival USA is one of the biggest performing arts festivals in the world. 

Folly Beach is its own beachfront town, but as it’s just 11 miles south of Charleston the two are typically lumped together. Home to the East Coast’s second-largest fishing pier, Folly is considered funky and carefree. 

Best Beach Towns of South Carolina 

Just a short drive north of Charleston, you’ll find several more beautiful beachfront towns. Isle of Palms and Kiawah Island are more upscale beach towns. 

The Isle of Palms, just 12 miles from historic Charleston, fronts the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Along with a laid-back island lifestyle, Isle of Palms offers beautiful beaches and water recreation. The town is also home to championship golf and tennis.

There’s only one public beach among Kiawah Island’s 10 miles of beach, but this lovely island also offers maritime forests, marshes. and rolling sand dunes to explore. Island residents can enjoy spotting deer, alligators, seabirds, and sea turtles. Visitors can check out the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a five-star accommodation with a world-recognized golf course.

Seabrook Island is another SC beachfront town just a short drive from Charleston. Along a four-mile stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, this barrier island has oceanfront communities of houses, townhomes, villas, condos, and more built for people to enjoy golf courses, equestrian activities, and water sports.

Pawleys Island, found between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, is another of South Carolina’s beachfront towns with history. Some houses in the town’s historic district date to the 18th century. There’s also a large outdoor zoo and garden of native plants. Plus, Huntington Beach State Park is one of the state’s few beachfront parks. This is a picturesque town with a small community of full-time residents, but it welcomes visitors throughout the year.

 South Carolina’s Southern Beach Towns

Hilton Head is also ranked in the top of the best beach towns in South Carolina.  In fact, it’s been ranked America’s Favorite Island four years running in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s rankings. With 12 miles of coastline, this island has long been a beachfront playground. So, it’s home to dozens of stunning golf courses as well as family-friendly entertainment and water sports. Part of the fun on Hilton Head is being able to bike all over on shaded paths. There’s also shopping and spacious parks for those times when you’ve had enough of the pristine beaches for the day.

Edisto Beach is one of the quieter beach outposts among these SC coastal towns. Still considered a “best-kept secret” this beach town doesn’t have any hotels or even traffic lights. Home to a gorgeous beach, Edisto Beach also has miles of bike paths. Building restrictions prevent overdevelopment, so this is the place to truly enjoy the natural landscape of South Carolina’s coastline.

Beaufort, the second oldest city in the state, is in the heart of the Sea Islands area. Named a Best Small Southern Town by Southern Living, this city has retained both its scenic location and historic antebellum architecture as its grown. Within an hour’s drive of both Charleston and Savannah, Georgia, this smaller city attracts people for history, fishing, arts. and more.

Ready to relocate to a coastal beach town in SC? Saussy Burbank has homes for sale at Kiawah River on Johns Island, Nexton and Summers Corner in Summerville, and other areas around Charleston, SC.