Sharing our first impressions of Summerville, South Carolina.
Silke and I have talked about living abroad as well as moving South. The destinations have changed over time, but the underlying thought that one day we may make this dream a reality has always lingered. Last year we spent some time in Sarasota, Florida. We were able to stay six days at a beautiful resort right on the beach.
Yes, it was paradise and who wouldn’t fall in love with it? To be able to wake up in the morning and walk right out to the ocean is almost too good to pass up. It’s the perfect vacation getaway! We wanted somewhere less touristy so we decided on Summerville, South Carolina.
It didn’t take us long to discover Summerville, South Carolina.
The town of Summerville is located only 25 minutes north of downtown Charleston and has all the amenities a person could ask for. Every shop imaginable is within easy driving distance, as well as affordable housing and an ever expanding job market.
Sought after by people who wish to retire, the state of South Carolina is on top of the list of financial magazines that rank ‘friendly’ retirement states.
Once I found out that I had an extended period of time off from my job for the Labor day weekend, we decided to look for travel arrangements to take advantage of. Enter Bookings.com. We have turned to them on more than one occasion for travel itineraries and they have not let us down.
I asked Silke how much she was willing to pay and I made my own offer. After arranging for our little dog Lily to spend time with Mom and Dad, finding a shuttle service to the airport and making hotel reservations, we were ready to head to Summerville, South Carolina.
After arriving at the Charlotte, North Carolina airport, we grabbed our rental car from Hertz. They have always provided fast and reliable service for us in the past and they delivered once again.
We soon found ourselves ‘flying’ down the highway to Summerville, South Carolina.Â
Will our future home be in Summerville SC?
On Friday, we had an appointment at Miler Realty to meet up with our new realtor, Lucia Campbell. We were given the tour of Summerville.
Fall pictures of Summerville SC
With so many houses, town homes, and condos to look at we soon began to feel overwhelmed. It may have been a lot to look at and take in, but the homes all seemed within our grasp and budget. They were spacious and reasonably priced with perfect locations. This trip was shaping up to be more than we had hoped for. The next day found us left to our own devices.
We set off on a sight seeing tour of the Summerville area.
One of the town homes that had appealed to us the day before was worth a second look. So we stopped by and snapped a few pictures. The roads we traveled were all very well maintained, although a little more narrow than what we are used to. The trees bud right up to the roads in some spots which gives it a tunnel feel. Very cool!
The temperature in Summerville SC was in the high 80’s with a slightly higher humidity then what we would expect back in Minnesota. We visited three different beaches, all within easy driving distance. Since it was a Holiday weekend the beaches were well populated. The water was bathwater temperature and a little murky, yet a lot of fun to splash around in.
One of three public beaches close to Summerville SC
We always met such interesting people in Summerville South Carolina.
The lady that owned one of the local floral shops was 88 years old. She stayed at it because she loved what she did. Selling flowers, making flower arrangements and meeting new people as well as visiting with old friends. The owner was originally from Germany so I heard a casual conversation between her and Silke spoken in their native language. Where ever we went, we were welcomed with a smile.
Musicians in downtown Summerville, SC
The local farmers market was a spot for more than just people selling home grown foods and crafts. It was a platform for giving details and history of how the products were made and an invitation to learn about the people.
The Red Pepper Italian Eatery in Summerville, SC
The local establishments in Summerville South Carolina were always welcoming.
We soon found ourselves falling under the spell of a certain ‘southern charm’ that always seemed present. We found a few wonderful restaurants that are reasonably priced and the food was wonderful at the restaurants we ate.
All good things must come to an end. We soon realized we would be heading back to Minnesota the next day. It didn’t seem possible and we both found this reality a sort of wake up call as to how we felt about the area.
We immediately formulated plans to make our way back to Summerville, South Carolina.
We eventually lived in Summerville for three years before our jobs took us elsewhere.
Have you visited or live in Summerville, South Carolina? Leave us a comment below and subscribe to receive our newest travel articles.
Nick and Silke
Silke
I’m not sure what the market looks like right now but I would recommend the Realtor we used while we relocated from Minnesota.
Lucia Miler Campbell, GRI email: campbelllucia@gmail.com
Miler Properties
We no longer live in Summerville but we will always have her as a friend.
We bought a very comfortable townhome in Summerville SC in May 2013 and have been very happy living in Summerville. :)
I’m thinking of making summerville my full time residence in the next couple years. I’m looking at condos now to purchase. Do you have any recommendations of areas or complexes that are more desirable?
This is about the same way my wife and I landed in Summerville. We were touring the coast of the South trying to find a place to put down roots. Something that we could afford and fall in love with. We ended up here and knew it was the place for us. We have loved it ever since. It was the perfect place for us. Hopefully you feel the same way!!
We do. Summerville is in our sights.