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Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

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HARBOR CITY ONLINE NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE - EAST COOPER AREA

View Map | East Cooper Area | Downtown Charleston | West Ashley | North Area | Kiawah/ Edisto/ Seabrook Islands | James/ Johns/ Wadalamaw Island & Folly Beach

Awendaw/McClellanville. Situated about 25 miles north of Charleston, these municipalities are part of the Cape Romain community. Surrounded by over 350,000 acres of the Francis Marion National Forest, the Cape Romain Wildlife refuge and the Santee Coastal Reserve, this area offers its residents the opportunity to enjoy numerous outdoor activities. Residents also enjoy annual events such as the Blue Crab Festival in Awendaw, and the Low Country Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet in downtown McClellanville. Located within the city limits of Awendaw is Bull’s Bay, a gated golf-oriented community that includes 2300 acres protected by a conservation easement. The Bull’s Bay community’s most compelling amenity is its golf club, featuring a well appointed clubhouse that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway.

Daniel Island. Promoted as Charleston’s “island town” and often thought of as a “twin peninsula” to the Charleston peninsula, this exclusive community offers its residents 23 miles of shoreline, as well as a traditional sense of neighborhood. Expanding over 4,000 square miles, Daniel Island is currently made up of six neighborhoods, offering residents the choice between traditional single-family homes, townhomes or luxury condominiums. Residents have access to a boat ramp, several docks, interconnecting walkways surrounded by ancient oaks, as well as convenient access to Daniel Island’s own downtown shopping and business district. Daniel Island is rich in history and culture. Originally inhabited by the Native American tribe Etiwan, the island was subsequently acquired by the Guggenheim Family as a hunting retreat, and then sold to a development company in 1995. Unique Daniel Island amenities include: the private Daniel Island Club, with a Tom Fazio designed golf course and another by Rees Jones on the way; a stadium tennis facility which annually plays host to the Family Circle Cup and frequently hosts music concerts; Blackbaud soccer stadium, home of the Charleston Battery professional soccer team; Daniel Island Academy pre-school; and the expansive campus of Bishop England High School. The island will soon be served by a new elementary and middle school, which is currently under construction.

Dewees Island. Dewees Island is a 1,200 acre, private barrier island, featuring 2 ½ miles of unspoiled beaches. Access to this private island is available only by ferry from the Isle of Palms. Cars are prohibited on the island, making a golf cart a necessary purchase with any home site. Homes on Dewees are intended for a special breed that relishes seclusion. In 2001, this development received the Urban Institute Award for Excellence, which recognizes, among other things, the development’s sensitivity to the environment, and orientation as a “work-play environment”.

Isle of Palms. Known best by tourists for its summertime appeal, the “Front Beach” scene on the Isle of Palms is diverse and colorful, a place where families, bikers, volleyball players, tourists and locals mix together with seeming ease. While the “Front Beach” area is typically crowded on a summer weekend day, other portions of the Island’s six miles of beaches stay relatively quiet all year round. The manicured resort at Wild Dunes should be highlighted as an excellent place in which to live, work or play. Located at the northern tip of the Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes consists of 1,600 acres and features two golf courses, extensive tennis facilities, and numerous other resort amenities.

Mount Pleasant Beyond Hwy 41. Over the past ten years Mount Pleasant has seen its population grow at a remarkable rate. In recent years, several new neighborhoods have been developed in the area accessed by Highway 41 and Highway 17 North. Because Mount Pleasant is bordered by the Wando River, the Charleston Harbor and the Intracoastal Waterway, the only way to grow is north along Highway 17 towards Awendaw and McClellanville. Most of these neighborhoods feature relatively recent construction and many present opportunities to purchase a lot for new construction. Below please find detailed descriptions of some selected neighborhoods located in this area (listed in alphabetical order).

• Alston Pointe/Commonwealth/Darrell Creek. All three of these neighborhoods are located off of Highway 17 North, just north of Park West and the new Wando High School. These neighborhoods offer residents the opportunity to have either direct or indirect access to the water. Alston Pointe is a neighborhood comprised of large, secluded lots, many with views of Toomer Creek and Alston Creek. Commonwealth residents have access to a boat landing, tennis courts, a picnic area, and a playground. The developers of Darrell Creek plan for custom built homes on lots at least ½ acre in size.
• Charleston National. Located just north and across Highway 17 from the Park West community is Charleston National, a golf-oriented mixed-use development. A Food Lion anchored retail center has been developed just within the entrance to the community. Like other large residential developments in northern Mount Pleasant, the project is divided into several subsections, featuring a variety of home sizes and price points. The more expensive homes with the largest floor plans are located behind a gate within the development and feature expansive marsh and waterway views.
• Dunes West. Located directly across Highway 41 from the Rivertowne community, Dunes West is a very large residential community featuring a wide range of price points. Mid-range homes can be found within several sub-neighborhoods located near the Highway 41 entrance while higher priced, larger floor plan, homes are located “behind the gate” within the development. Dunes West amenities include an Arthur Hills golf course and associated clubhouse, lighted tennis courts and a junior-Olympic sized swimming pool.
• Park West. Located near the edge of Mount Pleasant’s northern political boundary and accessed from Highway 17 North, this 1700 acre community continues to grow rapidly. Significant commercial development near the entrance to the community has included a Publix anchored retail center. Located within Park West are public schools, a large public park with athletic fields, as well as private tennis courts and swimming facilities. Park West is comprised of several sub-neighborhoods featuring a wide variety of homes, ranging from waterfront homes to moderately priced townhouses. Park West is bordered by 5 ½ miles of riverfront, marshes and deep water creeks. Designed to preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding environment, there are 292 acres of freshwater wetlands included among Park West’s protected areas.
• Sewee Preserve. Unlike the relatively dense mixed-use communities that dominate the northern end of Mount Pleasant, Sewee Preserve is a low-density, 500 acre development. Approximately 80% of the land in Sewee Preserve is subject to a conservation easement. The Sewee Preserve development plan only permits the construction of 30 homes. Community amenities include a 47 acre freshwater lake, a boat house, a horse pasture, seven miles of trails, a community dock and potential membership to the nearby Bull’s Bay Golf Club.

Mount Pleasant Out to Highway 41. Home to Harbor City’s home office, this area includes the older, more established Mount Pleasant neighborhoods including the “Old Village” located on the Charleston Harbor. The charm of old Mount Pleasant can be found throughout this area, from the shrimp boats at Shem Creek to the quaint neighborhoods with thick, towering oak trees. Many new neighborhoods, as well as shopping centers and restaurants, have been built to accommodate the town’s growing population. Below please find detailed descriptions of some selected neighborhoods in this area (listed in alphabetical order).

• Belle Hall Plantation. Belle Hall Plantation is made up of several smaller subdivisions that range in price, size and style of home. Views range from lakeside, to marsh front, to woods. This neighborhood is accessed from Longpoint Road. Its close proximity to the Mark Clark Expressway (I-526) and Highway 17 North offers residents convenient access to downtown Charleston and North Charleston. Residents enjoy an amenities center, which includes a pool, tennis courts and a private club.
• Brickyard Plantation. Named after the historic use of the land, Brickyard Plantation is situated between the undeveloped land of historic Boone Hall Plantation and Horlbeck Creek, which together serve as natural buffers. In the early 1800’s, the land of Brickyard Plantation served as the brickyard for nearby Boone Hall Plantation. The historic brick chimney located near the boat landing is a gentle reminder of the historical importance of this area. As a neighborhood, the vision belongs to the late Dr. Daniel McDonald who strove to preserve and protect the natural beauty of this area. This Brickyard community is made up of smaller neighborhoods, each unique in style. Homes vary in size from the starter homes of 1,400 square feet to large homes with over 6,000 square feet.
• Creekside. Creekside is an older neighborhood located off of Highway 17. Centrally located, it backs up to Shem Creek and is only a short drive to the East Cooper beaches or downtown Charleston. This neighborhood offers homes on large lots, some of which are heavily wooded. Some homes benefit from proximity to large, park-like, common areas. Residents have access to a boat landing, as well as swimming and tennis facilities.
• The Groves/Shemwood/Cooper Estates. The Groves, Shemwood, and Cooper Estates are older, established neighborhoods located near Shem Creek. A small number of these homes have deep-water access, and many more enjoy views of Shem Creek. These neighborhoods are centrally located between Highway 17 and Coleman Boulevard, with quick access to downtown Charleston, Shem Creek restaurants, and the East Cooper beaches. Given the prime location, many of these older homes are candidates for renovation or expansion of their existing floorplan.
• Hamlin Plantation. This recently developed, neo-traditional neighborhood is accessed from Rifle Range Road, just a few miles north of the Isle of Palms Connector. The land on which Hamlin Plantation is built was originally home to Native Americans who collected fish, oysters and turtles from the area now known as the Hamlin Sound. Home buyers can choose from various styles ranging from marsh front, to wooded lots, to low-maintenance townhouses. Among its attractive features is the Plantation Club, a plantation-style clubhouse building that is complemented by a pool facility, lighted tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, a basketball court, a fitness facility, a playground, and numerous walking/biking trails.
• Harbour Watch and On the Harbor. Both of these neighborhoods feature elegant homes with views of Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River bridge. Residents of these neighborhoods enjoy quick access to downtown Charleston. Some homes benefit from deep-water access. The On The Harbor subdivision is a gated community, providing residents with additional privacy and security.
• Hobcaw Creek Plantation. Hobcaw Creek Plantation is nestled between Long Point Road and Hobcaw Creek, and benefits from convenient access to the Mark Clark Expressway (I-526). Some homes within this community enjoy marsh views. The neighborhood features an amenities center and a community dock for residents.
• Hobcaw Point. Established in 1953, Hobcaw Point continues to be one of Mount Pleasant’s premier, established neighborhoods. This community is accessed from Mathis Ferry road and backs up to the Wando River. Residents enjoy convenient access to downtown Charleston, as well as the amenities of the Hobcaw Point Yacht Club.
• I’On Village. Uniquely conceived, I’On Village (pronounced “eye-on”) is a neighborhood that boasts traditional architectural styles, a strong sense of community, and quick access to downtown Charleston via Mathis Ferry Road. The original vision for I’On belongs to Vince and Thomas Graham, who purchased the property in 1995. Construction by an exclusive list of approved “guild” builders began in September of 1998 and continues today. This neighborhood was designed with the pedestrian in mind. The project was designed and approved to be dense, with homes built close to each other and to the neighborhood streets, similar to the development pattern of downtown Charleston. I’On offers amenities including: the Creek Club, a clubhouse located on Hobcaw Creek; the I’On Club, an athletic complex offering swimming, tennis, weight training, yoga and many other activities; and, the Grand Lawn, which provides the backdrop for the local chamber music ensemble.
• Longpoint Community. The Longpoint community consists of several small subdivisions, featuring a wide range of home sizes and price points. Several homes within the Rice Hope subdivision back up to Boone Hall Creek. The main road accessing these subdivisions eventually winds its way into the Palmetto Islands County Park, a 940 acre nature-oriented park, which features a water park, several large picnic areas, boat rentals and bike paths.
• Olde Park. Although separate and distinct, this new development is often thought of as a sister community to I’On Village. The neighborhood does not feature the density associated with I’On, with homes constructed upon larger lots. The development does, however, share the attention to detail and elegance associated with the I’On development concept. Architectural review board approval is required for all new construction.
• Old Village. With a history tracing back to 1680, the Old Village is Mount Pleasant’s signature neighborhood. The homes located along Charleston Harbor rival downtown Charleston in their charm, desirability and price. This area once served as the main shopping district for Mount Pleasant. Located in the heart of the Old Village is the Pitt Street Pharmacy, commonly known as “the Drug Store”, which has served residents for generations. At the end of Pitt Street can be found the remnants of the Pitt Street Bridge that once connected Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island by trolley car. Although no longer in use, it now serves as a great platform for viewing the Intracoastal Waterway and Charleston Harbor. Towering oak trees, draped in Spanish moss, complement the historic homes of the Old Village.
• Raven’s Run. Located off Rifle Range Road just north of this IOP Connector, this exclusive, 200-acre, gated community enjoys quick access to the Isle of Palms and includes 55 acres of lakes and waterways, views of which are available from most homes. Residents are allowed to use canoes, kayaks, and small boats on the waterways. Perhaps its most unique amenity is a small airplane landing strip located within the community.
• Renaissance Condominium Towers. Serving as the closest thing that Mount Pleasant has to skyscrapers, these “twin” condominium towers are located immediately at the foot of the Cooper River Bridge, and offer breathtaking views of the bridge, the Cooper River, Charleston Harbor and downtown Charleston. Most of the units within the luxury condominium towers include hardwood, granite, and other high-end finishes. Amenities include underground parking, a swimming pool, and a private health club facility.
• Rifle Range Road Subdivisions. Numerous convenient neighborhoods can be accessed from Rifle Range Road, as it extends from Ben Sawyer Blvd to the Isle of Palms Connector. Although becoming denser by the day itself, these neighborhoods are preferred by some Mount Pleasant residents who are turned off by the congestion and traffic associated with Highway 17 North, and who want to enjoy relatively easy access to the East Cooper beaches and downtown Charleston. The Hidden Lakes and Shellpoint subdivisions are distinguished by the fact that many of the homes are located on lakes. The Sweetgrass subdivision is located closer to the Isle of Palms Connector, just across Rifle Range from the Seaside Farms commercial shopping district. Notable among the higher-end neighborhoods within the Rifle Range corridor are Fiddler’s Marsh, with many homes featuring expansive views of the marsh and the Intracoastal Waterway, and Cassina Plantation, which offers large lots in an equine-friendly setting.
• Rivertowne. Located off Highway 41, this neighborhood features recently constructed, but traditionally designed, residences. In an effort to evoke a truly old-fashion neighborhood feel, the pathways and parks are pedestrian friendly. Many of these pathways lead to common areas and parks ideal for visiting with neighbors, walking the dog or just relaxing. Views from these homes include the Wando River, Horlbeck Creek, and the fairways and greens of the Arnold Palmer designed golf course. This neighborhood also features three separate swimming facilities, two tennis centers, and two community docks.
• Seaside Farms. Seaside Farms is a 500 acre mixed-use development that includes a large shopping district anchored by Target, a hotel, several restaurants, a 272-unit multifamily apartment complex, 106 townhomes, a 40-acre assisted living facility, and three residential subdivisions featuring a wide range of amenities and price points. The higher-end homes have views of the extensive marshes and waterways that stretch from Mount Pleasant to the Isle of Palms. This development can be accessed from either Rifle Range Road or the Isle of Palms Connector.
• Snee Farm. This neighborhood is known as Mount Pleasant’s oldest county club. Once considered to be out in the country, Snee Farm is now located in the center of Mount Pleasant. Residents enjoy a golf course and clubhouse facility, as well as tennis and swimming facilities. Originally inhabited by the Sewee Indians, the land upon which Snee Farm is built was subsequently occupied by settlers who grew cotton and indigo. The area also served as home to Charles Pickney, a signer of the Constitution. As a consequence of this long history, Snee Farm is part of a National Trust for Historic Preservation.
• Wakendaw. The Wakendaw neighborhood is an older neighborhood, as evidenced by the lush and well-developed vegetation that lines its streets and sidewalks. Several homes back up to the marsh, while others feature lake views. Located off of Mathis Ferry Road, the soccer fields of a nearby school and the local public library are both within walking distance.

Sullivan’s Island. This historic island played a pivotal role in both the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The island has a “dark history” as well, having served for many years as the principal point of slave importation in the United States. Visitors to the island are often puzzled by the island’s numerous concrete bunkers, some of which have been converted, at least in part, into residences. Most of these served as coastline defense installations during the Spanish-American war era. Equally puzzling are the dome-shaped “hurricane houses”, which serve as striking illustrations of the island’s diverse architectural styles. Today, Sullivan’s Island is a sleepy beach town, ever popular with both locals and visitors. The natural beauty of the island, together with the folklore of surrounding areas, inspired Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Gold Bug”. Homes on Sullivan’s Island are among the most expensive in all of the Charleston metro area. Unlike the more transient Isle of Palms, its sister island, Sullivan’s is inhabited principally by year-round residents, who enjoy the slower “island” way of life, as evidenced by their preference of golf carts over automobiles.