The founders of Charles Towne were explorers, intrepid English settlers who sailed toward the coast with little but dreams and hopeful plans. That same spirit of excitement and discovery extends into the real estate market of today's Lowcountry
As those first Charlestonians understood the need to respect and work with nature, so, too, do the designers and planners of the neighborhoods currently spread across greater Charleston.
The temperate climate and geniality of the region have long held a strong allure for those looking to build or buy a vacation home here, and now more and more people are choosing to make a permanent move to the Lowcountry. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report released in early 2009, Charleston is the 35th fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country. The Census report combines data for Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, known locally as the "tri-county area."
Inside the tri-county perimeters, a wealth of opportunities awaits potential job seekers. A few of the major industries and employers in town include the Port of Charleston, the most efficient container port in the Southeast; the Naval Weapons Station and Air Force Bases; the Medical University of South Carolina; and recently constructed production centers for Verizon Wireless and Google.
For those aiming to buy a home in the area, these factors add up to a promising future for the Lowcountry's prosperity. The entire southeastern region has grown exponentially in the last five years, as retirees and those seeking escape from the harshness of freezing winters decide that they can't get enough of that trademark Southern hospitality. Investors continue to look toward the coast even as the U.S. economy stands on shaky ground. Although prices have dropped across all three counties, opening up a buyer's market, it's a time-tested truism that many Charleston homes will continue to appreciate in value, thanks to the appeal of the territory.
Amidst the scramble of the national market, developers and neighborhood planners have recently jumped on the emerging trend of creating communities that center on keeping the natural world in harmony with its inhabitants. Nowhere is this more paramount than in Charleston, where builders have relied on the natural patterns of wind and water to drive construction since the area was first settled.
With a land area of nearly 100 square miles, it comes as no surprise that the city of Charleston has a number of unique communities for potential residents to choose from. Downtown Charleston and West Ashley are filled with historic homes and streets, and they provide the closest proximity to the bustling city center. Mount Pleasant contains suburban comforts and shopping galore, plus the quaint Old Village. Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are connected via one of the Lowcountry's oldest bridges, and both are so memorable that entire books have been written about them.
Kiawah and Seabrook islands offer the highest-end homes and amenities in the area, with pristine private beaches and, on Seabrook, the only beach in town that allows horseback riding. Daniel Island is fewer than 20 miles away from downtown Charleston, but has all the necessary commercial and social conveniences that residents could need. Summerville, which has 700 local buildings on the National Historic Register, has been dubbed "Flowertown" for the azaleas that bloom there each spring.
R.M. Buck Builders, Inc. is a family-owned custom home builder with an unsurpassed reputation for building luxury homes. Their attention to detail will satisfy even the most discriminating client. Located on Johns Island, R.M. Buck Builders is unique with a high-end custom cabinet and carpentry shop to offer you architectural and artistic design. Whether your building a luxurious new home or breathing new life into your present home, R.M. Buck Builders can make you dreams a reality.
Where to stay in the Charleston area? Conveniently browse the website for a wide range of exclusive vacation beach homes available on Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island. Beautiful homes complete with luxurious amenities and prime locations. East Islands Rentals provide a high level of customer service, helping guests find just the right property for their needs. Locally owned and operated. Tel: 866 886 0760