Is Mount Pleasant, South Carolina a Good Place to Live? 5 Neighborhoods Under $500k
Mount Pleasant, a large suburban town in Charleston, South Carolina is noted as both the largest town in South Carolina and one of the fastest-growing towns in the nation. But is it a good place to live? In short, yes! In this article, I’m giving you my top 5 neighborhoods under $500k to help you decide for yourself.
Located east of downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant is known for being convenient to downtown and its proximity to the beaches of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. With its well-maintained public spaces, wide selection of shopping, entertainment, and dining options, as well as a healthy recreation program, Mount Pleasant has become an extremely popular place to live and host to many desirable neighborhoods.
Separated from Charleston by the Cooper River, the town was more of a seasonal destination for several years by the wealthier residents of the Holy City who had summer homes there. Valuable timber and deep water access also made it a prime spot for shipbuilders. These days, a wide variety of residents make up the population of Mount Pleasant who live in a likewise wide array of neighborhoods at varying real estate prices.
1. Park West
The largest community in Mount Pleasant, Park West boasts 42 different sections within the master-planned development. Convenient to shopping, restaurants, and hospitals and close to the Isle of Palms connector for easy access to Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island — Park West is one of Mount Pleasant’s most popular neighborhoods. “You’ll be charmed by Park West’s friendly neighborhoods, traditional low country styles, and impeccable attention to detail.” — www.parkwestmaster.com
Park West is a highly walkable neighborhood featuring wide streets, bike and walking paths, and sidewalks throughout. Neighborhood amenities include swimming pools, a full gym, and tennis courts with the Park West Recreation Center located right within the neighborhood. if you’re looking for your new favorite watering hole, you can find the Dog & Duck just inside the entrance. And when you’re ready to work off those pints, Crossfit Park West is just around the corner.
Houses here are on the newer side being built between 1999 to the present date. The median home price for homes in Park West is currently $393,000. However, price ranges run between $150k to almost $2 million depending on location and neighborhood. Square footage is between 662 square feet for the attached home offerings to 6,532 square feet for the largest single-family homes. Homes feature anywhere between 1–6 bedrooms and 1–7 bathrooms.
The community does have an HOA, and purchasing a home in Park West automatically enrolls you as a member of three separate associations: HOA (homeowners association), PWMA (Park West Master), and PWMA (Park West Amenity Center), so that’s certainly something to keep in mind. You can find more information on the Association page HERE.
Highlights
- The largest community in Mt. Pleasant
- Wide streets, sidewalks, and biking/jogging paths
- Large selection of subdivisions to choose from
Considerations
- HOA
- Automatically enrolled in three associations
- Size may feel too expansive to some
2. Dunes West
Dunes West is considered a “Golf Course Community” with the main attraction being its golf course. “An upscale mixed development community located in Mount Pleasant, SC just east of the Cooper River… the community offers a Lowcountry setting with lush natural surroundings making it the perfect place to escape the cares of everyday life.” — duneswestpoa.com
Another large neighborhood, The Dunes West POA (Property Owners Association) currently owns over 890 acres of land and is still under active development. Final construction is scheduled to end between 2025 and 2026.
Dunes West is a partially gated community with a manned entry gate for security. It’s convenient to shopping, restaurants, and hospitals and situated with close access to Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Those working from home or partially so can utilize the co-working space The Exchange nearby and grab lunch at the sushi joint, Fuji for a healthy meal. The neighborhood offers walking trails, two swimming pools (one with a zero-water entry and water slide), lighted tennis courts, a boat landing, a crab dock, and storage.
As previously mentioned, Dunes West is a golf course community, so if you’re an avid golfer or interested in getting into the sport, you’re in the right spot. More information about the Dunes West Golf Club can be found HERE.
With such a large space for development, the earliest homes were built in the 1990s and are still being constructed today. The median sale price is currently $535,000 but homes range in price from $269,000 to $1.9 million with the under $500k homes located outside the security gates.
Attached and single-family homes are available with square footage ranging from 1,210 to 6,893 square feet where you also have selections from 2–6 bedrooms and 2–7 bathrooms. Dunes West is an HOA community which you can find more info about HERE both Dunes West Golf membership and Dunes West Club membership which include pool, tennis courts, and boat ramp are at an additional monthly cost/initiation fee.
Highlights
- Has own golf course
- New construction is still possible
- Conveniently located
Considerations
- Under $500k homes are located outside the gated section
- Construction still ongoing
- Maybe not ideal if you’re not into golf
- Golf carts are not allowed on roadways inside of the gates
Charleston National
Another golf course community, Charleston National features its golf course as well but is also popular due to its proximity to Roper National hospital and the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s also convenient to shopping and dining like Jack’s Cosmic Dogs and East Bay Deli. This neighborhood also has easy access to the IOP Connector for trips to the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.
This well-established neighborhood features great amenities such as a neighborhood pool, tennis courts, and walking/jogging trails. Mature live oaks, wetlands, lagoons, and landscaping throughout create a lovely setting in this well-maintained community.
For golf fans, the championship golf course was designed by Rees Jones which Golf Digest has rated the best non-resort course in the Charleston area. The golf course is open to the public but memberships are also available which you can learn more about HERE.
Median home prices for Charleston National are below $500k at $422,709 but price ranges here stay pretty steady between $337,900 to $515,000 with options between attached and single-family homes. The oldest homes here were built in 1993 with the most recent being in 2019. Square footage ranges from 1,462 to 4,650 accommodating 2–5 bedrooms and 2–6 bathrooms.
Charleston National is also an HOA community which you can research more about HERE.
Highlights
- Championship designed golf course
- Established community with mature landscaping
- Close to Intracoastal Waterway
Considerations
- Older community with older homes
- May not be for non-golf lovers
- Does have an HOA
Belle Hall
The community of Belle Hall consists of several different subdivisions located just off I-526. Belle Hall is known for being optimally located in Mount Pleasant due to its easy access to places like Daniel Island and North Charleston via I-526 and about a 15-minute drive to Downtown Charleston via highway 17. A 7-minute drive will put you over the IOP connector to enjoy Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island as well.
This well-established community features amenities that include two miles of walking trails, a crabbing dock, a community park, ponds, a dog park, community centers, and swimming pools. Convenient to shopping and dining, you’re a bike ride away from the Belle Hall Shopping center for groceries, coffee, and more. For craft beer lovers, Westbrook Brewing, Two Blokes Brewing, Ghost Monkey, and Hobcaw Brewing are located close by.
If the community amenities aren’t enough, a hop-skip-and-a-jump puts you right in front of the Mount Pleasant Jones Recreation Center to enjoy their gym, skatepark, and activity rooms.
Belle Hall features single-family homes built between 1994 and 2017 offering 3–6 bedrooms and 2 to 6 bathrooms. Square footage ranges between 1,285 and 5,300 square feet with a median sales price of $490,000. However, home prices vary widely from $395,000 to over $2 million. Like all of the neighborhoods on this list, Belle Hall is an HOA community that you can research further HERE.
Highlights
- Conveniently located near I-526
- Great Amenities for outdoor activities
- Biking distance to everyday shopping
Considerations
- Older homes to choose from
- Attached homes like townhomes and condos are not available
Tupelo
Tupelo is a fairly new neighborhood established in 2013. Originally part of the town of Awendaw, it’s been incorporated into the town of Mount Pleasant making it one of the furthest neighborhoods down Highway 17 from “Mount Pleasant proper.” It’s convenient to shopping, dining, and hospitals, however with that distance comes affordability.
Situated among preserved wetlands and woods set away from Highway 17, Tupelo offers amenities such as a neighborhood pool, children’s play park, and walking/jogging trails. A 10-minute drive puts you at Mount Pleasant Towne Center and 20 minutes gets you over the IOP Connector to access Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.
Being further out doesn’t mean going without. The fall of 2021 will bring a brick-and-mortar version of The Front Porch, a coffee and bakery spot originally operated from a food truck. You’re also ideally located for quick trips to the local Costco, great Tex-Mex grub from Mex 1 Coastal Cantina and fun spots like the Charleston Fun Park and Sewee Outpost.
As it’s a newer neighborhood, these single-family homes here were built between 2013 and 2020 with square footage ranging from 1,510 to 3,248 square feet. Tupelo may be one of the furthest neighborhoods from the rest of the town but with that distance comes affordability. Median home price is $428,000 but the total ranges stay steady between $443,000 to $459,000. These prices will get you between 3–5 bedrooms and 2 to 4 bathrooms depending on size and location.
One final note is that Tupelo is also an HOA community which you can get further information about HERE.
Highlights
- More home for the money
- Convenient to everyday shopping and dining
- Newer neighborhood with newer construction
Considerations
- The farthest neighborhood from the “main” Mount Pleasant area
- Further to the beaches and downtown Charleston
- HOA community
So, Is Mount Pleasant, South Carolina a good place to live or what?
Absolutely! The town of Mount Pleasant has so much to offer someone looking for a place to call home, whether it’s being close to the beaches, to the river or a little bit further out. With so many outdoor activities, tons of restaurants and shopping centers, you’ll never be short on options. And you haven’t even headed into Downtown Charleston yet.
If you’re interested in starting your search for a Lowcountry home, get in touch — I’m always available to answer questions. But, I hope this has given you some great information about the area to get started. And, if you’re interested in learning more about the area, you can also check out my post on James Island neighborhoods under $500k HERE.
Ashley Melton, Realtor®
www.CharlestonPalmettoHomes.com
843–670–2333
