Let’s assume you’re considering moving to the Charleston area so you google best places to live. Time after time, you’ll find that the City of Mt Pleasant pops up in the rankings as number one. Why is this and what is so special about Mt Pleasant?
We’re taking a deep dive into one of the Lowcountry’s most charming and sought-after areas: Mount Pleasant. If you’re considering making this area your new home, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to explore everything you need to know about Mount Pleasant, from its waterfront vistas to its top-notch schools and thriving real estate market.
So where is Mt Pleasant? It’s just to the east of the Charleston peninsula and southeast of Daniel Island. It’s really the last major city before you reach the beach towns and the Atlantic ocean. It’s deceptively big though. Over 90 thousand residents call it home, making it the 4th most populated municipality in South Carolina, falling just behind Charleston, Columbia, and North Charleston who are numbers 1,2, and 3.
Mt Pleasant is so big that it actually has two zip codes that correspond to the two general areas of the city – North and South. North Mt. Pleasant is located north of the Isle of Palms connector and encompasses this area in the 29466 zip code. South Mt Pleasant tends to be older and is located to the south of the Isle of Palms connector in the 29464 zip code.
So why do you want to live in Mt Pleasant compared to other areas of town? Well, for one, it’s close to everything. One of the key attractions of Mount Pleasant is how close it is to both Charleston’s historic peninsula and the stunning beaches of the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. The Ravenel bridge which is arguably Charleston’s most defining landmark connects Mt. Pleasant to the Charleston peninsula. And you can actually walk or jog the full length of this bridge too – it’s a great workout. I-526, which makes a big arc around Charleston, actually begins in Mount Pleasant and ends in West Ashley. I-526 is going to be the best way to access areas north of Charleston. Highway 17 runs the length of Mt Pleasant and is how you’ll probably get around most of the town.
Now, let’s touch on the government and taxes in Mt. Pleasant. The town is located within Charleston county and is governed through a town council. Surprisingly, municipal taxes are actually pretty low compared to the rest of Charleston County municipalities.Mt Pleasant millage rates are lower than some other parts of Charleston county, to include the city of Charleston itself. And because the town is so well funded, probably due to higher property values, Mount Pleasant boasts top-notch police and fire services.
If you have kids or are planning to, education is obviously a top priority. Mount Pleasant falls under the Charleston County School District, which includes several schools that consistently rank high in South Carolina. And there are a few private schools and charter schools in the area, but I just want to focus on public schools for now.
There are a total of 8 elementary schools in Mt. Pleasant and they are all ranked extremely high, according to Greatschools.com. In fact, they’re some of the highest ranked schools in all of the Charleston area. The only elementary school that greatschools.com does not have a ranking for is Laurel Hill.
Now middle schools follow the same trend, ranking pretty high compared to the rest of the district and the state. They are categorized by their extremely high algebra I participation and pass rate, with Thomas C. Cario middle school leading the bunch.
And lastly there are two major high schools in Mt. Pleasant. Wando High School covers North Mt. Pleasant while Lucy Beckham covers southern Mount Pleasant. Both are ranked exceptionally high according to Niche.com with A and B averages in most categories. There’s also the East Cooper Center for Advanced Studies that provides college level or tradesman education for students in the surrounding areas.
Now, let’s talk real estate in Mount Pleasant. The housing market in this town is thriving, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll find an array of housing options, from condos and townhomes to spacious single-family homes and stunning waterfront properties.
Remember when I said Mt. Pleasant can be divided into two submarkets, one in the north and one in the south? Well, let’s talk about each. As of September 2023, the average sales price of single family detached homes in Mt. Pleasant was 1.32 million dollars with a median sales price of 940 thousand dollars. You’ll find townhomes and condos were a little bit more affordable at an average sales price of 536 thousand dollars and median sales price of 415 thousand dollars. This is pricier than almost every other part of the area, but what you’re getting for this price is a top tier location that is just minutes away from the Charleston peninsula and beaches. The schools and amenities in the area can hardly be beat. The disparity between the median sales price and average sales price of single family detached homes is pretty large – almost by 400 thousand dollars. I suspect the reason for this is because most of your large, multi-million dollar homes are going to be in southern Mt Pleasant, not northern, so that skews the average sales price upwards. You’ll still be able to find a modest single family detached home in this area in the 700s and 800s, and sometimes even less.
Northern Mt Pleasant is still pricy, but marginally less expensive than southern Mt. Pleasant. As of September 2023, the average sales price in Northern Mt. Pleasant for single family detached homes was 996 thousand with a median sales price of 900 thousand. Now, townhomes and condos are a different story in this area. The average sales price is 517 thousand with a median sales price of 535 thousand. This is just as expensive, if not more expensive, than southern Mt. Pleasant. I suspect the reason for this is that there’s quite a few newer construction townhomes out this way which drives the price up. Townhomes in northern Mt. Pleasant has actually seen some of the biggest year-over-year price increases of any other class of home in the entirety of the Charleston metro. Prices are up almost 25 to 30% over the course of a year.
It’s essential to note that real estate prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood. Some areas, like Old Village, have a unique historical charm and tend to command higher prices, while others offer more affordable options while still being conveniently located.
Speaking of neighborhoods, let’s explore some of the most popular ones in Mount Pleasant. Each neighborhood has its unique character and appeal which can’t be said for a lot of other areas of the Charleston metro.
Old Village is an historic gem known for its charming streets, waterfront properties, and a sense of timeless elegance. If you appreciate tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community, Old Village might be your dream neighborhood.
I’on is a picturesque community that offers a blend of Charleston-style architecture and modern amenities. It’s famous for its beautiful parks, walking trails on the water, and vibrant social scene. Homes in this area can be truly massive and fetch some jaw dropping prices.
Now Park West is a large neighborhood with excellent schools and fantastic amenities. It’s pretty massive. I like to call it the Cane Bay of Mt Pleasant. There are a ton of subsections of Park West that have been built up by different builders over the years. Each neighborhood has its own unique style. It’s known for its recreational opportunities, including miles of biking and walking trails.
Now Belle Hall is an established community with a range of home styles, including traditional ranch homes to the Charleston style house and other modern builds. Residents love its central location and surrounding amenities.
And finally, If you’re seeking a more private and upscale lifestyle, Dunes West might be your choice. This gated community features a golf course, beautiful marsh views, and luxury homes.
Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and Mount Pleasant has plenty of other fantastic neighborhoods to explore. The diversity in housing options ensures there’s something for everyone.
Now, people who move to Charleston don’t always have a good pulse on the differences between suburbs. If you’re considering other areas of town like West Ashley or Summerville, here’s some features that make Mt Pleasant stand out above the rest.
So number 1, Mount Pleasant’s proximity to the coast means you can enjoy a waterfront lifestyle. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or simply taking in breathtaking sunsets over the harbor or beach, the water is never far away.
Number 2, the town boasts a vibrant culinary scene. You’ll find a plethora of restaurants, from local seafood joints to upscale dining establishments. Shem Creek, in particular, is known for its waterside dining experiences and is a must visit.
Next, Mount Pleasant encourages an active lifestyle with numerous parks, hiking trails, and water-based activities. Whether it’s a family day at Palmetto Islands County Park or a kayaking adventure on Shem Creek, outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home.
Number 4, not to be underrated, is the historic charm of some parts of the town. The quaint streets, historic homes, and maritime history are captivating for history buffs and those who appreciate timeless beauty.
Next, Mount Pleasant’s proximity to the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island means you’re never far from the ocean. You’re so close to the beach that you don’t have to plan an entire day around visiting the beach, but instead jump in your car and fifteen minutes later you’re there.
And lastly, Mount Pleasant residents take pride in their town’s strong sense of community. Local events, farmers’ markets, and neighborhood gatherings create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
So, there you have it – a comprehensive look at Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. From its unbeatable location and fantastic schools to its thriving real estate market and abundant amenities, this town has it all. Whether you’re starting a family, planning to retire, or simply looking for a change of scenery, Mount Pleasant offers a vibrant and welcoming community that could be your next home.
If you have any questions or want to explore Mount Pleasant further, feel free to reach out to me!
