A web of waterways carve their path through the beach town of Charleston. Some of the town’s most notable beaches are Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms.
The heart of Charleston brims with southern hospitality, antebellum homes, and culturally vibrant art scenes; there are sumptuous eateries on every corner where you can stop for a bite. The greater Charleston area, which includes the City of North Charleston, is enjoying a surge in its population growth. Homes are popping up across the region, and there’s one to fit every taste and budget.
Discover the charm of the city and for yourself: Here are the top master planned communities in the area.
Kiawah River
Located about 20 miles southwest of Charleston on Johns Island is the master planned community of Kiawah River. Builders have more than 10 plans from which to choose, with prices starting in the upper $200s. This community sprawls across 2,000 waterfront acres, filled with abundant sea island life, trails, and campfire areas.
Residents enjoy dining at the dockside restaurant after boating in the open waters or practicing their swing on the challenging Oak Point Golf Course, awarded Charleston’s Golf Course Owners Association Course of the Year in 2019.
Find a new home in Kiawah River.
Foxbank Plantation
Less than 30 miles north of Charleston is Foxbank Plantation, offering more than 10 home plans to select from. Three builders have homes with price tags beginning in the low $200s. Amenities include several parks (including a dog park), 12 ponds, and a 67-acre lake for kayaking and fishing. When the mood strikes, head into the metro area and explore historic plantations or dine at an award-winning restaurant. You can even visit the Charleston Haunted Pub… if you dare.
Carolina Park
Only 25 minutes from Charleston in Mount Pleasant is Carolina Park, offering more than 40 home plans. Stunning homes are priced in the $500s by nine distinguished builders. This 1,700-acre master planned community includes an abundance of perks, including a zero-entry kid’s pool, a tennis facility, and picnic areas. Carolina Park is close to Mount Pleasant Towne Center and only 15 minutes from the beach. What more could you ask for?
Find your new home in Carolina Park.
Carnes Crossroads
Located in Summerville and just under 30 miles from Charleston is Carnes Crossroads. Four builders – including well-established Pulte and David Weekley – collectively offer over 30 plans starting in the mid $200s. Enjoy the lakes and wide open greenspace. In this family friendly community you have access to a beach entry pool, splash pad, and a play area. Carnes Crossroads offers small town living with boutiques, local restaurants and Azalea Park – a 12-acre garden with paved pathways where you can take a leisurely stroll and admire the seasonal burst of blooms.
Your new home awaits in Carnes Crossroads
Nexton
Less than 30 miles northwest of Charleston is Nexton, a beautiful community in Summerville. Known as the heart of Lowcountry, Nexton offers over 60 floorplans by nine different builders. Prices begin in the low $200s and include all the latest amenities.
This master-planned community is laced with waterways and wooded trails. A major residential plus is the ability to enjoy yoga classes on the Great Lawn. An array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues are easily accessible; hop on I26 and head to Folly Beach or enjoy the Crowfield Golf and Country Club just around the corner.
Cane Bay Plantation
Also in Summerville is the expansive Cane Bay Plantation, just north of Charleston where more than five builders are showcasing their homes.
These affordable homes begin in the $200s and you can select from hundreds of different floorplans. Entertainment options are boundless in Cane Bay, including the 54,000 square foot Family YMCA complex—one of the largest in the state. The Francis Marion National Forest is nearby, a 250,000 acre nature sanctuary. Get your cardio going on the 25-mile-long interconnecting trail system that meanders throughout the community.
Find a new home in Cane Bay Plantation.
Summers Corner
Summers Corner, located less than 30 miles northwest of Uptown Charleston, is an ideal place to call home. This community was awarded “Best Community in 2020” by Charleston Choice Awards.
Combined, builders Lennar and Stanley Martin Homes offer more than 30 floorplans, with a few more on the horizon. The community is served by the Dorchester School District and home prices begin in the upper $200s. In the mornings, residents enjoy pastries and coffee at the Corner House Café; in the evenings, they relax at a show at the 1,000 seat Summers Corner Performing Arts Center.
When you want to slow things down, nearby Buffalo Lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing.
Learn more about Summers Corner.
Other South Carolina Resources
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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