Summerville has a quaint downtown, and although it is not large, there are enough stores and appealing local eateries to fulfill most needs.   There is an original corner pharmacy with a working soda fountain and an old time barber shop, as well as a new Target and a Best Buy and some other large retailers.  Many residents make the 30 minute drive into Charleston for more dining, entertainment and shopping options (Tanger Outlets with 90 stores just opened in North Charleston).

For many, the nickname, "Flower Town in the Pines," explains why they love Summerville as each spring millions of blossoms, particularly azaleas, in public and private gardens, explode into full bloom. The annual, 3-day Azalea Festival each April celebrates this beauty with an event that draws artists, craftspeople and 250,000 tourists from all across the region.

At least four golf courses are found in Summerville or within a short drive.  The Pine Forest Country Club course has been given 4 stars by Golf Digest.  The Miler Country Club course has been challenging players for 75 years.  The Coosaw Creek Country Club course is private and was designed by Arthur Hills.   And for those whom prefer the water to the links, the Atlantic shore is just 45 minutes away.

Everyday life in Summerville is fairly typical of a southern town.   There is a farmers' market every Saturday from April to October; the YMCA offers affordable memberships and is open to all; the Summerville Orchestra brings music to the community.   Churches abound.  A number of historic homes are open for tours.  These include Drayton Hall, a house that survived the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and is the oldest preserved plantation house - circa 1738 - in America; and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a seventeenth-century estate featuring year-round blooms of America’s oldest gardens, a pre-revolutionary war plantation house, a biblical garden and an antebellum cabin.  

Dorchester Seniors, Inc. (843-871-5053) is a private, non-profit organization that provides services for Summerville's retirees age 50 (too young) and better.  Housed in the Faith Sellers Senior Center, services include physical fitness, educational programs, arts and crafts, trips, tours and numerous social events.  They also provide transportation to and from the Center, congregate meals, in-home services (light housekeeping and personal care), home delivered meals and referral services.

Summerville experiences mild winters, hot, humid summers, and substantial rainfall throughout the year, particularly during the summer.  Fall remains relatively warm through November, and winter is short and mild with some rain.  Snow is rare.   Summer high temperatures reach the 90s with lows in the 70s; winters high temperatures reach into the 50s and 60s with lows in the 40s.   Morning humidity averages 90%, dropping to around 60% in the afternoon.

For all of its charm and hospitality, a Summerville retirement has a few drawbacks.  Crime rates are slightly above the national average.  There is regional bus service but no local service.  Traffic between town and Charleston becomes quite heavy at times (many Summervillians work in Charleston).  There is a paper mill not too far away, and occasionally, if the wind is blowing just right, the fumes can reach town.   Developers have their eye on Summerville, so it may experience significant growth in the coming years.  It is in a rural spot, which is idyllic, but with it comes poverty on the outskirts of town.  

Despite these drawbacks, though, most residents enjoy Summerville and would not want to live anywhere else.  It is, indeed, an appealing Southern retirement spot.

Note:  Our research continues to show that Summerville has a cost of living below the national average, but a resident has written to us to say that the cost of living is above the national average.  

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Summerville South Carolina Real Estate    Active Adult Communities in Summerville South Carolina