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Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Outside of Charleston, Charming Mount Pleasant is Known for its Easy Tempo, Lovely Homes and Beautiful Nearby Beaches
In 1680, the British arrived in present-day Mount Pleasant, just across the Cooper River from Charleston on South Carolina's mid-coast. The town they and others built soon attracted wealthy Charlestonians who constructed grand summer homes on the bluffs overlooking Charleston Harbor. Many of these homes still stand today.
Thanks to these beginnings, Mount Pleasant (population 96,000) is now a charming residential area. It has grown 13% within the last 10 years, and many new residents are from out of state, primarily New York, Florida and Georgia. The city has been ranked by Charleston residents as the Lowcountry's best suburb, and the good citizens of Mount Pleasant have a reputation as a closely-knit but friendly bunch who appreciate the city's easy tempo.
Mount Pleasant's overall median home price is $900,000, reflecting a 7% increase from a year ago. The cost of living is 80% above the national average, and the crime rate is well below the national average. Nearly 35% of residents are age 45 or better, and 60% of locals hold a four-year college degree.
For the past two and a half decades, the city has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation and it is thick with palm trees, live oaks, red cedars, devilwoods and yaupon hollies. Sedate, tree-lined neighborhoods boast stately residences with overflowing gardens. The Old Village section of town is perhaps the most desirable place to live.
Not a lot goes on here, but that is a plus in many people's eyes. The Memorial Waterfront Park is a source of pride and is a lovely spot for picnicking or watching boats bob in the water. The Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival is held here every year. ArtFest, another community gathering, happens every March and highlights local artistic talents.
The Patriots Point Naval Museum, Boone Hall Plantation and Palmetto Islands State Park are additional area highlights. And the long, clean oceanfront beaches along the nearby barrier islands Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms give residents a wonderful spot to sun, swim and beachcomb.
Mount Pleasant shopping is adequate with a mix of higher-end stores and discount retailers. Many shopping areas are tucked off the street and hard to find if one does not know where to look. Dining options are fairly good, particularly around the Shem Creek area where seafood restaurants are the norm and diners can watch Charleston's shrimp boat fleet come in each day. The popular farmers' market operates every Tuesday.
Novant Health East Cooper Medical Center provides medical care and is award-winning for excellence in patient safety and overall patient experience.
CARTA provides public bus transportation into Charleston, but service is otherwise limited.
The Senior Center, operated by the city, is open Monday through Saturday and offers a good selection of programs, services and activities (fitness classes, painting classes, wii bowling, potlucks, coffee talks, computers with wireless Internet access, afternoon movies, personal trainers, massage therapists, bingo, driving safety and more). Membership fees are $140 per year.
The city has mild winters, hot summers and on average receives 48 inches of rain per year. Summer high temperatures reach the 90s with lows in the 70s, and winter high temperatures reach into the 50s and 60s with lows in the 40s.
Mount Pleasant does have some drawbacks. Hurricanes are always a possibility, and Ian brought damage in 2022. Traffic congestion is a problem. Urban sprawl is evident.
Coastal South Carolina is a blend of sandy beaches, historic towns, and Lowcountry charm, stretching from Myrtle Beach down to Hilton Head Island. The region is known for its warm climate, tidal marshes, and miles of Atlantic shoreline that draw both vacationers and retirees.
Charleston, with its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and thriving culinary scene, anchors the area culturally and historically, while smaller communities like Beaufort and Georgetown offer quieter lifestyles steeped in Southern tradition.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy boating, fishing, and golfing year-round, while the lush landscapes of live oaks draped in Spanish moss add to the region’s scenic beauty.
Though the coast can be prone to hurricanes, its mix of history, recreation, and coastal living continues to make South Carolina one of the Southeast’s most desirable destinations.
The state is considered tax-friendly for retirement.
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