Holy cow...all I have to say is time flies! I can't believe that I've been here for 2 weeks already and after 2 weeks I do have to say that I'm loving it here.
Last weekend, my first weekend in Charleston, I was able to spend with Dave. Our objective was to figure out a neighborhood where we wanted to buy a home. I didn't realize how many options we have. Objective is to be close to the beach, have a pool, and work on buying a boat! I expect you all to cast your votes on what's below!!
1. Mt. Pleasant - Otherwise known as "Mt. Plastic". I haven't gotten to the bottom of the naming reference yet. After staying in Mt. Plastic at the Marriott Renaissance for the past 2 weeks I have to say, I have not seen a lot of fake boobs or face lifts...or maybe the doctors around here are that good... :) So...what it really has to offer is a great suburban community (not sure if I'm ready for suburbia after living downtown Chicago), 5 minutes from the beach, and what I've been told are the best schools in the area. It is about 20-25 minutes to work, which I shouldn't complain after having an hour commute in Chicago.
2. Daniel Island - Referred to as the "Stepford Community". I like to refer to it as Mayberry, but it makes me want to see the movie. It's a newly developed island community that has great hiking trails, river/marsh access (when we get a boat), you could survive with only a golf cart for transportation, great schools, many community pools to choose from, and 10 minutes to work. We could walk to the restaurants and grocery store, but depending on where on the island we live it could be quite a hike. Bummer about it is that even though it's an island community, there is no beach so the beach is more like 15 minutes away.
3. Downtown Charleston - Haven't figured out what it's referred to yet, I'm sure that there's something! It's got wonderful old homes and a quaint feeling about it. Its got so much history!! We can walk everywhere, even to the grocery store like we did in Chicago. Access to awesome restaurants and bars. It's about 20-25 minutes from work but about 30 minutes to the beach and I haven't found a place with a public pool
4. Sullivan's Island/Isle of Palm - WAY TOO EXPENSIVE! Would love to win the lottery in order to buy house on beach. For now, I'll have to only be able to afford parking in the public lot.
So after figuring out the where we could live, we made the most important purchase of our lives in Charleston...our beach chairs!!! This process took quite a while, not by my choice. I wanted to grab a chair and go, but I'm thankful that he made me test them out before purchasing.
Guess which one's mine and which is Dave's?
The container ship in the background came from the port right next to the papermill where I work. Did you know Charleston has the 3rd largest international port in the United States??
Weekend #2's post is in the works...I hope y'all will have a wonderful weekend! (I'm working on my southern accent ;) )
Love,
Beth
Yay!!! OMG, I'm so happy to see that you did start a blog!!! You'll see, you'll have so much fun with it:) How awesome that you found this background-I love it!! Oh, I can't wait to see what you guys are doing down there:) Well, my initial vote is for Daniel Island because that's where the tennis complex is:) But I say, you guys just pick where ever offers you the most at the top of your 'must have' list!! Downtown would be great (we really loved the downtown area), but close to the beach and work would be nice too...you have a tough decision. I say see if you can 'sample' a house for a night or so in each area:)!! Tell Dave hello, we love you guys! xo
ReplyDeleteOh, also, giving your man props for the beach chairs-I love the pillow headrests!!
ReplyDeleteI love the downtown area- but agree with you that having a pool nearby is kind of a necessity living in the South:) I vote Mt. Pleasant- I am a suburbia kind of gal, and always nice to look ahead and be in a great school district:)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see where you all decide to live!!
Also- welcome to the world of blogging:)
Love,
Megs
Hi Beth!
ReplyDeleteWe missed you over brunch this morning, but Dave gave us an update on the wonderful things happening to both of you.
It's amazing how fast things can turn... and it's just getting better.
The neighborhoods sound wonderful, but I'd have to say that if I had to choose, I'd go for the Historical downtown. But knowing me, I'm not a beach person. :-)
Anyway, it will be good to see you next week, if possible, otherwise have a lot of fun with your friends.
Love,
Solange
Yay for your blog! I'm so excited, and like Steph said, you will love it; they kind of become an obsession but in a good way : > From what I hear all of the Charleston area is beautiful, but I vote for Mt. Pleasant b/c of the schools and proximity to the beach (since you have the perfect beach chairs and all!)
ReplyDeleteI love your background too; it is perfect for you! I'm looking forward to reading more and to hearing more about where you decide to live. Whichever area you choose, I'm sure you will be happy; none seem to have any real drawbacks. I love you guys!
Beth!!!
ReplyDeleteSo fun that you now have a blog :) I can't wait to read more about your new life in the South! Best of luck choosing your living arrangements ~ Charleston is so nice, you really can't go wrong :) Just decide how often you plan on going to the beach vs. downtown and that will help you decide. (And with when you have kids what works out best for school and entertainment with them!)
Love you so much,
Janelle
Hi Beth! I am way late in "voting" on your new area to live, but if you haven't decided yet, Matt said hands-down live in Mount Pleasant (he's speaking from experience- he lived in Charleston for almost 2 years- not sure of the exact area though but it was borderline in the ghetto;). I didn't even list the areas you mentioned, but as soon as I said you were looking around, he said "Mount Pleasant" right away. So....happy house-hunting if you have already made your choice! I miss you and hope everything is going well!
ReplyDeleteLove,
C:)
Hello Beth, don't be shocked it's your AuntTherese. I asked Anne about how you were doing. She sent me your blog acct. I was thrilled to read all about your parents coming to visit you in Aug. I am on facebook and try to write to your sisters to find out how the family is doing. You have been on my mind so much. Just wondering how you are adjusting to S.C. You sure won't have to worry about cold and snow this winter. How is you job going? Trish and Nick are closing on a house in Maumee on Oct. 26th. We are so excited for them. Steph and John are great too. Steph is loving her 1st grade class this year. Take care of yourself and let me know how you are getting long. Love to you and Dave, Aunt Therese
ReplyDelete