Goose Creek

Named by Money magazine as one of the best places to live, Goose Creek is known for its friendly, suburban vibe in the heart of the Lowcountry. Goose Creek living brings you within around 20 miles of Charleston’s delights and beach access, but with a comparatively lower cost of living. While there are plenty of employment opportunities right in Goose Creek, it’s still a practical choice for Charleston commuters.

In Goose Creek, you can find an array of home types in varying size and price ranges. Solid brick ranchers share the area with recently-built modern homes with earth-tone siding and stone facades. Standalone homes in developments feature sizable yards and sidewalks. You can also find mobile home parks sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.

A large portion of Goose Creek includes undeveloped areas bordered by the Back and Cooper Rivers on the east and south. This area is also home to the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, Naval Weapons Station Joint Base Charleston and the main Navy Exchange. In this less developed area, you’ll find trailheads for hiking as well as the Redbank Golf Course, proudly serving active duty and retired military, veterans and guests.

Served by the Berkely County School District, public schools are highly-regarded here and include Goose Creek High, a comprehensive school that houses the Berkeley County School District’s Fine Arts Magnet School. More than 14 public schools, including 10 elementary schools, and several middle and high schools are within the neighborhood as well as a charter and private option.

Central Creek Park is a common gathering place for pickleball, volleyball and basketball. Central Creek also features an amphitheater and accessible playground. At Lake Greenview Park, residents can hike lakeside for miles, or grill out at covered picnic areas.

Goose Creek Reservoir, a 600-acre self-contained lake, has kayak launches for those wanting to get out on the water. In this community, you’ll find the serene Venice Park, which features wooden swings to take in the views and a covered picnic shelter. Be wary as you get closer to the water -- you may see alligators roaming around.

Goose Creek is a blend of residential, retail, wilderness and military areas. Living here, you’ll always have a host of shopping, dining and recreation options.

On Red Bank Road, locals enjoy the hot buffet at Chao Goiano Brazilian Steakhouse and Bakery, or the area’s best cheese curds at locally-owned Sapphire’s Bar and Grill.

You’ll also find the popular small-chain Gilligan’s Seafood restaurant where you can enjoy fresh oysters on the lighted outdoor deck.

In the center of Goose Creek, along St. James Avenue, you can grocery shop at Publix or Lidl, caffeinate at Starbucks, or enjoy a 10-slices-of-bacon BLT or award-winning ice cream at Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop — a Lowcountry staple since the early 70s.

It’s a quick trip to one of two neighborhood Walmart locations as well as plenty of services, salons, and retailers such as Lowes, Walgreens and Dollar Tree. At Goose Creek Antique Mall, you can shop 6,400 square feet of vintage, handcrafted and repurposed treasures.

The state-of-the-art Goose Creek Community Center is a favorite fitness hub, offering a weight room, climbing wall, indoor track, year-round programming, and a popular biking and hiking trail around the adjacent Municipal Center.

Goose Creek’s neighbors enjoy small-town gatherings such as the City of Goose Creek’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt in Dogwood Park, and a St. Patty’s Day BBA & Brews Festival with live music in the grassy lot behind the Carnes Crossroads Green Barn.

While most of the area’s tourist museums and attractions are outside of Goose Creek, residents here make frequent use of Wannamaker North’s more than 15 miles of rugged hiking and cycling trails.

Joint Base Charleston charges for entry, but it’s a fun site to tour and see military life firsthand. Year-round, the Goose Creek Farmers and Artisans Market showcases local artisans, growers, crafters, farmers and businesses’ goods, frequently with a backdrop of live music.

There are always plenty of festivals, events and historic tours happening in nearby Charleston, not far from home; however, Goose Creek residents love their own Goose Creek Fall Festival benefitting local charities. This annual event features food trucks, local entertainment, and lots of kids’ activities.

You also won’t want to miss the Fabulous Fourth in the Creek spectacular display at the Goose Creek Municipal Center.

Written By

Tina Davis