When Summerville was incorporated in 1847, its seal proclaimed “Sacra Pinus Esto” — “The Pine is Sacred.” One of the first things the new town did was ensure its motto translated into action by passing an ordinance that prohibited cutting down certain trees. The ethos remains alive — the town recently erected a sign downtown that reads “Let the Pine be Sacred” — as does the regulation, which is still on the books more than 150 years later. “With the growth we experience, we do see trees get cut down,” says Christopher Makowski, public information officer for the city of Summerville. “But we take a lot of pride in the fact that if a tree is going to get cut — even one — there are guidelines that you must follow and things that need to be approved.” Now a suburb of Charleston with 55,000 residents, Summerville embraces its leafy atmosphere with verdant parks and annual festivals. Its strong sense of identity, thriving downtown and comparatively affordable housing contribute to considerable growth in the Lowcountry.
Experience the serene beauty of tall trees and winding waterways throughout Summerville.
Summerville hosts annual festivals with local vendors like the popular Flowertown Festival.
Wescott Park in Summerville has a fun baseball glove climbing activity on the playground.
Summerville is a thriving city with growth in new communities.
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Sweet tea and the Flowertown Festival blooms
Known as the “Flower Town in the Pines,” Summerville hosts plenty of events celebrating its greenery, the most popular being the Flowertown Festival. Held each spring during peak bloom, the festival features entertainment and vendors for over 250,000 visitors. Summerville also claims heritage for a ubiquitous Southern refreshment: sweet tea. While the ownership claim may be debatable, the city embraces the beverage wholeheartedly by flaunting the world’s largest sweet tea container — a jar named “Mason” — and hosting an annual Sweet Tea Festival. The event takes over downtown Summerville, offering food trucks, local artisans and a competition for the best version of the drink.
Flowertown Festival is a popular event in Summerville for families held each spring.
Summerville locals enjoy shopping local vendors at the Flowertown Festival each spring..
Flowertown Festival is the largest arts and crafts events in Summerville..
Mason is the worlds largest jar of sweet tea located in historic downtown Summerville.
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Access to the Ashley River and Azalea Park
Outdoor lovers enjoy Summerville for its lushness on land, but the city also offers water access. The Ashley River flows through town on its way to Charleston Harbor, and the Herbert H. Jessen Public Boat Landing has launches for kayakers and small boats, plus a network of wooded trails and a fishing pier where anglers can catch redfish, black drum, speckled trout and several types of bass. The Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site sits on the bank of the Ashley, commemorating the city's 1697 settlement with original structures and archaeological remains. Azalea Park is especially popular for its sprintime blooms, but residents can stroll wooded garden paths anytime of year or scout for turtles from the pedestrian bridge over the pond. The 6-mile Sawmill Branch Trail follows a canal, with bikers and runners utilizing the paved path.
Herbert H. Jessen Public Boat Landing in Summerville has a dock to launch your kayak.
Herbert H. Jessen Public Boat Landing in Summerville has amazing tree shaded trails.
Herbert H. Jessen Public Boat Landing is a popular place to fish in Summerville.
Summerville residents love to walk their dogs on the garden trails at Azalea Park.
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Downtown Summerville's restaurant and shopping district
Summerville’s downtown area helps to set the city apart from other Charleston suburbs. “We actually have a downtown. A lot of the other cities and towns in the Lowcountry, besides Charleston, don’t really have a downtown,” Makowski says. Residents of the city and nearby towns flock to the district, which includes several blocks of restaurants, shops and other businesses anchored by Hutchinson Square, the epicenter of city events and festivals. Meanwhile, residents can find more traditional suburban shopping centers near the interstate, including Azalea Square and North Main Market.
Historic downtown Summerville has excellent shops, breweries, cafes, and outdoor eateries.
Summerville families love to gather around the fountain for fun at Hutchinson Park.
Summerville residents can shop for all of their shopping needs at Azalea Square.
Belk at North Main Market is a popular department store to shop in Summerville.
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New construction in subdivisions and Lowcountry-style homes near downtown
A growing city, Summerville has nearly doubled in population since the turn of the century. The growth continues, partially due to lower housing prices compared to other Charleston suburbs. “When I first started in real estate, people used to say, ‘You put someone in the car at the ocean, and you drive inland until they say, This is the one I can afford,’” says Jon Stroud, a Realtor for the Stroud Team of The Boulevard Company who has worked in the Lowcountry for over 20 years. “Summerville is a great place to get a lot more home for the money.” The city’s median sales price is $393,000 compared to the national median of $407,200, though values have been ticking up. Larger homes near downtown in the traditional Lowcountry style, some from as early as the 19th century, can sell for $800,000 to $2 million, while ranch-style homes, townhouses and new construction often go between the mid-$100,000s and $300,000.
In Historic Summerville you can find an older 19th Century home.
Find tree shaded ranch-style homes In the historic section of downtown Summerville.
Find modern style townhomes with off-street parking in Summerville.
Summerville has beautiful new traditional style homes with double porches.
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Highly rated schools in Dorchester School District Two
Small portions of Summerville reside in the Berkeley County School District and the Charleston County School District, but Dorchester School District Two serves most of the city. The system receives an A-minus grade from Niche, which ranks it one of the top five most diverse districts in the state. The area also offers private school options, such as the A-rated Pinewood Preparatory School for prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Summerville Public Elementary School is an option for the little kids.
Fort Dorchester High School is a public option for towns on the outskirts of Summerville.
Summerville High is a public high school option for Summerville families.
Pinewood Preparatory School is an independent, co-educational school in Summerville.
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Commuting toward Charleston via Interstate 26
Interstate 26 runs through Summerville, leading 25 miles to Charleston. Residents often drive toward the city for work, and many employers are downtown or in North Charleston, such as Boeing, the Medical University of South Carolina or the U.S. military at Joint Base Charleston. Volvo also recently opened a manufacturing plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina, roughly 15 miles northwest. The continued growth of the Charleston suburbs has translated to increased commuter traffic, but Summerville is still a car-dependent area with limited access to public transit. The Tri-County Connector links to the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority’s bus lines, but journeys into Charleston can take over 2 hours. Residents have easier access to Charleston International Airport, though, as it sits 15 miles away and offers nonstop flights to over 40 destinations.
Boeing is a large employer that is easily accessible for Summerville residents.
Many Summerville residents commute downtown for work at MUSC.
Charleston International Airport is a short commute from Summerville.
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Community safety in Summerville
According to FBI data, Summerville has higher than average crime rates. The city’s violent crime rate was 190.8 per 100,000 people per year compared to a state average of 132.4 and a national average of 119.3. The property crime rate is 279.5, compared to the average of 171.6 in South Carolina and 179.6 across the country. “I feel very safe in Summerville,” Makowski says. “We have about 55,000 residents, but over 200,000 people travel through on a daily basis. And if you’re in our town, whether that’s shopping, eating or driving through, our public safety departments are taking care of you. That could be a rise in some crime here or there.” Like much of the Lowcountry, Summerville has someflood risk, though less so than cities closer to the coast. Certain properties within FEMA-designated flood zones are required to be flood-insured. The subtropical climate includes hot, humid summers and mild winters.Hurricanes and tropical systems can affect the area, bringing high winds and heavy rain.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Summerville, SC sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Summerville, SC over the last 12 months is $395,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home in Highly Desirable Brandymill SubdivisionWelcome home to this inviting property set on a serene lot offering exceptional privacy in the backyard. As you enter, you're greeted by soaring ceilings that create an open, airy feel in the living room, followed by abundant natural light flowing into the kitchen.The primary bedroom is conveniently located on the main
Welcome Home where eagles land, deers graze, NO HOA, and there is enough space in your yard for all of your hobbies - park your boat, park your RV, tinker around in your 2 car steel workshop tucked in your own little corner of Summerville. This one story full of sunshine ranch is just waiting on you. Walk in the front door and follow these wooden floors to 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths to the right of
Experience low-maintenance living with one of the best locations in Midtown at Nexton. Overlooking a beautiful park and just a short walk or golf cart ride to the new Midtown Middle School, this 2021 Homes by Dickerson townhome offers a lifestyle that's as convenient as it is inviting. Features include first-floor primary suite, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances (including the
MOTIVATED! Welcome Home to 492 Rowley Lane! Can't wait for you to see this gem! This Craftsman/Cottage style home is ready for you. Are you looking for an open concept home that has all of your needs for one story living with an extra bonus suite upstairs? This is it! As you walk up the path to the home you will see the current owner's green thumb at work. She added landscaping around the entire
Welcome to 295 Forest Circle, located in the highly sought-after Dorchester II school district! This charming three-bedroom home features an open and airy floor plan highlighted by soaring cathedral ceilings in both the living area and the primary bedroom suite. The finished room above the garage provides flexible space that can easily function as a fourth bedroom, home office, playroom, or media
Welcome home to 911 Woodside Creek Lane, where single-story convenience feels just right. Nestled in the heart of Cane Bay Plantation--Summerville's premier master-planned community--this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of style and effortless living. As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the seamless, modern look of luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
Welcome to 651 Sienna Way, a beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home located in the sought-after Hammocks at Cane Bay. From the moment you enter, you're greeted by a formal dining space, along with a dedicated office featuring glass French doors--perfect for working from home or a quiet flex space--all flowing seamlessly into a light-filled, open-concept living area designed
**BRAND NEW ROOF INSTALLED MAY 2026!**Wake up to peaceful pond views in this beautifully upgraded home, perfectly situated on one of the most desirable lots in Lakes of Summerville. From the moment you step inside, you'll notice the care and attention that's gone into every detail--from the light-filled, open floor plan to the luxury vinyl plank flooring that flows throughout the main living
Use Seller's preferred lender & receive an incentive towards your closing costs or rate buydown. This is the one buyers have been waiting for. Solid, well-kept 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home that offers immediate liveability with the opportunity to elevate to your style in the sought after Drakesborough neighborhood! Features an open floor plan w/ new flooring on 1st floor, an inviting eat-in kitchen,
Welcome to 1359 Locals Street, located in a sought-after 55+ active adult community designed for comfort, convenience, and an engaging lifestyle. This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open and inviting floor plan with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Enjoy year-round outdoor living on the extended screened rear porch, perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests. The home is
Welcome to Summers Corner in Summerville, where comfort, style, and community all come together in the desirable Heron's Walk section. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a well-designed layout with modern finishes and plenty of space to spread out.Step inside to a bright foyer with tall ceilings that leads into the open main living area. The first floor features durable LVP flooring throughout,
Welcome to 1324 Wild Goose Trail, where peaceful pond views, wooded privacy, and thoughtful upgrades create the perfect place to call home. Filled with natural light, this inviting home offers an open-concept design ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring white cabinetry, granite countertops, a large center island, stainless steel
Welcome to this charming two-story home located in the highly desirable over 55 community Cresswinds in The Ponds Summerville, where comfort, style, and community amenities come together to create the perfect place to call home. 2806 sq ft home full of upgrades, beautiful wood floors. 2 bedrooms on the main level and 1 loft bedroom on the second floor, with plantation shutters creating a high
Welcome to this well-maintained home tucked away on a cul-de-sac in the desirable Crichton Parish neighborhood. With no HOA, you'll enjoy the freedom from association dues while appreciating greater flexibility with the property. A welcoming front vestibule provides a convenient space for coats and shoes before entering the open living and dining area, where cathedral ceilings, updated lighting,
Why wait months to build when you can move into a home where the upgrades are already complete? This beautifully appointed Ashton Woods Witherbee C in highly desirable Midtown at Nexton offers the best of newer construction with thoughtful custom finishes that would cost thousands to recreate today.From the moment you arrive, you'll notice the professionally landscaped front yard, inviting front
Summerville Apartments is located in the fast-growing city of Summerville, South Carolina. Known as the Flower Town in the Pines, Summerville is a family-friendly community in the heart of the Lowcountry. As a resident of Summerville Apartments, you'll be a part of this welcoming community and experience its historic charm.
Nestled in a serene setting with a private backyard backing up to the woods, this charming 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is located in the highly sought-after Dorchester District 2 school zone. Featuring a thoughtful layout, the home includes one bedroom on the first floor and four upstairs, including the spacious master suite. The main level boasts stunning wood flooring throughout, creating a warm
Choose from our variety of one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans in Summerville, South Carolina, and have it all – a spacious layout, light-filled rooms, and convenient features like stainless steel energy-efficient appliances, high ceilings, crown molding, and an in-unit washer and dryer. Enjoy community amenities, resort-style pool, cardio-fitness center, dog park, fireside lounge, billiards
Immaculate & highly upgraded rental home featuring stunning pond views! This gorgeous 4BR/2.5BA home offers a bright, open-concept floor plan perfect for modern living. The first floor boasts beautiful, warm LVP flooring throughout a spacious living and dining area, a chef-inspired kitchen with an expansive pantry, and excellent extra closet storage. Upstairs, you'll find all 4 bedrooms,
Legends at Azalea Apartment Homes has set a high standard for apartment living by providing luxury apartment amenities with all the comfort and conveniences you should expect. As a resident you also enjoy premium services, including our professional and friendly staff, 24-hour emergency maintenance service and complete access to our resident clubhouse and resort-style amenities. At Legends at
Pond View dream home in Summerville. Beautiful 3 bed 2.5 bath home with a bright, open layout and a stylish kitchen featuring granite countertops - perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs, unwind in the spacious primary suite and enjoy a versatile loft that adapts to your lifestyle - office, lounge or bonus space. Step outside to peaceful pond views and enjoy the convenience of a 2
It’s time you loved everything about the place you call home. Inside and out, The Isaac’s brand-new luxury apartments near Goose Creek offer all the elements you're looking for in your next apartment. Here, everything you desire is within easy reach, from opulent resort-style amenities to unbeatable city and scenery access. Choose from our selection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in
Experience luxury apartment and townhome living in Summerville at Marlowe Summerville, ideally located near Nexton and I-26 with easy access to Charleston, Volvo, and the region's top employers. Designed for the way you live today, our community blends upscale finishes with resort-style amenities and spacious, thoughtfully designed homes.Unwind at the half Olympic-sized swimming
The Residences at Sawmill offers modern apartment living with the charm of historic Summerville, SC. Choose from spacious studio to three-bedroom layouts featuring chef-style kitchens, walk-in closets, and private outdoor areas. Enjoy resort-style amenities like a pool, fitness center, and cozy lounges perfect for socializing. With easy access to downtown Charleston, parks, and local favorites,
Life flows a little easier here. Picture morning rides along tree-lined trails, an effortless pedal to pick up groceries, and afternoons that drift between sun-soaked swims and playful sprints at the dog park. Inside, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes offer the space to recharge, while the fitness center keeps your energy moving. Blending Summerville’s natural beauty with everyday convenience,
ONE MONTH FREE on Select Homes! Welcome to Solay Carnes Crossroads Apartments! Enjoy the upscale and inviting atmosphere of our brand new community, located in Summerville, South Carolina. We offer beautiful one, two, and three bedroom apartments infused with style and modern convenience.
Welcome to the Lofts at Downtown Nexton, ideally situated at the vibrant intersection of Metropolitan Avenue and Sigma Drive. Phase I introduces 64 luxury one- and two-bedroom loft-style rental residences, elegantly perched above a dynamic mix of ground-floor dining, service, and retail spaces. Explore urban-inspired living at its finest in Nexton?s first mixed-use community.
The quiet suburban community of Sangaree lies deep within historic Summerville, the birthplace of sweet tea. Surrounded by parks, beloved neighborhood restaurants, and a variety of retail, residents have many areas to explore. The community is served by the Berkeley County School District, and many buyers seek the highly rated school system. One of the biggest draws to Sangaree is its privacy. “There’s no HOA here,” says Realtor and Sangaree resident Danielle Morgain with Agent-Owned Realty Co. “I love it here because I can have my property exactly how I want without the constraints and fees of an HOA system.” In addition to being a resident, Morgain is Sangaree’s highest-selling agent.
Surrounding the Sangaree Duck Pond is an array of late 20th-century homes that occupy quarter- and half-acre lots. The pine-wooded enclaves of the community offer shading on hot summer days, where residents can walk to the serene pond. Buyers will find brick and paneled ranch-style homes, as well as two-story Colonial Revivals. Split-level homes are also available, as well as townhomes. Many homes have comfortable porches, backyards and private yards to relax or entertain. Prices in the community range from $250,000 to $300,000. “The housing prices are another perk of living here,” Morgain adds. “It’s challenging to find a home in the area for under $300,000.”
Students in pre-kindergarten through second grade attend Sangaree Elementary School, which has an overall score of B-plus on Niche. Students in third through fifth grade attend Sangaree Intermediate School, which scored a C-plus on Niche. Sangaree Middle School serves grades six through eight and has an overall B-minus. Students in grades nine through 12 attend Stratford High School, which has an A-minus on Niche. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that reflect well on college applications, including coding club, student council and orchestra.
Sangaree's namesake duck pond is the star of the community. It is enclosed by a large green space, and residents can stroll on the walking path or enjoy the peaceful waters from a bench. Just over 3 miles away is the popular Azalea Park. This 12-acre garden showcases why Summerville is deemed the “Flower Town in the Pines.” With lush florals, long walking paths and eye-catching bronze statues, visitors get an eyeful in this shaded park. Gahagan Park is a favorite for athletic activities. The sports-oriented site features a large playground with a climbing castle, as well as baseball and football fields.
Residents are just minutes from historic Downtown Summerville — which claims to be where sweet tea got its start. “The downtown area is on the smaller side, but it’s a great place to spend a summer afternoon, take kids trick or treating in October or go look at Christmas lights in December,” says Morgain. Sangaree residents can walk the area to explore local boutiques and popular restaurants like Laura, a favorite for upscale Italian, or Shuckin’ Shack, an oyster bar. The annual Sweet Tea Festival downtown features endless pours, sweet tea merchandise, and a tea of the year contest. The area also hosts a Sweet Tea Cocktail Contest and Hold My Tea Bar Crawl. Residents can take Main Street to Summerville’s modern main drag. There are retail big box stores like Target, World Market and T.J. Maxx. Groceries can be picked up at Walmart, Food Lion or Piggly Wiggly. On weekends, residents can be found at the Regal Azalea Square cinema.
“We’re close to the interstate, which is great for commuters and those who want to get to retail quickly,” Morgain says. Interstate 26 makes it easy to get around the Summerville and Charleston areas. Residents are just about 20 miles from downtown Charleston and West Ashley, 30 miles from Mount Pleasant and 35 miles from the barrier islands. There are also CARTA bus stops that will connect residents to various areas around the peninsula. When residents need to access air travel, I-26 will take residents to Charleston International Airport. Medical necessities are also convenient, with Trident Medical Center just 5 miles away. The community is close to major local employers like Joint Base Charleston, many buyers choose Sangaree for its convenience.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
