Known as “The Flower Town in the Pines,” Summerville offers families a rare combination of small-town warmth, modern amenities, and close proximity to Charleston’s coastal lifestyle — without the big-city price tag.
In 2025, more families than ever are relocating to Summerville, South Carolina, for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and growing job opportunities.
Add in the area’s parks, festivals, and family-focused community spirit, and it’s easy to see why Summerville has become the Lowcountry’s top choice for raising a family.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or relocating from out of state, here are the five biggest reasons families are choosing Summerville — and how Carolina Properties at Lake Marion can help you make the move.
1. Top-Rated Schools That Anchor the Community
Education is a major factor driving families to Summerville. The town is served primarily by Dorchester School District Two, consistently ranked among the best in South Carolina for academic performance and extracurricular opportunities.
Highlights:
- Award-Winning Schools: Ashley Ridge High, Summerville High, and Rollings Middle School of the Arts regularly earn state recognition.
- Strong Parent Involvement: Families here take pride in school activities, booster programs, and local sports.
- New Facilities: Continued population growth has led to new, modern campuses and expanded resources.
Summerville’s schools don’t just educate — they unite the community. From Friday night football to art festivals and performances, school events are central to local life.
Families moving from Charleston or Columbia are often surprised by how Summerville offers big-city quality education with a close-knit, small-town feel.
2. Safe, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
Summerville’s neighborhoods are designed for connection and comfort.
You’ll find everything from tree-lined historic streets to master-planned communities with playgrounds, pools, and walking trails.
Popular Family Neighborhoods:
- Cane Bay Plantation – Amenity-rich, with schools, parks, and shopping right inside the community.
- Nexton – A modern master-planned development with smart homes, retail centers, and miles of walking paths.
- Legend Oaks – Golf community with spacious homes and beautiful landscaping.
- Historic Downtown District – For families who love character-filled homes and walkability.
Low crime rates, friendly neighbors, and strong homeowner associations make Summerville one of the safest and most welcoming towns in South Carolina.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet street or a bustling neighborhood with kids playing outside, Summerville has the perfect fit for your family’s lifestyle.
3. Job Growth and Easy Commutes to Charleston
Families love Summerville because it strikes the ideal balance between peaceful suburban life and easy access to job opportunities.
- Charleston Metro Access: Just 25–35 minutes from major employers at Boeing, Volvo, Joint Base Charleston, and MUSC.
- Growing Local Economy: The Nexton Business Park and nearby industrial corridors are bringing tech, logistics, and healthcare jobs closer to home.
- Remote-Work Friendly: With modern internet infrastructure and plenty of coworking options, Summerville has become a haven for work-from-home families.
The result: shorter commutes, less stress, and more time spent at home.
Families relocating from larger metros like Charlotte, Atlanta, or Raleigh often find Summerville offers big-city opportunity with small-town convenience.
4. Parks, Festivals, and Year-Round Family Fun
Summerville is famous for its family-oriented events and outdoor lifestyle.
From parks to festivals, there’s always something to do together.
Local Favorites:
- Azalea Park & Sculpture Garden: 12 acres of walking paths, playgrounds, and seasonal blooms.
- Flowertown Festival: One of the Southeast’s largest arts and crafts festivals — a must-see every spring.
- Summerville Farmers Market: Every Saturday, filled with local produce, baked goods, and community spirit.
- Gahagan Park: Home to sports fields, splash pads, and family movie nights.
Add in nearby access to Charleston’s beaches, Lake Moultrie, and state parks, and you’ve got a year-round playground for all ages.
In Summerville, it’s easy to spend weekends outdoors — without ever leaving town.
5. Affordable Homes and a High Quality of Life
While Charleston’s prices have soared, Summerville still offers remarkable value for families.
The Numbers (2025):
- Median Home Price: $385,000 (compared to $525,000+ in Charleston County)
- New Construction Options: Dozens of neighborhoods offering modern homes with family amenities.
- Larger Lots & More Space: Buyers enjoy bigger yards and quieter streets — often for less.
Combine that with strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and low property taxes, and you get one of South Carolina’s most balanced family markets.
Simply put, Summerville gives families more home, more comfort, and more life for their money.
Why Families Work With Carolina Properties When Moving to Summerville
At Carolina Properties at Lake Marion, we make moving to Summerville simple.
Our agents are trusted experts in the Lowcountry market — specializing in guiding families through every step of the process.
Here’s how we help:
- Personalized neighborhood tours and school introductions
- Full access to new construction and resale listings
- Negotiation strategies tailored for family buyers
- Statewide expertise — we help families relocating from Columbia, Charleston, and beyond
With our deep local knowledge and statewide marketing network, Carolina Properties connects families to homes that truly fit their lifestyle and budget.
FAQ — Moving to Summerville
Q: Is Summerville a good place to raise kids?
Absolutely — excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and endless outdoor recreation make it one of South Carolina’s most family-friendly towns.
Q: How far is Summerville from Charleston?
Roughly 25–35 minutes depending on traffic — ideal for commuters and day trips to the beach.
Q: What’s the average home size in Summerville?
Most family homes range from 1,800–2,800 sq ft, often with fenced yards and community amenities.
Q: Is Summerville growing too fast?
Growth is strong but managed — infrastructure improvements and planned developments keep the town balanced.
Q: Can Carolina Properties help with both buying and selling in the area?
Yes — we assist with local purchases, relocations, and sales across Summerville, Santee, and the Charleston region.
Work With Carolina Properties to Find Your Summerville Dream Home
Whether you’re relocating from across South Carolina or across the country, Carolina Properties at Lake Marion makes it easy to find your next home in Summerville.
Our team — your trusted local experts — help you:
- Explore top-rated family neighborhoods
- Understand school zoning and commute options
- Secure the right financing and negotiate the best price
- Settle into a home that fits your family’s future
Call Carolina Properties Today to start your move to Summerville.