West Ashley, formerly known as “West of the Ashley,” is one of Charleston’s oldest suburbs bordered by the Ashley River and intracoastal waterway. Rich in history, this area dates back to 1670, where English colonists established the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas. Now Charles Towne Landing is a state historic site that visitors can tour and enjoy daily. Residents love West Ashley for the affordability, proximity to downtown and marsh and waterfront properties.

In West Ashley, residents share the distinction of City of Charleston dwellers with their downtown counterparts. This affords access to all City of Charleston perks, including community centers, parks and recreation facilities, and city-wide events. Additionally, with the arrival of new industry, such as the Boeing plant in North Charleston, West Ashley’s proximity and convenience to the interstate have made finding a home here all the more desirable, and spurred a boon of new construction. This has resulted in the appearance of new grocery stores (welcome to the ‘hood, Whole Foods!), restaurants, and of course, beautiful, new, custom homes. The West Ashley Greenway is also a popular activity for residents. Roughly 8 miles long, this wide, flat trail runs parallel to US 17, passing residences, parks, and marshes. Many homes are located right on the greenway, so if proximity to nature within an urban setting sounds appealing, West Ashley may be just the spot for you!

With wonderful schools, eclectic neighborhoods, and a wave of modernization, West Ashley is one of the most up-and-coming areas to buy a home within city limits.