Is West Ashley, SC A Good Place To Live? 5 Neighborhoods Under $500k

West Ashley, South Carolina is a suburb of Charleston, South Carolina located west of the Ashley... Ashley River! Consequently, it also lies west of the Charleston peninsula. But, is West Ashley a good place to live? In this post, I'm listing my top 5 neighborhoods in West Ashley for homes under $500k.

West Ashley's first neighborhoods were developed in the 1950s lining Highway 17, also known as Savannah Highway. The area saw a great deal of growth from the '70s to the 80s but, experienced its fastest growth in the 1990s when development offered access to larger plots of land for retail and residential use that was previously unavailable. Most of West Ashley is located within the city limits of Charleston and therefore falls under its governing bodies with some small unincorporated areas remaining in Charleston County.

1. Carolina Bay

Carolina Bay is a large neighborhood in West Ashley featuring multiple subsections with a variety of living options. This newer development features over 1900 homes spread over 1,000 acres situated between Savannah Highway and Bee's Ferry Road.

The Neighborhood

This popular neighborhood offers a wealth of great amenities that include two swimming pools, children's play areas, tons of beautiful walking paths, and covered pavilions with an outdoor fireplace. The neighborhood is also dog-friendly with a shaded and fenced dog park easily accessible for your furry friends. The neighborhood is also connected directly to Glen McConnell Parkway and West Ashley High School.

Because of its location, Carolina Bay offers easy access to hospitals like Bon Secours St. Francis and to I-526 which provides access to anywhere in the Charleston area. In Carolina Bay you're only 3 miles from Boeing, a 7-mile drive from downtown Charleston and 12-16 miles from three charming beach towns depending on your desired destination.

Great shopping and dining are also nearby so make sure not to miss great spots like Southern Roots, Miyabi, or the Angel Oak Restaurant for great eats.

If the great neighborhood amenities for outdoor activities aren't enough, you're also a short drive away from parking for the West Ashley Greenway just across the Savannah Highway.

The Homes

The median purchase price for homes here is around $369,000 but ranges are currently between $415,000 to $534,900. Condos, townhomes, and lofts are available in addition to single-family homes built between 2007 and 2019. These homes feature between 3-5 bedrooms and 2-5 bathrooms within spaces ranging from 1,443 to 3,656 square feet.

Highlights

• Great amenities
• Dog park within the community
• Conveniently located

Considerations

• HOA neighborhood
• May be TOO popular for some tastes

2. Shadowmoss

Shadowmoss is the only golfing community in West Ashley featuring 9 distinct subsections and varying price points for around 1,100 homes. While some homes built within the community are over 25 years old, new construction homes are still being added.

The Neighborhood

Located near the intersection of highway 61 and Bees Ferry Road, the Shadowmoss neighborhood is home to many fields, woods, ponds, and streams you'll find its homes tucked within. Only 20 minutes to downtown Charleston and 15 minutes from the Charleston Airport, the community is conveniently situated for easy access to other parts of the Lowcountry.

However, you don't have to go far to enjoy shopping, restaurants and more. The Charleston Coffee Exchange is a short drive away located on Ashley River Road and just a bit further down is Sunflower Cafe for great breakfast and lunch options. In the other direction down Ashley River Road are three historic plantations Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Drayton Hall.

And of course, as this is West Ashley's only golf community, I can't forget the Russell Breeden-designed golf course complete with pro shop, driving range, full-service snack bar, and lounge. If that wasn't enough, tennis courts, gym, pool, and spa are also featured. Golf and pool memberships are available and while memberships are also available to the public, these amenities are mostly used by residents. You can read more about the golf program HERE.

The Homes

While Shadowmoss is the only golfing community in West Ashley, it's also one of the most affordable. The median purchase price for the homes is $306,250 with price ranges spanning $155,000 to $725,000. Both attached and single-family homes are available within the community aging back to 1979 up until new construction being built today. Options range from 3-5 bedrooms and 2-6 bathrooms in 1,238 to 4,234 square feet.

Highlights

• Great golfing
• Tons of amenities

Considerations

• Some subsections are managed by HOA
• May not be the best choice if you're not a golfer

3. Hunt Club

The Hunt Club neighborhood is known for its large lots and large, more modern homes. Most homes are a quarter-acre or more and have lots of nice features giving them a more custom-designed feel. 

The Neighborhood

A newer but well-established community the area features ponds, wooded lots, and newer, yet affordable homes while still being close to downtown. In 20 minutes you're in the heart of Charleston and I-526 is only 5 minutes away giving you access to the rest of the Lowcountry.

Neighborhood amenities include a neighborhood pool, park, and children's playground with ample walking trails. If you'd like to venture out of the neighborhood though, you're a short drive to the Stono Market and Tomato Shed Cafe. Plus, you're right around the corner from the new Harris Teeter and wonderful shopping.

The Homes

Median purchase price is around $424,950 with ranges from $227,000 to $614,500. Attached and single-family homes available being newer in age constructed between 2002 and 2020. 3-6 bedrooms and 3-5 bathrooms within 1,486 to 4,363 square feet.

Highlights

• Large Lots
• Modern homes
• Great Amenities

Considerations

• HOA Neighborhood
• Not as well-established as others on the list

4. Sandhurst

Sandhurst is a well-established neighborhood featuring large, mature lots. Most homes within this community are brick ranch-style homes built between the 1960s and '70s. These are some of West Ashley's most affordable homes and, some even offer expansive views of the marsh and Ashley River. Some of West Ashley's most affordable homes.

The Neighborhood

Immediately you'll notice Sandhurst's wide streets to accommodate bikes, dog walking, and evening strolls. As it's a more established neighborhood, you'll be able to enjoy the mature landscaping featuring beautiful azaleas, camellias, and live oaks.

Easily walk or bike to school, parks and playgrounds, tennis courts, and baseball fields. Or walk or bike to brunch at several restaurants like Ms. Roses or Red Orchids with short drives to area shops. There are also two nearby pools available for fun or exercise. And a short 10-minute drive will put you in the heart of Downtown Charleston while easy access to I-526 puts you 20 minutes to the beach.

If you like to fish, you're a short distance to the Northbridge Dock or a short walk to Sandhurst Lake, a small lake located within the interior of the neighborhood. 

Sandhurst does not have an HOA but does have a voluntary Sandhurst Association whose fee covers the cost of their directory.

The Homes

The median purchase price on homes in Sandhurst is currently $430,000 and typical prices range between $315,000 and $740,000. There are no townhome or condo options with single-family homes being what's available offering between 3-4 bedrooms and 2-4 bathrooms. Home sizes range between 1,564 to 3,078 square feet in homes built between 1959 to 1980.

Highlights

• Wide streets
• Mature landscaping
• Well-established

Considerations

• No HOA
• Older homes than most on list
• No neighborhood amenities (aside from Sandhurst Lake)

5. Parkwood Estates

Parkwood Estates is another well-established community with large, mature lots. With the first homes being built in the early forties, this is the ideal neighborhood for contemporary living, but it certainly IS for cozy, established homes in a great location.

The Neighborhood

The neighborhood features ranch-style homes in a smaller-sized neighborhood with the West Ashley Greenway running through for easy access to outdoor activity. While the neighborhood doesn't offer amenities like pools and clubhouses, it makes up for it with its proximity to Whole Foods, Starbucks, and Krispy Kreme and great dining options like my favorites The Glass Onion and Swig & Swine.

You're also just a short drive from the Avondale area, one of the most happening spots in West Ashley for great shops, dining, and distilleries. If that's not enough, just hop on Highway 17 and you're minutes from downtown Charleston as well.

The Homes

The average home price for homes in Parkwood is $397,000 ranging from $245,000 to $540,000. Single-family homes are the only options within this community aging from 1943 to 1964 and square footage coming in between 888 to 2,441 square feet. With those dimensions, you'll have your choice between 2-4 bedrooms and 1 to 4 bathrooms.

Highlights

• No HOA
• Close to great shopping and dining
• Minutes from downtown Charleston

Considerations

• No HOA
• No neighborhood amenities
• Oldest homes on the list

So? Is West Ashley, SC a good place to live or what?

Although these are just five neighborhoods of many in West Ashley - they're my top picks for homes under $500k, giving you the most bang for your buck. I love this area for its great access to so many outdoor activities, shopping, and dining in the Lowcountry and I'm sure you can find a place to call home here.

If you have any additional questions about the area, get in touch! I'm always happy to talk, and if you're interested in doing some more research on your own, try checking out the available homes for sale in West Ashley.