A new business is rising in the West Ashley district of Charleston and its impact on shopping options is bound to be appreciated by residents. According to The Post and Courier newspaper, construction of the “outparcel” building was expected to wrap up in the fall ahead of businesses moving in before the end of 2017. This is great news when it comes to real estate in Charleston, as the newspaper notes that new construction comes alongside two new leaseholders signing on to an existing portion of the retail center. All told, two new restaurants and a Navy Federal Credit Union bank will have new homes once construction is complete.

This latest economic development is of great interest to those involved in Charleston SC real estate. That’s because it adds to the already juggernaut-like status that the city has gained after being voted second-best city in the world by the readers of readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The survey also bestowed the honor of best city in the U.S. upon Charleston for the fifth year in a row. With such progress being made, it’s easy to see why those looking to relocate to the largest city in South Carolina are in need of a knowledgeable real estate company. By trusting a company that has decades of combined experience learning the lay of the land when it comes to Charleston SC real estate, you’re certain to find the home that’s the right fit for you. When it comes to West Ashley, where the newest shopping center is currently under construction, hopeful homeowners should know that this portion of the city is known for both its scenic views of the Ashley River and no less than a dozen major shopping centers that add to the convenience of living here.

However, one of the best ways to find the portion of South Carolina and surrounding communities that fit your needs is through online research. Browsing the websites of the best Charleston SC real estate companies like Carolina One Real Estate will teach you plenty about properties in Isle of Palms, Seabrook Island, James Island, Mount Pleasant, Kiawah James and more. Armed with this knowledge of what’s on the market, realtors can then help you better determine a place to live that’s going to make your commute to work, for example, a sheer breeze. If you’re considering a move to the Palmetto State or are a recent South Carolina transplant, we encourage you to find a Charleston SC real estate company that can link you up with everything from a residential home in a good school district or ocean-front property for vacation purposes.

Any realtor will tell you that location is everything when it comes to real estate and subtle differences can mean sparing yourself from unexpected headaches. For those looking to relocate to South Carolina, the desire to be near the action is primarily what has driven Charleston’s many successes in recent years. With those headline-grabbing achievements, the city’s population has also been on the rise. With that being the case, plenty of folks have wanted to be near the action in Charleston while still having an easy drive home for a little peace and quiet. For those people, West Ashley SC provides the best of both worlds. Situated along the scenic Ashley River and the Intracoastal Waterway, the approximately 75,000 residents of West Ashley will undoubtedly come to love the charm that’s so easy to find -- regardless of whether you’re looking for a wooded home or one on the waterfront.

Technically, West Ashley is part of Charleston proper but it is home to dozens of distinct neighborhoods, from Avondale to Windermere. One of the main reasons why so many people are choosing to live in West Ashley SC is geography. It’s no more than a 20-minute drive from this area to downtown Charleston. That means all of the attractions of Charleston -- from the docked USS Yorktown to Fort Sumter and Middleton Place -- can be visited on a whim. If you’re having guests over for an extended stay, you’ll be able to easily entertain them by taking the short drive into Charleston. However, it’s the return trip that West Ashley SC homeowners will love, as the benefits of living a short distance away from the so-called “premier destination” of the region offers a long list of perks.

Development of West Ashley dates back to the 1950s, although the region saw a major boom throughout the 1970s and ‘80s that led to increased construction projects. Presently, the numerous places for golf, swimming, tennis and boating provides plenty of leisurely activity. It’s founding can be traced as far back as the late 1600s when colonists first arrived in what’s now South Carolina and those searching for historically-significant sites should see the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site for a glimpse of the area circa 1670. In recent years, West Ashley has seen a business boom that has helped sites like Ashley Landing, Outback Plaza and Westwood Plaza thrive. According to The Post and Courier newspaper, one of the newest businesses in Ashely, the Black Wood Smokehouse, officially opened in the South Windmere Shopping Center during the summer of 2017.

In a headline that heralds across-the-board gains in the Charleston, South Carolina, metro area, one local media outlet has called the economy “nearly unstoppable.” For those considering relocation, the sheer quantity and quality of  Charleston SC homes for sale -- coupled with fiscal stability of the city and beyond -- should do more than enough to instill confidence in prospective buyers.

According to The Post and Courier newspaper, almost all economic indicators are pointing up in 2017 and 2018 – except for unemployment, but that too is good news. The March 2017 update offered by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce cites widespread gains in employment, building permits, airplane passengers, real estate sales and more. The report adds that approximately 10,000 new local jobs are expected to be created in 2017.

According to the chamber document, the Charleston region is expanding by adding 48 new residents daily. Of that figure, 35 are new residents and the remainder and new births. The forecast also celebrates the influx of “well-educated young talent.”

What does this mean for those in the market for Charleston real estate? A local CBS television news affiliate cited recent chamber figures that predict more than 19,000 homes, at an average of $330,000 for a single-family residence, will be sold in the Charleston area this year.  What’s more, the estimate is 2,000 units higher than the number sold in 2016.

Factoring for forecasted sales for the remainder of 2017 as well as 2018, the chamber cites residential home sale figures that have steadily climbed from 10,638 in 2012 to 17,720 in 2016. The chamber’s outlook cites more grocery stores and home improvement centers coming to suburban markets.

Factor in a rich history, tourist attractions as well as the opportunity for beach-front living and it’s clear to see why more and more people are choosing the Charleston area as their next home. For additional information about real estate and Charleston SC homes for sale, call 800-342-2105.