Summer in any language spells trips to the beach. The climbing thermometer, extra days off from work and desire to hit the road in search of the sea drives many of us toward the coast.  However, as Labor Day approaches, it becomes apparent that there’s precious time left to sink our feet in the sand and bask in the setting sun. That doesn’t have to be the case in South Carolina, as Folly Beach rentals can give you the year-round pleasures that only regular beach-dwellers will appreciate. That’s because the average fall temperature at this barrier island that extends far into the ocean  and is often called “The Edge of America  is a pleasant 65 degrees. You might not want to go for a swim, but those 65 degrees are still plenty to allow those living in Folly Beach to stretch their legs.

Year-round surfing, bird-watching and fishing opportunities near the Edwin S. Taylor pier are an undeniable perk for those looking to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean given their proximity to it. Go kayaking around James Island or try your hand at sailing and paddle boarding; there’s no reason not to get your feet wet if you’re so close to the water! Best of all, Folly Beach is never overwhelmed by any influx of visitors during the summer months and the “low tide” (so to speak) as they return home until next season is when residents of Folly Beach rentals can appreciate the surroundings that run along 2,500 feet of oceanfront land. Plan a fall camping trip along the shore to really reunite yourself and family or friends with nature.

Folly Beach rentals located on this family-friend stretch of land offer the best of both worlds and it’s recommended that you consult a skilled real estate company to assist you with your search for property. That’s because Charleston, which is located a mere 11 miles away from Folly Beach, has been experiencing a period of great growth and economic viability.  Capping those gains off were recent honors from  Travel + Leisure magazine, the readers of which voted it the no. 1 place to visit in the U.S. While approximately 134,000 people live in Charleston, the population of Folly Beach is far less than that – and that’s one of the draws. Those looking for a more calm way of living but still seeking a 20-minute drive to the nearest city for employment or leisure activities would do well to research what Folly Beach rentals have to offer.

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.

When moving to a new area, it’s a good feeling to be able to name-drop a specific location and say you’ll soon be an official resident of “City X” or “Metropolis Y.” However, those researching the possibility of relocation must drill down deep and figure out which part of town they want to live in. Given the recent demand for real estate in Charleston SC-- not to mention its booming population and recognition on the national stage -- it’s important to familiarize yourself with the lay of the land and local neighborhoods. From the French Quarter to King Street Historic District as well as Cannonborough and Elliottborough, Charleston SC real estate options offer everything from quaint family homes to high-tech studios. In this article from Carolina One Real Estate, we’ll explore some of the best Charleston neighborhoods for those looking to be a part of this port city’s recent boom.

Downtown: Just about every major city has a downtown hub where the action always seems to take place. As such, the demand is high and the attractions are many. In Charleston, “downtown” neighborhoods include Cannonborough and Elliottborough, Radcliffeborough, Mazyck-Wraggborough, King Street, Harleston Village, Ansonborough, the French Quarter and South of Broad. While “Wraggborough” is known for some of its more historic homes, the King Street Historic District is a business-friendly sector with plenty of shopping options for resident and tourist alike. The brick homes of Ansonborough are often in as high a demand as the flat-faced historic structures that stretch across the French Quarter.

Uptown: Charleston’s uptown neighborhoods are a bit farther removed from the regions that border the inlet to the Atlantic Ocean. Those who seek water-centric vistas won’t be disappointed, as some uptown neighborhoods are situated alongside the Cooper River or Ashley River. Uptown neighborhoods include Wagener Terrace, Lowndes Point, Longborough, Hampton Park Terrace, North Central, Westside, East Side and East Central. As the geography-centric titles imply North Central is one of the northern-most neighborhoods and located in between Wagener Terrace and East Central. The Charleston SC real estate in East Central is relatively new compared to the historic homes of East Side, so the opportunities to start with a fixer-upper may be a bit limited.

No matter which part of Charleston you wish to call home, you’ll be in the good company of 134,000 other folks who’ve come here for the beautiful weather, ocean access and to be a part of a city named no. 1 in the U.S. by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for five consecutive years in a row.

Many people place a premium on being close to everything, but remaining far away from it all. That’s because there’s something to be said about easily experiencing the attractions and events of a major cultural hub, but being able to escape the hustle and bustle by way of a short drive home. This is the unique position that Charleston, South Carolina falls into. Recently voted by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine as the no. 1 place to visit in the U.S., Charleston has seen upwards of 5 million tourists annually. Such popularity has prompted city leaders to update its tourism-management plan to better address "the equilibrium between residential life and tourism activity,” according to The Post and Courier newspaper.

Naturally, many people will want to be a part of this great time of resurgence for Charleston – they just don’t want to live at the epicenter of it. It’s at this intersection where Folly Beach rentals play a pivotal role in keeping the growth that Charleston is currently experiencing in check. That’s because Folly Beach, often called “The Edge of America,” is located a little more than 10 short miles and a 20-minute car drive from Charleston proper. For those looking to enjoy warm breezes, sandy beaches and a slower way of living, this city of about 19 square miles has a population of a little more than 2,500. Whether you’re coming to Folly Beach for its easy access to the Atlantic Ocean for surfing and swimming, amazing vistas viewed from the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier or to immerse yourself in its community of small businesses and restaurants, there’s always plenty to experience. Take a trip out to the Morris Island Lighthouse and get lost in the immersive -- but never overwhelming -- seaside experience offered by this town first founded in the late 1930s.

One of the smartest moves a potential homeowner or investor can do is enlist a local real estate company  to help in the hunt for property. These knowledgeable folks have helped hundreds, if not thousands, of others find the dream home in many locations across South Carolina – from historic areas of Charleston to the picture-perfect escapes of places like Folly Beach. Their combined years of experience also offers a thorough knowledge of not just where to live, but which home in a specific neighborhood may be the best fit for you.

The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have voted Charleston, South Carolina as the no. 1 city in the U.S. and if that award wasn’t enough, it was also voted second-best city in the world. The accolades, which were released on July 11, 2017, mark the fifth consecutive year that the city has been named the best in the country. According to the Travel + Leisure article, Charleston is a “rare destination” that “totally lives up to the hype.” Among its attractions that keep visitors pleased are 18^th and 19^th century homes, cobblestone streets, eateries worthy of the hype as well as family-owned small businesses and boutiques. According to the magazine, factors that went into the judging process included sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value. The readers of Travel + Leisure -- who have put Charleston in the top spot each year since 2013 -- were able to vote in the 2017 survey from November 2016 through March 6 of this year. Those looking to learn more about the results should pick up the August 2017 issue of the magazine.

According to The Post and Courier, this year’s honor comes amid an already strong tourism boom. More than five million people visited the historic South Carolina destination annually in recent years and the economic impact of all that foot traffic is $3.7 billion plus 41,000 jobs, the report adds. The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau told the newspaper that the rankings “continue to positively impact tourism, the number one economic driver to the Charleston area.” The report adds that Charleston in 2015 updated its tourism management plan to better address the "the equilibrium between residential life and tourism activity."

With such repeated successes on display, prospective homeowners looking for a Charleston real estate guide would do well to research the sections of the city or state that will best fit their needs. Whether you’re looking for property in Charleston proper or researching the relaxing confines of Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant or Folly Beach, those looking to join the ever-growing population of this southern destination will certainly be pleased with their options. By trusting a local real estate company with your search for prime real estate, you’ll be aided by the many combined years of experience that local realtors have and are ready to share with you.

Congratulations, Charleston! As of spring 2017, you have officially became South Carolina’s largest city. After years of economic expansion and population influx, this title is long in the works and rightfully deserved. After all, the city has worked hard to offer something great for both residents and tourists alike. However, with large growth comes great responsibility.

"I don’t look at it as bragging rights at all," Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg told The Post and Courier newspaper for a May 25, 2017 piece regarding the population growth. "The challenge is not to be the biggest city but the best city, and I believe we are."

A May 2017 editorial from the newspaper goes on to say that rental properties are soon going to take center stage as the city adds about 34 people daily. According to the editorial, Charleston city leaders rolled out “workforce housing incentives” for developers who create properties where a certain portion of units are set aside for renters who earn up to 80 percent of the median income. Such “workforce” apartments are reportedly “high quality, relatively new residences in highly sought-after parts of the city,” the opinion piece reads. That’s good news for those who qualify, but it should also resonate with those looking for houses for rent in Charleston SC. As evidenced by the efforts to offer top-notch rental units, Charleston clearly cares about all those people moving to the historic city found in 1670 with strong ties to the Civil War.

In a similar opinion piece from the Charleston City Paper, the author says all residents should be proud to live in the city and hopes for responsible growth in the future. Given that the growth grabbed headlines, it’s very well likely that more people considering a move from their current homes may come to Charleston. Those who do will need a place to stay and the majority of newcomers are going to need a place to rent while finding their footing in a new city. Take time to research the neighborhoods, attractions and overall lay of the land during your hunt for a house to rent and you too will be singing the praises of Charleston.

With 2017’s summer travel season about to reach its peak months, millions of Americans will soon go by plane, train or car to vacation destinations both at home and abroad. Moreover, tourism industry experts say this economic engine is a financial boost for local economies. Indeed, the massive annual influx for those few months where beautiful weather and inviting beaches really do perfectly complement each other. One such destination where guests can seek refuge from a bustling beach town while still have easy access to the sands and water is Isle of Palms, located in beautiful South Carolina. This city in Charleston County borders the Atlantic Ocean and is just a short drive from Charleston itself, which offers environmental, historical and leisurely opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests. Those vacationing on the nearby Isle of Palms will appreciate the easy access to the ocean for fishing, swimming and boat tours.

Prospective travelers researching vacation rentals Isle of Palms SC should be pleased to hear that local government officials in the region are already getting ready for the tourist season by making much-needed repairs. According to The Post and Courier, beaches in the Charleston area are being rebuilt in the wake of last year’s Hurricane Matthew. Moreover, Isle of Palm’s mayor told the newspaper that beach renourishment is going on there, too, and is being boosted by $15 million in state financial aid. All told, the replenishment project will move some 1.4 million cubic yards of sand back into Isle of Palms beaches, according to the report, which adds that further improvement projects could be carried out in fall 2017.

Vacationing in South Carolina is both popular and profitable: Popular for tourists because of the variety of local attractions and amenities; profitable for local businesses and the state itself as outside dollars are spent in South Carolina and remain there to boost up the economy. According to a 2016 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism release, everything from admission tax collections to South Carolina State Park Service revenue and hotel occupancy were on the rise over recent years. For more information on renting a vacation property in Isle of Palms, visit carolinaonerealestate.com.

It won’t be long before summer 2017’s vacation season is in full swing. As travelers crisscross continents in search of somewhere new to call home -- at least for a week or two -- many will mull coastal destinations. The perks are obvious: easy access to the ocean as a way to beat the heat during summer months, nearby tourist destinations, fresh seafood and unrivaled views thanks to beachfront vistas. According to U.S. Travel Association, four out of five vacationers and travelers do so for leisure purposes. For those considering such a trip, vacation rentals in Isle of Palms SC offers all of the above and more thanks to a perfect combination of geography and amenities.

Isle of Palms is conveniently located within a 30-minute drive of Charleston, South Carolina, and offers a variety of nearby historical sites, landmarks, fishing and boating options, a golf course as well as family-friendly activities such as the South Carolina Aquarium. If you’ve already decided to visit South Carolina or the Isle of Palms community, then another key consideration is on the horizon: where will you stay? Travelers who plan ahead are going to benefit from vacation rentals over traditional hotels or motels for many reasons, ranging from size to cost to convenience.

Specifically, travel experts say opting for a vacation rental home will offer you most of the amenities of your own home. Think washers, dryers, dishwashers, television and Internet access as some of the more basic -- yet absolutely required – perks of temporarily moving into someone else’s home for a few days. The catch here is that you’re likely going to have to book the property for more than few days but given the length of the average vacation, this should come as no problem to most travelers. As for location, a vacation rental property is more likely going to be located in a residential area that naturally provides better proximity to attractions and culture than a major hotel that’s going to be a car or bus ride away.

By trusting a vacation home real estate agency, you’ll be provided with fully-furnished properties that won’t leave you waiting for an elevation in a lobby or having to consult the front desk for your every want and need. With summer not more than a few weeks away and travelers from all over looking for the best bang for their buck, now is the time to start planning for your annual outing. For more information on vacation rentals in Isle of Palms SC, visit carolinaonerealestate.com.

It’s the halcyon days of development in Charleston, South Carolina and the real estate sector is experiencing growth that any major U.S. city would and should envy. Beyond the wide range of recent positive economic indicators -- from employment gains to an uptick in home sale figures -- builders appear to have the best interests of Charleston at heart as they continue to keep a close eye on smart growth. According to a May 6, 2017 article from The Post and Courier newspaper, environmentally-friendly builders are touting a streamlined construction process that’s faster and friendly to the planet. For those researching our Charleston Real Estate Guide, add these considerate construction companies to the list of reasons why investing in this port city of about 390,000 is a smart financial move.

According to The Post and Courier piece, a number of Charleston-area builders and construction officials recently explained their vested interests in erecting homes that have been optimized for the 21^st Century. That means these structures are being built faster and for less money, with the latter being an advantage later passed on to the prospective homebuyer; houses hitting the market with solar panels already up and running; a move away from legacy products in construction, such as wood, in exchange for steel and 100-year warranties that come with a steel roof.  According to the report, South Carolina is 27^th in the nation for homes with solar panels installed but investment in the industry has climbed some 10 percent to approximately $225.3 million in one year alone.

The effect of  not addressing these aspects, according to the article, is waste across the board and landfills with an ever-encroaching footprint. The president of one local steel company told the newspaper that they hope to redefine the home construction industry and that they hope to “do with a house what [electric vehicle company] Tesla's done with a car.” Putting its money where its mouth is, that same steel company recently relocated its headquarters and production facility and planned to start producing rolled steel for construction by the end of summer 2017.

Beyond new construction that’s being optimized for future technology, Charleston already offers a plethora of existing home and rentals on the market. That’s due, in large part, to the vast number of tourist attraction in the region and the booming economy. In a spring 2017 update from the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, more than 19,000 single-family homes selling for an average of $330,000 apiece were expected to be sold in the Charleston area in 2017. Moreover, that figure represented a 2,000 unit increase over the 2016 total. For additional information on the Charleston Real Estate Guide, visit www.carolinaonerealestate.com.

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.