What Originally Drew People to Summerville?

by carolinaone_marketing 12. February 2015 08:11

There's no doubt that Summerville is more popular than ever. The Summerville, SC real estate market is thriving as people seek a peaceful, pristine place to make their homes and raise their families, all within easy driving distance of Charleston. But the popularity of Summerville as a place to live is by no means a new phenomenon—it has been a destination for nearly two centuries.

Originally, Summerville was exactly what its name implied: a place to spend the summer. The moneyed class of Charleston made it a point to leave the city during the summer to avoid all the problems that a hot, humid season could bring to a big city in the 1800s. Thus, summer homes were erected to provide a place with fresh, breezy air where the wealthy could get away from it all. Summerville offered a unique setting that is rich in pine trees, fresh running streams, and abundant flowers. All these factors combined to help Summerville become not just a summer vacation town, but a health destination as well. 

 

In the 19th century, diseases of the lung were a major problem, including the frightening tuberculosis. Doctors of the time made the logical conclusion that patients with these diseases should seek a place to live with fresh, clean air. It just so happened that Summerville had some of the cleanest and most fragrant air in the United States, thanks to the same shady pine forests that had made it famous in the first place. Accordingly, health spas were opened and patients flocked to the area. Some were temporary visitors and others built homes so they could enjoy the salubrious breezes seasonally or year round.

The science of medicine was still developing in the 1800s and it's not clear whether Summerville's pine-scented breezes really helped cure any lung diseases. It is true that pine resin is a mild antiseptic, and its pungent odor is thanks to its astringent properties.

In any case, today's Summerville draws people for many more reasons. The ancient pine forests and many beautiful gardens continue to be a major source of appeal, but so are the quaint downtown and many shops, the community atmosphere, the proximity to Charleston, and the affordable home prices. There are many mid-range homes available in Summerville, and it remains a popular choice for professionals who work in Charleston and want to live somewhere peaceful and beautiful nearby.

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Summerville real estate

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