Located just 30 miles from Historic Charleston, Summerville, SC has been aptly named the “Flower Town in the Pines.” Since the turn of the 19th century, people have flocked to Summerville to see the millions of spring blossoms, particularly multi-colored azaleas, scattered among dozens of public and private gardens.

Summerville was first inhabited in the late 1700s by Charlestonians seeking to escape the summer heat, mosquitoes and disease. Settlers and pioneers moving up the Ashley River in search of higher elevations discovered a magnificent pine-forested ridge. Progress brought the railroad and the subsequent destruction of many trees. As a result, one of the oldest laws prohibiting the cutting of mature trees was enacted.

Struggling to survive the aftermath of the Civil War, the town suffered extensive damage from the earthquake of 1886, followed by a fire that destroyed the town square. Good fortune arrived in the late 19th century when Summerville became recognized internationally as one of the two best places in the world for the treatment of lung disorders. The turpentine scent emanating from the pine trees was suspected of having healing powers. Soon inns, hotels and winter homes sprung up to accommodate the influx of travelers.

Modern day Summerville has a population of 33,000, has over 700 local buildings on the National Historic Register and its Dorchester II school district is among the best in the state. Summerville High School’s football coach, John McKissick is America’s winningest high school coach with over 530 victories. There are scores of historic plantations and gardens open to the public as well as numerous quaint bed and breakfasts. The Woodlands Resort and Inn is South Carolina’s only Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Inn and Dining Room.

Driving through the downtown area, you will see historic homes, huge trees draped with Spanish moss, quaint shops and new communities. Just outside the town, you will find numerous neighborhoods that have been developed with every home buyer in mind, from large homes in a beautiful country club setting, to smaller homes that are very economical. The average sales price according to the tri-county MLS is slightly over $200,000.