The Charleston metropolis had no doubt grown in the past decade, reaching her fingers seemingly to every part of the region. However, there are still some untouched slices of paradise for those who seek them. Homeowners searching for a bit of peace and quiet and rural living might just find it in Awendaw.
Traveling up North Highway 17 through North Mount Pleasant, you'll find the commercial properties and tightly packed neighborhood start to thin out until they give away to a gorgeous little town surrounded by natural beauty and nestled between North Mount Pleasant and McClellanville.
"Awendaw is a little North of Mount Pleasant and South of McClellanville. As you drive down Hwy 17, you pass right through Awendaw. You may have stopped at the SEWE Outpost before and not even realized that you were out of Mount Pleasant," explains Kory Roscoe, broker and Realtor with Charleston Property Group. "If you like to have a little space and cast fishing lines, Awendaw is the place to be."
Rural space not far from town
Awendaw is indeed rural. Roscoe describes it as "a quaint town with a rural feel, with access to lots of water, marsh, creeks, and the outdoors."
Indeed, outdoor enthusiasts are right at home in Awendaw, which abuts the eastern edge of the Francis Marion National Forest and the western edge of the Cape Romaine National Wildlife Refuge. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, like the Wappetaw Trail and the Awendaw Passage, which comprises a piece of the Palmetto Trail, South Carolina's state-wide hiking and biking trail.
Nature isn't just a backdrop for Awendaw; it's a way of life. In addition to the ample outdoor opportunities afforded to residents and visitors, Awendaw also hosts several events that celebrate nature and the environment.
The annual Bulls Bay Nature Festival celebrates the spirit of the Lowcountry with kayaking, live music, local vendors, an art exhibit, a photography workshop, edible and native plant walks, and much more.
Awendaw Green is described as "a safe haven for original musicians." Every Wednesday night, you can visit the Sewee Outpost and catch local musicians sharing their songs as you spend the evening surrounded by the nature of Awendaw, good friends, and great music.
Residents seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the city definitely find it in Awendaw. With all the nature, local music, and celebration of the environment, there's just no room for a sprawling commercial scene. But Roscoe reassures potential residents that they aren't too far removed.
"Although there is not much commercial development, the proximity to neighboring Mount Pleasant and its abundance of shopping, dining, and everything in between compensates for this," he explains.
Room to live on
When asked what kind of buyers typically check out Awendaw, Roscoe replied that they all want space. "Buyers who want privacy and oftentimes a little acreage," he adds. He also noted that people who want to fill their days with outdoor hobbies and don't have to commute to any of the neighboring metropolises for work also find they love this little Lowcountry town.
"Because Awendaw has ample water access, this is a place that avid fishermen and boaters or even birdwatchers like to call home," says Roscoe. And in Awendaw, depending on the type of nature you want to be next to, there is a home. Whether you want a waterfront property with a dock and water access or something a little more inland, you'll find the best of both in Awendaw's varying landscape.
"If you are looking for a house on a tidal creek or even deep water, Awendaw needs to be on your radar," says Roscoe. "Awendaw offers homes with spacious properties and views. Although price points have gone up, overall, it costs a little less than Mount Pleasant. The current median sales price is just above $800k. There are not many homes for sale, which helps keep an upward pressure on the price, and you have easy access to Mount Pleasant and Georgetown to the North for a quick getaway."
Today's Top Headlines
Story continues below
Disabled vet with nearly half-million-dollar salary told VA he was jobless. Now he has to repay $300K. Sumter bought land to preserve Shaw Air Force Base, then built a hunting hideaway for officials Trader Joe's is coming to the Myrtle Beach area. The question is where. These Myrtle Beach tiny homes are supposed to house homeless veterans. Why are they empty? Isle of Palms 'seawall' owner fined nearly $300K. He says it's a war on property rights. This historic Black neighborhood is surrounded by Myrtle Beach but not part of the city. Why? Spartanburg council working on new rules after Chuck Wright put $53K on county credit card 70 years ago, Myrtle Beach faced one of its worst disasters: Hurricane Hazel 4 of the country's fastest-growing churches are in this SC county, a new report shows This South Carolina state lawmaker could be indicted soon. He's still on the ballot.
For many, plenty of room to stretch their legs but not so far away from basic necessities that they need to prepare for an hour's commute sounds like a win-win.
Thriving, higher-priced market
It's no secret that Charleston has been a hot spot for out-of-staters since COVID. In the past four years, the population has skyrocketed, knocking the real estate market entirely off its axis.
From a massive buying frenzy that shot prices up to a bit of a drought following higher rates and prices, Realtors across the region are in agreement that things finally seem to be normalizing somewhat. Inventory is leveling out, and with the recent rate cuts, buyers and sellers seem to be moving again. While prices are not predicted to drop to where they were post-COVID, by all accounts, the Lowcountry market appears healthy and strong.
"This area has performed right on par with the rest of Charleston and the high level of home appreciation," explains Roscoe. "Unfortunately, there is not as much land available for development, so there are not quite as many new construction opportunities as other areas in Charleston. After COVID, Awendaw was an attractive option, giving you a little breathing room from your neighbors."
It's also no surprise that with the rise of the remote worker movement, many have started to migrate that way to escape the city's daily routine and find solace in working surrounded by peace and beauty.
Buyers looking for new builds may not have the same options they would have in Summerville or Upper Mount Pleasant, but buyers with the available resources have options, from sprawling villas to adorable bungalows.
Typically, the tail-end of the year can be hit or miss in real estate. With the holiday season approaching, some sellers find it's easier to hold off plans until after the new year, as travel and visiting relatives often make house showings and Realtor meetings difficult.
However, Roscoe is confident that 2025 will introduce a new, more normal market.
The market has begun its seasonal slowdown," reports Roscoe. "There are not as many buyers in the market right now, but there are always buyers in Charleston looking for a deal. Interest rates going down has helped affordability, which should be the trend heading into 2025. The time it takes to sell a house will go up in general, but certain locations and properties in Awendaw could beat this trend given the uniqueness of many of the homes and their properties."
Homes that are priced well and in good condition will always outpace ones that aren't, and there is no shortage of beautiful properties in Awendaw.
People move to Charleston for a variety of different reasons. Some come for the vibrant city life. Others come from the tremendous development and job opportunities, but many come for its beauty and undying connectedness to nature. If you're one of these souls who finds peace in the great outdoors, who perhaps has an impressive collection of fishing gear and no commute to interfere, or a love for the reflective solitude one can find on a hiking trail, Awendaw might just be the place to hang your hat.
"We love Awendaw, and we feel it is such a little gem," says Roscoe.
A rich, vibrant gem, it is indeed.