Summerville, South Carolina, is a small town rich with Southern charm. Known as the birthplace of sweet tea, Summerville is approximately 27 miles from Charleston. From its fantastic climate to its excellent employment opportunities, it’s easy to see why this small town is becoming increasingly popular.

An Ideal Location

While there are plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities located right within Summerville, the town is also uniquely located for convenient access to other popular destinations.

U.S. Route 78 passes close to Summerville’s center, providing an easy route to downtown Charleston and Interstate 95. Interstate 26 also passes through northeast Summerville, leading to Charleston.

Downtown Charleston is a short 25-minute drive away, the Foreign Trade Zone is just 10 minutes, and you’ll reach Port of Charleston in 25 minutes. The Charleston International Airport is a 15-minute drive, so business travel, heading out on vacation, or welcoming  visiting friends and family is painless.

There are also plenty of other popular cities within an easy day’s drive, making weekend or longer trips practical:

• Columbia, SC: 96 miles
• Myrtle Beach, SC: 103 miles
• Hilton Head, SC: 122 miles
• Charlotte, NC: 185 miles
• Savannah, GA: 127 miles
• Atlanta, GA: 282 miles
• Orlando, FL: 399 miles

A Growing Community

Summerville is primarily located in Dorchester County, though portions fall into Berkeley and Charleston counties. The entire area is experiencing significant population growth.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, from April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022, Dorchester County’s population grew by 2.9% to 166,133. The population is diverse, with 67.5% being white, 26.2% being Black, 2.3% Asian, and 6.6% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income in 2022 was $73,686.

Berkeley County has experienced even faster growth, with a population increase of 6.6% from April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022. The population is estimated to be 245,117 in 2022. Charleston County experienced a growth rate similar to Dorchester County’s. From April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022, Charleston experienced an approximate 2.7% growth rate and reached a population of 419,279.

Weather in Summerville

The weather in Summerville is highly desirable. Temperatures rarely dip below freezing, and the temperate climate means you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

The following monthly temperature highs and lows are provided by U.S. Climate Data.

Summerville has limited precipitation from October to May but experiences a wetter season from June through September. July is usually the wettest month, with an average rainfall of nearly 7 inches.

Jobs in Summerville, SC

Thanks to business growth and a thriving economy, Summerville offers a wealth of employment opportunities. According to the S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce, Dorchester County’s employment totaled 77,174 people, with a 2.9% unemployment rate as of 2022. That unemployment rate is less than South Carolina’s overall 3.2% rate and less than the national average rate of 3.6%.

As of October 2023, Dorchester County had 2,883 job openings, with the top 10 openings being for:

• Registered nurses
• Retail salespersons
• First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
• Fast food and counter workers
• Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers
• Food service managers
• Maintenance and repair workers
• Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing
• Automotive service technicians and mechanics
• Customer service representatives

Summerville is home to many thriving industries. The top 10 industries based on employment size are:

• Manufacturing
• Retail trade
• Accommodation and food services
• Educational services
• Healthcare and social assistance
• Transportation and warehousing
• Public administration
• Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
• Construction
• Professional, scientific, and technical services

Taxes and Cost of Living in Summerville

State and local taxes for Summerville residents are less than the national average. Personal income tax in South Carolina is tiered, ranging from 0% to 7%, and the state has six income tax brackets. South Carolina’s sales tax is 6%.

Property tax varies depending on your tax district and property type, but you can use Berkeley County’s tax calculator to get an estimate.

Summerville’s overall cost of living is also significantly less than comparable communities. For example, food and groceries cost 7.4% more in Mount Pleasant, SC, than they do in Summerville. The median home cost is 91.1% more in Mount Pleasant, and healthcare is 1.7% more. The overall cost of living in Summerville is 29.5% less than in Mount Pleasant.

Healthcare

Summerville’s location means you can easily access top-quality healthcare facilities. In addition to the following hospitals located within Summerville, Summerville’s proximity to nearby cities like Charleston and Columbia means you can seek additional specialized healthcare should you need it.

Local Summerville hospitals include:

• Summerville Medical Center
• Trident Medical Center
• Ralph H. Johnson V.A. Medical Center
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital
• Sweetgrass Pediatrics

Make Summerville Your Next Home

Summerville has plenty to offer, including its desirable climate, lower-than-average cost of living, numerous employment opportunities, and ideal and convenient location. You can make your home here in Brookfield Residential’s Nexton Community. This master planned community offers a wide range of amenities, including biking and hiking trails, a coworking lounge, a dog park, a fitness area, on-site dining, and more.

Our sales team is excited to help you find your dream home in this dream location. Explore the community and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!