West Ashley, South Carolina

If you're looking for proximity to the beach at a lower price point than the islands, Mount Pleasant, or downtown, West Ashley may be the right fit for you. It's just over the bridge from the peninsula, west of the Ashley River (hence the name "West Ashley"). This area has easy access to I-526 and I-26, and although there are many major retailers and restaurants here (Costco, Target, Home Goods), it has been able to retain its small town feel with lots of local businesses mixed in. A highlight of this area is Avondale. In Avondale, you can walk to a collection of unique, local shops and cafes. One of the major employers in this area is Roper St. Francis hospital.