Looking for some thoughts on living on Edisto Island year round - I started vacationing there when I was a teenager (bout 25 years ago) then took a hiatus for a few years. Started back about 9 years ago going every summer atleast once. My wife and I feel like we are at home there. She literally cries when we leave - feeling homesick. My 3 daughters are all teens now, with 2 heading off to college in a couple years. They love it as well. I have lived in the midlands (Lexington) my whole life, but really appreciate the slower pace and long for the way Lexington was before the “boom” and mass influx of transplants. As my wife and I approach the next phase of life and settling down, we are considering a permanent move to the Island. Not the beach area, but rather a few acres back inland a bit.
My question is, for those of you year 'rounders, how is it being part of only a hand few on the island all year? - Surely it can’t be that good all year, right? We are not “shoppers” and dont need 40 different types of cereal to choose from, so the simply life certainly suits us. She loves to garden and I am into woodworking as a hobby. We both love the smell of pluff mud and dont mind getting dirty. Suits are reserved for weddings and funerals. China is not for eating on, but rather it is a country on the other side of the globe. Raising chickens and catching dinner is more appealing than going to Olive Garden for an over-priced meal.
So, I thought I would ask, and before I commit to purchasing some land for a future build, I wanted some thoughts on true Edisto Life.
What are the likes and dislikes. I worry a little about the salt corrosion on things like ac units and such, but heck, I can’t get things to last more than 10 years here in the midlands.
Sounds like you will fit right in! I’ve been here for 8 years and live toward Bailey Island several miles from the beach, and it is very quiet year-round. At times, my two teens would like to be closer to civilization, but I along with wife couldn’t be happier. Down toward the beach, it’s obviously very busy during spring break weeks and the summer, but the only complaint I have is too small (crowded) of a grocery store when tourist season is here. During that time, we go to Food Lion, Publix, or Cosco off the island.
i bought a condo a couple years ago to retire to. I loved it so much that I sold it and bought a home and 2 acres on the neck. I love it there. This is where I will retire to in 5 years. You cant go wrong… If you need a great realator, let me know. Mine is beyond great…He has gone above and beyond before and after I bought the house.
Something about the simple life
If your 1 daughter is still in school, make sure you buy on the Charleston County side of the island. You do not want to deal with Colleton and their schools.
I drive to chs every weekday and it takes its toll on you. Since you will be retired that should not be an issue. I live pretty close to salt water, house is on stilts, and do not have corrosion issues.
Good luck with the garden. The deer are thick everywhere here. They actually get up on the first few steps of my deck to eat the wifes flowers. There are no deer proof flowers or shrubs. On the plus side, Aug 15th is freezer filling time!
I don’t like the change to bi-lo. I preferred the pig products and will usually go to Hollywood to get them. Don’t even think of going to the bi lo friday-sunday. The restaurants are pricy for my family of 4 here so eating out is not something we do often. I prefer to eat what I catch or kill anyway.
Check to see if cable or dsl is available in your area. I have neither and had to buy an antenna and verizon jetpack. Internet for a family of 4 runs me 150/month.
It can be difficult getting same day ac repairs. Have a window unit for back up. You might have to haul your trash to a collection center depending on where you live.
Check your water supply too. A lot of the well water around here is bad. My neighbor has an $8,000 water system. We go in town and fill water bottles for drinking and cooking. Rust stains constantly on everything like the tub, sinks, and dishwasher.
Make sure you have lots of land. I really see it blowing up here over the next 20 years. Most locals hate the thought of it but its going to happen, just like 526 will be on johns island. All of these good manufacturing jobs draw in people and people love water. Edisto is the last affordable place around.
You already know the positive highlights so I dont need to start that list.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
14’ Stumpnocker
15 Rude
We just made the decision to do what you are talking about last year when our youngest went off to college, hopefully moving in by the end of the year. Its not for everyone but it sounds like you would be a good fit.
Hydra-Sport 3300VX
My parents retired down here almost 20 years ago. They would agree with most everything already mentioned. The only problem now is both are elderly and a house on stilts is becoming a problem. Plus going to the doctor in Charleston several times a week is taking a toll on them. I get down her. 3-4 times a year with my family and I really hope they don’t move. There is just something special about this place. If you do move, let me know. My dad is a wood worker also. He is down to just carving these days. There is a guy that comes down from Ohio for a few months every year and comes over every morning and carves with my dad in his shop.
Everyone so far has it nailed spot on. Growing up on Edisto, I know the teens finishing school is the hardest part. Lots of traveling back and forth to Charleston, which isnt that bad of a ride considering there are so few lights between the two and the scenery on the way. Edisto also isnt for a lot of teenagers, one because there aren’t that many teenagers here and two because there isnt a big scene(hangout) here during the offseason. I had no problem on Edisto because loved the water and land as a teenager and always will.
Thanks for the input as this is what I was looking for. We currently live on 7 acres just outside Lexington in Gilbert. We love it because it is quiet, however, with the population growth, we already feel the encroachment. We have considered keeping this place (lots of memories of kids growing up) and just building a smaller “weekend” place on some land inland. Love the idea, but I can hardly keep up with what I have now, and in retirement, I certainly don’t want to work all the time. I agree Matt that now is the time to buy as it is still affordable, but probably won’t be much longer.
What areas are better when looking for land? Like I said, would love to have more than 5 acres, but not surrounded by ‘trash’ if possible. What areas would you avoid?