Thinking about a move that blends Charleston harbor views with small-town charm and real walkability? Old Village in Mount Pleasant gives you a quiet, historic setting with parks, water access, and practical everyday conveniences. If you are weighing schools, commutes, and lifestyle, this guide breaks down what life here looks like, plus the key details to check before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Old Village at a glance
Old Village is Mount Pleasant’s original neighborhood, set along Charleston Harbor with leafy streets, restored cottages, and stately waterfront homes. You will find a compact village core for coffee, dinner, and errands, and quick access to creeks and parks for evening strolls or sunrise paddles. The area is also a locally designated historic district, so the character you see today is carefully protected by town guidelines. You get a classic Lowcountry feel close to downtown Charleston.
Schools and education
Public neighborhood schools
- Mount Pleasant Academy (CD–5) sits within Old Village and is commonly listed as the neighborhood elementary. The Charleston County School District page provides contacts and report card links. Always confirm assignments by exact address since zoning can shift. Visit the page for Mount Pleasant Academy.
- Moultrie Middle School serves Mount Pleasant’s historic core and highlights coastal learning connections with nearby Shem Creek and the harbor. See details on Moultrie Middle.
- Lucy Garrett Beckham High School is the primary public high school for much of Mount Pleasant. Find enrollment and contact information on the Lucy Beckham High site.
CCSD notes strong performance indicators on school pages and links to state report cards. For the most accurate placement info, confirm your address with the district before you make an offer.
Charter and private options
- East Cooper Montessori Charter (PK–8) is a public charter that operates by application and lottery. Explore programs and admissions at East Cooper Montessori.
- Families also consider several private schools in the broader area. If you are exploring private education, review admissions timelines, tuition, and commute times early.
Parks and waterfront access
Pitt Street Bridge and sunsets
The former trolley bridge at the end of Pitt Street is a beloved neighborhood spot for walking, casual fishing, and sunset views over the marsh and harbor. It is an easy stroll from many Old Village blocks and adds a daily dose of waterfront living.
Alhambra Hall and green space
The hilltop lawn at Alhambra Hall overlooks Charleston Harbor and hosts community gatherings and playtime on breezy afternoons. The Town has reopened and upgraded the hall and grounds in recent years to support accessibility and inclusive play. See recent project highlights in the Town’s news updates.
Shem Creek boardwalk and dining
Just beyond the neighborhood, Shem Creek offers boardwalk views, dockside restaurants, and outfitters for kayak or paddleboard rentals. It is a go-to for casual dinners and sunset walks. Get a feel for the scene with this guide to Shem Creek restaurants.
Memorial Waterfront Park amenities
A short drive from Old Village, Memorial Waterfront Park adds big-playground energy, a splash pad, and multi-use courts along the Ravenel Bridge. Town projects have continued to expand inclusive features, which makes it a reliable stop for all-ages outings. Check the Town’s news page for current amenities and updates.
Shopping and everyday errands
Pitt Street is Old Village’s charming commercial heart, with small boutiques, a beloved pharmacy lunch counter, and a stylish inn and restaurant. For weekly groceries and services, most residents head to nearby Coleman Boulevard where you will find a mix of grocers, shops, and daily conveniences. Many trips are walkable or a quick bike ride, though you will likely drive for bigger errands or bulk shopping.
Housing and market feel
Old Village offers a true mix of homes: historic Lowcountry houses, renovated cottages and bungalows, mid-century ranches, and high-value waterfront estates. Inventory is limited because the district is small and well preserved. That tight supply can lead to shorter days on market and premium pricing, especially for renovated homes and properties with water access. For a current look at available homes and neighborhood context, review the Old Village overview on Homes.com. If you plan to quote numbers, use real-time MLS data and note the date since prices move quickly.
Commute and getting around
From Old Village, you are typically 8 to 15 minutes from downtown Charleston via the Ravenel Bridge, about 10 to 15 minutes to Sullivan’s Island beaches, and roughly 15 to 25 minutes to the airport, depending on traffic. You can see typical ranges in this local Old Village overview. Coleman Boulevard carries local CARTA routes, and recent town projects improved bike access around Shem Creek and along key corridors. Many residents still rely on cars or rideshare for most errands.
Flood, insurance, and historic rules
Flood zones and insurance
Parts of Old Village sit within mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas. Before you buy, check the Town’s guidance on permits, FEMA maps, and elevation certificates. The Town participates in the NFIP Community Rating System, which can influence premiums and requirements. Start with the Town’s Flood Protection page, then request an elevation certificate and independent survey during due diligence.
Quick due diligence checklist:
- Verify the FEMA flood zone and base flood elevation for the specific lot.
- Obtain a recent elevation certificate and preliminary flood insurance quotes.
- For waterfront or low-lying parcels, consult a licensed floodplain or foundation contractor.
Historic-district approvals
Because Old Village is a local historic overlay, exterior changes, additions, fences, and visible site work often require review. Build in time for approvals and plan design choices that respect the district’s scale and streetscape. Read the Town’s overview of the Old Village Historic District and consult the guidelines early if you expect to renovate.
Is Old Village the right fit?
Choose Old Village if you value a walkable, historic setting close to downtown, daily access to parks and water, and a calm neighborhood feel. Expect higher purchase prices and some added coastal ownership costs compared with many inland areas. In return, you get a timeless streetscape, a true village core, and quick access to Shem Creek and the harbor. If you want new-build amenities or larger planned-community club features, you may prefer other Mount Pleasant options.
Next steps
If Old Village is on your shortlist, line up a local partner who can help you move quickly in a tight-inventory market, evaluate flood and renovation factors, and manage any work after closing. With brokerage, in-house construction, development, and property management under one roof, our team makes that process seamless. When you are ready, connect with King & Society Real Estate to explore homes, discuss design and permitting paths, and map the right move for your timeline.
FAQs
How do public school assignments work in Old Village?
- Most addresses are served by Mount Pleasant Academy, then Moultrie Middle and Lucy Beckham High, but zoning can change by block. Confirm your exact address with CCSD before you buy. Start with Mount Pleasant Academy’s CCSD page.
What are typical commute times from Old Village to downtown Charleston?
- Plan roughly 8 to 15 minutes via the Ravenel Bridge in normal conditions; times vary by day and season. See typical ranges in this Old Village overview.
Does Old Village experience flooding, and what should I check?
- Some areas are in Special Flood Hazard Zones. Verify the FEMA flood zone, order an elevation certificate, and get insurance quotes during due diligence. Review the Town’s Flood Protection guidance.
Can I renovate or add onto a home in the Old Village Historic District?
- Yes, but exterior changes and visible site work often require review under the local historic overlay. Build in time for approvals and read the Town’s Old Village Historic District overview.
What parks and waterfront spots do locals use most?
- Pitt Street Bridge for walks and sunsets, Alhambra Hall’s lawn for play and gatherings, Shem Creek for boardwalk views and dining, and Memorial Waterfront Park for playgrounds and courts. See Town news updates and this guide to Shem Creek restaurants.
What types of homes are available and how competitive is the market?
- You will see historic cottages, renovated bungalows, mid-century homes, and waterfront estates. Inventory is limited and well-renovated properties can move quickly. Browse the Old Village overview on Homes.com and consult real-time MLS data for current pricing.
