Located just five minutes from the center of downtown Charleston, West Ashley is a residential community comprised of a variety of home styles and lot sizes. From interior preserve lots to waterfront acreage along the marshland, tidal creeks, Ashley River, and Intracoastal Waterway, West Ashley real estate takes full advantage of its natural topography.
Homes for sale in West Ashley range from $150,000 for a two bedroom townhome to more than $2 million for a riverfront estate. Many of the traditional neighborhoods boast quiet streets lined with grand oak trees, azalea bushes, and natural flora. These pedestrian and bike friendly communities rally behind activities and recreation for children and adults, making it an ideal place to raise a family.
Though downtown Charleston is just a short drive or bike ride from West Ashley, residents need not frequent the trip to find award-winning restaurants, lively pubs, and local music. Locals, along with residents of Mt. Pleasant, James Island, Johns Island, and downtown Charleston, enjoy the fresh food at restaurants like The Crab Shack, The Glass Onion, Triangle Char and Bar and The Gathering Cafe, an organic fast-casual cafe. West Ashley is also home to the Citadel Mall, an indoor structure with staple shops such as Belk, Dillard's, Express, Bath and Body Works, Champ Sports, Charlotte Russe, and the Holy City Cupcakes. For a day outing, the historic river plantation region along scenic U.S. Highway 61 presents an intriguing look into colonial and antebellum time periods. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall all offer daily tours and seasonal events for the public. These plantations boast beautifully-landscaped gardens and grounds, making them a popular choice for weddings, receptions, and corporate events.
One of Charleston's most popular destination sites for weddings, the Legare-Waring House is an elegant plantation home surrounded by a colorful, well-maintained garden. The property resides within the gates of Charles Towne Landing State Park, the original colonial settlement dating back to 1670. In fact, this region of land was the state capitol for a brief period. Colonialists and separatists sought to make peace with the native Kiawah Indians and were able to co-inhabit the area and help one another by trading commodities. Unfortunately, the Kiawah Indians died as a result of Smallpox. Because of the kindness of the Kiawah Indians and because they taught Europeans how to cultivate land and survive on coastal terrain, West Ashley and the greater Charleston area honor their sacrifices and commemorate their cultural influence. Today, residents and visitors can tour Charles Towne Landing State Park and see a partially restored settlement with a replica log cabin, fort, and tallship as well as live vegetable gardens, historical monuments, and an animal forest area, designed by renowned naturalist Jim Fowler. This designated area includes indigenous species of bisons, bears, deer, bobcats, foxes, otters, alligators, and timber wolves.