The name has a Lowcountry ring, the kind of title that brings to mind a coastal lifestyle. It's Regatta on James Island, a new village of 212 condos and townhomes off Central Park Road.

Technically, the neighborhood monicker is a misnomer: A regatta is a boat race, and the property isn't on deep water or a home base for a sailing event. But what the gated community does have is plenty appealing: luxury units set among mature live oaks and encircling a swimming pool, barbecue grill and clubhouse.

"Interest is very high due to the location on James Island, being such a close proximity to downtown," said xxxx.

The complex, which covers 11 acres near Folly Road, has landed a varied clientele in the months since sales kicked off. Many acquirers are primary occupants or second-home purchasers from Greater Charleston or nearby. Buyers also include downsizers, usually older couples who don't need as much room but still want nice quarters, "or people just looking to change the pace of their life," xxxx said. "We also see a fair number of purchasers (from) out of state: Florida, North Carolina, Illinois," xxxx said.

While the community offers two types of multifamily houses, it is primarily a condominium complex. There were eight two-level townhomes, all of which have been sold, xxxx said.

Sized from 659 to 1,304 square feet, the one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums start in the $140,000s and escalate to the $220,000s. They're in nine buildingsof various dimensions. Condo floor plans are The Martin, The Concord, The Hampton, The Cannon and The Mulberry. The 1,018-1,038-square-foot townhomes are The Harmon and The Bayview.

There is a bevy of standard features in the upscale units such as stainless-steel kitchen appliances, 42-inch cabinets, crown molding, 9-foot smooth ceilings, large master suites with garden tub and shower and screened-in porches or balconies. Covered parking is available. Another benefit is that the neighborhood regime fee includes two years of hazard insurance, even in a market in which coastal condo coverage has shot up in price.

Amenities are anchored by the pool, with grill and lounge chairs; and clubhouse, which has a full kitchen, business center, fitness gym and screened porch. The clubhouse also is Internet-ready.

"This is a very good feature for a professional," said xxxx. The community is proving popular with students at the Medical University of South Carolina and doctors at local hospitals, xxxx said.

"It's luxury living at a nonluxury price," xxxx said.

To reach Regatta on James Island from downtown Charleston, cross the Ashley River on the James Island connector. Continue until it ends at Folly Road and make a right. Follow Folly to Central Park Road, which is the first left. Regatta at James Island is less than a mile ahead on the left. An alternate route is to cross the Ashley River bridge, staying in the left lane to Folly Road. Cross the Wappoo Cut on Folly to Central Park Road and turn right.

Neighborhood

Regatta on James Island

Location

Charleston County

212

Condo, townhome sizes

659 to 1,304 square feet

Condo, townhome prices

$140,000 to $230,000

Typical features

--Controlled access gated entry

--Stainless-steel appliances and 42-inch maple cabinets in kitchen

--9-foot ceilings

--Screened-in balconies or porches

Property taxes

$1,170 on a $180,000 condo

Area attractions

James Island County Park, Charleston Municipal Golf Course, Stono River, downtown Charleston and Historic District, Atlantic Ocean, Fort Sumter, Morris Island lighthouse, Fort Johnson Marine Biological Station, James Island connector

Distance to downtown Charleston

6 miles

Schools

Murray-LaSaine Elementary

Grades K-5; phone, 762-2765; enrollment, 221; certified staff, 22; PACT results, 15 percent of fifth-graders scored proficient or advanced on English/Language Arts, 23.8 percent on math, 4.8 percent on science and 14.3 percent on social studies.

Fort Johnson Middle

Grade 6-8; phone, 762-2740; enrollment, 565; certified staff, 39; PACT results, 34.4 percent of eighth-graders scored proficient or advanced on English/Language Arts, 27.7 percent on math, 29.3 percent on science and 29.8 percent on social studies.

James Island Charter High

Grades 9-12; phone, 762-2754; enrollment, 1,518; certified staff, 143; SAT results, 498 verbal and 506 math. The 1004 combined score is higher than the state average (985) and lower than the national average (1021).

Housing trends

James Island:

Number of sales in the third quarter of 2006: 183 (down from 275 in the third quarter of 2005).

Average sales price: $289,100 (up from $253,800).

Median sales price: $264,500 (up from $220,000).

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.