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BACK BAY VILLAGE
By: BOB LANG
Originally Published on: 8/25/01
MOUNT PLEASANT-With all the development that has occurred east of the Cooper in recent years, there aren't many quiet, uncongested areas left in which to buy or build a new home. Back Bay Village is one of the few available options that's away from all the hubbub. Tucked in the woods on the marsh side of Rifle Range Road behind the town's waterworks facility, this custom-home community offers upscale living in a serene, peaceful setting.
The neighborhood features 57 lots - most are a third of an acre or more - with three ponds and plenty of green space. Sidewalks and walking paths run throughout. Fountains gurgle in the ponds. A community sightseeing stand gives residents impressive views of the marsh.
The developer, Ed Goldberg of Atlanta, said the layout of Back Bay Village is his vision of what a neighborhood in the South should be.
"Big porches, sidewalks on both sides of the street, walking trails - they all help create a sense of community among residents," said Goldberg, adding that he plans to build his own home in the neighborhood and move here soon.
"This is a place where people will be able to relax and slow down, yet still have easy access to shopping centers and downtown Charleston," he said.
Buyers can choose a lot and their own builder or go with one of six custom builders working in the neighborhood. A third option is to choose a home already under construction. About a dozen homes are being built.
All the marshfront lots are sold, but a number of interior and pond lots are still available. Prices range from $65,900 to $75,000.
Home prices range from about $350,000 to more than $700,000. All homes must be at least 2,500 square feet and meet the approval of an architectural review board.
"Architecturally, we're trying to capture a coastal Carolina/historic theme," Goldberg said. "We want it to feel like Old Mount Pleasant."
Most homes under construction are being built on posts with drive-under garages, but Goldberg said some homes away from the marsh could be built on crawl space. Exterior siding materials are limited to brick, cement fiberboard and stucco.
Advanced building techniques are encouraged in the neighborhood. Some homes will have elevators. Goldberg said that at least one house is being built with walls made of insulated concrete forms instead of wooden beams. Such houses are more energy-efficient and storm-resistant than wooden-frame houses, he said.
Common features on homes going up in the neighborhood include large porches, working shutters, heavy landscaping, upscale appliances, 9-foot or higher ceilings (on the first floor), fireplace, extensive molding, built-in bookcases, solid-surface countertops and hardwood floors.
"These are well-built houses that are loaded with extra features," said Hammond Rauers, on-site agent with Prudential Carolina Real Estate. "These builders are doing some stunning work."
Goldberg said he expects the neighborhood will attract a wide range of buyers, particularly young professionals and empty nesters.
Families with young children, he said, will like the fact that the neighborhood is in one of the best school districts in the Lowcountry and that a town playground is practically in the community's backyard.
"Why anyone would choose another neighborhood in this price range is beyond me," Goldberg said. "Here, you can avoid the hassles of (U.S. Highway) 17, you're close to the beaches at Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms, you have easy access to Coleman Boulevard and the Towne Centre, and you can still get to a golf course by 5 o'clock."
To get to Back Bay Village, turn off of Rifle Range Road onto Hale Road (located across the street from McAlister-Smith Funeral Home). The entrance to the community is near the end of Hale Road.
An open house is scheduled for today and Sunday.
Bob Lang covers automotive and real estate news. Contact him at 937-5594 or at blang@postandcourier.com.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Back Bay Village
DEVELOPER
Ed Goldberg
BUILDER
Multiple custom builders are involved
MARKETING AGENCY
Prudential Carolina Real Estate
MORE INFO
Phone: 696-0123
TOTAL LOTS
57
PRICES
Lots: $65,900 to $75,000 (all interior)
Homes: About $350,000 to about $750,000
SQUARE FOOTAGE
2,500 to about 5,000
TYPICAL HOME FEATURES
Large porch
Hardwood floors
9-foot ceilings
Extensive molding
Upgraded appliances
2-car garage
PROPERTY TAXES
$3,038 on a $500,000 owner-occupied home
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Wal-Mart, Towne Centre, Boone Hall, Mount Pleasant parks and playgrounds, beaches, numerous grocery stores and restaurants within two miles.
DISTANCE TO DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON
7 miles
SCHOOLS
WHITESIDES ELEMENTARY
Grades K-5; 849-2838; enrollment, 592; certified staff, 39; PACT results, 47.7 percent of fifth graders scored above basic on the English/language arts portion, 33.7 percent scored above basic on the math portion.
MOULTRIE MIDDLE
Grades 6-8; 849-2819; enrollment, 753; certified staff, 45; PACT results, 50.2 percent of eighth graders scored above basic on the English/language arts portion, 46.0 percent scored above basic on the math portion.
WANDO HIGH
Grades 9-12; 849-2830; enrollment, 2,079; certified staff, 121; SAT results, 508 verbal, 496 math. The 1,004 combined score is higher than the state average (966) but lower than the national average (1,019).
HOUSING TRENDS IN SOUTHERN MOUNT PLEASANT
Area includes parts of Mount Pleasant south of S.C. Highway 41.
Number of sales in fourth quarter of 2000: 206 (down from 221 in the fourth quarter of 1999).
Average sales price in fourth quarter of 2000: $254,200 (up from $199,200 in fourth quarter of 1999).
Median sales price in fourth quarter of 2000: $205,000 (up from $178,000 in the fourth quarter of 1999).
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