Community Profile

Prior to the 1900’s, Mount Pleasant was known as a retreat perfectly situated along the bluffs of Charleston Harbor to catch cooling summer breezes, nestled between Charleston and nearby beaches. In the past half-century, the Town of Mount Pleasant has come into its own. Residents and visitors often use three H’s – “hospitable,” “historical,” and “heavenly beauty” to describe this charming town, since it is rich in those qualities. The descriptives are true, but Mount Pleasant means much more to those who know it best.

Residents and visitors often use three H’s – “hospitable,” “historical,” and “heavenly beauty” to describe this charming town, since it is rich in those qualities. The descriptives are true, but Mount Pleasant means much more to those who know it best.

Bob Price moved to Mount Pleasant in 1982 for two reasons, but stayed as more unfolded. After 30 years in Miami, Price and his family wanted a slower pace; so it was good news when his employer asked him to relocate. After exploring three proposed destinations – Brownsville, Texas; Norfolk Virginia; and Charleston – Price quickly made a choice.

“We picked Charleston,” he says. “And then, focusing on Mount Pleasant was a no-brainer.” Price built a house here after considering four other towns, because it was close to his job, and local schools had a good reputation. As expected, he and his family enjoyed the area’s friendliness and nearby beaches; but they discovered more to like.

One tangible benefit was lower taxes. “I compared local property taxes before I built the house,” Price says. “Taxes were – and still are — lower than in nearby towns. I know I’m paying less on my home than I would elsewhere.”

A check of property tax rates in the region shows that Mount Pleasant rates are lower than those in adjacent towns. “We have managed to keep our local property taxes low. We have not raised taxes in almost two decades,” says Eric DeMoura, the Town Administrator. We compare well to surrounding areas. For example, the municipal property tax for an owner-occupied house valued at $400,000 in Mount Pleasant is 38.6 mills or $617.60. The municipal property tax for the same house value in Charleston is 79.1 mills or $1,265.60; in North Charleston it is 92.8 mills or $1,484.80.”

Price cites community spirit as another Mount Pleasant lifestyle plus. “There is a neighborhood feeling here. I can call on neighbors for anything.” He likes that the Town is growing and that people here are “from all over,” yet there is still a strong sense of community.

Another Mount Pleasant resident and business owner, Coralie White, had different priorities when she opened a business here in 2006. White and her daughter, Alexandria Watson, opened Alexandria’s Salon (www.alexandrias.net) near Highways 17 & 41. An abundance of green spaces guided their choices.

“We knew this area well, since we owned a house in downtown Charleston,” says White. “When Alex returned from the UK to start a career in the US, we visited coastal communities between Charleston and south Florida. After she worked in South Beach, it was time to start a business. Mount Pleasant was the obvious choice. “

Their criteria were natural beauty and healthy economic possibilities. “We wanted to be close to the beach, without paying beach prices,” says White.” Our business site had trees, so we could create a serene space, which is hard to do downtown.” Finally, she says Mount Pleasant is growing, offering an excellent residential business base.

Like Price, White and Watson found “more” once they settled in. They appreciated the nearby schools, although that was not an initial reason for moving. Both families enrolled their children in local schools. They were satisfied with the system, likely a byproduct of the schools’ objective performance. Mount Pleasant public schools’ reading test scores are 22.5% above the state average, and math scores are 26.2% above state average. SAT scores of graduating high school seniors are above national and state averages, and compare well to other area high schools.

Another highlight is that the principal of Wando High School, Lucky Beckham, was named the 2010 National Secondary Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). She received the prestigious honor for providing a high quality learning experience, and for demonstrating exemplary contributions. Beckham has recruited and retained some of the nation’s best educators for Wando. Under Beckham, the high school also received national recognition from U.S. News and World Report as one of the best schools in the country.

In addition to primary and secondary public schools — nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school, there are eight private schools in Mount Pleasant, further expanding the list of options.

“Our schools are manned by the best administrators and teachers, and supported by involved parents,” says Mayor Billy Swails. “It’s a powerful combination. We have some of the best schools in the state.”

Mount Pleasant also offers higher education opportunities. Collaborating with The Citadel and Trident Technical College, Wando High School offers dual credit courses. A Wando-Trident campus, adjacent to the high school, is planned, and will serve high schoolers and adults.

While the Town is recongized as “higher” with regard to scenic beauty and school quality, it is “lower” in other respects – like crime and the aforementioned taxes.

“In Miami, we had crime fears,” Price says.” We did not have them in Mount Pleasant. The children could be out and about in the neighborhood, and they could play like children again.”

Price’s sense of security is supported by the Town’s record of being a safe place to live, work, and play. When compared with South Carolina cities of similar size, Mount Pleasant’s (pop. 67,843) local crime rate is striking. Violent crime is 64% lower than in Greenville (pop. 59,038) and 71% lower than the rate for Rock Hill (pop. 66,906). Property crimes in Mount Pleasant are also lower, at 63% less than Greenville; and 53% less than Rock Hill.

The Town’s police department continually hones its skills to help safeguard residents. Through a demanding accreditation process, Mount Pleasant became the first municipality in South Carolina to have both police and fire departments accredited.

These advantages make Mount Pleasant a great place to live. But what is it like to own or manage a business here? BusinessWeek cites Mount Pleasant as one of the Best Small Cities for Startups. Price would agree. Ten years ago, he started a home-based business, Price Concepts (www.priceconceptspromos.com), a promotional products and advertising specialty company. “It’s a good place to do business,” he says. “It’s convenient. I am close to everything: shippers, travel arteries, and the Town offices. And it’s easy to get things done: the Town staff is helpful.”

White concurs. “The Town gave us quick approvals on site plans. Dealing with them overall has been pleasant. The municipal taxes and fees related to our salon have not been difficult.”

An overview of Mount Pleasant is incomplete without describing the many leisure options. Nowhere else in the region is there such a wide variety and quality of things to see and do. There is something for everyone; from the angler to the art lover, sports fan, beachgoer, history buff, athlete, and foodie.

Recreational choices include parks and other green spaces, indoor and outdoor rec facilities, and the new Thomasena Stokes-Marshall Senior Center, a state-of-the-art facility for residents aged 50+. The 9-acre Memorial Waterfront Park, opened in 2009, includes a fishing/ observation pier, playground, visitor center, walking trails, open-air pavilion, and military memorial. The Park is a gem among parks.

Mount Pleasant is a competitive dining destination with around 1,000 restaurants offering all types of menus. Whether it’s creative Lowcountry cuisine, classic American, seafood, ethnic choices, or something else, local restaurants provide many options.

More than 67,000 people call Mount Pleasant “home.” They stay for the advantages that make the Town a singular community. As Bob Price says, “The question isn’t ‘Why would someone move here?’ but “Why would someone not public schools’ reading test scores are 22.5% above the state average, and math scores are 26.2% above state average. SAT scores of graduating high school seniors are above national and state averages, and compare well to other area high schools.