Livability Score

61
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities F

There are not many amenities close to this location.
Coffee (5) F
Cuppa Manna
Coffee Shop
Coastal Coffee Roasters
Coffee Shop
Atlanta Bread Company
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (4) F
Memorial Stadium
Stadium
Regal Azalea Square
Cinema
Cinemark Movies 8
Cinema
Food and Drink (13) F
Accent on Wine
Bar
Checkers Drive In
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
Dunkin' Donuts
Fast Food
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Sweets
Tastee Freeze
Fast Food
Moe's Southwest Grill
Fast Food
Zaxby's
Fast Food
Hardee's
Fast Food
Carolina Ale House Restaurant
Bar
McDonald's
Fast Food
Blimpie
Fast Food
Courtyard Charleston Summerville
Bar
sweetFrog
Sweets
McDonald's
Fast Food
Tasty Express
Fast Food
KFC
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Hardee's
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Fitness (0) F
Groceries (12) F
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
Piggly Wiggly
Grocery Store
Coastal Produce
Grocery Store
Food Lion
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Earth Fare
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Target
Grocery Store
Publix
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Publix
Grocery Store
Food Lion
Grocery Store
Piggly Wiggly
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Lowes Foods
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Parks (15) F
Azalea Park
Park
Laurel St Playground
Park
Gahagan Park
Park
James Allan Playground
Playground
Doty Park
Park
future park
Park
Summerville Place Park
Park
Brown Family Park
Park
Ashley River Park
Park
Shops (13) F
Mainstreet Bicycle Shop
Bicycle
Circle K
Convenience Store
Sassy Shortcake
Clothing
The Home Depot
Home Improvement
Vintage Hair Studio
Beauty
Lowe's
Home Improvement
Joe's Kwik Mart
Convenience Store
Best Buy
Electronics
Sunrise Nail Spa
Beauty
Circle K
Convenience Store
Pilot
Convenience Store
Speedway
Convenience Store
Speedway
Convenience Store
Griff's Barber Shop
Hairdresser
Here Be Books & Games
Books
Big Lots
Department Store
See more Summerville amenity data

commute F

Of all people who commute, 0.5% take public transportation in Summerville.
Public Transit Stops (0)
Stops & Stations
F
Workers Taking Public Transit
0.5%
F
See more Summerville commute data

cost of living B

The cost of living in Summerville is 105/100 - which is 13% higher than South Carolina.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
C-
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
D-
See more Summerville cost of living data

crime D+

Summerville crime rates are 3,045 per 100k, which is 9% higher than South Carolina
Property Crime
2,680 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
366 crimes per 100k
C-
See more Summerville crime data

employment C

The median income in Summerville is $60,271 - which is 29% higher than South Carolina.
Med. Household Income
$60,271
D+
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
D-
See more Summerville employment data

health F

There are not many hospitals, police and fire stations,
Health & Safety (9)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
F
Old Fort Fire Department Station 2
Fire Station
Lincolnville Police Department
Police
Summerville Fire and Rescue Station 1 Heaquarters
Fire Station
Summerville Police Department
Police
Doctors Care Emergency Medical Services
Doctor
Lincolnville Fire Department
Fire Station
Summerville Fire and Rescue Station 2
Fire Station
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Palmetto Behavioral Health - Summerville
Hospital
Summerville Medical Center
Hospital
Old Fort Fire Department Station 3
Fire Station
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
Police
C and B Volunteer Fire Department
Fire Station
Summerville Fire and Rescue Station 3
Fire Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Old Fort Fire Department Station 4
Fire Station
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Dr. Cox
Dentist
Old Fort Fire Department Station 1
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
A
See more Summerville health & safety data

housing A+

Summerville home prices are $215,800 - which is 50% higher than South Carolina
Home Price
$215,800
B+
Home Appreciation Rate
15%
A
Home Affordability
3.6x (home price to income ratio)
C+
See more Summerville housing data

schools B+

The Summerville graduation rate is 89% - which is 8% higher than South Carolina
School Test Scores
60%
C-
High School Grad. Rates
89%
B
Elementary Schools (28) A+
Summerville Catholic School
James H. Spann Elementary
Rollings Middle School Of The Arts
Summerville Elementary
The Oaks Christian School
Bethany Child Development Center
Alston Middle
Alston-Bailey Elementary
Flowertown Elementary
Newington Elementary
Dr. Eugene Sires Elementary
Gregg Middle
Faith Christian School & Daycare
Charis Academy
Knightsville Elementary
Pinewood Preparatory School
High Schools (7) F
Summerville High
Faith Christian School & Daycare
Pinewood Preparatory School
See more Summerville education data

ratings F

Summerville has an overall rating of 49% from 38 reviews.
User Reviews (4)
From AreaVibes
F
User Surveys (34)
From AreaVibes
A
See more Summerville user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Summerville, SC
( 38 Ratings )

Living in Summerville, SC

Summerville Area Facts

  • Summerville has a Livability Score of 61/100, which is considered average
  • Summerville crime rates are 9% higher than the South Carolina average
  • Cost of living in Summerville is 13% higher than the South Carolina average
New Real Estate Listings in Summerville Area
Search Homes for Sale in Summerville, SC

Summerville Reviews

Write a review about Summerville Tell people what you like or don't like about Summerville…
The Problem with Summerville is the 6 member town counsel 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 14, 2018) The 6 member town counsel removed the Mayor's power several years ago and got away with it. Now they are power crazed and should not be running down a sidewalk much less running a town. Summerville is a diversified community and that is a good thing. However we have a town cou ...Read More nsel that is completely out of control. The whole lot of them need to find new jobs. They have torn up our historic downtown square for no other reason that tear out the old trees and put in new ones. (What part of Historic do they not get) They allowed the water company to put in a ultra modern eyesore they have no business in the downtown area. What an eyesore that is..... This was the kind of unnessary, unwanted, and unreasonable thing these people do!. Now they have the idea that they are going to take peoples homes and businesses if they don't like you though a Non conformitiy law they are trying to pass on June 18th. If you have a home in Summerville, I sure hope you don't have any enemies. If you for some reason are out of your home for more than 90 days your home will go into nonconformity. You turn off your utilities for more than 90 days, non Conformity. No hospital stay for you, No european vacation either. Oh and if you don't do the repairs they think you should make to your home, yes that's right into Non Conformity you go. Now its not real clear what exactly will happen in non conformity but it is mentioned that is it goes over half of the tax role value of your home there are consequences. I am sure they will outline those thoroughly in a back room after they get it on the books. Oh on the way site it does say that civil right are an impediment. You say you live in Summerville, LUCKY YOU! Wish you didn't live here, well time will tell if they get your house and business soon too. Not to mention the new proposed rezoning........ Oh and in case you haven't heard about the meeting on June 18, 2018 at 5:30 pm they posed some city signs smaller than real estate signs in vague areas of the city where they are sure not to be seen! Don't believe me there is one at the end of Challedon that looks like a water company sign about work if you don't get out of your car you won't be able to read what it says. They say this will not currently impact current homes that are built, ummm well then why do they need the code on the books. This is their way of informing the people!!!! If your thinking of living in Summerville, don't walk, run away!!!! I used to really love Summerville this is tragic. Read Less
Uptight traffic and angry 1 rating By diver9999 ( Apr 27, 2018) Bad drivers. They tailgate, and are aggressive. When you're waiting at a red light people will stare at you. Summerville is like the rest of the Charleston area, unmindful of their driving and a sense of suspicion. I grew up here in Charleston and a LOT has changed..for the w ...Read More orst. It used to be laid back and cool, now it's stressful and angry. The happiest day of my life is when I leave this place forever. Read Less
Historic Summerville is Dead 1.5 rating By TruthHasNoAgenda ( Jul 08, 2016) Proponents of Summerville call this town "historic." I call it decaying.The pictures of the town show a quaint area filled with brick buildings and azaleas. What is happening here is completely different. The downtown area is a small part of town and it is dying. Four businesses ...Read More have had to close up shop in as many months because of lack of business to the area. The good ole boy government here won't allow for well planned out (and in keeping with the look of the area) expansion that would bring foot traffic. They say they want to maintain the integrity while watching shops close.Unless dining, or shopping at Target or Walmart, is your thing there is little to do here. It takes an hour to get to the beach if there is no traffic -and there usually is. Commuting to work is a nightmare. 25 miles to work can take you 2 hours.A bigger chunk of Summerville includes strip malls and dilapidated trailer parks. Beautiful subdivisions are sandwiched in between crime-ridden ones, with the crime spilling into the nice areas. Police are called. Nothing done. Are there nice parts of Summerville? Yes. Would I move here, if I could go back and make the choice again? Not a chance. Read Less
An Insider's Take on Life in Summerville, SC 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 22, 2015) I live in Summerville SC and hope to give a few insights into the casual lifestyle that our community enjoys. There is much to delight both residents and casual visitors in our little town. The average temperature in the summer is 70-80F and during the winter months there is litt ...Read More le chance of ice or snow. In fact the average wintertime temperature is 50F. With an abundance of sunshine, blue skies and balmy breezes the climate is ideal for kids, teens, adults and seniors.

This Low Country city is often considered one of Charleston's bedroom communities. We are fortunate to live less than a half hour's drive from this coastal paradise. That means we can easily work, shop and enjoy the attractions of a large, metropolitan city without having to sacrifice Summerville has a quiet, low-key atmosphere that encourages relaxation. Tennis, swimming, fishing, golf and tennis are just a few of the activities that are available on a year round basis. The cost of living is very reasonable and housing can be found to suit almost any budget.


Southern cuisine is another thing that Summerville residents hold dear to their hearts. We enjoy selections that include skillet cornbread, fried okra, peas, fried green tomatoes, Low Country boils and a wide range of fresh vegetables. Living so close to the ocean (30-45 minute drive) it is easy to find fresh seafood at any time of the year. Shrimp and grits, broiled scallops and fried flounder are a few of my favorite menu selections. Our family frequently enjoys dining at the cafes and restaurants such as Five Loaves Cafe, the Icehouse or the Eclectic Chef. Summerville offers casual dining, gourmet restaurants and the usual selection of fast food favorites. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Historic Summerville is Dead 1.5 rating By TruthHasNoAgenda ( Jul 08, 2016) Proponents of Summerville call this town "historic." I call it decaying.The pictures of the town show a quaint area filled with brick buildings and azaleas. What is happening here is completely different. The downtown area is a small part of town and it is dying. Four businesses ...Read More have had to close up shop in as many months because of lack of business to the area. The good ole boy government here won't allow for well planned out (and in keeping with the look of the area) expansion that would bring foot traffic. They say they want to maintain the integrity while watching shops close.Unless dining, or shopping at Target or Walmart, is your thing there is little to do here. It takes an hour to get to the beach if there is no traffic -and there usually is. Commuting to work is a nightmare. 25 miles to work can take you 2 hours.A bigger chunk of Summerville includes strip malls and dilapidated trailer parks. Beautiful subdivisions are sandwiched in between crime-ridden ones, with the crime spilling into the nice areas. Police are called. Nothing done. Are there nice parts of Summerville? Yes. Would I move here, if I could go back and make the choice again? Not a chance. Read Less
An Insider's Take on Life in Summerville, SC 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 22, 2015) I live in Summerville SC and hope to give a few insights into the casual lifestyle that our community enjoys. There is much to delight both residents and casual visitors in our little town. The average temperature in the summer is 70-80F and during the winter months there is litt ...Read More le chance of ice or snow. In fact the average wintertime temperature is 50F. With an abundance of sunshine, blue skies and balmy breezes the climate is ideal for kids, teens, adults and seniors.

This Low Country city is often considered one of Charleston's bedroom communities. We are fortunate to live less than a half hour's drive from this coastal paradise. That means we can easily work, shop and enjoy the attractions of a large, metropolitan city without having to sacrifice Summerville has a quiet, low-key atmosphere that encourages relaxation. Tennis, swimming, fishing, golf and tennis are just a few of the activities that are available on a year round basis. The cost of living is very reasonable and housing can be found to suit almost any budget.


Southern cuisine is another thing that Summerville residents hold dear to their hearts. We enjoy selections that include skillet cornbread, fried okra, peas, fried green tomatoes, Low Country boils and a wide range of fresh vegetables. Living so close to the ocean (30-45 minute drive) it is easy to find fresh seafood at any time of the year. Shrimp and grits, broiled scallops and fried flounder are a few of my favorite menu selections. Our family frequently enjoys dining at the cafes and restaurants such as Five Loaves Cafe, the Icehouse or the Eclectic Chef. Summerville offers casual dining, gourmet restaurants and the usual selection of fast food favorites. Read Less

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Compare Summerville, SC Livability

      vs

      F Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Summerville? Well, there are not many amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Azalea Park
      Laurel St Playground
      Gahagan Park
      James Allan Playground
      Doty Park
      future park
      Summerville Place Park
      Brown Family Park

      Entertainment

      Memorial Stadium
      Regal Azalea Square
      Cinemark Movies 8

      Food & Drink

      Accent on Wine
      Checkers Drive In
      Burger King
      Dunkin' Donuts
      Nothing Bundt Cakes
      Tastee Freeze
      Moe's Southwest Grill
      Zaxby's

      F Commute

      Is public transit available in Summerville? Of all people who commute, 0.5% take public transportation in Summerville.
      Drive to Work
      86%

      10% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      5% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      1%

      2% lower than the US average

      B- Health & Safety

      Is Summerville a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Summerville Medical Center
      Palmetto Behavioral Health - Summerville

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      Doctors Care Emergency Medical Services