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Looking for a historic or waterfront home in the Charleston area? The peninsula isn't your only option. Nestled along Charleston Harbor, the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant is a charming neighborhood in the heart of East Cooper featuring tree-lined streets, centuries-old homes, and a close-knit community. Just minutes from downtown Charleston, SC and Sullivan’s Island beaches, the Old Village combines convenience and charm. In fact, it just took the top spot in Travel and Leisure's list of Best Places to Live in South Carolina, According to Local Real Estate Experts.
The Old Village consists of 30 blocks bounded by Charleston Harbor to the west, Shem Creek to the north, Royal Avenue to the east, and McCants Drive to the south. It contains the oldest home in the area and the foundations of the present town. Mt. Pleasant is named after a plantation originally owned by Jacob Motte. He built the main house in 1755, and it still stands at 111 Hibben Street in the Old Village. Now known as Hibben House, it takes its name from James Hibben, who purchased the property 1803 and named his plantation Mt. Pleasant. Between 1766 and 1847, several other settlements grew up across the harbor from the Charleston peninsula. These were incorporated into the town of Mt. Pleasant in 1872.
The Mt. Pleasant Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, the Old Village is known for its history and the architecture of its homes, as well as its churches, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreational activities.
Perhaps the best-loved part of the Old Village is Shem Creek. This picturesque waterway is home to a local shrimping fleet as well as several well-known restaurants, plus boating and water sports companies. The newly-completed public boardwalk honors the area's maritime heritage while providing spectacular views of the water, marshes, sunsets, fishermen, and shrimpers. Charter a boat, or rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board, to take to the waterway yourself – as dolphins swim by and pelicans swoop overhead.
Another popular outdoor walkway can be found at the Pitt Street Bridge. Several bridges dating back to the Revolutionary War have occupied this passage – including the one through which the H.L. Hunley submarine crossed during the Civil War. It was once the only way to reach Sullivan's Island from downtown Charleston. The remains of the last bridge now welcome pedestrians, bicyclists, fishers and crabbers, and dog-walkers. Nearby waterfront Alhambra Hall, once a ferry terminal, is now a popular event venue.
And if these sites look familiar, it's because the Old Village’s picturesque streets and waterfront vistas feature prominently in Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks. In fact, Shem Creek doubles as the show's namesake waterway. Fans of the show will recognize filming locations such as the Kildare County Sheriff’s Station, The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, Pitt Street Bridge, and Pitt St. Pharmacy. You'll also catch the Pogues going both over and under the Ravenel Bridge. This cinematic exposure has only heightened the neighborhood’s reputation as one of the most beautiful and desirable enclaves in the Charleston area.
With the fleet of shrimp boats docked in Shem Creek, it's no wonder popular restaurants feature local seafood prominently on their menus. While in Mt. Pleasant, be sure to check out these dining favorites:
So take a drive across the Ravenel Bridge to the explore all the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant has to offer. And if you are interested in making this neighborhood your home, count on Disher, Hamrick & Myers to give you our local expertise and open every door…
The DHM Blog wishes to thank Joel Cardwell for his beautiful local photography.
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