Summerville Apartments and Rentals

Touting itself as the "Flowertown in the Pines," the town of Summerville is a quaint community just north of Charleston, S.C., that provides a wealth of natural beauty and community spirit to all of its residents. With world-class sports venues and an ever-thriving economic development, Summerville is a great place for any single to lay down roots or for any young family to settle down in. From historic spaces to wonderful recreation, Summerville apartments for rent are unlike anything else.

The first settlers to come to the area were Puritans heading south from New England in the 1630s. While these earliest settlers made their homes along the coast, the first residents of what would become Summerville came into the area in the mid-1700s. The thick conifers that surrounded the area provided protection from the elements. Unlike many communities during this era, Summerville residents believed the trees' beauty and protection provided far higher worth than their timber would, so in 1848, the first ordinance that banned the cutting of trees was passed. Today, this ordinance is still believed to be one of, if not the, oldest ordinance of its kind.

Summerville has survived a number of natural and human-caused disasters, which only makes its residents more proud of the community's willful spirit. Summerville lasted through the Civil War largely unscathed due to support from the local Confederate headquarters, as well as the nearby hospital center. During the Reconstruction, Summerville revamped itself into a resort and tourism mecca due to its wealth of beautiful natural surroundings.

Remaining a gem in the Charleston area to this day, Summerville remains a lovely place to visit, but is a great place to build a business as well. Home to more than 44,000 residents, Summerville still retains its small-town feel.

Summerville residents work in a diverse array of fields. Major regional employers in the area include the Medical University of South Carolina, Food Lion Stores, KapStone Paper and Packaging, and Dorchester County Government. The Dorchester County School District II is also a large employer, and demonstrates the city's family-friendly vibe and commitment to local education.

Students utilizing Summerville rentals often attend Charleston Southern University, which offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Nationally ranked as one of the top regional universities in the South, it is known for its business degree and science programs.

Students interested in theological studies attend Cummins Memorial Theological, located in town. Programs here include a master's of divinity as well a bachelor's of theology.

Residents of Summerville enjoy the beauty of their natural surroundings at a more affordable price than nearby Charleston. According to City-Data, the median gross rent in 2009 for Summerville was $844, approximately $60 less than the average rent in Charleston for the same time period. Compared nationally, Summerville is also quite affordable. The cost of living index for the town is nearly 7 points below the national average, making Summerville an even more attractive place to seek a home.

Summerville residents enjoy taking a few swings with their golf clubs, and there is no shortage of spots to do so in town. Miller Country Club provides a regulation-length course that can prepare anyone for world-class tournaments, while the Pine Forest Country Club offers a high caliber of play in a more forested setting. The Sawmill Branch Canal Trail provides fun for the whole family, with lovely waterside views that span the near entirety of this trail.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Summerville apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.