Joint Base Charleston – What You Need To Know

At AHRN.com, we want to offer our readers a place to turn to when facing the challenge of a PCS. You know how it is when you get orders. You go to your Facebook friends list, find someone who is there or has been recently and get all the details! We are sharing the little things that help you to make a home at Joint Base Charleston!

What are the best neighborhoods?

Charleston is a beautiful, suburban place to live so there is a lot of choose from. Wescott Plantation, Summer Trace, and Windor Hill are all good options. If you plan to buy, it is a good idea to have an agent who will really work with the inspector. Hurricanes have come through the area, so you want to be very careful to look into foundations and roofs.

What schools are considered the best?

Dorchester II schools are a good place to start.  Overall, greatschools.org rates Charleston area schools as a 7 of 10 but there are several schools that score solid 10s! Ashley River Creative Arts, Daniel Island School and Stiles Point Elementary School among them. There are also a large number of private and religiously- affiliated options including a highly regarded Catholic diocese school system. You can find more detailed information about specific school schools on greatschools.org.

Is there anywhere traffic is especially bad?

As a relatively urban area, there are areas of traffic congestion, although times depend somewhat on where you live. Dorchester Road approaching the Dorchester Gate will typically get backed up during high arrival times so it is a good idea to plan accordingly or find alternate gate options.

Can I get off post for lunch?

Where do you like to do your grocery shopping? Where is the best produce? The best prices?

There is a commissary on base that is reliable for grocery shopping, but there are plenty of options for off base residents, including Bi-lo, Publix and Harris Teeter. During the spring and summer there are also many farmer’s markets and roadside stands for local produce!

What are your favorite local restaurants?

The Fat Hen is a must while you are in Charleston! Super fresh food (mostly local) and a great atmosphere. If you want truly authentic Southern fried chicken. Martha Lou’s Kitchen is the place to go – the macaroni and cheese is killer too.

Where do you like to do your clothes/home shopping?

Charleston and the surrounding areas have everything you need. There is an outlet mall in North Charleston and Historic King Street is home to some incredible shops that make even just the window shopping worth the trip.

Where do you go if you want to grab a coffee with friends and relax?

Best spot for a date night?

With so much waterfront, there are a lot of date night options! But you can’t go wrong with The Boardwalk Inn’s Sea Island Grill and Lounge for Lowcountry fine dining and incredible ambiance.

Best rainy day energy-busters for the kids?

Thunderstorms tend not to last long, but for indoor fun try the South Carolina Aquarium or The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (keep an eye on the Facebook page for specials and discounts).

What do you LOVE about your duty station?

What else would you tell your friend who has just received orders?

We Want To Know:

Have you lived at Joint Base Charleston? What would you add to these questions?