West Ashley, appropriately named because it is west of the Ashley River, is Charleston's closest and most established residential suburb. West Ashley provides an excellent mix of older homes in traditional neighborhoods as well as new homes in planned subdivisions. The area provides a compromise in price and location between the oceanside communities of James Island and Mount Pleasant and the deep inland community of Summerville while still providing easy access to the employment centers of North Charleston.

There is significant retail activity running along Sam Rittenberg Boulevard (commonly known as Highway 17) from strip malls to fast food restaurants and car dealerships. Along the first few miles of Highway 61 you will see a stretch of professional offices housing doctors, dentists and attorneys. Behind the Highway 17 are desirable established neighborhoods. Many of the homes are built of brick and the neighborhoods are full of lush vegetation. Many call West Ashley home because of the affordable, attractive neighborhoods and the convenience to shopping and a variety of retail outlets.



Golf enthusiasts should look at Shadowmoss, while new home shoppers should browse Grand Oaks, Groghan's Landing, and Schievling Plantation. Price conscious house hunters could shop Village Green, Air Harbor, Citadel Woods, and Northbridge Terrace.