What You Don't Know About Mount Pleasant

by Shakeima Chatman

You think you know Mount Pleasant? Think again! This charming Charleston suburb is more than just beaches, shopping, and beautiful homes. It has deep Gullah Geechee roots, hidden beaches, and even a few ghost stories. Stay tuned because I’m spilling the secrets of Mount Pleasant that most people don’t know!

Hi, I’m Shakeima Chatman with the Chatman Realty Team at Keller Williams Realty, your Charleston relocation specialist. If you're thinking about moving to the Charleston area, I’ve got you covered! Today, we’re diving into what you don’t know about Mount Pleasant—one of the most sought-after places to live in the Lowcountry.

Mount Pleasant is often known for its beautiful waterfront communities, top-rated schools, and proximity to Charleston and the beaches. But beyond its picture-perfect reputation, there are some surprising things that make this town truly unique.

Why People Love Mount Pleasant

Proximity to Everything – You’re just minutes from downtown Charleston and the stunning beaches of Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms.
Top-Rated Schools – Families move here for some of the best schools in South Carolina.
Outdoor Lifestyle – From Shem Creek’s waterfront dining to kayaking and scenic walking trails, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.
Shopping & Dining – Mount Pleasant Town Centre, Old Village boutiques, and locally owned restaurants make it a hotspot for shopping and foodies.

Yes, people love Mount Pleasant for its master-planned communities, waterfront parks, and incredible restaurants—but there’s so much more than meets the eye!

1. The Gullah Geechee Heritage

Mount Pleasant is home to some of the oldest Gullah Geechee communities in South Carolina. Places like Remley’s Point, Scanlonville, and the Phillips Community were founded by formerly enslaved Africans after the Civil War. You’ll see sweetgrass basket stands along Highway 17—these beautiful baskets are handmade using a West African technique that has been passed down for generations. Hidden throughout Mount Pleasant are historic Gullah cemeteries and sacred sites that many residents don’t even know exist.

2. Hollywood Loves Mount Pleasant

Did you know The Notebook was filmed here? The Old Village District was one of the movie’s iconic backdrops. The Shem Creek shrimp boats were featured in the Netflix series Outer Banks. Hollywood has long been drawn to Mount Pleasant’s picturesque scenery and Southern charm.

3. The Secret Beaches of Mount Pleasant

While most people head to Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, locals know about these hidden gems:

Pitt Street Bridge – A quiet, scenic spot for sunsets and fishing.
Remley’s Point Public Dock – A tucked-away area perfect for launching boats or enjoying the water.
Paradise Island – A small, secluded spot near the Wando River with breathtaking views.

4. The Haunted Side of Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant has its share of ghost stories and eerie spots:

USS Yorktown at Patriots Point – Rumored to be haunted by sailors who served during World War II.
Boone Hall Plantation – One of the most famous plantations in the South, where a ghostly young girl is said to roam the grounds.
Pitt Street Bridge – Once the only way to Charleston, it has eerie stories of ghostly figures walking at night.

5. The Best Back Roads to Beat Traffic

Locals know that Highway 17 traffic is brutal, but here are the best shortcuts:

Rifle Range Road – Runs parallel to Highway 17 and helps bypass major intersections.
Long Point Road to Whipple Road – A quieter way to reach central Mount Pleasant without getting stuck in gridlock.
Shem Creek Cut-Through – A scenic shortcut through Old Village that lets you avoid rush-hour madness!

Mount Pleasant is more than just a pretty place to live—it’s a town with deep history, hidden gems, and a lifestyle that blends modern convenience with Southern charm.

If you’re thinking about making Mount Pleasant home, I’d love to help you navigate the move! Want to explore more Charleston neighborhoods? Watch this video next where I break down the best areas for your lifestyle! And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new video about life in Charleston!

See you next time!