Ladson, SC, is a hidden gem in the Lowcountry and has been ranked the #3 place to buy a home in the Charleston area by Niche.com. Combining the charm of rural and suburban living, this vibrant community offers something for everyone. Home to over 19,000 residents, Ladson boasts above-average schools, a welcoming atmosphere, and convenient access to recreational opportunities, stunning area beaches, local events, and a variety of dining options. Whether you're planning to relocate or just visiting, Ladson is a place you'll want to explore.
The Rich History of Ladson, SC
The area of Ladson is what's called a "Census-Designated Place" or CDP. A CDP is defined by the US Census Bureau as a concentration of population for statistical purposes only. This makes Ladson unique in that it's an officially designated, but not incorporated, community. The boundaries of CDPs don't actually have legal status but are mapped based on the inhabitant's regular use of the area.
Founded in 1905, Ladson is named for the Ladson Family who was "one of the oldest planter and merchant families in the Charleston area" according to Wikipedia.com's entry on Ladson.
Geography
Ladson is 7 square miles of land located within Berkeley County, Charleston County, and southeastern Dorchester County and bordered by the town of Summerville in the southwest, the city of North Charleston in the south, Goose Creek in the east, and Sangaree in the northwest.
Residents of this community enjoy convenient access to Interstate 26 and 78 which run parallel through Ladson, making a trip to Downtown Charleston and area beaches clock in right around 20 miles.
Economy
The median household income for residents here is around $63,820 which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,994. Unemployment is about 4.4% which falls under the national average of 6%.
The average price of goods like groceries, housing, and health care is slightly lower than the national average.
Real Estate in Ladson, SC: Affordable and Growing
The area of Ladson provides a mix of suburban and rural residents, 75% of which own their homes. The median home prices in the area are $231,600 while median rental prices run around $1,190.
Check out homes for sale in the Ladson area.
Weather
The months of April, May, and October are considered some of the nicest in Ladson. The comfort index in the summer is 4.5 and 7.6 in winter according to bestplaces.net
Take a look at Ladson's current weather.
Schools
College Park Elementary
This school serves 983 "College Park Beagles" in grades Pre-K through 5th grade with a 14 to 1 student/teacher ratio and 86% of the teachers on staff have 3 or more years of experience. You can learn more about College Park Elementary on their website.
College Park Middle School
The "Squires" of College Park Middle consists of 777 students in grades 6 - 8. The student/teacher ratio is 16 to 1 and 79% of the teachers on staff have 3 or more years of experience.
You can learn more about College Park Middle School and the "Profile of the South Carolina Graduate" on their website/
Joseph R. Pye Elementary
A "P21 Exemplar School" This public school opened in 2011 and currently has 965 students from Pre-K through 5th grade. The student/teacher ratio is currently 15 to 1 and 82% of the teachers have 3 or more years of experience.
You can learn more about Joseph R. Pye Elementary's mission on its website.
Oakbrook Elementary
The "Oakie Bears" of Oakbrook Elementary make up 683 students from Pre-K through 5th grade with a 13 to 1 student/teacher ratio and 93% of the teachers on staff have 3 or more years of experience.
Learn more about Oakbrook Elementary on their website.
Oakbrook Middle School
"Where Students Learn to Care and Care to Learn", This public school serves 1,126 students from grades 6th through 8th with a 17 to 1 student/teacher ratio, and 92% of the teachers on staff have 3 or more years of experience.
Learn more about Oakbrook Middle School's mission and history on its website.
Sangaree Middle School
Sangaree Middle currently serves 810 "Eagles" from grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 14 to 1. A whopping 96% of the teachers on staff have 3 or more years of experience.
You can learn more about Sangaree Middle School and its educational focus on its website.
Arts and Culture
Exchange Park
Ladson's Exchange Park is well-known as the home of the Coastal Carolina Fair, but this expansive facility also offers facility rentals for events and holds a wide variety of events that draw big crowds. The calendar regularly features coin, gun, and reptile conventions, live concerts, rodeos, and more.
Top Dining Spots in Ladson, SC
Nigel's Good Food II
image by nigel's good food
Although this is location number two of Nigel's, it's just as delicious as the first. If your belly needs some soul (soul food, that is) this should be your first stop. The menu has tasty options like Gumbo, turkey wings & gravy, shrimp & grits, red rice, and collard greens - the list goes on and on.
Slaughterhouse BBQ & Brew
Chef Nigel of Nigel's Good Food is also behind the food at Slaughterhouse BBQ. The menu features traditional pork, beef, and chicken from the smoker, but also some unique treats like BBQ pig's feet, and smoked meatballs!
Takara Japanese Steakhouse
Takara offers both Chinese and Japanese cuisine to Ladson and surrounding residents. From Crab Rangoon to Hibachi to Sushi, this well-rated spot offers dine-in and online ordering.
Antica Napoli
image by antica napoli
You know you've found a good spot if you've got a great pizza place close by. Antica Napoli checks the box for folks in Ladson as the first and only pizzeria in Charleston certified as a true Neapolitan pizza. Their pies are hand-tossed and cooked in their wood-fired oven. The menu at Antica also offers a wide variety of traditional pizzeria fares like calamari, calzones, subs, and more.
Hustleduck Coffee
If you love supporting small businesses over the "Big Guy", Hustleduck Coffee is your new coffee spot in Ladson. Hustleduck's menu offers baked goods, frozen, iced, and hot coffee drinks, and they even offer a frozen sweet tea!
Shopping in Ladson, SC: Unique Finds and Local Treasures
Coastal Carolina Flea Market
Starting in 1981, the Coastal Carolina Flea Market features over 1000 indoor and outdoor vendors that span over 47 acres! Featuring everything from fresh produce, household goods, antiques, toys, and more, folks come from near and far to find something unique.
Outdoor Adventures in Ladson, SC: From Trails to Tees
Ladson offers outdoor activities for those looking for a true outdoor experience and for those looking for something a bit more "Civilized".
A short drive away is Francis Marion National Forest which makes up over 258,000 acres within Charleston and Berkeley counties. This multi-use space offers campsites, gun ranges, boat access, and several trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Other outdoor options can be found close by at the Ashley and Cooper Rivers which are great spots for canoeing and kayaking.
For those "Civilized" outdoor enthusiasts, avid golfers are thrilled to find the Westcoff Golf Club in Ladson as well as Wannamaker County Park's nine-hole course.
Plan a trip to Ladson, South Carolina today
Ladson has plenty to offer those looking for a convenient and active home in the Lowcountry. If we've got your imagination working overtime about the possibilities of moving to the area, give us a call! Better yet, plan a trip to the area, and let us show you all the area has to offer in person!
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