^{By Alison – Broker/Principal, AHC Properties LLC}

Why We Moved

In early 2020, as COVID-19 swept through the country, life in Manhasset, New York, changed almost overnight. The sidewalks grew quiet, schools went virtual, and our once-packed schedules suddenly cleared. We had always had in our hearts that we would someday move to Charleston, South Carolina, but COVID fast-tracked our decision to move. 

For our family, it was more than just a pause — it was a moment of clarity. We realized that if we could work, learn, and live from anywhere, why not choose a place that gave us more space, sunshine, and a lifestyle we truly loved?

After a few weeks of researching coastal towns and revisiting places we’d vacationed in the South East, Charleston, South Carolina, quickly rose to the top of our list. The allure of a slower pace of life, real estate value, culture, art, beaches, warm weather, and good food made our decision. 

The Leap South

In the summer of 2020, we packed up our lives — and a moving truck — and made the 11-hour drive south. Leaving behind our close-knit Manhasset community wasn’t easy, but the promise of warmer days, outdoor living, and a more balanced pace pulled us forward. I had just given birth to my 3rd child that March, and was unsure if I had made the right choice to move our family. It was hard leaving so many great friends and an amazing community. 

We landed on Daniel Island, a master-planned community with golf courses, walking trails, and a small-town feel — all within minutes of historic Charleston and the beach. The kids could ride their bikes to friends’ houses, and we could spend weekends boating, exploring markets, or enjoying dinner on the water. We knew a few others who had moved to this master planned and nature-filled gem just minutes from downtown Charleston and the beaches of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. 

Life in Charleston vs. Life in New York

• Pace of Life: The biggest shift was slowing down. In New York, life was always “go, go, go.” Here, we found time to enjoy coffee on the porch and watch the sun set over the marsh. We can go paddleboarding before work, run on the miles of trails that wrap the coastal marshes or enjoy sunrise yoga versus commuting on the LIRR to Manhattan.
  
  
• Space: We traded our postage-stamp backyard for a home with room to breathe, inside and out. Our kids had more space to explore and play in our backyard. 
• Community: We have been lucky to move to an area where most people have also relocated and have been in our shoes at one point. Everyone has welcomed us with open arms, and it has made it an easy transition for our family.
  
  
• Weather: Outdoor living isn’t just for summer — it’s year-round here. We have great weather all year round, versus the 4 months when the weather is favorable up north. No longer do we have to worry about plowing our driveway or dealing with the months of snow and ice.
  
  

Moving During COVID: Challenges & Silver Linings

Relocating in a pandemic came with its own set of challenges — from virtual home tours to delayed moving trucks, homeschooling, and a newborn. But it also gave us the chance to prioritize what mattered most: family, health, and quality of life.

We had always planned to build our dream home with a comprehensive team. We assembled a hallmark team of Novella Homes, Cobb Architects, and JVL Creative. Because the home building process would take a few years, we rented, bought homes, and moved 3 times within 2 years, so I know the challenges and nuances that accompany all forms of real estate transactions, home building and moving. 

Why I Share This Story

Today, as a Charleston-based real estate broker, I work with many families making a similar move — leaving the Northeast for a new chapter in the Lowcountry. I understand not just the logistics, but also the emotions of such a big transition.

If you’re thinking about making the leap, I’d love to share what I’ve learned — from navigating neighborhoods and schools to finding the best spots for coffee or paddleboarding.

Reach out to me today to find out how you can make this dreamy lifestyle a reality. 

Alison@ahcpropsre.com and @achpropsre on instagram.

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