Charlotte Lemon ChsIntro2015.pdf

sweetgrass basketry demonstrate an emergingsense of civic identity. After decades of rapidsuburban growth, Mount Pleasant began allocatingbuilding permits in 2005 and now putsgreater emphasis on planning.The qualities the town guards today helpedconvince Money magazine to name MountPleasant as one of the Top 100 Best Places toLive in 2006 and 2010. Money magazine liststhe average home value at around $287,000and median household income more than$95,000.Caring for others is also on the rise. EastCooper Community Outreach, a volunteerorganization that emerged in the aftermath ofHurricane Hugo in 1989, operates social programsaimed at helping disadvantaged peoplelive healthier, more successful lives. A weeklyfarmers market on Tuesday afternoons fromApril to October gives access to affordable,healthy food.The town unveiled two new modern hospitalsin 2010. East Cooper Regional MedicalCenter and Roper St. Francis Mount PleasantHospital both opened that year.Fitness has also been on the upswing heresince the new bridge opened in 2005 with aThere are many desirable neighborhoods in MountPleasant.Photo/Kim McManuslane for bicyclists and pedestrians. Residentsmake extensive use of the town’s numerousparks, ballfields and gyms, and recreationalsports leagues are numerous.Palmetto Islands County Park, a 943-acrefacility, has nature trails, picnic areas, a 50-footobservation tower, a water park and pedal boatrentals. Patriots Point on Charleston Harborboasts a state-run military museum thatdisplays four World War II-era vessels and morethan a dozen vintage aircraft. Patriots PointLIVING INMOUNT PLEASANTalso connects to the Ravenel Bridge by way ofMemorial Waterfront Park, unveiled in 2009.Mount Pleasant’s neighborhoods have varyingstyles and offer residents a range of choices.The Tides, an upscale condominium communityon Charleston Harbor, is among thetown’s newest. I’On, a new-urbanist developmentoff Mathis Ferry Road, is an award-winningneighborhood of beautiful homes, elaboratepublic spaces and mixed-use construction.Farther out, the sprawling new developmentsof Park West and Carolina Park are moving thegeographic center of town more to the east.With people come businesses, most of themoriented on either U.S. 17 or Coleman Boulevard.The town’s most prominent shoppingarea is Towne Centre, between the Isle of PalmsConnector and the end of Interstate 526.In keeping with tradition, the town loves agood festival. Mount Pleasant hosts festivalsfor the arts, oysters, Scottish games, local foodiesand children. Every April, the town turnsout for the annual Blessing of the Fleet at MemorialWaterfront Park. The Christmas paradeis a big draw, as is the Cooper River Bridge Run,which attracts runners and walkers by the tensof thousands each spring.INTRO | 45