21 June . 2016
8 things you may not know about Summerville
If you've seen our Ode to Summerville, you already know how much we love this charming South Carolina town. With its rich history, southern hospitality, and small-town warmth, Summerville perfectly balances tradition and modern living. Just minutes from Charleston, it’s a place where modern comfort meets centuries of heritage.
1. A Cool Escape Since the 1700s
Summerville was first settled in the late 1700s by Charleston plantation owners seeking to escape the Lowcountry’s summer heat and mosquitoes. They discovered a peaceful retreat among the shady pine forests, laying the groundwork for one of South Carolina’s most beloved communities.
2. The Pine Is Sacred
In 1847, Summerville became an official town and passed one of the first tree protection laws in the United States. Cutting down certain trees without permission was prohibited, inspiring the town’s enduring motto: Sacra Pinus Esto, “The Pine is Sacred.”
3. Birthplace of Sweet Tea
Summerville proudly claims to be the birthplace of sweet tea, brewed here as early as 1890. The town’s connection to this southern staple runs deep. Summerville even holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Iced Tea, earned in 2016.
4. A Naturally Healthy Place
In 1897, the International Tuberculosis Congress named Summerville one of the healthiest places in the world for people recovering from lung and throat illness. Locals attributed the area’s healing reputation to the pine-scented air, said to carry natural therapeutic benefits.
5. The Flowertown Festival
Each spring, nearly a quarter of a million visitors come to Azalea Park for the Flowertown Festival, the largest arts and crafts event in South Carolina. Since 1973, this beloved tradition has filled Summerville with live music, handcrafted art, and the fragrant blooms of azaleas, dogwoods, and wisteria.
6. History All Around
With more than 700 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, Summerville offers endless opportunities to explore the past. Highlights include Middleton Place, home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens, and the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, a must-see for history enthusiasts.
7. A Legacy of Football Greatness
Summerville High School’s John McKissick is a local legend and a national record-holder. In 2012, he became the first American football coach in history to win 600 career games, cementing Summerville’s place in sports history.
8. One of the Best Places to Live and Retire
Summerville continues to earn recognition as one of South Carolina’s most desirable places to live and retire. In 2025, Retirement Living ranked Summerville fifth among the state’s top retirement destinations, highlighting its affordable housing, friendly community, and easy access to Charleston’s shopping, dining, and coastal attractions.
The Summerville Lifestyle
Beyond its history and hospitality, Summerville is a community that’s always evolving. From new restaurants and boutiques in the historic downtown to family-friendly parks, trails, and local events, there’s always something to explore. Residents enjoy easy access to Charleston’s culture and coastline while staying grounded in Summerville’s laid-back lifestyle.
Thinking About Moving to Summerville?
It’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to relocate to Summerville, SC. The town offers the perfect blend of small-town comfort and modern convenience, along with an ever-growing selection of new homes, apartments, and master-planned communities.
Summerville’s location, just 25 miles from Charleston, makes commuting simple while providing a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. Residents enjoy abundant shopping, dining, and recreation options, plus highly rated schools and healthcare facilities.
The town offers a variety of housing styles to fit every stage of life, from classic single-family homes shaded by pines to new neighborhoods designed for connection. Whether you’re looking for a place to start fresh, raise a family, or enjoy an active retirement, Summerville welcomes you with open arms.
Living Well in Summerville
Living in Summerville, SC, means having everything you need right at your doorstep. Families benefit from access to Dorchester District Two schools, one of the top-rated public school systems in South Carolina, known for its strong academics and community involvement. For higher education, Charleston Southern University and Trident Technical College offer local options for continued learning just a short drive away.
Healthcare and wellness are easy to prioritize, with Summerville Hospital and numerous clinics providing exceptional care close to home. Residents enjoy an active lifestyle thanks to miles of scenic trails, parks, and playgrounds throughout town and within Nexton’s master-planned community. Whether you’re exploring local restaurants and shopping, discovering new things to do in Summerville, or simply enjoying time outdoors, life here moves at a welcoming Lowcountry pace.
With a variety of homes for sale in Summerville, SC, it’s easy to find the perfect place to call home. This blend of strong schools, excellent healthcare, and vibrant community life continues to make Summerville one of South Carolina’s most sought-after places to live.
Discover Life at Nexton
Nestled right here in Summerville, Nexton represents the best of modern Lowcountry living. Thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, award-winning homebuilders, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and recreation make it a community unlike any other.
With walkable streets, miles of scenic trails, and access to top-rated schools, Nexton is where innovation meets Lowcountry charm. Enjoy local dining and shopping at Nexton Square, connect with neighbors at community events, and experience life built around comfort and connection.
Visit us to explore our neighborhoods, tour model homes, and see firsthand why Nexton is Summerville’s most inspired place to live. Explore what life at Nexton has to offer and find your new home in Summerville.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summerville, SC
- What is Summerville, SC, known for?
Summerville is known as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea, home to the Flowertown Festival, and one of South Carolina’s most charming and historic towns. - Is Summerville a good place to live?
Yes. With its welcoming community, excellent schools, and proximity to Charleston, Summerville is consistently ranked among the best places to live in South Carolina. - How far is Summerville from Charleston?
Summerville is about 25 miles from downtown Charleston, close enough for an easy commute but far enough to enjoy small-town serenity. - What types of homes are available in Summerville?
Summerville offers a mix of historic homes, new single-family houses, apartments, and master-planned communities like Nexton, which feature next-generation home designs and modern amenities. - When is the Flowertown Festival?
The Flowertown Festival takes place every spring, typically during the first weekend of April, in Azalea Park.