West Ashley & Johns Island

The large swath of Charleston west of the Ashley River, home to more than 70,000 residents in West Ashley proper plus the rapidly growing sea islands to the south. The Avondale district is the walkable commercial heart, with local restaurants and shops. Farther west, Johns Island is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, while Hollywood, Ravenel, and rural Edisto Island offer a quieter Lowcountry pace. SC-61 (Ashley River Road) -- a National Scenic Byway lined with plantation sites -- connects the region to Summerville.