Our Communities
Located in the Charleston Region of South Carolina, Dorchester County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. With communities ranging from urban to more rural, the County offers all the amenities of a major metropolitan area while maintaining the charms of small town living.
North Charleston
North Charleston is located partially in Dorchester County, with the remaining portion located in Charleston County. The part of North Charleston within the County boundary is located in the southeast corner, just south of Summerville. The population of the entire city, in both counties, is over 100,000, making North Charleston the third largest municipality in South Carolina. The City offers a variety of attractions the newest of which being the North Charleston and LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center. Also assets to the community are the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex and the North Charleston Coliseum. Each year, North Charleston hosts exciting events like the Fourth of July Festival, the North Charleston Christmas Lighting Festival and Parade, the North Charleston Annual Arts Festival, and the North Charleston Farmer’s Market.
Summerville
Summerville is the area’s center of growth, and largest town. Since 2000 it has grown the fastest of the state’s large and medium-size municipalities by an immense 63%. As the seventh largest municipality in the state, the peaceful and historic community of Summerville is home to approximately 50,915 residents. The original town square is surrounded by a charming streetscape full of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and other attractions. The downtown historic district is bordered by stately residential areas. Within close proximity, is the Inn at Middleton Place, which received the highest award from the American Institute of Architects for its design. Summerville’s annual festivals include the Flowertown Festival, celebrating the azalea and dogwood blossoms that blanket the town each spring, and Sculpture in the South, featuring the work of acclaimed sculptors.
Ridgeville
Ridgeville is one of Dorchester’s smaller communities, with a population of around 1,700 people. The Town is near Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie (in Berkeley County), as well as the Four Holes Swamp, Francis Beidler Forest, and the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail. There are many outdoor adventures to be had here. Excellent hunting and fishing spots are plentiful, as are opportunities for camping, hiking, and kayaking within an ancient swamp forest, where many trees have been around since the turn of the first millennium. The Town hosts an arts and culture festival each year during Labor Day weekend, and a community concert each spring.
Harleyville
Harleyville is a small, quiet community of less than 1,000 people that sits on the edge of the Francis Beidler Forest, a 15,000-acre forest owned by the National Audubon Society. Part of Four Holes Swamp, the forest contains the largest remaining stand of virgin bald cypress and tupelo gum swamp forest anywhere in the world. Most of the bald cypress trees in Beidler Forest are around 1,000 years oldthe oldest is 1,500 years old. Visitors can follow a 1.75-mile boardwalk trail deep into the swamp’s interior, explore old logging roads, or take a guided canoe trip. Harleyville holds the See Saw Daze festival each year at the end of August or the beginning of September. Arts and crafts, children’s games, amusement rides, a dog show, poker runs, and nightly street dancing provide entertainment for families.
St. George
Known as the “town of friendly people,” St. George is the County Seat. The roughly 2,000 residents of this quaint, small town live among a wealth of natural resources, with easy access to Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie (in Berkeley County), the Four Holes Swamp, Francis Beidler Forest, and the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail. From hunting and fishing to kayaking and hiking, outdoor lovers of all stripes will never lack for activities in and near St. George. The Town is probably most famous for its annual World Grits Festival. More than 50,000 people come to the three-day festival for grits-eating and corn-shucking contests, a parade, arts and crafts vendors, square dancing, a softball tournament, live music, and the crowning of Miss Grits.
Reevesville
Since its earliest days, Reevesville has been a close-knit, residential town. Reevesville’s location along a railroad line played an important role in the history of the Town, which was settled as far back as 1793 around a trading path. Reevesville is much the same today as it was in the past. However, with an upcoming young population, Reevesville is about to witness a new generation of homeowners and residents in town. Although a small town, Reevesville offers many things to see and do including the annual Magnolia Parade in the spring.
Rich in History
Dorchester County, established in 1897, takes its name from a colonial town founded by settlers from Dorchester, Massachusetts. Shaped like a bow tie, it embraces a rich history – from rice plantations to a famed railroad resort. Adapting to changing times, it continues to be a place of enduring style.