A New Option Just Outside Mount Pleasant
As Mount Pleasant home prices continue to climb, buyers are increasingly being pushed just outside town limits in search of space, value, and newer construction. One of the newest communities aiming to capture that demand is Hidden Ponds Reserve in Awendaw, built by David Weekley Homes.
After touring several homes in the neighborhood firsthand, the takeaway is clear:
👉 This is a well-built, thoughtfully designed community—but it comes with trade-offs buyers need to fully understand.
What Hidden Ponds Reserve Gets Right
There’s no question that David Weekley builds a high-quality product.
These homes fall into what many would describe as “semi-custom” construction:
Extensive upgrade options
Flexible floorplans
Modern finishes and open layouts
Strong attention to detail compared to typical tract builders
Most homes in Hidden Ponds Reserve range from:
High $700s to $1.2M+
Typically 2,800 – 4,000+ square feet
For buyers comparing this to Mount Pleasant, the value becomes obvious:
👉 A similar home inside Mount Pleasant would likely cost $250,000–$300,000 more—if you could even find it.
That’s the key driver here:
New construction
Larger homesites
Lower price per square foot
All in a quieter, more rural setting.
The Lifestyle Shift: Why Buyers Are Considering Awendaw
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Hidden Ponds Reserve isn’t trying to be Mount Pleasant—it’s offering something different.
Buyers here are typically looking for:
More land and privacy
Less density and traffic
A quieter, more natural environment
Located near the edge of the Francis Marion National Forest, the community leans into a more rustic, Lowcountry lifestyle.
For many, that’s a major selling point.
Pricing Reality: Slightly Ahead of the Market?
From a market perspective, there’s an argument to be made:
👉 Pricing in Hidden Ponds Reserve may be 5–10% ahead of where it should be today.
That said:
Homes are selling
Several properties are already under contract
So while pricing may feel aggressive, the market has—at least for now—validated the builder’s strategy.
Still, this is something savvy buyers should consider, especially if:
Market conditions soften
Inventory increases in surrounding areas
The Downsides Buyers Shouldn’t Ignore
No community is perfect, and Hidden Ponds Reserve has a few very real drawbacks.
1. The Television Towers
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One of the most noticeable—and potentially deal-breaking—features:
Massive television/radio towers located near and within sightlines of the community
Some homes have partial or full visual exposure
The towers are lit brightly at night
Now, to be fair:
Many lots are positioned with tree buffers that partially or fully block the view
But from a personal and resale standpoint, this is a factor that:
👉 Not every buyer will be able to overlook
2. Gravel Roads in a Luxury Price Point
Another major consideration:
Gravel roads throughout the community
For homes pushing:
$900K
$1M+
This creates a disconnect for some buyers.
Practical concerns include:
Dust and dirt on vehicles
Maintenance challenges
A mismatch between price point and infrastructure expectations
For many buyers, especially those relocating from more polished suburban environments, this can feel like a compromise at the wrong price level.
A Look Back: Why This Area Didn’t Work Before
This isn’t the first time development has been attempted in this general area.
Historically:
Similar concepts struggled when the market slowed
Buyers were less willing to compromise on location and infrastructure
However, today’s market is different:
Mount Pleasant pricing has surged
Inventory remains tight
Buyers are more flexible on location
That shift is what’s allowing a community like Hidden Ponds Reserve to gain traction.
Final Verdict: Who This Community Is Perfect For
Hidden Ponds Reserve is not for everyone—but for the right buyer, it fills a very specific gap.
Ideal Buyer Profile:
Needs 3,000+ square feet
Wants new construction with upgrades
Is priced out of Mount Pleasant
Values space, privacy, and a quieter setting
Is comfortable with some trade-offs (roads, towers, distance)
Not Ideal For:
Buyers wanting a fully polished suburban environment
Those sensitive to visual or environmental factors
Buyers prioritizing resale liquidity above all else
The Bigger Picture: A Sign of Where the Market Is Going
Perhaps the most surprising takeaway:
👉 Homes in Awendaw selling for $800K–$1.2M would have seemed unrealistic just a few years ago
But today’s market says otherwise.
And that tells you everything you need to know about:
Charleston’s growth
Mount Pleasant’s pricing pressure
The expansion of what buyers are willing to consider “prime”
Related Reading
For more insight into the Mount Pleasant and Charleston market:
About Bryan Crabtree
Bryan Crabtree is a Charleston-area real estate expert with over 27 years of experience, 5,500+ homes sold, and more than $1 billion in career sales volume.
As a broker with Indigo Oak | Christie’s International Real Estate, Bryan specializes in:
Strategic pricing and market positioning
Luxury and new construction properties
Helping buyers and sellers navigate Charleston’s rapidly evolving micro-markets
His insight into emerging areas like Awendaw gives clients a critical edge when evaluating value vs. long-term potential.
