Established neighborhoods across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston.
West Ashley is the area of Charleston west of the Ashley River, across from the downtown peninsula. It was the City of Charleston's first area of growth beyond the peninsula, with annexations beginning under Mayor J. Palmer Gaillard Jr., who took office in 1960.
West Ashley is where Charleston began: English settlers established Charles Towne in 1670 at Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River before the town moved to the peninsula in 1680. The site is preserved today as Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.
The West Ashley Greenway, a linear park on a former railroad bed between Albemarle Road and Main Road, is part of the City of Charleston's park system and its network of off-street bicycle and pedestrian paths.
West Ashley has a wide mix of homes and neighborhoods. Reach out to Pamela for a current, no-pressure look at what's happening in West Ashley right now.
West Ashley is served by the Charleston County School District. Elementary schools in the district's West Ashley area include Oakland, Drayton Hall, St. Andrew's School of Math and Science, Springfield, Ashley River Creative Arts and Montessori Community, and West Ashley High School is on West Wildcat Boulevard. Attendance zones can change, so confirm school assignments directly with the district.
Is West Ashley a separate city?
No. West Ashley is an area of Charleston west of the Ashley River; the City of Charleston began annexing land there in the 1960s.
What is Charles Towne Landing?
A state historic site at 1500 Old Towne Road that preserves the place where English settlers founded Charles Towne in 1670, with a visitor center museum and trails.
Where can you walk or bike in West Ashley?
The West Ashley Greenway runs on a former railroad bed between Albemarle Road and Main Road and is part of the City of Charleston's park system.
Which school district serves West Ashley?
The Charleston County School District. Confirm the schools for a specific address directly with the district.
Is there a farmers market in West Ashley?
Yes. The City of Charleston's West Ashley Farmers Market is held at Ackerman Park, 55 Sycamore Avenue, on Wednesday afternoons during its season.