Dunes West vs Carolina Park: Which Is Better for Families?By Brandon Bott — Mt. Pleasant Realtor Since 2012
Choosing between Dunes West and Carolina Park is one of the most common decisions for families moving to North Mount Pleasant. Both neighborhoods are incredible — but they offer very different lifestyles.
Below is a full, honest breakdown based on living, working, and selling real estate in these neighborhoods every day.
🏡 1. Neighborhood Feel
Dunes West
Gated
Mature landscaping
Peaceful, quiet streets
Golf community
Waterfront and marsh lots available
Feels high-end and private
Carolina Park
Newer construction
Sidewalks everywhere
Highly walkable
Tons of kids
Community events
Feels like a “small town within Mount Pleasant”
🎒 2. Schools
Both neighborhoods feed into some of the best schools in South Carolina.
Shared schools include:
Carolina Park Elementary
Wando High School
Oceanside Collegiate Academy
Difference:
Carolina Park = walkable to schools
Dunes West = short drive, still extremely close
🏊 3. Amenities
Dunes West Amenities
24/7 gated entrances
Golf course
Clubhouse restaurant
Multiple pools
Tennis courts
Boat ramp
Miles of walking/biking trails
Wando River access
Carolina Park Amenities
2 resort-style pools
Large trail system
Pickleball courts
Dog park
Community activities (holiday events, food truck nights)
New rec center
🏠 4. Home Types + Price Points
Dunes West
$800K–$3M+
Larger lots
Custom and semi-custom homes
Waterfront properties available
Carolina Park
$650K–$1.2M
Mostly newer construction
Smaller lots but newer homes
More predictable aesthetic
🌳 5. Lifestyle Differences
Choose Dunes West if you want:
Privacy
Gated security
Golf lifestyle
Larger lots
Mature trees
Waterfront options
Choose Carolina Park if you want:
A lively neighborhood full of kids
Walkability to schools
Tight-knit community feel
Newer homes
Easier maintenance
🏁 Final Take (The Honest Version)
You truly can't go wrong with either neighborhood.
Dunes West = privacy, golf, water, gated luxury
Carolina Park = walkability, newer homes, vibrant family life
Your lifestyle preference is the real deciding factor.
📞 Need help deciding which one fits your family best?
I help families compare these neighborhoods every week.
If you want a personalized breakdown of schools, pricing, appreciation, and lifestyle:
Call or text me at 843-754-9737.
