When you drive down Mathis Ferry Road in Mount Pleasant, it’s easy to get distracted by the moss-draped oaks and the entrances to modern subdivisions. But if you turn toward the Wando River, you enter Scanlonville—a neighborhood that is arguably one of the most significant “Settlement Communities” in the Charleston area.
Known locally by many as Remley’s Point, this area offers something rare in today’s market: a genuine connection to history. It isn’t a cookie-cutter development; it is a community bordered by the Charleston Harbor and the Wando River that has stood the test of time since the Civil War. Today, the streetscape is a unique blend where historic cottages and long-held family lands sit alongside modern waterfront estates, creating a neighborhood character you won’t find anywhere else in the Lowcountry.
The Founding of Scanlonville: A Legacy of Independence
To understand the real estate here, you have to understand the soil you’re standing on. Scanlonville wasn’t built by a modern developer; it was born out of resilience and cooperation in 1868, just after the Civil War.
The community was founded by Robert Scanlon, a freedman and carpenter, who led the formation of the Charleston Land Company. In a time when property ownership for African Americans was incredibly difficult, 100 men pooled their resources—chipping in $10 per share—to purchase the 614-acre Remley Plantation. The total purchase price was $6,100, a massive sum for that era.
The original vision was brilliant in its self-sufficiency. The land was divided into two-acre farm lots for agriculture and smaller town lots for homes. This layout allowed the original families to live off the land and build independent lives. Today, the East Cooper Civic Club continues to play a vital role in preserving this history, ensuring that as Mount Pleasant grows, the story of Scanlonville’s founders isn’t lost.
Riverside Beach and the Musical Legends of Scanlonville
If you were in Mount Pleasant between the 1930s and the 1970s, this neighborhood wasn’t just a place to live—it was the cultural heartbeat of Black Charleston. For decades, Riverside Beach was the only beach in Charleston County accessible to African Americans during the era of segregation.
It was a thriving entertainment district that drew crowds from all over the South. The Riverside Pavilion was the place to be, hosting a “who’s who” of American music legends. We are talking about icons like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and B.B. King playing right here on the water.
Nearby stood “White’s Paradise,” a hotel and nightclub that was a known favorite of James Brown. While the boardwalk, bathhouse, and dance halls are gone—the area is now quiet and located near the gated community of River Reach—the legacy remains. When you walk these streets, you are walking where jazz and soul history was made.
Historic Landmarks & Preservation Efforts
While the music pavilions have faded, the community is actively working to mark its history physically on the landscape. If you are touring the area, there are several key landmarks you should know about that anchor the neighborhood to its past.
- Remley Point Cemetery: This burial ground is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the final resting place for many of the original founders of the Charleston Land Company and remains a sacred site for descendants still living in the community.
- Scanlonville Praise House Parklet: Located on Mathis Ferry Road near 5th Avenue, this is a newer addition to the community. It serves as a tribute to the spiritual traditions of the Settlement Community, honoring the small structures where residents historically gathered for worship and community meetings.
- The Civil War Earthworks: For history buffs, remnants of Battery Gary are located nearby, offering a glimpse into the military activity that occurred here before the community was founded.
Scanlonville Real Estate & Housing Market
Navigating the market in Scanlonville is different than looking at a master-planned community like Park West or Carolina Park. The inventory here is incredibly diverse, reflecting the neighborhood’s evolution over 150 years.
You will see modest, historic wood-frame homes—some of which have been in the same families for generations—sitting just down the street from substantial new construction. Because of the location, land values vary wildly. “Marsh-front” and “River-front” lots command significant premiums, often pushing property values well over $1M or even $2M depending on the view and acreage.
There is also a complex dynamic regarding preservation and development. As land near the Charleston Harbor becomes scarcer, there is pressure from developers and buyers looking for prime waterfront access. This has led to concerns about gentrification, as long-time residents work to hold onto “heirs’ property”—land passed down through generations without clear titles. For a buyer, this means it is important to respect the existing fabric of the neighborhood. Scanlonville is an open community, but it borders gated enclaves like River Reach and Molasses Creek, creating a distinct contrast in atmosphere.
Local Schools & Education
For residents looking at the long-term value and community resources, the local schools are a major factor. The area is served by the Charleston County School District (CCSD). While zoning lines can shift, especially near the Mathis Ferry corridor, the area generally feeds into some of Mount Pleasant’s most well-known schools.
- Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary: Known for strong community involvement.
- Moultrie Middle School: Located centrally on Coleman Boulevard.
- Lucy Beckham High School: The newest high school in the area, offering modern facilities and a wide range of academic programs.
It is also worth noting that education has deep roots here; the historic Laing School played a pivotal role in educating the freedmen and their children in this community long before the modern school district existed.
Living in Scanlonville: Location & Lifestyle
So, what is it actually like to live here day-to-day? In a word: convenient.
The commute is one of the best in Mount Pleasant. Because Scanlonville is located off Mathis Ferry Road, you have almost immediate access to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. You can be in Downtown Charleston in under 10 minutes, dodging much of the heavy traffic further up Highway 17.
For recreation, the water is the main draw. You are minutes away from the Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park and the Remley’s Point Public Boat Landing, making it a dream location for boaters and anglers. Despite being so close to the bridge, the atmosphere remains surprisingly quiet. The streets are lined with mature trees, offering a retreat that feels miles away from the bustle of the town center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scanlonville a gated community?
No, Scanlonville is not a gated community. It is a historic, open neighborhood with public roads. However, it is located directly adjacent to gated communities like River Reach, which can sometimes cause confusion for those unfamiliar with the specific street boundaries.
Where is Remley’s Point located?
Remley’s Point is technically the geographic feature of land jutting into the Wando River, but the name is often used interchangeably with the entire Scanlonville neighborhood. When locals say they live in “Remley’s Point,” they are usually referring to this historic Scanlonville community.
What is the history of Riverside Beach in Mount Pleasant?
Riverside Beach was the only designated beach for African Americans in Charleston County during the segregation era. Between the 1930s and 1970s, it featured a pavilion, boardwalk, and bathhouse, hosting legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and James Brown before closing as integration opened other area beaches.
