While most people might assume that the town was named after the monastery located in town (with a slight spelling change), Moncks Corner was in fact named after landowner Thomas Monck in 1728, hundreds of years before Mepkin Abbey opened its doors.
Quaint is the perfect word to describe this small South Carolina town located close enough to the coast and Charleston to enjoy their amenities, but far enough away to have its own culture and history. Rice plantations once dotted the banks of the river churning out produce for most of the country. Today, many of these plantations still stand, either as public places to tour and hold functions, or as palatial private residences. One such plantation became Mepkin Abbey. The Roman Catholic monastery has a chapel and botanical garden open to the public.
Moving to Moncks Corner
If you're looking for places to live in Moncks Corner, give yourself at least a month or so to search for the right place. You might find it easier to contact a local realtor or apartments locator service before your move. Having someone in the area searching for you can help make the search once you get to town much less stressful. When you tour apartments or meet with landlords, take with you proof of employment that shows you earn anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the monthly rent, You should also be prepared to show your credit history or provide references, and be ready to pay at least a months' rent in security deposits as well.
Moncks Corner Neighborhoods
Spring Grove: This master-planned community near Goose Creek has plenty of Cypress trees in your backyard and sidewalks throughout the neighborhood. This is a great place for larger, newer home rentals -- but know that there aren't any apartment complexes in the area.
Sweetwater: Part of a much larger Cane Bay Plantation, the Sweetwater neighborhood has plenty of walking trails and community gathering places. An ideal place if you like to know your neighbors, and with homes of all sizes and even townhouses in the area, finding a rental is certainly possible here. You're close to banks, stores and restaurants, too.
Foxbank Plantation: With 800 acres and more than 2,000 homes, finding your spot in this master-planned community shouldn't be difficult. In addition to the community lakes and pools, the Foxbank Towne Center has stores, restaurants, and a cinema to make life extra easy.
Oakley: South of downtown, this neighborhood has larger homes on even larger lots. Highway 52 cuts through the western part of this area, so you'll be close to everything. Homes with water views can be found on the eastern side along the Cooper River.
Berkeley Run: Sandwiched between highways 17 and 52 on the south side of town, this neighborhood is close to everything while still feeling isolated from it all. There's no chance of feeling like sardines stuffed in a can here when all the single homes have large yards.
Pinopolis: On Moncks Corner's western side, this neighborhood is partially located on Lake Moultrie, a popular spot for locals. The Hatchery Wildlife Management Area has several hiking trails within its 2,400-acre area. Fish along the shores of Lake Moultrie while taking in the great lake views.
Living in Moncks Corner
A true sportsman's paradise, Moncks Corner is a perfect spot for fishing, hiking, water sports on the lake or river and even horseback riding. You can explore the area a little less strenuously by strolling through the botanical garden at Mepkin Abbey, or spend the day at Cypress Gardens. The tourist attraction has a Swamparium and Butterfly House that are popular with locals as well. The historic Train Depot in downtown Moncks Corner is a great place to learn about the town's history (and even pick up a souvenir or two!).
History buffs will want to visit the Cooper River historic district, or see the origins of the town that would become Moncks Corner by visiting the Childsbury Town Site. Both Lewisfield and Mulberry plantations are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grand plantations have pretty grand histories as well. Lewisfield was one of the country's first plantation homes, while Mulberry's front yard was the site of a Revolutionary War skirmish.