St. Andrews Commons Apartment Homes in Charleston: What to Know Before You Move

St. Andrews Commons is a mid-rise residential community in Charleston's West Ashley neighborhood

St. Andrews Commons Apartment Homes sits on the corner of St. Andrews Boulevard and Folly Road in West Ashley, a few miles from downtown Charleston. The community offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans in a four-story building with amenities including a fitness center, community room, and parking. The location puts you near shopping, dining, and recreational spaces along the Folly Road corridor, with access to downtown and the beaches within a 15- to 20-minute drive depending on traffic.

The property is managed by a professional leasing office on-site, and the building includes both market-rate and income-restricted units. If you are exploring apartments in West Ashley, St. Andrews Commons is one option among several in the area, each with different layouts, price points, and amenities. Understanding what this community offers—and what it does not—helps you decide whether it fits your needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

• St. Andrews Commons offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in a four-story building located on Folly Road in West Ashley.
• The community includes a fitness center, community room, and on-site parking, with a professional leasing office to answer questions about units and lease terms.
• Some units are income-restricted, meaning they are reserved for households earning below a certain income level; others are available at market rate.
• The West Ashley location provides access to shopping, dining, and recreation along Folly Road, plus reasonable driving distance to downtown Charleston and nearby beaches.
• Visiting the leasing office in person or calling ahead allows you to tour available units and discuss current lease terms, move-in costs, and any specials.

Floor plans and unit sizes

St. Andrews Commons offers three bedroom configurations. One-bedroom units are the smallest and typically the most affordable option if you are living alone or with a partner. Two-bedroom apartments work well for small families, roommates, or anyone who wants a separate home office or guest space. Three-bedroom units are the largest available and suit families with children or households that need extra room.

Each floor plan includes a kitchen, bathroom or bathrooms depending on size, and living space. The building is four stories, so some units have higher floors with different views and noise levels than ground-floor units. The leasing office can show you the actual layouts and let you walk through a model unit or an available apartment so you can see the space, storage, and natural light before deciding.

Amenities and community features

The fitness center is available to residents and includes basic exercise equipment. The community room is a shared space where residents can gather, host small events, or meet neighbors. On-site parking is included with your lease, which is a significant convenience in Charleston where street parking can be limited and paid parking is common downtown.

Beyond the building itself, the West Ashley location offers walkable access to restaurants, shops, and services along Folly Road. The neighborhood is less dense than downtown Charleston but more developed than outlying areas, so you get some urban convenience without the highest cost or noise levels. If you have a car, downtown Charleston, the beaches at Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island, and other recreational areas are all within reasonable driving distance.

Income-restricted and market-rate units

St. Andrews Commons includes both income-restricted units and market-rate apartments. Income-restricted units are reserved for households whose annual income falls below a set limit, which varies by household size. These units typically rent for less than market rate because they receive subsidy or tax credit funding. Market-rate units have no income restriction and rent at the going rate for the Charleston area.

If you think you may may have access to for an income-restricted unit, the leasing office can explain the income limits for your household size and what documentation you would need to provide. If your income is above the limit or you prefer not to go through that process, market-rate units may still be available. The leasing office can tell you which units fall into each category and what the current rent is for each.

How to visit and what to bring

The leasing office is on-site and open during business hours. You can visit without an appointment, though calling ahead ensures someone is available to show you units and answer your questions in detail. Bring a photo ID and be ready to discuss your move-in timeline, household size, and any pets you have, since pet policies affect which units are available to you.

When you tour, ask about current lease terms, move-in costs (which typically include first month's rent, a security deposit, and sometimes an application fee), and any current specials or promotions. The leasing staff can also explain the lease length options, utility costs, and what is included in rent versus what you pay separately. If you are interested in an income-restricted unit, ask what income documentation and other paperwork you would need to bring back to complete that process.

Parking and transportation

On-site parking is included with your lease at St. Andrews Commons, which eliminates the need to hunt for street parking or pay for a separate lot. This is especially valuable in Charleston, where parking can be scarce and expensive in many neighborhoods. Each unit typically includes at least one parking space, though you should confirm the exact number when you lease.

The location on Folly Road means you have direct access to a major corridor with bus service. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates bus routes along Folly Road, so if you use public transportation, you have options without needing to walk far from the building. For driving, Folly Road connects to downtown Charleston, the beaches, and other parts of the city, though traffic during rush hours can be heavy.

Neighborhood context and nearby attractions

West Ashley is one of Charleston's largest neighborhoods and includes a mix of residential areas, commercial strips, and parks. Folly Road itself is lined with restaurants, shops, and services, so you can handle many errands on foot or a short drive. The area is more car-dependent than downtown Charleston but offers more space and generally lower rent than the historic district.

Nearby attractions include James Island County Park, which has trails, a splash pad, and recreational facilities; Folly Beach, about 10 minutes away by car; and downtown Charleston's restaurants, galleries, and historic sites, about 15 to 20 minutes away depending on traffic. If you work downtown or enjoy the beaches, the West Ashley location offers a reasonable commute without the highest housing costs of neighborhoods closer to downtown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between income-restricted and market-rate units?

Income-restricted units are reserved for households earning below a certain income level and rent for less because they receive subsidy or tax credit funding. Market-rate units have no income limit and rent at the standard price for the area. The leasing office can tell you the income limits for your household size and which units are available in each category.

Is parking included in the rent?

Yes, on-site parking is included with your lease at St. Andrews Commons. You typically receive at least one parking space with your unit. Confirm the exact number of spaces when you sign your lease, especially if you have multiple vehicles.

Can I see a unit before I sign a lease?

Yes. The leasing office can show you available units or a model apartment so you can see the layout, storage, and condition of the space. Call ahead or visit during business hours to schedule a tour with a leasing agent.

What are the move-in costs?

Move-in costs typically include first month's rent, a security deposit, and sometimes an application fee. The exact amounts vary and may change based on current specials. Ask the leasing office for a complete breakdown of all costs due before or at move-in.

How far is St. Andrews Commons from downtown Charleston and the beaches?

Downtown Charleston is about 15 to 20 minutes away by car depending on traffic. Folly Beach is about 10 minutes away. The exact time varies based on your destination and the time of day you are traveling.