The Lakes at Edgewater: A Waterfront Apartment Community in Charleston

What The Lakes at Edgewater offers

The Lakes at Edgewater is a waterfront apartment community located in Charleston's Edgewater neighborhood, built around a series of lakes that give the development its character. The community sits near downtown Charleston but maintains a more suburban feel, with units ranging from one to three bedrooms. Residents have access to walking trails around the lakes, a fitness center, a resort-style pool, and community gathering spaces designed around the water features.

The neighborhood itself connects to Charleston's broader landscape—you're close enough to King Street and the Historic District for dining and shopping, but far enough removed that daily life centers on the residential community rather than tourist traffic. The lakes themselves are a genuine amenity, not just a name; they shape how the community is laid out and what outdoor activities are available year-round.

Key Takeaways

• The Lakes at Edgewater offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with amenities centered around the on-site lakes and walking trails.
• The community includes a fitness center, resort-style pool, and gathering spaces, with direct access to waterfront recreation.
• The location balances proximity to downtown Charleston's restaurants and cultural venues with a quieter residential setting.
• Lease terms, pricing, and current availability vary by season and unit type, so contacting the leasing office directly provides the most accurate information.

Floor plans and unit types

The community offers multiple floor plan options across different building types. One-bedroom units typically range from around 700 to 850 square feet, two-bedroom units from roughly 900 to 1,100 square feet, and three-bedroom units from approximately 1,200 to 1,400 square feet. These are general ranges; actual square footage varies by specific floor plan and building location within the community.

Most units include features like walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, and either a patio or balcony. Some floor plans offer additional features such as granite countertops or upgraded finishes, though these vary by unit and lease term. The leasing office can show you which specific floor plans are currently available and what features each includes.

Amenities and outdoor spaces

The defining feature of The Lakes at Edgewater is the network of lakes and the recreational spaces built around them. Residents have access to walking and jogging trails that loop around the water, making outdoor exercise part of daily life rather than something you have to drive to do. The trails are lit in the evenings, which matters if you work standard hours and want to walk after sunset.

The fitness center is open to all residents and includes cardio equipment, free weights, and strength training machines. The resort-style pool operates seasonally and includes a sun deck. The community also maintains picnic areas and green spaces where residents gather, and some areas are designed for events or informal socializing. These spaces fill a practical role—they're where neighbors meet, where kids play, and where the community functions as something more than just a collection of individual apartments.

Location and proximity to Charleston attractions

Edgewater sits in Charleston's East Side, positioned between downtown and the more suburban areas further out. From The Lakes at Edgewater, you can reach King Street and the Historic District in roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. This matters if you work downtown or want regular access to Charleston's restaurants, galleries, and cultural venues without living in the density of the historic core.

The neighborhood itself has developed its own commercial and dining options over the past decade. Nearby you'll find grocery stores, casual restaurants, and retail shops. The community is also near several parks and recreational areas, including James Island County Park, which offers additional outdoor activities beyond what's on-site. For someone who wants Charleston's cultural access without the Historic District's foot traffic and parking challenges, the location works well.

Pet policies and community rules

Most apartment communities in Charleston allow pets, though policies vary significantly by property. The Lakes at Edgewater does accept pets, but the specific rules—breed restrictions, size limits, deposit amounts, and monthly pet fees—should be confirmed directly with the leasing office. These policies change periodically and can differ between buildings within the same community.

The community also maintains rules about noise, parking, and use of common areas. These are standard for apartment living, but it's worth asking the leasing office about enforcement and what happens if issues arise with neighbors. Understanding the community's approach to these matters before you sign a lease prevents surprises later.

Lease terms and pricing

Rent at The Lakes at Edgewater varies based on floor plan size, specific location within the community, lease length, and current market conditions. A one-bedroom will cost less than a two-bedroom, and a two-bedroom less than a three-bedroom, but the exact amounts change throughout the year. Lease terms typically range from 6 to 12 months, though some communities offer shorter or longer options depending on their current needs.

Most leases require a security deposit, typically equal to one month's rent, plus a move-in fee. Some communities offer move-in specials during slower leasing periods—reduced deposits, waived fees, or rent concessions—but these are temporary and depend on current occupancy. The leasing office can tell you what's currently available and what the actual cost of moving in would be for a specific unit.

How to visit and tour the community

The leasing office is located on-site and maintains regular business hours for tours. You can typically call ahead to schedule a specific time, or walk in during office hours to see what's available. Tours usually include a model unit, a walk through the community to see the amenities and grounds, and a conversation with a leasing agent about floor plans, pricing, and lease terms.

If you're seriously considering moving, visiting at different times of day gives you a sense of how the community actually functions—how busy the parking areas are, what the noise level is like, and how active the common spaces are. Visiting on a weekday morning, a weekday evening, and a weekend afternoon tells you three different stories about the same place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Lakes at Edgewater allow dogs and cats?

Yes, the community accepts pets, but specific rules about breed, size, deposits, and monthly fees vary. Contact the leasing office directly to confirm current pet policies before you commit to a lease.

What's the closest grocery store?

Several grocery stores are within a few minutes' drive of the community, including options in the nearby commercial areas. The leasing office can point you to the closest locations and what's within walking distance if that matters to you.

Is there public transportation near The Lakes at Edgewater?

Charleston's CARTA bus system serves the East Side, though frequency and routes vary. Check the CARTA website or ask the leasing office which routes are closest and how often they run if public transit is part of your plan.

Can I get a tour without calling ahead?

The leasing office typically welcomes walk-ins during business hours, though calling ahead ensures someone is available to show you a model unit and answer questions thoroughly.

What utilities are included in rent?

Utility inclusion varies by lease and unit type. Some communities include water and trash; others require residents to pay all utilities separately. Ask the leasing office what's covered in the rent amount they quote you.