Is South Hollywood safe?
Charleston, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates South Hollywood as “Go”.
Gogo's take on South Hollywood
“Go. South Hollywood is a peaceful, rural enclave in western Charleston County that offers a very safe environment for visitors seeking quiet Lowcountry scenery and outdoor space. Personal safety concerns are minimal, though a personal vehicle is required to navigate the area.”
About the area
Located southwest of Charleston near the Stono River and Meggett, South Hollywood is characterized by tidal marsh views, sprawling residential acreage, and quiet two-lane roads. It provides a relaxed, rural Southern atmosphere far removed from the bustling historic peninsula.
- Quiet & Rural
- Lowcountry Scenic
- Car-Dependent
- Sprawling
Walking and biking in South Hollywood
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no bike-share stations or dedicated multi-use trails; cyclists must share narrow two-lane highway shoulders with high-speed vehicular traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low violent crime rate compared to urban Charleston County
- Tranquil rural setting with ample open space, pine forests, and marshlands
- High rates of owner-occupied single-family homes fostering a quiet community
Cons
- Nearly non-existent pedestrian infrastructure with unlit country roads and no sidewalks
- Sparse commercial amenities requiring drives to West Ashley or Ravenel for major shopping
- Longer emergency services response times compared to dense suburban centers
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in this rural district, with no established encampments or panhandling.
What South Hollywood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with morning mist over fields and light local commuter traffic along SC-162.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and slow-paced, with residents going about errands and occasional farm vehicles on the road.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential winding-down with negligible foot traffic and very safe conditions.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black country roads with zero pedestrian activity; while personal crime risk is extremely low, walking is hazardous due to darkness and lack of sidewalks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is virtually nonexistent; Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates limited rural connector/on-demand services in western Charleston County with no regular fixed-route stops.
Parking is abundant, private, and entirely free at all local properties, roadside markets, and business lots with no meters or garage fees.
Things to do in South Hollywood
- Shop for fresh local produce, pasture-raised meats, and eggs at area farm stands
- Launch a kayak or boat to explore the winding tidal creeks off the Stono River basin
- Take a scenic countryside drive toward the Caw Caw Interpretive Center and historic ACE Basin
Local favorites
- Storey Farms Market · Farm Market · 4.8★ (115)Rustic local farm stand offering fresh pasture-raised poultry, farm eggs, seasonal produce, and Lowcountry goods.
- The Fillin' Station Diner · Southern Restaurant · 4.5★ (230)Unpretentious roadside eatery serving hearty classic Southern breakfasts and comfort food lunch plates.
- Hollywood Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (185)Casual neighborhood spot offering hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, and hot subs for takeout and dine-in.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.