Is Southwest Ravenel-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 Southwest Ravenel-Hollywood as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Southwest Ravenel-Hollywood
“Go. Southwest Ravenel-Hollywood is a safe, quiet, and rural Lowcountry community with minimal violent crime. Visitors will find a tranquil atmosphere where the primary safety considerations are rural driving conditions and wildlife rather than personal security.”
About the area
Situated southwest of Charleston along tidal marshes and pine woods, Ravenel and Hollywood offer a quintessential rural Lowcountry setting. The area is known for agricultural heritage, scenic water access along the Toogoodoo River, and roadside farm stands.
- Rural Lowcountry
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet & Spread Out
- Scenic Waterways
Walking and biking in Southwest Ravenel-Hollywood
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 22/100
There are no bike-share programs or dedicated bike lanes; cycling is limited to rural highway shoulders suitable only for experienced road cyclists.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low rates of violent and opportunistic street crime compared to urban Charleston
- High homeownership rate fostering stable, close-knit residential pockets
- Scenic, uncrowded natural areas and easy access to coastal waterways
Cons
- Unlit, narrow rural roads that present driving hazards at night and deer collision risks
- Distance from major hospitals and emergency response centers
- Pockets of rural poverty and limited commercial amenities
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in this rural district, with no panhandling or tent encampments.
What Southwest Ravenel-Hollywood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and bright with light commuter traffic along Highway 17 and SC-162.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Tranquil and safe for visiting roadside farm markets or exploring local waterways.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and dark as rural businesses close early and residential roads empty out.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black on backroads with almost no pedestrian activity; safe from crime but requires cautious driving.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is extremely limited; CARTA provides sparse rural commuter service toward West Ashley, making a personal vehicle essential for getting around.
Parking is completely hassle-free, with ample free parking lots and gravel pull-offs at all businesses and public landings.
Things to do in Southwest Ravenel-Hollywood
- Pick up fresh local produce, baked goods, and Lowcountry specialties at King's Farm Market
- Launch a kayak or boat from the Toogoodoo County Park landing for a scenic paddle
- Explore nearby walking trails, tidal wetlands, and wildlife at Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Local favorites
- King's Farm Market · Farmers Market · 4.7★ (1450)Beloved rural farm stand offering fresh seasonal produce, famous tomato pies, and homemade baked goods.
- Fillin' Station Diner · Diner · 4.4★ (380)Down-home roadside diner serving classic Southern breakfast, smashburgers, and friendly hospitality.
- Santi's of Ravenel · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (310)Casual, vibrant local spot known for authentic Mexican dishes, generous portions, and cold drinks.
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.