West of downtown Charleston between Ashley and the Stono Rivers is the suburb commonly called West Ashley. One of the advantages of living in West Ashley is the convenience of being close to much of Charleston County. There is significant retail activity running along Hwy. 17 from strip malls to fast food restaurants and car dealerships. Along the first few miles of Hwy.61 you will see a stretch of professional offices; housing, doctors, dentists and attorneys. Behind the Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, or Hwy. 7 are desirable established neighborhoods. Many of the homes are built of brick and the neighborhoods are full of lush vegetation. Many call West Ashley home because of the affordable, attractive neighborhoods and the convenience to shopping and a variety of retail outlets.