Although the population of Mount Pleasant qualifies the community for "city status," the designation as a "town" reflects the friendly hometown spirit that prevails. Founded in 1680, Mount Pleasant preserves a rich heritage while it serves as a desirable bedroom community. The days when residents depended on Charleston for urban amenities are gone, crowned by the new $40 million Towne Centre with 425,000 square feet of retail space. Patriots Point is the area's premier attraction, distinguished as the world's largest naval and maritime museum complex. The adjacent Patriots Point Links is one of the region's most popular golf courses, offering breathtaking views of the Charleston Harbor and the peninsula's skyline. Named one of the most desirable places to live in the nation, Mount Pleasant is attracting newcomers in record numbers. The town features many colonial and antebellum homes in the Old Village that draw tourists in numbers that rival those of downtown Charleston just across the Cooper River. The most famous home is Alhambra Hall, a favorite subject of local artists and photographers.