There’s lots to love about Charleston but passion for the city (and its sister city Savannah) is often tied to the dreamy architecture that dominates the downtown area. Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S, founded in the 1600s, so it’s home to half dozen or more different classical architectural styles that line the cobblestone streets. 

Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Classic Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Victorian and even Art Deco style the churches, museums, commercial structures and homes. You could make a case that architecture is for tourists but it’s so obviously a source of pride for locals that we’d be remiss not citing it here. Seriously, if you crave a stunning southern downtown Charleston has got to be on your shortlist. 

The Architecture

The Best Thing About Charleston?

We rarely hear people complain about something as consistently as locals do in Charleston about infrastructure shortcomings. It’s pretty simple, the beauty of the city and the closeness of the stunning beaches means lots of people move here. In fact, it was rated one of the fastest growing cities in the [**2022-2023 US News & World Report**](https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/fastest-growing-places?utm_source=usn_tw&utm_campaign=tw_main). 

All that population growth comes at a price. The city heavily regulates building downtown so development has sprouted on the outskirts and suburbs for the most part. That lead to heavier traffic, bigger crowds (typically downtown or on the beaches) and noticeable shift(to locals) from a genteel, quiet place into one with more bluster. The city has been approving more downtown mixed-use housing and the area's first rapid transit system. It begins construction in 2026 with usage slated for starting in 2029 so things are looking up. 


Infrastructure

The Worst Thing About Charleston?

Living in Charleston has historically been described as “pleasantly slow”. That reputation may be diminishing with recent growth but if you’re coming from a big city it’s still going to be a slow pace of life. That slow life aside Charleston has some amazing things for a small-ish town. 
The foodie scene is considered excellent, with influences including: Europe, West Africa and the West Indies all flourishing here. Seafood is prominent, with roasted and raw oysters from [**Bowen’s Island**](https://bowensisland.com/) and [**the Ordinary**](https://eattheordinary.com/) amazing options. Barbeque is also everywhere with [**Palmira Barbecue**](https://www.palmirabbq.com/) a hot spot. If you favor fixing your own meals, check out the [**Charleston Farmers Market**](http://www.charlestonfarmersmarket.com/) in Marion Square. Different from others around the country due to the prevalence of locally caught seafood offered next to fresh produce. 

In addition to great food, Charleston is surrounded by water so much of the lifestyle here is comprised of daily water play. The city is on a peninsula and city property on the water is filled with parks, piers, and gardens, for play, fishing, hiking and biking. Just outside the city are some of the most beautiful beaches in the country so for most locals you spend time either downtown or at the beach. 

Downtown is also filled with with Art Galleries and Museums, and several live performing arts theaters including the Charleston Performing Arts Theatre. For more details check out the [**Culture & Entertainment section**](https://www.charlestoncvb.com/plan-your-trip/arts-culture-entertainment~206/#:~:text=Culture%20%26%20Entertainment%20in%20Charleston%2C%20SC,vibrant%20arts%20scene%20awaiting%20you) of Explore Charleston. 

Finally, you can expect year-round festivals and events, including [**Spoleto Festival USA**](https://spoletousa.org/), one of the countries largest performing arts festivals, that runs May/June every year. 


Chill, But Heating Up A Bit. 

Lifestyle of Charleston?

Charleston County School District is highly rated, scoring an [**“A-” on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/charleston-county-school-district-sc/).  Teachers and college prep are two of the notable positives in the reviews from parents. 

AP, IB and Gifted Student programs are offered throughout the city and county. Schools on the peninsula don’t score as well as some on the “mainland” but keep an eye out for high performers like: [**Academic Magnet High School**](https://www.niche.com/k12/academic-magnet-high-school-north-charleston-sc/?map), the #2 highest rated high school in South Carolina, [**Charleston School of the Arts**](https://www.niche.com/k12/charleston-school-of-the-arts-north-charleston-sc/?map) for grades 6-12, and [**Buist Academy for Advanced Studies**](https://www.niche.com/k12/buist-academy-for-advanced-studies-charleston-sc/?map), a Public Magnet for 2-8 grades, that also pulls an A on niche.com. 

Schools in Charleston

Charleston is one of the fastest growing cities in the country whose infrastructure has not caught up with the population boom. Plans are in place for it to do so though so getting here in advance of progress that what will increase the value of living in this beautiful city is as good a reason as any!


Infrastructure Rising!

Why You Should Move Here Now?

Downtown Charleston is on the Charleston Peninsula and doesn’t really count as a “neighborhood” for locals. Instead there are 10 or so smaller neighborhoods that make up the downtown area. The neighborhoods are surrounded by water with Cooper River to the east, Ashley River to the west and it all comes together in the Charleston Harbor. Tourists typically hit up King Street Historic District, the center of shopping, restaurants, bars and the center of the historic city architecture. 


Young Professionals

Downtown? 

South of Broad is a residential neighborhood that is home to some of the most notable massive, antebellum townhouses and homes in Charleston. Protected from tourist eyes, by high brick walls and massive ancient live oak trees, the homes are surrounded by elegant gardens, beautiful fountains, and gallery porches. The South of Broad neighborhood is also home to East Bay Street’s Rainbow Row and many of the historic house-museums, like the [**Heyward-Washington House**](https://www.charlestonmuseum.org/historic-houses/heyward-washington-house/) and the [**Williams Mansion**](https://www.williamsmansion.com/).

Housing in South of Broad is a mix of historic multi-story homes, traditional townhomes and luxury apartments that were carved out of historic properties. The city protects the architectural significance of each property regardless of whether it has remained a single-family home or been retrofitted into multi-unit. The median listing price for homes here is $3m and the average rental price is $3.4k per month. Needless to say this is a pricey neighborhood. 


Families/DINKs/SINKs

South of Broad

The French Quarter neighborhood was founded by French Huguenots, refugees from religious persecution, who settled and set up businesses and workshops in this neighborhood. The neighborhood is home to the sole French Huguenot Church in the United States, as well the center for many of the city’s art galleries and restaurants. [The [**Old Slave Mart Museum**](https://www.charleston-sc.gov/160/Old-Slave-Mart-Museum), the [**South Carolina Historical Society Museum**](https://schistory.org/museum/), and the [**Gibbes Museum**](https://www.gibbesmuseum.org/) are here, along with a Bay Street by the City Market, a busy area due to its proximity to the pier where the cruise ships dock. There are plenty of parks in the area, including Washington Square Park, which is filled with azaleas and has ancient live oaks surrounding the center and providing shade to those resting on benches or walking the cobblestone paths. 

Much of the housing in the The French Quarter is comprised of historic townhomes, loft-style condos and Georgian row houses. Most homes and buildings date to the late 18th and early 19th centuries so expect to a high price for those that have been renovated (although always preserving historical value) or in need of some work. Condo medians are ~$300k+, townhomes are $1.1m and larger homes run up to $3m. 


Young Professionals/Families/DINKs

French Quarter

Harleston Village is a much larger neighborhood that feels a bit like its own village nestled inside the city. It includes the lovely campus of the [**College of Charleston**](https://charleston.edu/). In particular, the school’s central Cistern Yard, accessed through the picturesque Gate Lodge and surrounded by some of the city’s most historic buildings, is a wonderful stop for tourists and long-timers. 
The neighborhood is filled with streets of historic townhouses and walled gardens, as well as hotels and plenty of churches (they don’t call it Holy City for nothing!). 

In the center of Harleston Village is Colonial Lake, a beautiful tidal pond that has wide walkways surrounding it and plenty of open park space for the kiddos and grownups to play. The neighborhood was originally developed in the late 1700’s so historic homes remain but much of the primarily single-family housing was built in the late 1800’s. This is considered a prime family-friendly neighborhood with access to the lake, the school and big homes amidst tree-lined streets a big part of the draw. Median home prices for Harleston Village are ~$1.4m. 


Families/Students

Harleston Village

While the Lower King neighborhood has a lot going for it, one of its biggest draws is the shopping. In fact Travel & Leisure calls King Street the “Best Antique Shopping in the U.S.” That isn’t all its known for now though with plenty of modern retail brands taking up residence, like Ralph Lauren, Ben Silver, Berlins and RTW. 

As with much of Charleston, King Street is noted for historic homes, beautiful townhomes, and condos/apartments carved out of older buildings and a splash of new developments. Median home price in the King Street neighborhood is $660k with median rental prices hovering around $3k. 

Aside from shopping you also get a healthy collection of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars, all within walking distance, making this neighborhood popular with pretty much everyone!


Lower King

Charleston

**People who moved recently how is Charleston?**

I moved from Park City -Utah and I absolutely love it. I have embraced the differences in landscape, culture, infostructure and so on. That has helped with the transition.

And like everywhere else in the U.S. my home town in UT use to be small, quaint and drivable, but with all the growth it is no longer that, and so I accept that the yester-years of Charleston are more appealing to native Charlestonians.

Infostructure:

I feel that Charleston and South Carolina are about 20-30 years behind the rest of the nation. I think many people complain about all the new people moving in causing the roads to be unsatisfactory, but I actually think it is the State that does not manage them well. I am hoping that with the new Infostructure bill and all the additional taxes from population growth that South Carolina will start to improve its roads and cities by focusing on walkability and green transit.

Charleston Lacks

Clear and Safe Bike Lanes

King Street - Walking Zone Only.

Well - Defined City Area Transit System (Busses & Trains) with Carpool Stops

Appropriate Stop Lights and New Light Stops

Middle Change Lands

Strong Sheriff/Police for ensuring safe driving

**Mid-Year Refresh: Thinking about moving to Charleston and want a vibe check? Moving to Charleston and curious about where to live -- this threads for you!**

Hope I can add some good insight here. I’m actually being relocated back to Michigan after almost 4 years here with my company. Charleston is a hell of a city and a total gem! Heck a few weeks ago we did a weeknight dinner on Folly and walked the beach. We’re definitely spoiled to live here… if you can afford it that is lol. It also is an overbuilt, overpriced, sprawling HOA essentially with your cost of living being fully dependent essentially on your proximity to downtown and the ocean. I always say it’s awesome on the weekends, and downright inconvenient Monday thru Friday.

Regardless while it’s bittersweet in my opinion this area isn’t worth the cost. The job opportunities and quality of schools just aren’t here to justify a median home price of $450k in the region, up from $277k in 2019. I’ve had fun but would recommend Charlotte, Atlanta or Dallas over this city

I’ll add that it really is a pain to get to the beach anymore, traffic is to the point it can take 1-2 hours to drive and get parked during the summer. Kudos to the city for growing as a tourist area but man it’s tough

**Hello! I am considering putting in for a transfer to Charleston. I am newly married and would be looking to buy a house on maybe 1.5-2 acres, willing to commute up to an hour to the city. Budget around $500k. The likely plan would be to rent (house not apt) until we get established, find what we want, and/or wait for a better market. What are thoughts about finding homes both to buy and to rent? Thank you!**

Yeah I see the appeal from where you’re sitting. And it might end up being a good move for ya, depending on where you are now. But I’ll tell you that while Charleston may be less expensive than where you are now, you might be surprised to learn that it isn’t so much cheaper like you’d expect. And I’ve heard people who moved here from HCOL areas say that, that’s not just my perspective. For example, folks moving from New Jersey where property tax is sky high are obviously thrilled by our low property tax. But some are suprised to find that the cost of housing, home insurance, other taxes (income, sales tax), etc. are not cheap. And the quality of the schools is not what they are used to (might have something to do with the low property tax, among other things).

Also look at the salary for the job in Charleston. It might be that your company pays well and it’s not an issue but be aware (for future jobs, your spouses job) that many industries/fields here do not pay wages commensurate with the COL. That was true before the recent significant increase in housing costs/COL in the area + inflation and it doesn’t seem to have changed. Many of the people who have moved here since the pandemic and find the COL to be better than where they came from have remote jobs that pay HCOL area wages.

In terms of outdoorsy stuff- we do have a fair amount of that here, it is a beautiful place (though sadly much of it is being bulldozed for housing- sigh). But anyway keep in mind that having a boat is quite expensive and it’s very hot and humid here for a good chunk of the year. And for a few months (I’d say June-September) the weather can actually limit certain outdoor activities. Walking around outside in August feels like walking through a bowl of soup. Also lots of mosquitos and other critters. The critters don’t bother me but the mosquitos are the worst (and they love my ass so it’s a constant battle).

So yeah idk. I just tell everyone to really do their research and try to remember that charleston is a lovely place, but it’s not shangri la. A lot of people seem to move here cause they came on vacation once or heard it was great and then are suprised that it’s expensive and they aren’t going to the beach every weekend, that we have alligators and hurricanes and flooding etc.

Ooh yeah last thing- finding a rental can be hard, you will probably have to rent an overpriced “luxury” apartment while looking for a house if you decide to move. If you do buy a house, really consider 2 things: your commute (traffic sucks and I’ve lived in metro areas with bad traffic) and flooding. Water and flooding is a part of life here (it’s called the low country for a reason) BUT you really wanna look at the fema maps (will determine your flood insurance), the type of foundation, the neighborhood, etc.

Charleston, South Carolina

Chucktown (or Holy City)

Looklyloo Score: 80