Why Charleston, SC Is the Perfect Place to Live

By Traci Magnus

If you’re looking for a city with historic architecture, plenty of charm and a fantastic culinary scene, look no further than Charleston, South Carolina. This southern gem offers something for every lifestyle. Charleston is full of friendly people and continues to be ranked as the top city in the U.S. by Travel and Leisure. Is Charleston, SC a good place to live? We think so.

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Charleston, South Carolina

For several years, Travel and Leisure has tated Charleston, South Carolina as the top city in the United States. How did Charleston earn its ranking? By offering small town charm with big city amenities.

Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina, with an estimated population of just over 156,000 people. The larger Charleston Metro area, including all of Charleston County, has over 800,000 residents, 64% of them between 18 and 64, with an average age of 38. The population is well educated; 95% of residents have graduated from high school and 44% have received a bachelor’s degree or higher, so Charleston is full of knowledgeable young professionals who take pride in their community. 

Charleston has great weather year-round; temperatures are mild in the winter, and they rarely see snow. Charleston has long summers with temperatures averaging in the 80s. Situated on a peninsula, Charleston has various water access points for boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing.

There’s also a thriving cultural scene in Charlestown. Historic places and museums like Aiken-Rhett House and art galleries like Robert Lange Studios are a few of the incredible attractions Charleston has to offer. Charleston is also home to many nationally renowned restaurants offering traditional southern foods, South Carolina barbecue, local seafood and even French and international cuisine. You won’t run out of places to explore here.

Best Neighborhoods in Charleston

Charleston is best known for its historic preservation of homes and neighborhoods downtown. Horse-drawn carriage rides over cobblestone streets lit by old-fashioned gas lamps transport you back in time. But that’s not all Charleston has to offer. Explore the city’s neighborhoods and find the perfect spot for you.

●      Downtown Charleston

Downtown neighborhoods are home to a mixture of college students, young professionals and wealthy older adults. The most expensive section is South of Broad, with more affordable options for young families in the Wagener Terrace area. 

Wagener Terrace offers fast access to enjoy downtown but is far enough away from the noise of bars and other nightlife to be family-friendly. There are many cottage-style homes in this neighborhood. If you’re interested in living downtown, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in these downtown Charleston homes for sale.

●      Mount Pleasant

This neighborhood is just beyond the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge, so you’re still close to downtown but have more of a suburban feel. Mount Pleasant is home to some of Charleston’s best public schools and is close to the beaches on Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms, making it an excellent family-friendly location.

●      West Ashley

Located just west of the Ashley River and downtown Charleston, this neighborhood is a quiet residential area, but its proximity to bars, nightlife and the Avondale district keep it interesting. It’s also close to shopping areas like the Citadel Mall and America’s oldest public gardens, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

●      The Islands

The barrier islands of Charleston include Johns Island, James Island, Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island. Each offers its unique surroundings; Johns and James Islands are more rural and filled with marshland and live oaks while Seabrook Island is about 45 minutes from downtown Charleston and is great for lovers of outdoor activities. Kiawah Island is located next to Seabrook Island and is a gated community with golf courses located an hour away from downtown.

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Home to Exceptional Schools and Education Opportunities

Charleston County School District is the second-largest public school district in the state. This school district serves over 21,000 students across 41 public schools. Top-ranked public schools include Buist Academy, James Island Charter High School and Montessori Community School. Charleston has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranking public schools in the state of South Carolina.

Charleston is home to many colleges and universities, including the College of Charleston located downtown, Trident Technical College, Miller Motte College and Charleston Southern University. Charleston is also home to The Citadel, which is the Military College of South Carolina. There are plenty of excellent schools to choose from and employment opportunities in the area, making it an ideal location for internships, post-secondary students and young professionals.

Job Opportunities

There are numerous job industries in Charleston beyond education. Manufacturing, production and engineering jobs are available. Charleston is home to a Volvo factory, and Boeing employs over 7,000 at their production facility. 

There is a large healthcare industry in Charleston, with the nationally ranked Medical University of South Carolinaemploying over 13,000 people.

Charleston, SC, is home to the 4th largest port in the U.S. The Port of Charleston encompasses several harbors and accounts for just under 28,000 jobs in the area. 

Charleston also has a military presence. Members of the military live and work in Charleston, with over 20% of all jobs in the Charleston metro area tied to Joint Base Charleston. This includes members of the Coast Guard and the 628th Air Base Wing.

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Plenty of Southern Lifestyle and Culture

With great year-round weather, it’s no surprise that Charleston is full of outdoor activities to enjoy. You can jump in the waves or fish off the pier at Folly Beach. Kiawah Island offers 10 miles of private beaches and golf courses if you’re looking for a more secluded spot. The Isle of Palms has more family-friendly beaches with volleyball courts and dining. 

Charleston is home to beautiful gardens and parks like downtown’s White Point Garden. Located in the historic district, this garden has monuments and Civil War cannons on display while offering Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter views. If you’re looking for a more scenic park, Cypress Gardens provides 3.5 miles of walking trails and nature paths to explore. 

Charleston Has a Great Future

Charleston offers the kinds of amenities and cultural activities you’d find in any major city. Its smaller size, proximity to the ocean, and friendly population offer an excellent quality of life to young adults and families, but also for those seeking a vibrant spot to enjoy retirement.  

With numerous job industries and exceptional schools, Charleston’s economic future looks bright. The abundance of employment opportunities, the diverse housing market, quality schools and exciting attractions make Charleston, South Carolina the perfect place to live.

Traci Magnus is a realtor for Dunes Properties located in Charleston, SC. When she’s not selling houses or writing, you can find her researching the latest trends in housing development or exploring downtown Charleston with her husband, Glenn.