Some of the new realities of Charleston, South Carolina

By Mark A. Leon

Times are changing in the Lowcountry and opinions are strong along the spectrum. While many are embracing the new face of Charleston, others yearn for a time of yesteryear where simple family values and traditional Southern living was the way of life.

No matter what camp you support, we are evolving and the train is moving whether you are on or remain behind.

As a result of the rapid change, we wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the new realities or norms of everyday life here in the coastal haven we call home.

Here we go:

1. The Lowcountry is a hot destination for retirees. We are seeing that with communities such as Del Webb and the new senior living community on the Crosstown. This trend will also be prevalent in drivers. Older drivers are more cautious and on average slower. This is a factor all of us must accept as we take to the roads. Be safe and careful and adjust to some of the more cautiously slower drivers on our roadways.
2. Food and alcohol taxation in restaurants may have an adverse effect on locals. For a tourist who is in and out in 3-4 days, 10.5% food tax and 16% alcohol tax is just part of the vacation game, but for locals who live year-round, there may be a trend toward reduced dining out. Will this impact restaurants in the area? Time will tell.
3. More opportunities for small businesses and partnerships. We have all seen or entered an Instagram giveaway where several local businesses and/or artisans give away a big prize. The idea of collaboration to maximize exposure and sales is a growing theme and we see this continuing into the future. When you see “Shop Local” you could find yourself tripping on several local brands at once. Embrace the unstructured business approach of the Lowcountry from our brick and mortar to our farmer’s markets.
4. Construction! Construction! Construction! Who hasn’t done a crane count over the beautiful downtown skyway? Now the cranes are stretching, west, south, and north. Construction, whether commercial or residential is here to stay.
5. Neighborhoods are seeking their own identity.  Charleston is no longer the dominant neighborhood. As we expand and develop communities and neighborhoods, the desire for a unique identity is becoming more prominent. What was once the Tri-country is now individual neighborhoods and towns such as Cane Bay, Del Webb, Nexton, WestEdge, East Side, Summerville, Hanahan, Ladson, North Charleston, Mixson, Ion, Charleston, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah, Dunes West, IOP, and so on who all want to be recognized.
6. Real Estate is THE dinner party conversation. Try going to a dinner party, friends’ happy hour, festival, or brunch and not have real estate come up in conversation. Whether you are looking to move, take advantage of the hot market, flipping homes, or trying to get your piece of the American Dream, real estate is as popular as food in Charleston.
7. Music is finding a home in the Lowcountry.  With the birth or revitalization of Riverfront Park, Firefly, The Bend, and established ambassadors of music including the Music Farm, CreditOne Stadium, Charleston Pour House, and Charleston Music Hall, Charleston is becoming a new mecca for established and emerging artists.
8. Charleston is a coastal port city. No matter what highway you are on and what time of day, you will be surrounded by CDL vehicles transporting to and from our area ports.

There you have it, eight of the new norms of the Charleston Lowcountry area. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Banner Photo: Second Sunday