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Lowcountry

Money Announces the 50 Best Places to Live in 2024. One South Carolina City Made the List

April 16, 2024 by 0 Comments
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New List Highlights Coveted Communities Across the Country 

ADT Security Adds Safety Index to the Money List

SAN JUAN, Puerto rico, April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Personal finance digital platform Money today announced Best Places to Live 2024, the newest iteration of their decades-old franchise highlighting the best communities across America. In partnership with the #1 smart home security provider in the U.S.1, ADT, this annual editorial flagship helps readers discover some truly hidden gems.

Rock Hill, South Carolina was chosen as the lone selection from South Carolina. It was also listed under the sub-category of “New Boomtowns”. Click HERE for the bio on Rock Hill, SC

MONEY ANNOUNCES BEST PLACES TO LIVE 2024 – ADT Security Adds Safety Index to the Money List

Money and ADT Announce Best Places to Live 2024
Money and ADT Announce Best Places to Live 2024

“Finding a place to plant your roots is about so much more than location – it’s about making connections, feeling comfortable and safe in your surroundings and finding common ground with your fellow neighbors,” says Money’s executive editor Mike Ayers.

For the first time, the 2024 list showcases the outstanding lives small and big towns are creating for their residents — and models for how communities can create lasting impacts together. This year’s list includes five new categories:

  • Suburbs with a Soul: These suburbs stand out for their vibrant community spirit, offering a blend of traditional suburban comfort with unique cultural, artistic, and historical depth.
  • New Boomtowns: Emerging as the new frontiers of economic and population growth, these areas are rapidly transforming with innovative industries and offering plentiful job opportunities.
  • Culture Hubs: These cities are renowned for their rich cultural landscapes, boasting an array of museums, theaters, music venues, and diverse culinary scenes that attract artists and culture enthusiasts alike.
  • Not Just College Towns: Beyond their academic institutions, these towns offer a dynamic living experience with a youthful vibe, cutting-edge research, thriving local economies, and vibrant social scenes.
  • Best Kept Secrets: Hidden gems scattered across the country, these places offer an unmatched quality of life with their serene beauty, close-knit communities, and affordable living, yet remain under the radar.

When determining which towns made the list, Money reviewed the top characteristics that make a community stand out from the rest, including:

  • Economic Opportunity for Individuals–the availability of jobs across various sectors, upward mobility, and income growth potential, highlighting areas where individuals can thrive financially.
  • Small Business Vibrance–the support and success rate of small businesses, reflecting the health of local entrepreneurship, innovation, and the community’s commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for startups.
  • Government Policies that Favor Growth–the role of local and state government policies in stimulating economic development, including tax incentives, investment in infrastructure, and support for key industries, contributing to a conducive environment for business and residential expansion.
  • Safety–the overall safety of a community, considering crime rates, public safety initiatives, and the presence of emergency services, to determine the well-being and security of its residents.

“At ADT, we are committed to working with local communities like the ones highlighted in this report to help ensure people feel safe and protected in their homes and businesses,” said DeLu Jackson, ADT’s chief marketing officer.

“Our National Safety and Security Index analysis showed that, adjusting for population density, and crime related alarm triggers, this Best Places list also includes some of the safest towns in the country,” said Tammy Green, director of analytics at ADT. “Using official crime data and our own exclusive customer alarm incident, we are able to see that ADT customers in these areas, whose alarm was triggered due to crime, had, on average, half the number of incidents than the national average.”

To explore the full Best Places to Live list, visit the hub here. Started in 1987, Money’s Best Places to Live is the brand’s longest and most well-known franchise. It’s been featured in movies, shared by prominent politicians, and shaped national discourse around what citizen’s value most in a place to live. This year’s Best Places to Live uses numerous data sources that featured cost of living and job growth, along with hundreds of hours of research to create a spotlight of 50 communities across the country.

Money has a 50-plus-year legacy of guiding people to financial victories with up-to-date information, education, and tools. Money.com, a digital destination, helps create richer lives for everyone—in every sense of the word. Signature franchises include a bevy of Best-In categories such as Best Places to Live, Best Colleges, Best Life Insurance, Best Auto Insurance and Best Homeowner Insurance, with an aim to improve your finances and promote your well-being.

About ADT:
ADT provides safe, smart and sustainable solutions for people, homes and small businesses. Through innovative offerings, unrivaled safety and a premium customer experience, all delivered by the largest networks of smart home security professionals in the U.S., we empower people to protect and connect to what matters most, every second, every day. For more information, visit adt.com.

1 Source: Tech Insights, “Analysis – Top 10 US Interactive Security Providers – May 2023”

SOURCE Money

Lowcountry

Joint Base Charleston selects “Hometown Hero” for Thunderbirds F-16 Flight

April 16, 2024 by 1 Comment
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JB Charleston selects “Hometown Hero” for Thunderbirds F-16 flight

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. – Joint Base Charleston named Teresa Chrapkiewicz as this year’s Hometown Hero, recognizing her remarkable character and significant contributions to the Charleston community.

Teresa Chrapkiewicz, a dedicated teacher, published author, Air Force veteran, community volunteer and the first female Navajo pilot, has been selected for this extraordinary opportunity.

The announcement was made by Col Michael Freeman, 628th Air Base Wing commander, who surprised Teresa at work in front of her colleagues, highlighting her exceptional service and dedication to the Lowcountry.

“Teresa stood out among hundreds of nominees for her selflessness and impact on the community, making her well-deserved of our Hometown Hero title.” Freeman said.

JB Charleston received 17 separate Hometown Hero nominations for Chrapkiewicz from fellow teachers, volunteers, and her students. Not only is Teresa a science teacher at Rise Academy, a secondary alternative education program, but she also dedicates her weekends to feeding and praying for the hungry through River Ministry, a program she co-founded with a close friend.

“My science teacher works very hard,” said one of Teresa’s students who submitted a nomination letter on her behalf. “Mrs. Chrapkiewicz speaks to me like a mother and a friend. She is wise and always willing to help me.”

Teresa actively supports the South Carolina Department of Children Advocacy and is involved with the Cass, Elias MacArthur Guardian Ad Litem program, supporting children in the Summerville court system.

She holds the distinction of being the first Navajo female pilot to obtain a pilot’s license and has authored a children’s book detailing her journey. Additionally, Teresa volunteers at local schools, sharing her book and encouraging the next generation to pursue their dreams, particularly aspiring aviators.

Furthermore, Teresa is a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served in the Reserve at Luke Air Force Base and the Arizona Air National Guard as a life support technician.

In January, JB Charleston sought nominations for a Hometown Hero and received more than 200 nominations to ride in the back seat of a Thunderbird F-16 on April 18, leading up to the “Heroes of Flight” Airshow on April 20-21. Nominees were required to be members of the Charleston community who have had a major impact locally.

“I’m so thankful for this opportunity. I’m thankful for my friends who nominated me and I give glory to my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, I wouldn’t have had my dreams come true without him.” Chrapkiewicz said.

Media will have the opportunity to cover the Hometown Hero flight on April 19, so please save the date! RSVPs are required for media to attend. Members of the media should contact Public Affairs via email at 628.abw.pa@us.af.mil to reserve their credentials.

Please inform us of your attendance no later than Monday, April 10, 2024. For security purposes, walk-up registration will not be accepted. We look forward to hosting you at the Heroes of Flight Airshow!

For more information on the Charleston Airshow, visit www.airshowcharleston.com. The Charleston Air Show gates will open at 9 a.m. and close before 4 p.m. on both days. Free parking passes and premium seating tickets are now available.

Lowcountry

7 Restaurants in Charleston County receive a C Rating during inspections in March and April, 2024 (Tracker Included)

April 15, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Not only is Charleston and the surrounding areas known for the quality of food, but also the quality of its establishments. Over 98% of restaurants in the area have an A rating, but a few since March, 2024 have fallen short on restaurant quality.

Here is a list of restaurants in Charleston County that received a C Rating for their March/April 2024 inspection:

  • Good Food Catering – 17 Lockwood Avenue, Charleston, SC
  • IHOP #3518 – 771 Daniel Ellis Drive, Charleston, SC
  • Lowlife Bar – 106 East Hudson Avenue, Folly Beach, SC
  • New China Wok – 1001 Harbor View Road, Charleston, SC
  • Pho Saigon – 1739 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC
  • Queology – 6 North Market Street, Charleston, SC
  • Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano – 1302 Meeting Street, Road, Charleston, SC

List of Restaurants with B Ratings for March and April, 2024:

  • A Dough Re Mi Pizzaria – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • Art’s Bar and Grill – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • Bangkok Thai – Charleston, SC
  • Barsa – Charleston, SC
  • Bumpa’s – North Charleston, SC
  • Charleston Place Hotel – Charleston, SC
  • Charleston Sports Pub JI – Charleston, SC
  • Dog & Duck Parkwest – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • Dulce – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • El Charrito Loco – Charleston, SC
  • Eli’s Table – Charleston, SC
  • Glass Onion – Charleston, SC
  • Golden Bowl – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • Great Wall LLC – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • Hyatt Place – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • Hyman’s Seafood Company – Charleston, SC
  • Javanino’s Pizzeria – Charleston, SC
  • Kairos Greek Kitchen – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • Lowdown Oven & Bar – James Island, SC / Charleston, SC
  • Mango Tree CHS – Charleston, SC
  • Mazfresco Supermarket – North Charleston, SC
  • Planet Follywood – Folly Beach, SC
  • Poke Brothers Inc – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • Tasty Thai & Sushi – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • The Bent Rod – Mcclellanville, SC
  • The Mill Street Tavern – Mount Pleasant, SC
  • The Washout – Folly Beach, SC
  • Three Little Birds – West Ashley, SC / Charleston, SC
  • Tin Roof – West Ashley, SC / Charleston, SC

Click HERE for the South Carolina Food Rating Tracker to learn how your favorite restaurant was rated and why.

Lowcountry

Whataburger will open 3 locations in South Carolina in 2024

April 14, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Whataburger officials have announced there will be 3 new South Carolina locations in 2024 and 2 more undisclosed locations in 2025. Here are the details of the 3 new locations in our state:

  • Irmo, South Carolina – The store at 1185 Dutch Fork Rd in Irmo will open this summer.
  • Columbia, South Carolina: Officials broke ground last Friday for the Columbia location at 202 Bridgeberry Lane and expects to open it in the fall.
  • Lexington, South Carolina: The Lexington location at 888 S. Lake Drive will open in late fall.

In addition, Whataburger has announced it will open two more restaurants in South Carolina in 2025, but has yet to confirm when or where.

Lowcountry

Did you know: North Charleston’s Noisette Creek Pedestrian Bridge was named by Architectural Digest as one of ‘The 11 Most Beautiful Elevated Walkways Through Nature’

April 12, 2024 by 0 Comments
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In a recent article in Architectural Digest, The Battery Park Pedestrian Bridge, known as Noisette Creek Pedestrian Bridge was named one of the 11 most beautiful elevated walkways through nature in the world. This North Charleston gem has become a beloved aesthetic to Riverfront Park and the old Naval Yard.

Was was even more impressive is that the article was published in late August, 2022, before the bridge was even complete.

Click HERE for full article

Courtesy: Thomas Hutton

www.instagram.com/keukastudios


Lowcountry

Adrenaline Monkey Indoor Adventure Park Offering Summer Camp and Founding Membership Deals ahead of its big North Charleston Grand Opening June, 2024

April 12, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Adrenaline Monkey Now Offering Summer Camp and Founding Membership Deals

Scheduled to open June 2024

(North Charleston, SC) April 12th, 2024: Adrenaline Monkey, an indoor adventure park, is now offering founding memberships, summer camp, and event bookings in its new Charleston location. Slated for a soft open in June, Adrenaline Monkey will be the only facility of its kind in the area. Offering ninja courses complete with fog and buzzers, mega boulder wall, gamified ninja runs, soft play, vertical adventures, ninja v ninja trac, warped walls, slides, arcade, and event space, Adrenaline Monkey provides endless opportunities for entertainment with something for all ages, skills and abilities.

Conveniently located across from Tanger Outlets in North Charleston, Adrenaline Monkey offers week-long summer camps for children ages 5-12 that feature activities on ninja courses and climbing walls, nutrition and science interactive demonstrations, and limited time in the arcade. Weekly themes are incorporated that promote teamwork, perseverance, and trying new things. Campers will not only improve their ninja skills and athleticism, but will also become more confident, focused, and empowered leaders. Campers are grouped by age, ability, and interest. Half day and full day options are available.

“Adrenaline Monkey’s camps are meant to entertain, but with purpose. Our indoor and outdoor activities develop both physical and mental skills such as patience, facing fears, body awareness and adaptability,” said founder, Denise Carkhuff. “Our 20,000 square-foot facility provides opportunities other facilities simply can’t offer. We have created a safe space for children of all shapes, sizes and abilities to play, compete, socialize with peers, develop life skills, and have fun!”

A typical day at camp includes adventure course activities, themed training, snack breaks, outdoor activities, mini competitions, and team-based games. Weekly report cards are provided grading each camper on ten physical and ten mental skills creating opportunities for setting goals and celebrating improvement.

In addition to summer camp, founding memberships will be available for a limited time for individuals, both youth and adult, and families. Beginning April 15th, Adrenaline Monkey is allowing new members to lock in discounted lifetime rates. Prices will increase after this date and then again when the facility opens. Memberships provide unlimited access to all adventures, discounts on birthday parties, warrior training classes, camps, and special event pricing! All Access memberships provide members all of the above plus unlimited access to all classes. Members can drop in any time during open hours for a full day or swing in for some afternoon entertainment.

The Adrenaline Monkey concept was born out of inspiration to create a fun and inviting space in the community to allow people of all shapes, sizes and ages to embrace adventure at ninja warrior obstacle courses seen on popular tv shows. “Adrenaline Monkey is not only for athletes or aspiring ninjas, but for anyone wanting to experience adventure in a safe yet exciting way,” says founder Denise Carkhuff. “We’re here to entertain with purposes and empower warriors while positively impacting our communities.”

Founding memberships can be purchased online beginning April 15th at adrenalinemonkeyfun.com/chs. Discounted rates are only available prior to the June opening.

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Inspiring “Adventure For Life”, Adrenaline Monkey is an innovative family adventure park dedicated to empowering guests of all ages, sizes, and abilities through adrenaline-pumping adventures.  Located in Cleveland, OH, Dundee, IL, Geneva, OH, and soon to be North Charleston, each facility includes a myriad of active play and entertainment options including ninja warrior style obstacle courses, aerial courses, climbing walls, and event space.

Lowcountry

North Point Development finalizes plans for 6 million-square-foot industrial space in Hardeeville, South Carolina

April 12, 2024 by 0 Comments
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A development company has purchased an 880-acre economic development in Hardeeville that can house up to 6 million-square-feet of warehouse and industrial space.

The buyer, North Point Development, which has offices in Mount Pleasant and Savannah, is finalizing site plans for the South Atlantic Logistics Terminal, with an anticipated groundbreaking in the first half of 2022.

Phase I of the project represents $ 200 million in capital investment. At full buildout, the project is expected to generate more than 550 jobs.

Principal of North Point Development Mark Hall said the company has worked with the City of Hardeeville, Jasper County and the Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance to make this development happen.

“The combination of a strong market, strong partnerships like these, along with great regional alliances with the Georgia Port Authority and SEDA, we feel we can deliver a great project to the region,” Hall said in a statement.

The South Atlantic Logistics Terminal is located along I-95 and I-17, about 15 minutes from the Port of Savannah.

Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams said the development will “forever change the landscape” of Highway 17 in both Jasper County and Hardeeville.

“This critical corridor running parallel to I-95 between Exit 5 and the new Exit 3 will be known as the road to success for hundreds of the region’s workforce who are looking to achieve a higher quality of life with good-paying jobs heretofore unavailable in this part of the state,” Williams said. “It will also be a valuable source of new funding for our schools, who are looking to attract the best teachers in the state.”

Investments like North Point Developments will help the state attract future investors to the corridor, said Marty Sauls, chairman of Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance.

“Sites like this one will create more opportunity and bring high-quality jobs for the hardworking citizens of South Carolina,” Sauls said in a statement. “I am thankful to our allies at North Point Development, as well as Jasper County and the City of Hardeeville for their partnership and support on this important project.”

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Lowcountry

North Charleston, SC Based SHL Medical Hiring Campaign Attracts Next Generation Manufacturing Employees

April 12, 2024 by 0 Comments
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SHL Medical Drives Innovation, Economic Growth and Job Creation in South Carolina  

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SHL Medical, a pioneering leader in self-injection solutions, is entering a new growth phase with an extensive hiring campaign targeting experienced technicians and manufacturers seeking a fresh, innovative and transformative career in biomedical manufacturing.

This hiring initiative aligns with SHL’s commitment to innovation, introducing cutting-edge technology and marking the establishment of a new plant in North Charleston, with an impact on the South Carolina economy through the creation of new jobs. 

Examples of open positions include: 

  • Injection molding technicians
  • Machine Maintenance Specialists (Electrical, Mechanical, PLC)
  • Facility Maintenance Mechanics / Technicians
  • QC Inspectors
  • Material Handlers

SHL invites dynamic candidates to join the next generation of biomedical manufacturers in South Carolina. In a state rooted in a traditional history of advancing textiles and automotive manufacturing, SHL positions itself as a key player in reshaping the biomanufacturing industry. SHL is a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced drug delivery systems, specializing in autoinjectors, pen injectors and innovative specialty delivery systems for various medical formulations, ultimately enhancing patient experiences and enabling greater independence in managing their healthcare. 

Beyond offering job opportunities, this hiring campaign empowers employees to take ownership of their careers and contribute to a transformative industry revolution. 

“At SHL, we’re not just offering jobs, we’re seeking candidates who want to be part of something transformative, to pioneer the future of biomanufacturing,” says SHL Medical Director of HR Carter Bright. “SHL offers employees a chance to own their own careers, to grow and be part of a thriving industry on the cutting edge of science and technology.”

Driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, the company boasts long-standing experience and a strong track record of facilitating combination product launches, backed by scalable, global manufacturing excellence.

“Joining SHL means immersing yourself in a dynamic and innovative team. We’re extending an opportunity for potential candidates to mold their career and play a pivotal role in our groundbreaking approach to manufacturing—where your contributions directly influence the evolution of healthcare solutions and change lives,” adds SHL Medical Head of Operations Mark Anderson.

To see a full list of openings, click here to review the N. Charleston location positions.

About SHL Medical
As a world-leading solutions provider of advanced drug delivery systems, SHL Medical is the partner of choice for many leading pharma and biotech companies. Driven by our company purpose – Enabling Patients’ Independence – we offer patient-centric solutions for the design, development, and manufacturing of autoinjectors, pen injectors, as well as innovative specialty delivery systems for large-volume and high-viscosity formulations. We also offer final assembly, labeling, and packaging solutions for our drug delivery systems.   

In response to the rising trend in home therapy, SHL has increased developmental work in the digital healthcare sector to help improve the drug delivery ecosystem.  

Located across Switzerland, Taiwan, Sweden, and the US, our global team of experts collaborate seamlessly as one team in utilizing our comprehensive in-house manufacturing capabilities. Our solutions offer customization and optimization for each project while proactively weaving sustainability-driven measures into our designs and processes to contribute to a cleaner earth. 

For additional information, visit www.shl-medical.com 

Lowcountry

10 Charleston County Captains Clinch Top Honors Winning the International Angler’s Choice Awards

April 11, 2024 by 0 Comments
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FishingBooker, the world’s largest platform connecting anglers with fishing guides, proudly announces the winners of the 2024  Angler’s Choice Award. The yearly award was first given in 2015 and is meant to recognize the exceptional service and dedication of captains who consistently deliver outstanding fishing experiences to their customers.

From 7,910 captains on the platform, only 537, or 6.8% stood out for their excellence 

In Charleston County,10 captains received the award out of a total of 84 guides partnering with FishingBooker. That means that 12% of local guides are world-class captains, well above the national average. These captains have demonstrated exceptional customer service, reliability, and the highest quality fishing trips.

When looking at the states with the highest share of Angler’s Choice Award winners, South Carolina ranked third overall, with 13.7% of Angler’s Choice winning captains.

The full list of the fishing guides in no particular order is: 

Charleston

  • Danny Carrier of Mudbug Charters
  • Brian Finnegan of Heritage Fishing Charters

Mount Pleasant

  • Brian Garris of Flood Tide Charters 
  • Cody Dakin of Top Predator Adventures 
  • Kaleb Sherlin of Captain Kaleb Charters
  • Todd Gough of Fishnut Charters
  • Dan Denton of Fin & Tonic Charters
  • Michael Whitesides of Salty Angler Fishing Charters

Johns Island

  • Stephen Storey of Sunshine Charters of Charleston

Seabrook Island

  • Chris Keen of Keen Eye Charters Inshore/Offshore

When asked about the influence of the Angler’s Choice Awards, Captain Michael Whitesides of Salty Angler Fishing Charters says: “I mention the award 100% of the time. I also advertise it on all my social media sites. It just goes to show all the hard work and dedication that pays off in the end so why not brag about it! It also provides the customer peace of mind knowing that they’re gonna get a top-notch experience!”

To qualify the captains must meet strict criteria consistently throughout the year. These criteria include:

  • A review score of 4.8 or higher based on 10 or more verified reviews
  • A reliability score of 98% or higher
  • A response rate of 98% or higher to booking requests within 24 hours
  • Full business verification, ensuring legal compliance and safety standards

You can find more information about the Angler’s Choice Award, as well as a full ranking of all 31 states by share of winners, here.

About FishingBooker:

With an offer of more than 42,000 fishing trips spanning over 2,000 cities across 110 countries, FishingBooker has gained the trust of countless fishing enthusiasts. Our platform has enabled hundreds of thousands of anglers to embark on fishing trips and create long-lasting memories with friends and family across the US – and beyond. By connecting anglers with skilled captains and the best fishing locations, we are committed to making fishing accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Chris Keen

Cody Dakin of Top Predator Adventures

Dan Denton of Fin & Tonic Charters

Michael Whitesides of Salty Angler Fishing Charters

Captain Danny Carrier of Mudbug Charters
Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Area Gen Zers to Spend Over $155,000 on Rent Before Hitting 30. What If They Switched to Homeownership?

April 11, 2024 by 0 Comments
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If you’re a Gen Zer renting in Charleston, you’re likely to shell out a whopping $155,600 on rent by the time you hit the big 3-0 — the 2nd highest amount in all of the Southeast. However, homeownership turns out even pricier. 

A new RentCafe study delves into historical housing costs and spending patterns in nearly 200 U.S. metros, using IPUMS data. Specifically, we looked at how much Gen Z and Millennialsspend on renting or owning a home by the time they reach 30.   

Here’s what the data says about Charleston: 

  • The $155,000+ spent on rent by Charleston’s Gen Zers in their 20s is enough to buy a new Tesla. But if they were to buy a home instead, the total costs — including mortgage rates andother fees, but excluding the down payment — would soar to nearly $180,000, the highest cost in the Southeast. 
     
  • However, the $24,000 gap between renting and owning costs in Charleston is smaller than in places like Myrtle Beach, SC; Greenville, SC; or Raleigh, NC (and notably lower than the$42,000 gap faced by Millennials at age 30). 
     
  • Plus, Gen Zers in Charleston are expected to have the 4th highest income in the Southeast by the time they hit 30, at $532,800. This makes it even easier for Charleston Zoomers toswitch from renting to owning a home (provided they have the down payment). 
     
  • In Charleston, Millennials navigating their 20s spent less when it came to renting a place ($131,400) or owning a home ($173,400). However, they also earned less than their youngerpeers by age 30 ($514,000). 

This full article contains more details on Gen Zers’ rent and homeownership expenses, as well as how they compare with Millennials. Here’s the link: https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/gen-z-rent-by-30/