Cost of Living in Charleston, S.C. vs. other U.S. Cities (35 City Comparison)

March 5, 2018 by 8 Comments
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The debate about cost of living increases in Charleston has come under tremendous scrutiny and pressure the last few years.  Many speculate that this region is taking advantage of the recent notoriety and utilizing opportunism to raise prices across the board on housing, leisure and taxation.  We wanted to see if there was validity to the concerns.

We reviewed cost of living in Charleston and weighed it against some of the large and mid-sized U.S. cities to see how we compare.  The results may surprise you.

To provide some reference, Numbeo has provided the cities with the highest cost of living globally.  The top cities in the United States are:

  • New York City, NY
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Anchorage, AK
  • Honolulu, HI
  • Brooklyn, NY
  • Rockville, MD
  • Bloomington, IN
  • Washington D.C.
  • Santa Rosa, CA
  • Arlington, VA

Annual Costs needed for a family of 2 adults and 2 children – 35 City Comparison

  • Memphis, TN – $52,971
  • Hilton Head, SC – $54,913
  • Oklahoma City, OK – $55,496
  • Myrtle Beach, SC – $58,649
  • Charleston – $60,067
  • Houston, TX – $60,608
  • Louisville, KY – $60,764
  • Cleveland, OH – $60,900
  • Dallas, TX – $61,150
  • Salt Lake City, UT – $62,003
  • Birmingham, AL – $63,041
  • Savannah, GA – $63,335
  • Orlando, FL – $63,516
  • Atlanta, GA – $63,888
  • Santa Fe, NM – $63,909
  • Austin, TX – $64,657
  • Pittsburgh, PA – $64,691
  • Charlotte, NC – $65,492
  • Jacksonville, FL – $66,321
  • Raleigh, NC – $66,470
  • Portland, OR – $67,802
  • Richmond, VA – $68,845
  • Minneapolis, MN – $69,636
  • Denver, CO – $71,104
  • Chicago, IL – $71.995
  • Seattle, WA – $72,274
  • Virginia Beach, VA / Norfolk, VA – $73,994
  • San Diego, CA – $74,425
  • Madison, WI – $75,252
  • Boulder, CO – $76,017
  • Philadelphia, PA – $76,393
  • Hartford, CT – $81,623
  • Boston, MA – $85,793
  • New York City, NY – $98,722
  • Washington, D.C. – $106,493

35 city average:  $70,813

Charleston, South Carolina – $60,067 (85% against the average) and the fifth (5th) lowest on the list of 35 reviewed cities.

*Data provided by EPI.org

Puccini’s Tosca comes to the Gaillard

March 2, 2018 by 0 Comments
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Star-studded production of Puccini’s Tosca comes to the Gaillard
A gala performance to benefit Charleston arts organizations
CHARLESTON, March 1, 2018 – Daniel Island Performing Arts Center- Daniel Island Performing Arts Center announces that it is partnering with the City of Charleston and Charleston Symphony Orchestra to present a gala benefit performance of Puccini’s heart-pounding thriller Tosca, one of the world’s most popular and frequently performed operas. Boasting a powerhouse leading cast that has appeared in their respective roles on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, the production promises a “not to be missed” event on the Charleston arts calendar.
A special collaboration
The gala benefit performance of Tosca will serve to support area arts organizations including the Daniel Island Performing Arts Center, its contributing organizations and Charleston Symphony Orchestra. A unique collaborative effort, this performance of Tosca represents a partnering of Charleston’s considerable artistic and musical resources with visiting artists of international renown. Mayor John Tecklenburg, commenting on the enormous potential of the collaboration added, “We are thrilled to be a partner in this exceptional event. Charleston is home to a vibrant arts community, and I look forward to the opportunity for our citizens to enjoy the sounds of Tosca while contributing to a great cause.”Producing Director Scott Flaherty, the artistic force behind Charleston’s acclaimed, sold-out performances of Bizet’s Carmen featuring Metropolitan Opera star Denyce Graves has assembled the production and will stage direct. Musical direction falls to maestro Michael Recchiuti, one of the notably gifted American conductors of his generation. The duo will lead more than 125 artists in bringing to life one of Puccini’s most magnificent and enduring scores. Said Flaherty, “We have put together a truly first-rate cast, one that could be heard on the great opera stages of the world on a given evening. Charleston is in for a real treat!”

Nigel Redden, Executive Director of Spoleto Festival USA, offered enthusiastic support for the compelling production declaring, “Charleston deserves to have opera productions throughout the year. I applaud the team mounting Tosca.”
A star-studded cast
Heading a star-studded cast of principal artists is internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano, Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs, who came to renown in the title role of Tosca with an international broadcast from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera for Sirius Satellite Radio. The villainous Baron Scarpia is baritone Mark Delevan, who has made a touchstone of the role with major opera companies around the world including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera and a national PBS telecast of Live from Lincoln Center.The opera
At the heart of Puccini’s epic dramatic struggle of political power is a love triangle involving a fiery prima donna, her political rebel lover and a chief of police whose treachery is limitless in his lustful pursuit of Tosca. Set against the backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion of Italy, Puccini’s beloved masterpiece is chock-full of soaring melodies and some of the most beautiful arias to be heard in all of opera. Tosca will be presented Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 7:30 pm at Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC. Purchase tickets at the Gaillard Center Box Office, GaillardCenter.org or by calling (843) 242-3099.
About Daniel Island Performing Arts Center
The Daniel Island Performing Arts Center will serve as a vibrant gathering space in the heart of the growing metro Charleston community. A center of artistic innovation, DIPAC will offer sponsored programs featuring visiting artists of international stature while serving as an incubator for the development of innovative new works in music, theater and dance that will make the DIPAC a destination location for the arts. A non-profit 501(c)(3), DIPAC will be at the forefront of reforming traditional arts education with its in-residence entities and bold educational outreach initiatives. DIPAC will feature a 600-seat proscenium theater, exhibition/event spaces, meeting areas, rehearsal/classroom spaces and multi-purpose rooms. The facility will support a variety of businesses, community organizations, restaurants, shops and hotels in the central business district of Daniel Island.
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Contact:
Betsy Brabham, Director of Advancement
Daniel Island Performing Arts Center
Phone: 843-284-1106
betsy.brabham@danielislandpac.com
danielislandpac.com

 

Bank of America Offers Card Holders Free Admission to Gibbes Museum of Art – First Weekend of Every Month

March 2, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Bank of America card holders are offered a unique opportunity to bring more culture into their lives for free the first weekend of every month.

“Museums are a source of education, emotion and creative inspiration. Now in its 21st year, this distinctive program offers Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust credit and debit card holders the opportunity to visit more than 200 of the most popular cultural institutions in the United States free of charge on the first full weekend of every month.” – Bank of America Website

Of the more than 200 participating museums, Charleston, South Carolina is proud to include the Gibbes Museum of Art as a participating member.

Normal admission is $15.00 (adult), $13.00 Seniors (62+), $10.00 College Students, $6.00 Youth, so this is a wonderful opportunity to bring the family and experience a level of history like no other at no cost.

Complete Offer Details

 

Apple Maps activates Transit directions in South Carolina

February 28, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Apple recently enabled Apple Maps public transit data for major metropolitan areas in South Carolina as part of ongoing efforts to build out its mapping service, granting users access to bus timetables, schedules and routes.

Available in a number of cities, including Charleston, Columbia and Greenville, Transit directions in South Carolina provide iOS and macOS users the ability to plan trips, create routes and view schedules for local public transport operations.

Apple’s iOS Feature Availability website has not yet been updated to reflect the recent addition, but a quick check shows bus data is now active in heavily trafficked areas within the state.

In the capital of Columbia, for example, Apple Maps now furnishes timetable and route data for The COMET, a relatively new transit service that boasts real-time bus locators, free Wi-Fi and more. The port city of Charleston is also represented with information gleaned from the Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA), while users in Greenville now have access to Greenlink bus data.

The new public transportation data complements Amtrak integration first added in 2016.

It appears Apple has yet to incorporate 3D renderings of larger bus and train stations in its maps app, a feature that displays clearly demarcated entrances and exits for fast on-foot travel.

After ditching Google’s mapping technology in favor of its own service, Apple reinstated Transit data into iOS with the release of iOS 9. Building a transit data platform from scratch, the tech giant leaned on IP acquired through purchases like HopStop and Embark, though the feature has been slow to roll out.

Similar to other navigation solutions, Apple Maps Transit provides routes, departure times and other relevant data for buses, trains, ferries and other forms of public transportation. In addition to local schedules, users can access top-down views of select underground subway and train stations.

Apple continues to build out coverage for Transit after launching the service with relatively sparse support in the U.S. and China. Beyond major cities in the U.S., Apple is concentrating Transit efforts across the UK and Japan.

Lowcountry Go, South Carolina’s First Commuter Service Program Launches on February 27, 2018

February 26, 2018 by 0 Comments
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MEDIA ALERT:

WHAT: Commuters in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties will have access to a better trip to work with the launch of the Lowcountry Go commuter services program. Lowcountry Go, or Low Go, connects tri-county residents with real commuting solutions such as carpools, vanpools, emergency rides home and more via a website, web app and BCDCOG staff guidance. The program launches this week.

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.

WHO: Event speakers:

  • Ron Mitchum, BCDCOG Executive Director
  • Doug Frate, SCDOT Deputy Secretary of Intermodal & Freight Programs
  • Anton J. Gunn, MUSC Health Chief Diversity Officer & Executive Director of Community Health Innovation
  • Vic Rawl, Charleston County Council Chairman

WHERE: MUSC Greenway at 101 Doughty St, Charleston, SC 29403. To arrange interviews, please email dbrock@rawlemurdy.com or call (919) 820-2612.

WHY: A regional partnership between BCDCOG, SCDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, large employers and stakeholders, Lowcountry Go’s goal is to reduce congestion on area roads and improve quality of life. Non-fun fact: a recent regional survey found 90 percent of workers commute alone.

NOTE: Parking is available in the President Street and Jonathan Lucas Street garages.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniel Brock
Rawle Murdy Associates
(919) 820-2612
dbrock@rawlemurdy.com

Food & Bev - James & John's Islands, SC - Mount Pleasant, SC - North Charleston, SC

12 Must Not Miss Charleston, SC Area Food Deals

February 25, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Every day is an adventure in Charleston, South Carolina.  In a foodie wonderland such as we are in this little Southern Slice of Heaven, finding that truly great food deal is a treasure.

Like any great pirate treasure, it must begin with a map.  Your map has arrived.  Here is a list of nine (9) great food days you cannot miss here in Charleston.

Twelve (12) Great Charleston, SC Area Food Deals

Downtown Charleston

  • Fast and French – 98 Broad Street, Charleston, SC – Fondue Thursdays – Choice of 6 types of fondue with choice of soup or salad and assorted breads – $15.50 – $16.00 – Great for sharing
  • Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub – 160 Church Street, Charleston, SC – $12.99 All You Can Eat Fish and Chips every Friday
  • Bay Street Biergarten – 549 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC – Half Price Burger Night on Mondays
  • Rutledge Cab Company – 1300 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC – $5.00 Burgers All Day and Night every Monday
  • Edmunds Oast – 1081 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC – Sundays and Mondays – Half Price Bottles of Wine (Even the Big Bottles
  • Brown Dog Deli – 225 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC – Half Price Burgers Every Friday

North Charleston

  • Sake House – 4952 Centre Point Drive #112, North Charleston, SC / 9770 Dorchester Road, Unit 103, Summerville, SC – Selected Sushi Rolls and Appetizers – Half Price after 3:00 PM every Tuesday

Mount Pleasant

West Ashley

  • Early Bird Diner – 1644 Savannah Highway, West Ashley, SC – $5.00 All You Can Eat Pancakes every Friday (Note:  They are open until 3 AM on Friday, but the special ends at midnight)

Folly Beach

  • Snapper Jack’s – 10 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC – Half Price on All Sushi Rolls and Special Appetizers on Thursday

James Island

  • The Lowdown Oven & Bar – 967 Folly Road, James Island, SC – Half Price wine and half price specialty pizza pie every Wednesday all day long

Summerville

Daily Charleston Deals

Charleston Brunch Guide

Enjoy these great deals, Charleston style

Charleston Spotlight: From History Buff to Carriage Guide – Intimate Interview with John Polk

February 25, 2018 by 5 Comments
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By Juliette Cheatham

“You might not expect someone to say the best place they’ve ever been is a town with a population less than 1000 people. But it’s true, Plains, Georgia was one of the best.” John Polk told me assuredly through his thick southern drawl. Mr. Polk was referring to his opportunity to go to church with President and Mrs. Carter and attend a Sunday school class taught by the former president. “Plains is place a lot like the one I grew up in” he explained to me in response to my quizzical look, “and President Carter was in office when I was born.”

Born and raised in the small town of Hampton, South Carolina just west of Charleston, there wasn’t much around besides stories about ancestors long past and ancient war heroes of the south. “I’m honestly not sure where my love for history originated” Polk confessed “but being from a small historic town with not much to do, I grew up appeasing my boredom by going to museums, monuments, old plantations-I often found myself at the library reading books about war.” Mr. Polk’s infatuation led him to focus his academic studies on history at North Greenville College.

“So how did you end up here, on a carriage attached to a horse on Market Street?” It seems an eccentric career path even for someone with John’s unique character. Mr. Polk saw an ad for a job as a carriage driver in the paper and knew that an amalgamation of his extensive knowledge of South Carolina history and love for sharing it with others would make him an ideal carriage guide.

The carriage company offered on the job training with the horses, how to care for them, and how to steer the carriage it’s self. “You would know in the first day or so if you wanted to do it. Driving the carriages can be frustrating at times because you’re not only giving an “engaging” tour”, he told me with a smirk “but also paying attention to traffic, tourists, and the streets.” Mr. Polk has been lucky enough never to have an incident with a horse getting spooked, but he humbly added that it doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

John Polk has been a historian/carriage guide combo for the past decade at Carolina Polo and Carriage Company and Classic Carriage Works, LLC. A well-known local, you honestly couldn’t miss him from a mile away sporting a wide brimmed straw hat covered in decorative pins and feathers and moving with the same slow confidence he speaks with. He doesn’t go anywhere without the Lieutenant Governor Miss Miley Dog, his noble companion. It was clear she is equally as mellow and well known around the city as she patiently sat next to me on the carriage the entire time I spoke to Mr. Polk with passing patrons stopping by to pet her.

Turning passions into lucrative careers is a tedious venture that many are not lucky enough to figure out. Mr. Polk’s passion for the history makes him stand out as one of the most requested carriage guides in town. A true southern gentleman, he is a walking encyclopedia of historical facts. If you want to brush up on some South Carolina history, be sure to hop on a carriage with John and his Lieutenant Governor.

Down to the River to Pray – How Bad is Gun Violence in the United States

February 21, 2018 by 0 Comments
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O sinners, let’s go down; Down in the river to pray; As I went down in the river to pray; Studying about that good old way; And who shall wear the robe and crown; Good Lord, show me the way! – Down to the River to Pray
Yesterday, a Leon’s Poultry and Oyster’s Shop employee threatened to “do a Virginia’s” during altercation, police report says.  Amidst this and the national school shooting in Florida and church shooting in Sutherland Springs, TX, gun control has once again become a hot topic in the United States.  This evening CNN is holding a televised Town Hall that will include representatives from the NRA and anti-gun activists looking at both sides of the debate and enhancing the public sentiment.  We took some time to gather some telling facts that indicates we have a serious concern in the United States and not one that will soon go away.  Whether it is legislation, awareness, family values, religion or something else, fear is alive and well and we need some solutions.
Important Facts Related to Gun Violence in the United States

  • America has 4.4 percent of the world’s population, but almost half of the civilian-owned guns around the world

  • There have been more than 1,500 mass shootings since Sandy Hook

  • On average, there is more than one mass shooting for each day in America

  • States with more guns have more gun deaths

  • States with tighter gun control laws have fewer gun-related deaths

  • Most gun deaths are suicides

  • Support for gun ownership has sharply increased since the early ’90s

The number of school shootings that have happened since the year 2000 around the world:
  • England – 0
  • Greece – 1
  • Netherlands – 1
  • Spain – 1
  • India – 1
  • Argentina – 1
  • Russia – 1
  • China – 3
  • Mexico – 4
  • Australia – 5
  • Canada – 5
  • Germany – 5
  • South Africa – 5
  • United States of America – 212

 

Homicides by firearm per 1 million people

  • Australia 1.4
  • New Zealand 1.6
  • Germany 1.9
  • Austria 2.2
  • Denmark 2.7
  • Netherlands 3.3
  • Sweden 4.1
  • Finland 4.5
  • Ireland 4.8
  • Canada 5.1
  • Luxembourg 6.2
  • Belgium 6.8
  • Switzerland 7.7
  • USA ?? 29.7

UNODC, Small Arms Survey

Global Prison Breakdown

Half of the world’s prison population of about nine million is held in the US, China or Russia.  Prison rates in the US are the world’s highest, at 737 people per 100,000 and the occupancy rate is 107.6% (Almost 8% over capacity).  Of the top 17 nations, 13 are overcapacity (China could not be determined).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southeastern Wildlife Expo sets record in South Carolina

February 20, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. –The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition says it had record sales for a second consecutive year in South Carolina.

The annual three-day event wrapped up Sunday in Charleston.

Organizers estimate about 45,000 people attended. That’s ahead of last year’s estimate of 43,000. Last year’s attendance broke the record of 42,000 set in 1993.

Expo Chief Executive Jimmy Huggins said Monday he hopes the event heralds a good tourism season for Charleston this year.

Organizers said there had been a 15 percent increase in advance ticket sales and a 40 percent increase in weekend art sales.