Charleston, SC, known as 'The Holy City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Charleston County, Charleston is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Savannah (108 miles) and Columbia (114 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Charleston's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Charleston is home to several iconic landmarks, including the historic Charleston City Market, the picturesque Waterfront Park, and the scenic Battery Promenade. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Magnolia Plantation and Gardens to the bustling King Street, known for its shopping and dining. Charleston's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Lowcountry cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Spoleto Festival USA and the Charleston Wine + Food Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Charleston's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like the College of Charleston contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Charleston is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Charleston Museum and the Dock Street Theatre are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Charleston provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Charleston’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Charleston RiverDogs (MiLB) and the Charleston Battery (USL), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Charleston include healthcare, education, and tourism, with significant employers such as MUSC Health and Boeing driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and bike-sharing programs, making it easy to get around.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of South Carolina, Charleston is a medium-sized city with a population of 137,041 residents. The majority of Charleston residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Charleston is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 49% married, this city falls well below the national average. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Charleston, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 23 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Charleston could be a positive experience compared to other cities in South Carolina if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Charleston and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the South Carolina and national averages.
Charleston has a livability score of 76/100 and is ranked #17 in South Carolina and #2,673 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Charleston ranks well in multiple categories! Charleston also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we know that Charleston ranks very well for education (A-), employment (A-) and housing (A-). Charleston does not do well for the following: cost of living (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're living in Charleston, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Charleston an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Charleston: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston Waterfront Park, and The Calhoun Mansion.
The unemployment rate in Charleston has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.25%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Charleston market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Charleston is real estate affordability. The median home price for Charleston homes is $349,000, which is 143% higher than the South Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Charleston, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.8, which is 54.8% higher than the South Carolina average.
| Statistic | Charleston | South Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.3% | 82.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.4% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.8% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.2% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.1% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
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