Charleston, SC


76 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
Charleston, SC

About Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina is a vibrant and beautiful city located in the southeastern United States. Here locals and visitors alike can enjoy the city’s unique culture, architecture, food, beaches and historical sites. The city offers plenty of activities from taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of historic downtown to exploring one of the many museums or visiting some of the area’s popular attractions like Fort Sumter or Patriots Point. With its excellent schools, thriving businesses and plenty of recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Charleston their home. There are also numerous dining options, shopping centers and entertainment venues available for those looking for some fun! Large metro area set in the coastal plains and rivers of the Southeast region. Primary industries include tourism and manufacturing. Noteworthy features include shoreline and retirement destination. - Located on the coast of South Carolina, along the Atlantic Ocean, 110 miles southeast of Columbia and 200 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina..

Location Details

Zip Codes: 29412, 29414, 29407, 29403, 29455, 29492, 29401, 29450, 29409, 29424, 10 total
Cost of Living: 12.0% higher
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Elevation: 10 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Charleston.
Find A Top Agent

Dig Deeper on Charleston

The Charleston, SC metro area is a place full of history and beautiful sights. It's located on the southeastern coast of South Carolina. The city itself was founded way back in 1670, making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. This area has seen a lot of important events, especially during the American Revolution and the Civil War. Walking through Charleston, you'll see lots of historic buildings that have been carefully preserved.

Geographically, Charleston is set on a peninsula flanked by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, with the Atlantic Ocean nearby. This gives the area gorgeous beaches and marshlands. Nearby barrier islands like Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are great spots for outdoor fun and relaxation. The climate here is subtropical, meaning hot, humid summers and mild winters, but it's also prone to hurricanes now and then.

When it comes to the economy, Charleston is buzzing. It's known for industries such as aerospace, with big names like Boeing having facilities here, and automotive manufacturing, including a Volvo plant. Healthcare, tourism, and technology are also big players in the local economy. The Port of Charleston is a key part of this, being one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. There's also a strong military presence, adding to the economic mix.

Politics in Charleston can be quite mixed. Historically, the area has leaned more towards the Democratic Party, but there's a noticeable Republican presence too. Elections here can get pretty competitive, reflecting a mix of conservative and liberal views among the residents.

For those living in Charleston or thinking about moving here, there's never a dull moment. The city boasts a lively arts and culture scene, with galleries, theaters, and music venues aplenty. Nature lovers can enjoy the stunning beaches, parks, and waterways, perfect for boating, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun. Charleston is also famous for its food festivals, like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, showcasing the area's delicious cuisine.

New residents should be ready for the warm and humid weather, especially in summer. It's also wise to be prepared for hurricane season. While the cost of living here might be higher compared to other parts of South Carolina, especially in sought-after neighborhoods, many find it worth it for the quality of life Charleston offers. Traffic can be heavy at times, so plan accordingly. But overall, Charleston is a welcoming place with a strong community vibe, excellent schools, and healthcare facilities.

In summary, living in the Charleston, SC metro area means being surrounded by history, enjoying beautiful natural landscapes, and benefiting from a dynamic economy. It's a place where the past and present merge, offering a unique lifestyle to its residents.

Charleston Cost of Living
$$$$

Shoreline, mild winters, and excel health resources make Charleston a great place to live.

$493,200
+31.4% higher than avg
$76,556
+9.8% higher than avg
$1,790 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+20.1% higher than avg
Charleston Crime
35.9 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Charleston, South Carolina
$94,680
for a family
$63,600
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Charleston
   Shoreline
Stifling humidity
   Mild winters
Hurricanes, quakes
   Excel health resources
Occasional traffic jams
Reviews for Charleston
    See all (76)

Over 1 years ago

Charleston is beautiful and unique and incredibly special. If you don't believe me, just ask Anthony Bourdain in his Parts Unknown episode - and he was an insightful  More

   |    Reply

Serious lack of health care and "good old boys club" whereby doctors will not even see the patient but diagnose them based on referring doctor. My sister died there for  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

Boy, has this once beautiful town changed...for the worse! I initially moved here 20 years ago because the people were so nice, no traffic, great choice of hospitals,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Charleston

Cost of Living
Compare Charleston, SC
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Charleston, South Carolina to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.