living in charleston sc - 1/15/2012

I have lived in charleston sc for the last 3 yrs. Like any other cities it has its good and bad points. I love the weather and the beaches. There is a lot of history here and Charlestonians take a great deal of pride in their history. I always find something to do here. There is reasonable housing here but you need to know the area. South Carolina, in my opinion, does not have the best schools,if I had school age kids I would not move here. They have universities and other schools of higher education and they are quite good but local schools are lacking. The job prospects are not good here but with the right skills and education you can succeed. I am retired so for me it works. SC has alot to offer it just needs to elect people who can bring in the jobs and grow the city.

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Moving - 10/1/2011

Hi, I visited Charleston this past week, fell in love with it, and will be living here, full time in a week.

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Keep away if you value your sanity!! - 9/26/2011

Abysmally atrocious infrastructure (ie traffic flow, road care, etc), horrific public schools (that teach only SC history...really.), narrow-minded, slow-witted and downright ignorant citizens. And worst of all, people are just happy/okay with the state of the place--who cares if it takes 4o minutes to travel 5 miles due to the staggering traffic jams?Who cares if our children are among the dumbest and most illiterate in the country? The list goes on. I never understood the stereotype of 'Southerners' until I lived in this state; and this place proves it all true...it makes me embarrassed to say I was born in Florida, since that's considered the South, as well. Besides, downtown offers no parking to see the sights, the beaches have one road in and one road out (do the math on that for summertime visitors) and offer only brown silty water and trash-laden sand, anyway. There are many charming, friendly, pleasant places to live on the Southern coasts of the U.S., but Charleston is NOT one of them.

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trying to figure out best place for me - 9/10/2011

I would like to relocate to a more affordable area with lower property taxes and to a city that still has culture, diversity, music and art scene...that is chic, hip and still earthy. I currently live right outside of NYC but, my taxes are killing me so I am thinking of relocating to Charleston. I also like places that have that old world historic charm...and the ocean is nice as well. I have never been to Charleston..but, on the surface it seems great..however the comments about it being redneck and the place closest to hell I wonder about. I am used to places such as NYC or San Francisco..or Boston..which are all are my favorite places..(but too expensive) I also want to live where there is warmer weather year round. I lived in Miami at one point and absolutely hated it there with a passion..way too fake for me. I love the people in Maine but, it is too cold and boring there. Does anyone have any suggestions what would be a good place for me?

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To live there - 9/10/2011

I am from the NYC area..and do love NYC- however it is too expensive for me and I would like to live somewhere that is more affordable..a city or small city that I could walk to restaurants that has live music and an art scene which is cool, sophisticated and chic. I am a single, female artist. I was thinking Charleston- but I have never been there and it sounds like it is very red neck and narrow minded type people...Is it still like that? I'd rather a more cosmopolitan feel.and I also like a place that has a historic feel..where I could get an apartment with high ceilings, old world charm and a small garden.....where would be the best place for me..my budget would be $500,000 -I'd also prefer a nice climate..but the people are most important. I am also 45 years old..live music, culture and a youngish feel is important..also near ocean would be good too...I can't come up with anything? I appreciate any suggestions...

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A Great Place to Live - 8/16/2011

I am from the South. I have lived in the Washington,DC areas for 26 years and returned to Charleston last year. I am so happy to be back in the South. Beautiful area, beaches, nice people just a great place to live. It is hot in July and August. Be prepared to enjoy the air condition these 2 months. But the weather October thru May is perfect. I am so thankful to be out of the overcast skies, snow and icy roads. So heat and humidity in July and August is a great trade - off.

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Nearest Place to Hell on Earth - 6/29/2011

1. Racist, extreme right-wing, bible-beating baptist, redneck, under educated population. All the funny stereotype people of the deep south make up about 98% of the population. Funny from a distance; not so funny when you live here. 2. Mostly a result of #1 above, the decaying infrastructure, nation's poorest educational system, corrupt and non-supportive government,lack of decent employment, and appalling poverty conditions make this city and state basically a third-world country. If you have plenty of income, you can buy yourself into a protective niche with your northern comrades, but why do it here? Power outages every lightning storm, backed up traffic, inability to communicate the most rudimentary concepts with the locals, educated former middle-class men digging ditches for a living or crawling on the shelves of wal-mart, your worst nightmare can be realized, here. You think your self-esteem can handle it? They will break you. They will get you down to their level no matter what it takes. 3. And, the worst thing of all... the climate. Even if you had none of the problems associated with 1 and 2 above, the heat and humidity in Charleston for 6 to 7 months out of the year make this area the most unholy, unlivable places on earth. It is an absolute sauna. You will be ringing wet with sweat within minutes of stepping out of your air conditioning, and your body requires evaporation to keep you cool, but it isn't happening. You will suffer, instead. Of course, you can just stay in a/c all the time, and pay for the best HVAC guy in town, but why do it here? The mosquitoes and roaches love the climate, and we have the most vicious and the largest, respectively. You can throw a saddle on the "water bugs" as they call them here. They are prolific and infiltrate every square inch of this state, including the sewers. We call them water bugs, you call them filthy cockroaches.

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Charleston--What's it Like? - 5/10/2011

The question should be: what are YOU like? Because if you have real intellectual curiosity; need artistic/cultural stimulation; desire to be around people who are multi-dimensional, truly smart and engaging, then Charleston probably is NOT for you. (There are some, but very hard to seek out.) It is truly a gorgeous town--downtown Charleston, that is. Downtown restaurants keep getting better. Some cool festivals in Marion Square Park. And Kiawah Island--40 min away--is great for a vacation or second home. But for people who are generally somewhat non-conformist and are more "of the world", you will find it difficult to be happy here. If you can manage to live here and use it as a "base"--go to NYC, San Fran or LA or Europe frequently, that's great. But that requires gobs of dough. So for you artists, literary types, intellectual, spiritual seekers, it has a long, long way to go.

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Is it really expensive? - 2/15/2011

I have a few questions, Ok, Im doing my research on South Carolina, Charleston, because Im expecting to relocate up there and no matter what website I go to it always saying something different, like...High unemployment, then the population is high one day then its different the next...I mean I dont know where to look up the correct info. But so far the cost of living is not as low as I would like for it to be, but I did my pros and cons and I still want to move up there. And is it public transportation?

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chas - 12/16/2010

I love the Charleston, SC area! Great climate! Great beaches! There is always something going on to do! And the city has such a rich history! Can't beat it.

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Charleston the Holy City - 12/13/2010

I live in the most beautiful city in the world. History,culture and more

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Wadmalaw Island - 8/4/2010

Wadmalaw is family based and really nothing there to grow in development. Why is this. No new people are able to migrate there because there is no housing really. Individuals do not have a opportunity to live there. I gather it is a place that wants to keep others away. I have heard things about Wadmalaw Island. Wow!

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Overall a wonderful place but it does have its dra - 8/2/2010

I am from Maryland but have vacationed in Charleston several times over the past 15 years. The area has an appeal and charm that keep you wanting to come back. Truth is, my experiences have all been good there. People are flawlessly polite and kind, unlike many other places. They are interested in who you are and take the time to talk. The city itself is beautiful as are the outlying areas and the cost of living isn't too bad. It's full of history if you like that and natural beauty - tons of flowers, trees, birds - it's a delight. On the flip side, there are some surprisingly ugly, run-down, dangerous areas, especially in North Charleston. Crime is shockingly high in those parts. There is also a very real conservative bent that is a bit too far right for my tastes. It's best to avoid politics around here if you don't see things that way. And finally, I think the oddest thing about this place is that, for all its charm, grace and well-mannered living, there's a surprising amount of "dirt" in people's personal lives that goes on behind the scenes that most of the world never sees but if you stick around long enough, you'll see and hear things about people that are shocking. Everything is kept under wraps though and appearances are always kept in place! I realize no place is perfect though, I've yet to find one, and overall, I like Charleston a little, quirky flaws and all. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone back so many times. I do recommend it as a great place to visit although I have to admit, I don't know what it is to actually live there, since I never did.

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No middle income housing - 4/11/2010

I have been trying to find a rental home for months now. The reasonably priced ones that are decent are gone before they hit the mls. There is nothing in-between here, only high-end and the other extreme. The wages here are rediculously low and just try finding a job! The city is beautiful, the weather in spring and fall is great. Unless you have owned your home for years and are already "fixed" don't come here. They don't make it easy on new-comers.

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Affordable towns near Charleston? - 3/5/2010

I've heard that Charleston is a wonderful town and we are considering a move down south (tired of the long cold New England winters!) Does anyone know of towns within about 30-45 minutes near Charleston that are a bit rural and more affordable for real estate. We are looking for space where we can homestead but still within a reasonable driving distance to Charleston. Thanks for any ideas! Peace, Cilla

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charleston - 3/3/2010

Great weather and great people!!!!!

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Beautiful City - 1/3/2010

From the beach to downtown this place has it all.

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Historic District - 11/18/2009

If you love history and historic districts, downtown Charleston is one of the best preserved and most beautiful in the country. There is a good symphony orchestra, and an active arts and music scene. As for education, the public education for K-12 could be better, but the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina is here, which is a very good teaching hospital. Summers are very hot and humid, but fall, winter and spring are great.

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Amazing - 10/16/2009

If you can take a couple months of humidity, this place has the best weather. Even if it is raining there is sun (and rainbows)

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Best Kept Secret in the South - 7/2/2009

I had the pleasure of visiting Charleston, SC in 2007 and was highly impressed with what the city had to offer. Coming from the northeast Charleston seemed more like a large neighborhood then a "city" but it has its own identity. You see, this southern city boasts a steepled skyline, charming antebellum homes, and streets lined with lush foliage. The best part about Charleston are the people. Residents say good morning and wave to you. If someone accidently bumps into you they politely say, "excuse me." I recall asking someone for directions and they took the time to write down every detail (that doesn't happen in NJ or NY). Downtown Charleston is very walkable as you stroll past art galleries, cafes, and well groomed, pocket parks. As a city goer I was pleasantly surprised by the infrastructure, not to mention the endless shopping on King Street and the ample supply of wonderful lowcountry food. In fact, Charleston took such a hold of me that I sold my home and moved there. If you have the opportunity to visit Charleston be warned, you'll want become a resident... God Bless.

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