Where to Live in Charleston SC

Charleston, South Carolina, which is also known as “The Holy City,” is not just a beautiful place to live and raise a family. It is a city with a long and glorious history, and with many different neighborhoods you could call home. On this page, we’ll take a look at some of Charleston’s most desirable areas and what makes each of them unique.

First settled back in 1670, Charleston currently has a population of 136,000 people and lies on an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. It also has received many prestigious accolades in recent years. Travel + Leisure magazine has named Charleston “America’s Most Friendly City” twice, as well as the “World’s Best City,” while Niche has given the city an overall grade of “A,” citing its diversity, family living and nightlife.

Here are some of the best places for living in Charleston:

Johns Island

If coastal living and a carefree upscale environment is what you crave, Grimball Gates just may be perfect for you. This gated community on Johns Island includes close to 100 acres of nature preserve, with plenty of walking trails and scenic views.

The community also provides lots of recreational activities for those with active lifestyles, such as:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Crabbing

Downtown Charleston

If you love history and quaint old streets and buildings, you will love Downtown Charleston. In many ways, the area may remind you of a European city, with cobblestone roads and small picturesque alleys. It is also very diverse in terms of people, with college students, longtime residents and newcomers just like you. Two such downtown neighborhoods are Cannonborough Elliotborough and the French Quarter.

The French Quarter is the downtown Charleston neighborhood to live in if you crave culture and the arts. You will find many art galleries here, and it is the location of the biannual Charleston Art Walk.

You will also find many historical churches in the neighborhood as well as many historical buildings, making it a great place for taking long walks.

Cannonborough Elliotborough is quite a mouthful, but you might find it worth the effort if you’re a young professional or a student. This leafy area is known for its laid-back atmosphere as well as its boutiques, stores and bakeries. Here you will also find some of the trendiest and most diverse bars and restaurants in the city. It is the perfect place for both young professionals and college students, especially as a number of colleges are located nearby.

Best of all, Downtown Charleston is a neighborhood in which you do not need a car to get around. Almost everything is in walking distance: shopping, restaurants and a plethora of cultural attractions. 

James Island

Stiles Point on James Island is another historical Charleston neighborhood. Its history dates back to the 1740s, when the area was a cotton plantation.

This neighborhood is great if you like antebellum architecture. You can find it all over the 200-acre neighborhood, along with many reasonably priced homes.

Stiles Point is particularly great for families, as it includes a children’s playground, ball fields and a 5-acre recreational park. It is also very close to Folly Beach, and it is not far from Downtown, too.

West Ashley

If you are looking for more affordable housing, West Ashley — which borders Downtown and was the location of the first settlement in Carolina — may be perfect for you. You can find a number of condominiums here for less than $200,000.

The neighborhood offers amenities for both families and history buffs. It is home to the city’s only zoo, and you can find battlefields here from both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars as well as historical plantations.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is another great Charleston neighborhood for raising a family. Here you will find some of the best public schools in the city and plenty of recreational activities to keep your kids busy in area parks..

The area also boats opportunities for boating and tennis, with plenty of reasonably priced homes.

Kiawah Island

If you are looking for luxury living, you should definitely check out Kiawah Island. A number of billionaires and celebrities have made homes there and so can you. Here you will find first-class restaurants, the best golf courses and plenty of upscale shopping options.

This is also the neighborhood to live if you are looking for a more modern look and feel. Unlike many areas in the city, this neighborhood is relatively new, having first been developed 40 years ago.

Summerville

Summerville is a great neighborhood to live in if you are looking for a convenient place to commute to and from. It is right alongside I-26, making it a short trek to businesses such as Boeing, Google and Volvo. The area also includes terrific school districts and many fine hospitals.

You will further find many historical homes in the area and attractions such as the Colonial Dorchester State Historical Site, Azalea and Gahagan Parks and Middleton Palace.

Hanahan

If you love the great outdoors, you will love Hanahan, which is located in the north of the city. Here you will find the Goose Greek Reservoir, where you can do everything from kayaking to watching birds. The neighborhood also has both top-notch restaurants and bars as well as great schools.

Living in Charleston means a life surrounded by history, culture and great shopping and eating! Carolina One Real Estate can help you find the ideal home in the right Charleston neighborhood for your taste and lifestyle. Contact us when you’re ready to get started finding your Charleston dream home.