8 Things You Need To Know About Living In Charleston, South Carolina

From atop one of Charleston’s many rooftop eateries, a 360-degree sweep takes in a striking panorama: historic neighborhoods throughout — home to majestic Civil War–era mansions — with more than a dozen steeples downtown and the Atlantic Ocean on the outskirts. In the middle of all of this? A booming job market, a thriving cultural and dining scene, and mild weather — which makes living in Charleston, South Carolina, a year-round pleasure. 

If you’re considering a move to Charleston, here’s a look at some facts you need to know, from the best neighborhoods and schools to the Lowcountry’s favorite beaches.

1. People Are Moving to Charleston, SC, Every Day

You can’t deny the fact that Charleston is in close proximity to some pretty sweet places. It’s only about a two-hour drive from South Carolina’s capital, Columbia, and two hours north of Savannah, Georgia. Atlanta is not too far, either, at four hours by car. And did we mention the 90 miles of coastline that stretches along Charleston’s Atlantic Ocean border — one of the many reasons the city is a top vacation destination?

Spread across about 115 square miles and with a population just over 153,000, Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina. Regionally, however, the Charleston population across the metro area is now more than 830,000, with more than 30 people moving in every day. The average age in Charleston, SC? That’s almost 36, with nearly 40% of the population in the 20-39 range.

Q: Is Charleston, SC, a good place to live?
A: If rich cultural history, award-winning dining, gorgeous beaches, and vibrant nightlife are your definition of “good,” then the answer is absolutely yes! Part of the city’s charm is its eclecticism: There’s truly something for everyone, from families to young professionals to retirees (golf, anyone?). 

2. Charleston, South Carolina, Weather Is Fantastic — Until the Tropics Heat Up 

Who wouldn’t want an average of 230 days of sunshine every year? And with temperatures averaging at about 50°F in the winter to 80°F in the summer, the subtropical climate makes Charleston a dreamy destination for outdoor lovers. 

But when the tropics get steamy from June to September, the city can find itself in the path of a hurricane — just like every other Southeastern and Gulf Coast locale. For instance, the monster known as Hugo hit the Charleston area in 1989, and its remains still linger in certain parts of the town. Fortunately, Hugo was the last major hurricane to make landfall in the state — though other hurricanes and tropical storms have done some damage over the years. 

Even when the tropics aren’t roiling, the summer is active weather-wise in Charleston. Afternoon storms are a regular occurance, with seriously intense lightning and torrential rains. Looking on the bright side, though, the “thunderboomers” are good for cooling off the sometimes sweltering summer days. Just don’t get caught outside in one!

3. You’ll Never Run Out of Things To Do in Charleston, SC

New residents are flocking to Charleston for lots of reasons. For starters, the rich history of the city is well preserved and accessible in museums, on guided tours, and merely walking down the street. In the historic district, for example, you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets lined with upscale shops and restaurants. Wind your way to the neighborhood known as the Battery and you’ll find Civil War–era mansions that tower above the waterfront on the stunning Rainbow Row, named for the homes’ vibrant colors.

Want more options? Here’s a quick look at our favorite must-do activities for people new to living in Charleston, South Carolina:

King Street

Once the main drag in and out of town, King Street is now the heart of the city's fashion, dining, and arts scene. Dozens of boutique hotels offer luxurious digs for the tourists who flock to the district, and galleries, boutiques, and antique stores offer endless choices for window shopping. Don’t miss Blue Bicycle Books, a cozy nook featuring regional authors and rare finds. As for restaurants, the vast, tasty King Street selection makes it nearly impossible to choose — from quick and easy take-out spots to elegant destination dining. But if you're looking for a leisurely late lunch after a day of retail therapy, duck off of King Street just a block to Le Farfalle, a local neighborhood gem. Sit in the breezy courtyard and savor the chef's classic Italian cuisine — touched, of course, with a distinctive Charleston flavor.

Ghost tours 
In a city with as many churches (and cemeteries) as Charleston, there are bound to be spirits — or at least that’s what the tour guides tell us. Believer or not, you’ll get a tour of the city — on foot, by carriage, or by bus — and an enlightening history lesson. And who knows? You might also get spooked.

Downtown history tour 
Same as above but with fewer ghost tales. Wear comfy shoes.

Parks and recreation
Outdoor living is one of the keys to the city’s charm — and a big reason so many people are moving to Charleston, SC. Be sure to visit the South Carolina Aquarium, home to more than 5,000 creatures and host of special events and classes for sea-critter lovers. Another favorite destination is the 10-acre Waterfront Park, overlooking the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor. There you’ll find the famed Pineapple Fountain, Charleston’s treasured monument symbolizing the southern hospitality Charlestonians are famous for.

Insider Tip: Not totally sold on Charleston? Southern cities are some of the fastest-growing destinations in the country. Check out the PODS Blog to find out what you need to know about other potential destinations, such as living in intown Atlanta, moving to (and from) Dallas, and Nashville neighborhoods of note. 

Charleston dining
The world-class Charleston Wine + Food Festival draws thousands of guests annually in March. But every day of the year, Charleston’s dining scene attracts foodies — and hungry newbies! — for some of the best cuisine in the country. In fact, locals insist visitors can’t leave town without sampling the Charleston-bred she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and Planters Punch (created at downtown’s historic Planters Inn). 

Fort Sumter National Monument
Hop on a ferry to the site of the first shots of the Civil War, and take a tour with park rangers who know everything there is to know about the battleground, the soldiers and sailors, and the fort.

Charleston-area beaches
Sugar-soft sand and ocean waves are just a quick drive from downtown — and there are so many to choose from. Want a laid-back beach town vibe? Folly Beach is popular with surfers, and you’ll find top-rated locally owned restaurants and bars within walking distance. For a more residential, less touristy environment, check out Sullivan’s Island. The Lowcountry favorite is home to the lighthouse known as the “Charleston Light,” standing guard on the beach to guide ships into Charleston Harbor. 

Q: Is Charleston a good place to live in your 20s?
A: Gen Z-ers and young Millennials abound in Charleston. Given the city’s job market and entertainment scene, it’s no wonder. And downtown isn’t the only thriving sector for twenty-somethings. Coastal towns like Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island also offer plenty of nightlife and affordable housing, with a relatively quick commute to most regional business centers.

4. The Best Places To Live in Charleston, SC, Include Downtown, North Charleston, Johns Island, and More 

It’s practically impossible to name all the best places to live in Charleston. But here are a few of our faves:

Downtown
Culturally rich with award-winning dining, art galleries, museums, and shopping within walking distance, downtown Charleston is a desirable — albeit pricey — neighborhood. Like most urban core areas, its eclecticism is what makes it vibrant, with College of Charleston students living on campus or in nearby apartments, affluent “Old Charleston'' families on the upscale blocks near the waterfront, and young professionals flocking to the new rentals and condos sprouting up throughout the city. The Charleston Airport is just 15 minutes west of downtown, making business trips easy as pie. 

Check out downtown’s Upper King, where the Saturday Farmers Market takes over historic Marion Square with fresh produce, crafts, and other goodies. Other downtown neighborhoods to check out include South of Broad, Harleston Village, and the French Quarter.

Pro Tip: Tourists and horse-drawn carriages are everywhere on downtown Charleston’s narrow, cobblestone streets, so leave your impatience behind, breathe, and go with the flow.  

Johns Island

Isle of Palms

1. Kiawah Island
2. Summerville
3. West Ashley
4. James Island
5. Hanahan
   
    

5. Charleston Has Some of the Top Schools in South Carolina

From the Academic Magnet High School — ranked No. 2 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report — to Wando High and the Charleston School of the Arts, the city consistently earns top marks for good schools with highly dedicated teachers and administrators. Charleston County Schools is also the second-largest district in South Carolina, with a reported graduation rate of close to 85% in 2022 — slightly above the state average.

6. Tech and Hospitality Are Among the Hottest Fields in the Charleston Job Market

Charleston boasted the second-highest job growth in the nation for 2022, with a 6.6% jump over the previous year. Tech gigs, in particular, are booming with an influx of multinational corporations setting up headquarters in the immediate area. And hospitality jobs continue to increase as more tourists and new residents discover Charleston — boosting the need for more hotels and restaurants. The median household income is $72,719 with The Boeing Company, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, and Walmart as the top private sector employers.

Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Charleston, SC?
A: For a family of four with two adults in the workforce full-time, $96,892 is the before-taxes salary you’ll need to live comfortably. 

7. You Definitely Need a Car to Get Around the Greater Charleston Region 

Public transportation is not one of Charleston’s charms. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority offers a free shuttle around downtown (DASH) and bus service around the city and outbound to some of the beaches. But living outside the city requires a car or the ability to use rideshare services. Of course, urbanites in neighborhoods like Upper King or Harleston Village can walk practically everywhere. But for the outlying areas, motorcars are a must.

Q: Living in Charleston, SC, pros and cons: What’s the crime rate? 
A: As much as the area has going for it, truth be told, crime is a bit higher here than in the rest of the state and nation, with a rating of 14, according to the Neighborhood Scout index. That means Charleston is safer than just 14% of other U.S. cities. Like any city, though, Charleston has plenty of areas that statistically experience less crime. Neighborhood Scout cites Moss Creek, Grimbal Gates, and Lake Frances as areas with the fewest incidents. 

8. Fun Fact: Lowcountry Love Bugs Honeymoon in Charleston Twice a Year

Nope, we’re not joking. Once only found in the Sunshine State, these odd little critters (which are actually a type of fly) have migrated northward during the past few decades into the entire Southeastern region, including South Carolina. The insects appear in late spring and fall, swarming in the thousands — but if you look closely, you’ll see that they travel mostly in connected pairs. The amorous bugs are harmless but annoying as they splat onto cars during their biannual Lowcountry visits. And although love bugs aren’t poisonous in any way, bicyclists may want to keep their mouths closed during spring and fall rides along Charleston’s many scenic bike paths and trails. Yuck!

Ready to start living your best life in Charleston, SC? Let’s get moving! From renting a truck to hiring a squad of professional movers, there are plenty of options to go with. If you’re looking for a flexible solution, PODS can help. PODS drops off a portable moving and storage container right in your driveway so you can pack and load at your own pace. Then, when you’re ready, they pick it up and deliver it straight to your new South Carolina home.

Shannon Jacobs is a Tampa-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. She has lived in Atlanta, the Berkshires, and Nashville, but always returns to the warmth of Florida’s Gulf Coast.