Master Guide to Moving to Charleston, SC
Are you considering relocating to Charleston, South Carolina? Also known as the Holy City, Charleston is considered to be one of the best mid-sized cities in the U.S. to call home and a top place to live on the East Coast, thanks to stunning year-round weather, delicious food, picturesque outdoor recreation, and more! Check out this master guide to moving to Charleston, SC, and all the prospects this city holds in store for you.
Continue to read to find out the best of calling Charleston, SC, home and all it holds in store for prospective residents.
1. Affordable Cost of Living in Charleston, SC
The median home price is considerably lower than the U.S. average, as is the rent, helping to contribute to easily finding affordable and safe neighborhoods in Charleston that fit your budget and lifestyle. This South Carolina city is an attractive option for its booming economy. Residents will find that they can save more through South Carolina’s low tax rates, especially if prospective residents are retired since Charleston is one of the best cities for retirement.
2. A Great Job Market in Charleston, SC
A great reason why residents of Charleston love the city is its thriving job market. Jobs in major industries in Charleston include aerospace, automotive, logistics, defense, technology, and life science. There are plenty of tech companies in the area, with growth seen in IT companies in the area, earning this city the nickname of “Silicon Harbor.” For careers in tech, consider employers like Blackbaud or Technica. If you are interested in other fields, Charleston is home to other big employers like The Boeing Company and Grainger.
3. Home to Quality Schools in Charleston, SC
If you have finished high school and are looking for higher education in Charleston, this city is home to several top-rated universities and colleges in the area. You can enroll in a business program and develop leadership skills at the best public university in the south, The Citadel military college. Take part in popular programs like speech communication and rhetoric at the College of Charleston. Choose from over 15 graduate programs in athletic training, nursing, biology, and more at Charleston Southern University.
4. Top-Notch Transportation in Charleston, SC
Residents of Charleston can expect to find lower-than-average commute times when traveling around the city. Consider a fun trip on the Charleston Water Taxi at the Charleston Harbor. Take bus routes through the city with the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). If you are getting around downtown, hop on the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH).
5. Enjoy Great Weather in Charleston, SC
Charleston has an average of 230 days of sunshine, and it comes as no surprise that one of the best things to do in Charleston is to enjoy the outdoors. You will experience all four seasons living in Charleston, with year-round recreation outdoors. The average temperatures in Charleston don’t tend to exceed 90 degrees in the summer and hardly dip to 50 degrees in the colder months, so you can expect mild winters when living in this city.
6. Enjoy Family-Friendly Recreational Activities in Charleston, SC
Charleston is full of kid-friendly activities, making it the perfect city to consider moving to for young families. Check out river otters in their tanks or feed cownose rays at the South Carolina Aquarium. Explore the Kids’ Garden or try out splatter painting in the Art Room at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. Take your older kids to check out locally made bowls, paintings, and toys at the most popular Charleston attractions for families, the Charleston City Market.
7. Fill Your Belly at Delicious Eateries in Charleston, SC
Chucktown is renowned for its delicious seafood; it is not the only food that Charlestonians enjoy in the city! If you are a fan of breakfast, try out local favorite dishes like biscuits and gravy, frittata, or steak and eggs at Millers All Day. Choose items from an ever-changing daily menu that features fresh, locally sourced ingredients at Husk. Share a plate of pork spare ribs with a side of green chile corn pudding at Lewis Barbecue. Savor traditional Italian dishes like grilled mountain river elk loin or house-made pasta lasagna at Wild Olive Restaurant.
8. Enjoy Vibrant Nightlife in Charleston, SC
Whether you want to bust a groove on the dance floor or grab some cocktails with the girls, this list of fun things to do in Charleston at night is truly endless. Check out one of the three craft beer bars or compete in a friendly game of bowling at The Alley. Rock out to local bands like The Reckoning and Neighbor at the vibrant Pour House. Move your feet to the beat spun by a new DJ every evening at DECO Nightclub. Enjoy cocktails like the Bacon Maple Old Fashioned or the Castle Sour while listening to live bluegrass and jazz music at Prohibition.
The Bottom Line
Are you moving to Charleston, SC, soon? The Holy City is known for its wonderful, affordable housing prices, great seasonal weather where plenty of great outdoor recreation can be enjoyed, a plethora of jobs to choose from, and great family-friendly or adult-only activities that will leave you coming back for more. Let the professionals at Southern Belle Living guide you in finding and settling into your dream home in the many bustling neighborhoods that make up Charleston, SC, today!