Where to Live
Charleston, SC is the intersection of outdoors, food and entertainment and offers a variety of areas to live depending on your work and interests.
Downtown: Culture and Nightlife. Downtown Charleston offers a variety of apartment options within walking distance of sought-after restaurants and nightlife. With a bit more digging, you can find historic homes or lofts to rent offering the opportunity to experience the historical charm the city is known for. For a more laid-back and green space driven neighborhood, check out Wagner Terrace. Close to Hampton Park and The Citadel, this historic neighborhood has a rich local culture with local restaurants and bars in walking distance from the homes.
- Places to Eat: Oak, Poogan's Porch, Frannie & the Fox, Basic Kitchen, Xiao Bao Biscuit, 167 Raw
- Coffee: Harken, Harbinger, Babas on Cannon, The Daily, Kudu
- Bars: Felix, Uptown, Faculty Lounge, Gin Joint, Cocktail Club, Vintage, Bangkok Lounge
- Activities: Riverdogs Game, Gibbes Art Museum, Carriage or Walking Tour, Galleries and Theaters
North Charleston: Diversity and Hipster. A more urban side of town, North Charleston is full of ethnic diversity and up and coming restaurants. Park Circle is a trendy neighborhood with many food truck rodeos, excellent food and a multitude of local events.
- Places to Eat: Jackrabbit Filly, Dashi, Codfather
- Coffee: Orange Spot, Lowdi
- Activities: North Charleston Performing Arts, Tanger Outlets, Stingrays Baseball, Firefly
Summerville: Schools and Affordability. Just 30-45 minutes from downtown Charleston, Summerville boasts some of the area's best schools and offers more affordable living options. Growing quickly this region is a great place for people looking to buy while having more space than what downtown offers.
- Places to Eat: Hall's, Five Loaves, Lowcountry Fish Camp
- Activities: Middleton Place, Farmer's Market, Azalea Garden
Mt. Pleasant: Access to Beaches and Retail. Across the bridge from downtown, Mt. Pleasant is a popular option for living with easy access to the Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island, as well as, the restaurants and nightlife on Shem Creek. This area is known for historic neighborhoods like Old Village where Leeah's, Out of Hand and Pitt Street Pharmacy make exploring new places (and old) always an option. Pro Tip: Post House Inn makes a great staycation!
- Places to Eat: Post House Inn, Page's Okra Grill, Nico, Red Drum, Obstinate Daughter
- Coffee: Vintage Coffee, Brown Fox, Meadow
- Bars: Red's, Saltwater Cowboys, Leeah's, Shelter, Handcraft Cocktails
- Activities: Paddleboarding on Shem Creek, Rent a Boat, Walk Pitt Street Bridge, Battery Game
West Ashley: Location and History. Another fast-growing area, this part of town is known for affordability, history, and a Lowcountry feel. An alternative to living far outside of town, West Ashley is home to Windermere, Avondale, and many neighborhoods that have deeply rooted history in the Charleston area. You can find many of Charleston historic properties, like Magnolia Gardens, in this part of town.
- Places to Eat: Boxcar Betty's, The Glass Onion, Home Team, R Kitchen, Locals
- Coffee: Second State (also in Mt. Pleasant and Downtown), Highfalutin
- Bars: Fermatorium, Avondale Wine and Cheese, Triangle, The Roost, Frothy Beard
- Activities: The Greenway, Magnolia Gardens, Charles Towne Landing
James Island and Johns Island: Beaches and Waterfront. Two of the islands south of the peninsula offer opportunities for waterfront living, a more rural feel and access to both private and public beaches. James Island County Park offers a multitude of recreational options and Folly Beach is a short drive. Kiawah and Seabrook are easily accessible offering private and luxurious vacation sites or homes!
- Places to Eat: Wild Olive, Bowen's Island, The Royal Tern
- Coffee: Muddy Waters, Hemingway
- Bars: Lowtide Brewing, Pour House, Tattooed Moose, Beans and Barley
- Activities: Kiawah Island, James Island County Park (check out the Christmas Lights!), Folly Beach
Daniel Island: Community and Luxury. This area of town sits on its own island between Mt. Pleasant and North Charleston. A very tight knit primarily residential community, the area boasts gorgeous views, wonderful restaurants and beautiful homes.
- Places to Eat: Kingstide, Mpishi, Vespa Pizzaria, Agaves Cantina
- Coffee: The DIME, Blondies Bagels and Cafe
