One of the United States’ oldest cities Charleston is full of history and charm. Set across several different peninsulas there always seems to be a river to cross to get from one part of the city to another, but this is part of Charleston’s appeal. Homes vary from antebellum beauties to the most modern construction, so which are the best places to live in the city? Read on to find out!
Mount Pleasant
Source: Wikipedia.
Across the Cooper River from central Charleston is the neighborhood of Mount Pleasant. Strictly speaking a town in its own right, Mount Pleasant was founded in 1680 by English settlers. There are several parts to Mount Pleasant but among the most desirable is the Old Village, the oldest part of town, where there are numerous historic homes and a real charm. The area has that small town feel, but downtown is 10 minutes away and the beach 15. You don’t have to cross the river for shopping and amenities though, as Mount Pleasant has them all, from boutique stores to large shopping centers. There are numerous schools here too as well as parks and golfing, and Patriot’s Point is the largest naval and maritime museum complex in the world. Homes range from $400,000 to $3 million in Mount Pleasant.
South of Broad
Source: Wikipedia.
One of the most desirable neighborhoods in Charleston, if not the whole of South Carolina, South of Broad is in the downtown area of the city. It has a suburban feel though all the amenities of historic downtown are within very easy reach plus. Homes here vary in style and price, including some wonderful antebellum homes, but if you want to live in this exclusive neighborhood you’ll need a healthy budget – anywhere from $850,000 to $23 million! Amenities include parks, playgrounds and a marina. There are several house museums and a school, while everything else you need is just a few minutes drive in downtown.
Goose Creek
Source: Flickr user Christine U Jones.
About 30 minutes north of central Charleston is Goose Creek. It’s a city in its own right but often considered a bedroom community for Charleston and has a more rural feel than the city. Being a little farther out, homes are far more affordable, rising to around $500,000 in the most desirable streets of Crowfield Plantation. There is a large military presence here including the Naval Nuclear Power School and the Naval Weapons Station. Students can attend the numerous schools which include two high schools, and there are many stores and services centered around Goose Plaza Shopping Center.
Hanahan
Source: Flickr user scpolicecruisers.com.
Just south of Goose Creek and a little bit closer to downtown Charleston is Hanahan. Home to around 13,000 people Hanahan has high graduation rates, lower crime rates than central Charleston and an excellent cost of living. It offers easy access to the I-26 and I-526, has numerous shopping centers, and well rated schools for the children.
Folly Beach
Source: Wikipedia.
Popular with residents and tourists alike Folly Beach is only 10 minutes from downtown Charleston but has its own eclectic feel. It’s actually located on an island, Folly Island, and of course the beach is a main feature of the neighborhood, popular with surfers. If you buy a home around Center Street you’ll be in walking distance of numerous stores, restaurants, and bars. Being such a desirable place to live homes are not cheap – condos start around $225,000 while single family homes range from $400,000 to over $2 million. However, it’s not a good place for families with a lack of schools in the immediate vicinity and a very high cost of living compared to the rest of Charleston.
