1. Living in Charleston Is Living In Low Country
This part of South Carolina is what is known in the south as Low Country, which is the opposite of the big city. Learn how to get out of downtown and embrace the Low Country for all it has to offer in towns like Beaufort.
2. In A Rush? Tough.
If you want the folks in Charleston to embrace you, then check that high-anxiety, fast-paced way of life at the border. People take the time to actually enjoy and appreciate life here.
No one is in a rush, so if that annoys you, this isn’t the place for you.
3. The History Sucks You In
Most cities are rich with skyscrapers and condominiums. But Charleston is well-developed with history and it’s one of the city’s best characteristics.
4. Take Your Southern Stereotypes Elsewhere
Southern stereotypes are tired everywhere in the South, but they definitely don’t apply in Charleston because this is a city known for its Southern sophistication and class.
5. Unless, Of Course, You Mean Southern Hospitality
The one Southern stereotype you can hang onto is that of the warm hearts, big smiles, and good manners. The people of Charleston were raised right and it shows.
6. Northerners CAN Fit In Here
Contrary to popular belief, people from Charleston don’t have a problem accepting Northerners as long as they’re respectful and embrace the culture of the city and area.
If you come here filled with NYC attitude, complain non-stop, and try to change things to be more like home, then locals might be less receptive.
7. The Beaches Will Ruin You
Once you step foot on the pristine sand of Wild Dunes or Sullivan’s Island, you won’t be able to visit just any beach anymore.
Charleston’s harbor and beaches are gorgeous and definitely raise the bar for beaches everywhere.
8. Parking Leaves Much To Be Desired
Are there downsides to Charleston? Sure. There are downsides to anywhere. Here, it’s the traffic and the parking, especially downtown.
Street parking can drive you nuts and spending the money on a parking garage will quickly lose its luster. The parking permits will likely be a major source of frustration, too.
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9. Cocktails Are An Art Form Here
If you enjoy a good happy hour, Charleston will never disappoint. The city is filled with amazing bars, lounges, and cocktail clubs that know how to mix a drink. Try places like Proof, The Cocktail Club and The Gin Joint to start.
10. Everyone Loves Charleston
Every year, Charleston tops lists of favorite destinations and best cities. And not just in the country, either.
In 2014, Conde Nast Traveler’s named the city the second best city in entire world, proving that it’s not just the people who live here that love it.
11. Get Yourself On Two Wheels
Riding a bike around Charleston is easier than ever now that the city added more cycling lanes and have made riding safer.
Bike lanes have even been added to the bridges that connect the island and they’re working on adding more every year. Don’t turn in your car or anything, but invest in a bike and use it. You’ll get to know Charleston that much better.
12. It’s Called The Holy City For A Reason
And it’s not for potholes. There are church steeples as far as the eye can see here in Charleston, with hundreds of churches playing part in the city’s charm and history.
13. The Landscape Is Surreal
Charleston’s landscape is nothing if not interesting. With a unique ability to be both beautiful and haunting, you’ll never get tired of taking in the scenery here.
14. There Are Plenty Of Fish In The Sea
Not only is there plenty of fishing for you to do any of the week in Charleston, but the industry itself is a big deal here. Cheap imports have greatly impacted fishermen and shrimpers, many of whom come from families who have done it for generations.
So, using local seafood is important to many restaurants and locals, giving back to the economy and showing pride for Charleston. Plus, it tastes so much better.
15. Charleston Has Top-Notch Golfing
There’s no debating that Charleston is a prime golfing destination in the U.S., with lovely weather and various pristine courses to choose from all year long.
16. Charleston = Love
The same reasons that make Charleston a top destination for golf also make tennis hugely popular. The city is home to the Family Circle Tennis Cup and in 2010, Charleston was named as the best tennis town in the country by the USTA.
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17. It’s A Foodie’s Dream Come True
With restaurants that can turn a burger and fries into a gourmet work of art as well as events like the Wine and Food festival, foodies are never disappointed at the selection in Charleston.
18. Charleston Has Some Deep Roots
Can a tree really be famous? If it’s over 400 years old and over 66 feet tall it can be!
The Angel Oak tree in Charleston is a popular place to grab some shade under its 17,000 square foot canopy and snap a few pictures.
19. All The Perks Of Southern Weather, Few Of The Downfalls
Southerners never pass on a chance to remind their snowed-in friends that they never have to shovel that white stuff down here.
Charleston sees an average high of 59 degrees in January but avoids getting as hot as some places in the Deep South in the summer.
20. But There Is No Escaping Humidity
Sorry, Charleston is as Southern as it gets when it comes to humidity. Sometimes you won’t even be able to tell if it’s raining, if you’re sweating, or if it’s just ridiculously humid.
21. Check Your Flood Zone Policies
Another thing you’ll have to deal with here is issues with localized flooding. Pay attention to the flood zones when you’re moving in and even if you’re not in a FEMA flood zone area, consider getting flood insurance anyway just for the peace of mind.
22. Palmetto Bugs Are A Way Of Life
They’re big, they’re creepy, they’re gross, and a total pain. They’re palmetto bugs and they’re a way of life in Charleston. If you suffer from a real bug phobia, just write off any city in the South.
23. Get Used To The Idea Of Snakes
You don’t have to like it (no one does) but you do have to get used to it. Charleston is home to 38 different species of snakes and they’re not always shy.
You may never come across one. On the other hand, you might find them in your pool, your garden, or your crawl space.
24. Don’t Let The Mold Get You Down
With rain, flood issues, high humidity, and warm temperatures, Charleston is a perfect breeding ground for mold. Keep it out of your home by keeping the basement dry and the air conditioning circulating–it doesn’t have to be cold, but the air flow helps keep the mold at bay.
25. Play Hard
Since Charleston is a peninsula, the city is surrounded by water. Whether it’s boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding, make sure you take full advantage every opportunity you can by getting out on it.
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