Visitors are attracted to Charleston, S.C. for it’s historic charm, the friendly nature of the locals, it’s fantastic dining for a city of its size, and it’s idyllic beaches. Charleston, and more specifically its Mount Pleasant neighborhood, is among the fastest growing cities in America with a 40% increase in its population over the past decade. The variety of things to do and see in Charleston keeps visitors coming back to the Holy City, with options ranging from the antebellum historic sites such as Patriot's Point or Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, to the modern and inspiring new Children's Museum of the Lowcountry and the South Carolina Aquarium. Most of these visitors tend to love it so much they decide to move here. Given the rampant growth and Charleston a focus city of Stache Storage, we decided to help with some of the top 7 neighborhoods to live in Charleston, SC.
1. Downtown
Population:9,627
Distance from Downtown:0 Miles
Average Commute Time to Downtown:0 min
Perfect for: Young professionals, students, tourists, hipsters or retirees
| When it comes to downtown Charleston forget sky high tower blocks because they are few and far between. This downtown district has retained many of its historic features and is a veritable time capsule with elegant colonial-style buildings lining its cobbled streets. Downtown has gotten on the radar of many well known chiefs that have decided to call the area home. The district was founded as a port in 1670 on a peninsula which juts out between the Cooper and Ashley Rivers into the North Atlantic Ocean. Now covering a total area of around five square miles, Downtown Charleston encompasses James, Johns and Daniel’s Islands as well as the Cainhoy Peninsula and the neighborhood of West Ashley. Downtown Charleston is steeped in history, but has a modern side too. As the city grows and becomes more diverse the median home prices continue to increase by 1.4% with the average price being $375,990. No matter what lifestyle you are looking for the downtown Charleston area has a little bit of everything. |
2. Cannonborough - Elliotborough
Population:21,888
Distance from Downtown:1 Miles
Average Commute Time to Downtown:5 min
Perfect for: Young professionals or retirees
| Originally two separate boroughs but now considered one, Cannonborough and Elliotborough are the “Gateway to the Peninsula”. Currently experiencing a city and community backed neighborhood revitalization, the streets of this neighborhood have a great energy and youthfulness. Aiding in redevelopment is the Spring and Cannon corridor, home to a number of local restaurants, flower shops, bakeries, and other small boutiques. Both boroughs offer great opportunities for homebuyers, whether first time, looking to buy and then rent, or those interested in renovating a historic Charleston peninsular home. Cannonborough-Elliottbororugh homes are currently priced at $432 a square foot, which is higher than the Charleston average of $211. The median price of homes currently listed in Cannonborough - Elliotborough is $584,000. Whether you’re a gen Z getting your first job, or newly weds looking to start life somewhere more lively Cannonborough has what you’re likely looking for with great restaurants and most importantly, if you work downtown, a commute that should max out at 10 minutes |
3. Harleston Village
Population:2,264
Distance from Downtown:1 Miles
Average Commute Time to Downtown:3 min
| Established in the 1700s, Harleston Village is dotted with Georgian and Italianate buildings on tree-lined streets. Joggers and cyclists head to the sidewalks and shady trees around Colonial Lake, known as “The Pond.” The College of Charleston, with a colonnaded entrance, lies on a picturesque campus nearby. To the east, King Street is a hub of upscale boutiques, restaurants and bars with outdoor patios and a hip vibe. The median home value in Harleston Village is $664,073 which has declined by -5.3% over the past year. Not only does the area offer a great location and easy access to the nightlife of King Street, it now offers some great deals on a future home. |
4. Isle of Palms
Population:4,340
Distance from Downtown:18 Miles
Average Commute Time to Downtown:35 min
| Isle of Palms is a city in South Carolina, on the slender barrier island of the same name. It’s known for its beaches backed by condos and eateries. Sea turtles nest in the area. The oceanfront Isle of Palms County Park includes a beach, picnic areas and a playground. Neighboring Sullivan’s Island is home to Fort Moultrie, site of important battles during the American Revolution and the Civil War. Isle of Palms homes homes for sale range from $275k-$6.5M with the average price of a 2 bedroom single family home coming in at $1.12M. As there are home prices for every budget, Isle of Palms is a great neighborhood for any family looking for a beach front lifestyle. |
5. Kiawah Island
Population:1,762
Distance from Downtown:25 Miles
Average Commute Time to Downtown:40 min
| Kiawah Island is ten miles of wide, immaculate, oceanfront beach that invites you to stroll or cycle for hours without interruption. Soothing by day, romantic by night, the beach is complemented by the island’s river, meandering lagoons, pristine marshlands and maritime forests. Each sun-washed day ends beneath a star-studded southern sky. The Kiawah Island housing market is not very competitive with the average house price coming in at $870,000 up 2.4% from 2019. The island offers great ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere. It is the perfect area for raising a family or just living the tranquil lifestyle you have always dreamed of. |
6. North Charleston
Population: 109,298
Distance from Downtown: 9.7 Miles
Average Commute Time to Downtown: 14 min
| Located just a few miles north of downtown Charleston, North Charleston is a vibrant city you'll want to experience. This eclectic city is home to the Charleston International Airport, and is situated conveniently to key outlying stops on a Charleston adventure like Mount Pleasant, Sullivan's Island, and Summerville. The Median home price has increased 5.2% in North Charleston making the median home price $190,064. |
7. French Quarter
Population: 2,189
Distance from Downtown: 0.3 Miles
Average Commute Time to Downtown: 2 min
| The busy French Quarter, in Charleston’s original walled city, is home to the 19th-century Charleston City Market, selling clothing, crafts, and artwork, with the Confederate Museum in the old Market Hall. African-American history is recounted at the Old Slave Mart Museum on the site where slave auctions once took place. Families and visitors can head to Waterfront Park on the Cooper River, while boutiques and galleries dot King Street. The median home value in the French Quarter is $1,104,380. There is no price you can put on the history that you will be surrounded by. If the walls could talk you would have a library of information on the monumental historical events that happened around your new home. |