405 people live in Charleston, where the median age is 48 and the average individual income is $45,797. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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A Historic City with Endless Southern Charm
Charleston, South Carolina, is a city with a deep history and quiet beauty that has mesmerized residents and tourists alike for centuries. This city's unique blend of history, architecture, and Southern hospitality is evident in its well-preserved antebellum mansions, cobblestone streets, and warm, welcoming locals. Positioned on a peninsula flanked by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, Charleston presents an unparalleled coastal charm.
Charleston, often referred to as the "Holy City" due to its historic church steeples that punctuate the skyline, effortlessly blends tradition and innovation. This vibrant city embraces its rich history while fostering a thriving arts scene, cutting-edge innovation, and an increasingly renowned culinary landscape. Its combination of small-town charm and big-city amenities make Charleston a compelling place to call home.
Charleston, South Carolina, traces its origins to 1670, when it was established by English colonists as “Charles Towne” in honor of King Charles II. Originally located on the west bank of the Ashley River, the city moved to its current peninsula site in 1680, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most historically rich and architecturally preserved cities in America.
The city’s layout was influenced by colonial planners like surveyor-general Edward Crisp and was later shaped by architects and builders who introduced Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival styles that still define much of Charleston’s aesthetic. Among its historic landmarks are the Nathaniel Russell House, the Aiken-Rhett House, and the Battery promenade, lined with antebellum mansions that have weathered centuries of change.
Charleston played a pivotal role in American history—from its early prosperity as a seaport to its involvement in the Revolutionary War and Civil War. The city was the site of the first shots fired in the Civil War at Fort Sumter, an enduring national monument located at the harbor’s entrance. The city’s historic district, a preserved area of cobblestone streets and pastel antebellum homes, stands today as a living museum of Southern heritage and resilience.
Charleston’s local culture is a vibrant blend of Southern tradition, Gullah heritage, and contemporary creativity. Known for its hospitality and genteel charm, the city exudes a laid-back yet sophisticated lifestyle that seamlessly blends history with innovation.
The arts scene thrives here, led by organizations like the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and countless independent galleries in the French Quarter. Local artists such as Jonathan Green and Mary Whyte have gained national acclaim, with works that often reflect Lowcountry landscapes and African American heritage.
Charleston is also home to Spoleto Festival USA, one of the country’s premier performing arts festivals, drawing international talent across music, theater, and dance each spring. Meanwhile, local events like Second Sunday on King Street, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and MOJA Arts Festival reflect the city’s diversity and community pride.
The city’s cultural fabric is deeply enriched by nonprofits like the Charleston Animal Society, Lowcountry Land Trust, and Charleston Promise Neighborhood, which focus on conservation, education, and equity.
Whether it’s sipping sweet tea on a porch, enjoying a local jazz trio at a hidden bar, or supporting coastal conservation efforts, Charleston’s culture invites both residents and visitors to experience life with depth, artistry, and Southern soul.
Charleston offers a wealth of attractions that reflect its coastal charm, historic legacy, and outdoor lifestyle. From scenic parks to nationally recognized landmarks and pristine beaches, the city is a playground for both relaxation and exploration.
Historic Landmarks like Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, and The Battery serve as iconic backdrops for both tourists and locals. Stroll past pastel Georgian houses, fountains, and cannons while enjoying views of Charleston Harbor. The Charleston City Market, dating back to the 1800s, remains a bustling hub where artisans sell everything from handmade sweetgrass baskets to local cuisine.
Parks & Green Spaces are abundant throughout the city. Hampton Park is one of the largest and most picturesque, known for its moss-draped oaks and walking trails. White Point Garden at the southern tip of the peninsula offers shady refuge with historic monuments and waterfront views. For a more active outing, James Island County Park features climbing walls, kayak launches, and festival grounds.
Beaches are just a short drive away. Folly Beach is beloved for its bohemian vibe, surf culture, and iconic pier, while Sullivan’s Island offers a quieter retreat with historic charm and panoramic ocean views. Isle of Palms brings family-friendly beachfront living and the luxurious Wild Dunes Resort, which includes two championship golf courses.
Golf & Leisure are deeply embedded in Charleston’s lifestyle. In addition to Wild Dunes, the prestigious Country Club of Charleston and Kiawah Island Golf Resort—home to the world-renowned Ocean Course—offer exclusive access to award-winning greens just outside the city.
Charleston’s attractions balance natural beauty, refined leisure, and a deep sense of place—making it one of the South’s most captivating destinations.
Charleston has cemented its reputation as a culinary capital, offering a rich mix of Southern tradition, contemporary creativity, and international flair. Whether you’re dining in a centuries-old mansion or sipping cocktails in a sleek rooftop bar, the experience is always memorable.
Fine Dining options abound. Husk reimagines Southern cuisine with hyper-local ingredients under the guidance of award-winning chefs. Fig (Food Is Good) offers a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu that’s earned a loyal following. Charleston Grill, located in the Charleston Place Hotel, is renowned for its upscale Lowcountry fare paired with live jazz.
Local Favorites like Leon’s Oyster Shop (a retrofitted auto garage famous for oysters and fried chicken), Rodney Scott’s BBQ (a James Beard award winner for whole-hog barbecue), and Home Team BBQ blend down-to-earth charm with mouthwatering flavor. For brunch, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is a beloved staple.
Entertainment Venues are just as lively. The Dock Street Theatre, believed to be America’s first theater, hosts classic and contemporary performances in a stunning historic setting. Charleston Music Hall brings in nationally touring acts across genres, while The Riviera Theater, a beautifully restored Art Deco space, hosts both film and live performances.
Resort Dining & Nightlife can be found at places like Hotel Bennett’s Camellias Champagne Bar and The Dewberry’s Citrus Club rooftop, where panoramic views pair with curated cocktails. For something more casual, The Windjammer on Isle of Palms serves as a beachfront music venue that perfectly captures Charleston’s coastal vibe.
Dining and entertainment in Charleston reflect the city’s identity—graceful, vibrant, and full of flavor.
Charleston’s outdoorsy lifestyle is one of its greatest draws, offering everything from scenic hikes to equestrian trails and beachfront adventure. The Lowcountry’s mild climate makes year-round recreation a natural part of daily life.
Hiking & Trails: While Charleston may not have mountain terrain, it more than makes up for it with marsh-side walks and forested paths. The West Ashley Greenway and Wannamaker North Trail offer miles of well-maintained trails for walking, biking, and running. Laurel Hill County Park in Mount Pleasant features a 1.5-mile scenic trail perfect for shaded strolls through mossy oaks.
Beach Activities: Whether it's surfing at Folly Beach, paddleboarding off Sullivan’s Island, or simply relaxing with a beach picnic, Charleston’s coastline is a hub for recreation. Kayaking and dolphin tours through the tidal creeks of Bowen’s Island or the salt marshes near Kiawah Island are favorite weekend escapes for both locals and visitors.
Equestrian & Nature Parks: Middleton Place Equestrian Center offers guided horseback rides through historic plantations and forested paths along the Ashley River. For more open spaces, Palmetto Islands County Park provides paddle boat rentals, playgrounds, and boardwalks perfect for birdwatching.
Water Recreation: From inshore fishing and crabbing to harbor sailing, Charleston’s waterways are deeply woven into the city’s recreational fabric. Charleston Harbor Marina is a jumping-off point for boaters, while James Island County Park offers kayak rentals, rock climbing, and a seasonal water park.
Living in Charleston means living outside—where the ocean, the marsh, and the trees all invite you to slow down and savor the moment.
Charleston is a top choice for families seeking both academic excellence and a nurturing community. The region offers a mix of strong public schools, prestigious private academies, and nationally ranked colleges that support lifelong learning.
Public Schools fall under the Charleston County School District (CCSD)—one of the largest in the state. Within CCSD, schools like Academic Magnet High School and Charleston County School of the Arts consistently rank among the best in the nation. Both are recognized by U.S. News & World Report for academic rigor and competitive admission.
Private Schools are well-established throughout the region. Porter-Gaud School, located on the banks of the Ashley River, offers a rigorous college-preparatory program from grades 1–12 with an emphasis on leadership and faith-based values. Ashley Hall, an all-girls school founded in 1909, provides an elite liberal arts curriculum from pre-kindergarten through high school.
Other notable institutions include Mason Preparatory School, known for its nurturing environment and high academic standards, and Charleston Collegiate School, which offers an innovative project-based learning approach on a beautiful rural campus.
Higher Education adds intellectual depth to the city. The College of Charleston, a historic liberal arts college downtown, attracts students nationwide for its strong programs in business, science, and the arts. The Citadel, one of the country’s top military colleges, instills discipline, leadership, and academic excellence in its cadets.
Whether raising young children or preparing teens for university, Charleston offers families access to an educational system as rich and enduring as its history.
While Charleston blends the charm of a historic coastal town with modern convenience, it also benefits from a surprisingly efficient layout that makes getting around the metro area relatively smooth.
Major Thoroughfares like I-26 and Highway 17 serve as key arteries, connecting downtown Charleston with surrounding suburbs including Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, and North Charleston. I-526, the city’s outer loop, provides a quick bypass around the peninsula and direct access to the Charleston International Airport.
Downtown Commute times can vary depending on your neighborhood, but many residents enjoy quick 10–20 minute drives into the historic core from nearby areas like Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, and James Island. Rush hour traffic is heaviest on bridges such as the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which connects downtown to Mount Pleasant—but even during peak hours, commute times rarely reach big-city extremes.
Public Transit is provided by CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority), which offers buses and park-and-ride services. While not as robust as transit systems in larger cities, CARTA’s Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) provides free service across key cultural and commercial spots.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is located in North Charleston and offers direct flights to major hubs including New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Chicago. The airport is approximately 20 minutes from downtown and has consistently earned praise for its convenience and Southern hospitality.
Whether commuting for work, travel, or weekend getaways, Charleston offers a manageable and scenic transportation experience that supports both daily routines and spontaneous escapes.
Charleston’s real estate market offers a rare blend of coastal lifestyle, architectural heritage, and strong long-term value. Whether you're drawn to antebellum mansions, modern waterfront homes, or charming cottages on tree-lined streets, Charleston delivers on diversity and distinction.
Downtown Charleston features some of the most prestigious and historic homes in the region, particularly in neighborhoods like South of Broad, Harleston Village, and the French Quarter. These properties are often characterized by piazzas, intricate ironwork, and lush gardens—all within walking distance of the city’s top restaurants and galleries.
Mount Pleasant, just across the Ravenel Bridge, offers a mix of new construction, family-friendly subdivisions, and waterfront homes with marsh views. It’s one of the fastest-growing areas in the region, prized for its schools, green spaces, and easy downtown access.
West Ashley and James Island appeal to buyers seeking value, space, and a strong sense of community—often with larger lots and proximity to beaches. Johns Island is attracting interest for its rural charm and growing luxury market, while Daniel Island offers planned-community living with high-end amenities, golf courses, and access to the Wando River.
Whether you're looking for a primary residence, second home, or investment property, Charleston’s housing market provides options for a range of lifestyles and budgets.
Explore current listings on our Charleston, SC Homes for Sale page or dive into specific styles you're looking for:
Charleston is a living showcase of architectural history, where centuries-old design meets Southern elegance. The city’s signature styles not only shape its skyline but also play a key role in real estate appeal and lifestyle identity.
Charleston Single Houses are perhaps the most iconic, designed to capture coastal breezes with their narrow street-facing profiles, long piazzas (porches), and central hallways. These homes, found prominently in South of Broad and Ansonborough, are a distinct architectural response to the Lowcountry climate.
Federal and Georgian styles dominate many of the city’s older mansions, recognizable by their symmetry, brickwork, and classical details like pediments and fanlights. The Nathaniel Russell House and Heyward-Washington House are prime examples and remain architectural touchstones.
Greek Revival and Italianate influences also define mid-19th-century homes, often with grand columns, iron balconies, and decorative cornices. Later developments, especially in Harleston Village and Cannonborough-Elliotborough, saw the rise of Victorian and Queen Anne styles—marked by towers, ornate trim, and colorful facades.
In newer areas such as Daniel Island or Mount Pleasant’s I’On neighborhood, Neo-Classical Revival, Lowcountry Cottage, and Coastal Contemporary styles blend historic inspiration with modern functionality. Renowned architects like Robert A.M. Stern and Julia Martin have contributed to these newer builds, blending timeless design with sustainability.
Whether you're drawn to 18th-century craftsmanship or refined coastal modernism, Charleston’s architecture is as diverse and storied as the city itself.
Charleston’s real estate prestige is often as much about the street name as the square footage. Certain micro-locations within the city are known for their exclusivity, historic relevance, or sheer beauty.
South Battery, Legare Street, and Tradd Street in South of Broad are home to some of Charleston’s grandest estates—many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These tree-canopied lanes are lined with meticulously preserved homes, offering views of Charleston Harbor or lush private gardens.
Church Street and East Bay Street are rich in architectural gems and walkability, placing residents within a stone’s throw of iconic sites like Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park.
In Mount Pleasant, Olde Park, Hibben, and I’On Boulevard are considered prime addresses, known for their custom builds, walkable design, and proximity to both Shem Creek and downtown.
Daniel Island Park, with its golf-course estates and riverfront properties, is among the most luxurious areas in the Charleston metro. Private enclaves like Beresford Hall and Poplar Grove offer gated estates with equestrian amenities and deepwater access.
Whether you're seeking status, seclusion, or scenic beauty, Charleston’s most coveted streets offer a rare mix of heritage and high-end living.
Charleston attracts a richly diverse group of homeowners—each drawn to its lifestyle, climate, and sense of place. Whether you're seeking a historic pied-à-terre, a family home with great schools, or a coastal retreat, Charleston welcomes you.
For History Enthusiasts: Lovers of architecture, preservation, and Southern culture find a natural home in downtown neighborhoods like South of Broad, Ansonborough, and Radcliffeborough, where every brick tells a story.
For Families: Neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and James Island offer top-rated schools, community parks, and family-friendly events—making them ideal for growing households looking for both space and connection.
For Young Professionals & Creatives: Areas like Cannonborough-Elliotborough and North Central offer walkability, trendy eateries, and a thriving local arts scene. Proximity to downtown and affordability (compared to other historic zones) make these ideal for first-time buyers.
For Retirees & Second-Home Buyers: Waterfront enclaves on Daniel Island, Sullivan’s Island, and Kiawah offer tranquility, luxury, and views that never get old—perfect for those seeking low-maintenance, high-enjoyment living.
For Investors & Relocation Buyers: With strong rental demand, a steady luxury market, and nationwide appeal, Charleston has become a hotspot for smart investments—especially in mixed-use areas or historic properties primed for restoration.
Charleston is more than a place to live—it’s a way of life. Timeless yet evolving, it’s ideal for anyone ready to call a beautiful, culturally rich coastal city home.
Charleston has 245 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Charleston do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 405 people call Charleston home. The population density is 11,240.18 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Kim still has the same passion for the Lowcountry that she had when she first arrived and loves to share that with a great enthusiasm with her clients who have now become dear friends. Charleston is a special place and Kim is always honored to share and educate those who want to call it home.
