Charleston

Downtown Charleston is a vibrant hub where history and modern life intersect. The food scene is a standout, offering a mix of traditional Southern dishes and innovative cuisine, making it a top destination for food enthusiasts. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to the area’s charm, with its well-preserved historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and inviting atmosphere. The blend of historic homes, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops creates a unique appeal, making downtown Charleston a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously.

History

Charleston's history spans centuries, from its founding in 1670 as Charles Towne to its pivotal roles in the American Revolution and Civil War. The city's antebellum era, marked by opulent plantation homes and a thriving trade in rice and indigo, is a testament to its enduring cultural legacy.

Architecture

Charleston's architecture is a captivating blend of colonial, antebellum, and historic styles, featuring elegant Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival designs. The city is renowned for its pastel-colored historic homes, ornate wrought-iron gates, and cobblestone streets that evoke a timeless and enchanting ambiance.

Two tall palm trees in front of colorful houses under a bright blue sky in Charleston.

Downtown

offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The neighborhood is rich in history and vibrant culture, featuring renowned restaurants, eclectic shops, and art galleries, all within walking distance. Residents enjoy Southern hospitality, and a variety of outdoor activities, from charming garden strolls to scenic boat rides. The distinct blend of historical allure and dynamic community life makes downtown Charleston an appealing choice for those seeking a captivating and vibrant place to call home.

A modern cable-stayed bridge with two main towers illuminated at sunset, spanning over a body of water with small sailboats, pink and orange sky in the background in Charleston.

Mount Pleasant

Just across the Ravenel Bridge is Mount Pleasant, which is just north of Sullivans Island. Mount Plesant is a residential dream with everything at your fingertips. It is just a couple minutes outside of downtown allowing residents to live the best of both worlds. Boating up to Shem Creek and enjoying a lively and scenic waterfront lunch is the best way to spend a Saturday. Mount Pleasant is a crowd favorite!

Sunset over marshland with water channels and grasses, clear blue sky, distant houses, and a few trees in Charleston.

West Ashley gets its name from being directly west of the Ashley River which wraps around the peninsula. Popular bars and restaurants can be found at the intersection of Magnolia Road and Savannah Highway in the Avondale neighborhood. Many downtown residents find themselves crossing the bridge to West Ashley or Mount Pleasant to outsource certain needs.

West Ashley

A residential street with large trees arching over and shading the road, parked cars, and flowering bushes along the sidewalk in Charleston.

James Island

James Island is nestled right between Downtown and Folly Beach. Although it’s only 15 minutes from downtown, James Island is more laid back and full of nature and beautiful marshy landscapes. It's home to historic sites like the James Island County Park and Fort Johnson, offering a glimpse into the region's rich past.

Aerial view of a coastal marshland with winding water channels, surrounded by trees, residential houses, and a bridge across a large body of water in the background in Charleston.

Johns Island

Johns Island, just north of Folly Beach and Kiawah, has a variety of both newer and older eclectic homes. It is parallel to James Island and has been experiencing an influx of new developments along with amenities like walking and jogging trails. Being surrounded by the Ashley and Stono rivers, James and Johns Island have an abundance of waterfront properties as well as beautiful parks with luscious marsh views.

Wooden walkway leading to a body of water during sunset with a colorful sky in Charleston.

Kiawah and Seabrook

Islands

Although Kiawah & Seabrook are technically beach towns, they have more of a country club, private feel. All of the beaches are gated, unlike Sullivans, IOP, or Folly. Some of the most luxurious homes, golf courses, etc in the greater Charleston area can be found in Kiawah. It certainly has an exclusive, upscale feel.

Aerial view of a beach at sunset with waves, sandy shore, marshy areas, a pier, and nearby residential neighborhood in Charleston.

Sullivans Island

Many local’s favorite beach lies on the coast of Sullivans Island. Sullivans is known for being upscale, especially when it comes to real estate. Middle Street brings the energy to Sullivans and its food scene is not to be overlooked with favorites such as Obstinate Daughter.

Sunny beach with gentle waves and clear blue sky in Charleston.

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is another beach town to the east of Sullivans Island making it a little farther from downtown. It falls somewhere in between Sullivans and Folly and is known for the ‘Wild Dunes Resort’. IOP is filled with casual spots to eat, drink, and listen to live music such as the Windjammer.

Sunset over a beach with a wooden pier extending into the ocean, gentle waves lapping the shore, and a partly cloudy sky with orange and pink hues.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach certainly has a beach town feel. Folly contrasts Sullivans and IOP in that it is more laid back and casual, not to say that it lacks luxury real estate. There is no shortage of nightlife in Folly. Many bars and restaurants such as Chico Feo provide live music and relaxed vibes that attract people from far and wide. Surfer’s gravitate toward’s Folly!

A peaceful park with a pathway lined with black posts, lush green grass, and colorful flowers in the foreground. Tall trees with sprawling branches frame the scene, leading to a white building with a clock tower in the background in Charleston.

Summerville

Summerville is about 30-40 minutes north of the Downtown peninsula. It is a lovely residential area and a great place for families. There is a mix of newer communities and well-established neighborhoods. It is further away from the beaches (40mins-1hr), but the communities are really beautiful and have a lot to offer. Although it is farther from downtown, it still boasts a Halls Chophouse and other exciting restaurants and bars.

Two women dressed in black walking on a sidewalk past modern residential buildings with balconies and trees.

Park Circle

Park Circle is like a mini downtown; it has a cute main street with various restaurants, pop-ups, breweries, etc. It’s about 15 minutes outside of Downtown and 20-30 minutes from the beaches. This area is experiencing massive growth and continuing to be developed. There are many bungalow-style homes in this area that have been renovated or need renovating along with a variety of new construction. The restrictions surrounding short-term rentals are more relaxed here.

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Wooden pier extends over water toward a park with trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Daniel Island

Daniel Island offers a vibrant lifestyle with gorgeous scenery and a strong community. Residents enjoy boating, fishing, and golfing amid lush green spaces. The island features well-planned neighborhoods, parks, and amenities. Families benefit from numerous family-friendly events. A variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options ensure a lively and fulfilling lifestyle.