Moving to Charleston SC: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on 06/19/2024

Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure, filled with new opportunities and places to explore. Charleston, South Carolina is a charming Southern city with a rich cultural heritage, hospitable community, and colorful culinary scene.

In our guide, we cover everything you need to know about the sights and experiences in Charleston and the suburban towns that surround it, like Summerville and Mount Pleasant.

The Lowlands of the Charleston area are a wonderful place for people focused on their families or their careers. But it appeals to anyone who appreciates history, Southern culture, or views of the coastline and nature. 

Why Move to Charleston, SC?

Charleston attracts people with diverse interests because it has so much to offer. Between its vibrant economy, rich history, family-friendly environment, and robust Lowcountry cuisine, Charleston has plenty of options for visitors or locals to explore. Anyone moving to Charleston is sure to provide a mix of strong Southern heritage and a career-focused community.

Charleston’s History and Architecture

One of Charleston’s main attractions is its well-preserved historic downtown. The city’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage ensures that residents and visitors alike can glimpse into its past.

Charleston is also well known for its walking tours, where a guide will talk you through the local historical sites. One such example is the Old South Carriage Company, that runs horse-led carriage tours of Charleston.

Cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and decadent colors contribute to Charleston’s distinctive charm. Check out Rainbow Row to visit one of the most photographed streets in Charleston. Or take a stroll along the civil-war seawall that lines the southern coast called The Battery.

The city is widely renowned for its coastal views along the wall. Charleston is also affectionately nicknamed “the Holy City” because its skyline is speckled with steeple spires and stunning architecture.

Arts and Culture

Charleston hosts the annual Spoleto Festival, which spans seventeen days and nights each spring. During the festival, live performances are hosted in Charleston’s historic churches, theaters, and outdoor venues.

Experience both established performers and the current innovators of classical arts like theater, dance, and operas, with musical performances spanning from jazz to classical to choral. Some historic venues that host the Spoleto Festival include Festival Hall, Charleston Galliard Center, and Dock Street Theatre, which claims the title of the nation’s first theater.

Economic Vibrancy

While there are plenty of historical sites to see, Charleston is also home to a flourishing economy. In 2023, the Charleston region, which is made up of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, employed 76% of their working population between five industries.

1. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
2. Government
3. Professional and Business Services
4. Leisure and Hospitality
5. Education and Health Services

Companies from the first category like Boeing, Bosch, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz each support a great deal of the jobs in the Charleston area. The aerospace company Boeing specifically upholds the second-most total jobs in Charleston. In fact, starting in 2021, Boeing moved the concentration of the production of 787 Dreamliners exclusively to South Carolina.

There are plenty of job opportunities for those who are interested in working for nonprofit organizations as well. If you’re looking to make a difference in people’s lives, you could contribute to or work with local Charleston nonprofits like Teachers’ Supply Closet, LEAP, or Camp Rise Above.

Charleston’s Education

If you are moving to Charleston and need to consider education options for your family, look no further. The larger Charleston area consists of three school districts: Charleston County, Dorchester, and Berkeley County. Both the public and private schools in the Charleston area are some of the highest-rated schools in South Carolina.

Charleston is also home to the thirteenth-oldest public university in the United States, the historic College of Charleston, located downtown. If you are interested in military education, The Citadel has been ranked the #1 public university in the South for six years in a row. They have also been the #1 military school in the South for over ten years.

Lowcountry Cuisine

If all that hasn’t convinced you to relocate to Charleston, South Carolina then let’s talk food. The Lowcountry cuisine native to Charleston includes staples like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, Frogmore stew, and fried green tomatoes.

These robust Southern dishes are favorites in South Carolina and can be found all around the Charleston region. From upscale dining to casual eateries, there’s a spot to satisfy every palate.

Charleston also offers exciting food festivals and events to bring the community together and bring business to local restaurants. For example, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival hosts an entire series of summer tastings, informational events, and live performances.

Charleston also hosts an annual beer week with events held in a similar format. With over forty local breweries and restaurants participating, this could be a great way to familiarize yourself with the streets of Charleston and its businesses.

Why Move to Summerville, SC?

Just a few miles north of Charleston is the town of Summerville, South Carolina. While Charleston has more hustle and bustle, Summerville is perfect for those who enjoy a small-town vibe. They are also known for being the birthplace of sweet tea, and they have their own Sweet Tea Trail throughout town to commemorate this.

Within the last 40 years, the population size of Summerville has grown from just 3,000 to 50,000. Since the town is so much smaller than Charleston, Summerville retains a more classical Southern architectural style.

The town also boasts a friendly community, great education options, and stunning natural views. They are particularly known for their pine trees and colorful flowers like azaleas.

Summerville’s Flowertown Festival

Since 1973, Summerville has hosted the annual Flowertown Festival in Azalea Park to support and promote health and wellness programs at the local YMCA.  The town is nicknamed “The Flower Town in the Pines,” so it’s no surprise the festival shows off each year’s decadent floral harvests.

The Flowertown Festival holds the honor of being the largest arts and crafts festival in all of South Carolina. In fact, the festival often attracts nearly 200,000 visitors (almost four times the population of the city)!

Azalea Park

The Flowertown Festival is hosted in Azalea Park, which is one of the most popular spots in Summerville. The town is known for its public and private gardens, but Azalea Park truly takes the top spot.

While it is filled with colorful flowers and plants, the park also features a wide range of sculptures situated in the foliage. Local artists have been adding their own sculptures since the 90s. The park is perfect for children and lovers of nature alike.

Why Move to Mount Pleasant, SC?

Mount Pleasant is rated one of the best suburbs near Charleston and is only ten minutes up the coastline. From Charleston, drive over the Cooper River on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the largest cable-stayed bridge in North America, to get to Mount Pleasant.

Mount Pleasant is ranked the #1 best place to live in Charleston for good reason. The views are stunning, with access to gorgeous natural views and top-rated public and private schools. The town also offers a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, ensuring that residents have access to everything they need close to home.

‘Be Mount Pleasant Made’

While Mount Pleasant is a great tourist destination, they would love it if you stayed longer than just a visit. The town itself is hospitable and encourages entrepreneurs and young people alike to move there. They encourage new businesses to establish themselves in their town; in their words, they want you and your business to Be Mount Pleasant Made. 

This Charleston suburb also encourages young families to join their community. As the name suggests, it is a place full of “pleasantries” for children and adults alike. Mount Pleasant’s schools are great, and they have plenty of parks and coastal views to separate them from any other South Carolina town. But it is their nature that truly sets them apart.

Mount Pleasant’s Beautiful Coast

Mount Pleasant neighbors the gorgeous Sullivan’s Island, which is ten miles of protected coastline full of wildlife and nature. There are no hotels on the island, but there are beaches where you can participate in water sports, restaurants for dining, and houses to rent.

In addition, one can take in the history of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie. Tours are available, and this is a perfect place to soak up not only the organic beauty of the island, but also the area’s dense historical significance.

Conclusion

Relocating to the Charleston area offers a chance to experience the best that South Carolina has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to Charleston’s historic charm, Summerville’s community spirit, or Mount Pleasant’s scenic beauty, each city provides a unique blend of culture, amenities, and opportunities for residents.

From thriving economies to vibrant cultural scenes and outdoor adventures, these destinations promise a high quality of life and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.

Whether you’re planning a move for career opportunities, educational excellence, or a change of scenery, Charleston and its surrounding cities are ready to welcome you with open arms.

Frequently Asked Questions