Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most popular cities in the state to live in, and for good reason! With a booming city, beautiful beaches, and historical essence, what’s not to love?
A downside to this wonderful city is finding real estate. Consequently, it can be difficult to find affordable, safe neighborhoods that also come with all of your needs and wants in a city.
Whether you’re looking for affordability or looking to spend the big bucks, Charleston has it all, and all the wonderful amenities that come along with it.
Here is a guide to the best neighborhoods to consider when moving to Charleston, SC.
Table of Contents
Mount Pleasant
Located right across the Cooper River Bridge, Mount Pleasant is a perfect place for families and young professionals. It is also conveniently located next to Ilse of Palms and Sullivans Island.
Even with its large, and growing, population, it is one of the safest areas in Charleston.
History
Mount Pleasant is historically an area of very prosperous plantations in the 1700s. Its first settlement was a 100-acre-wide village called Greenwich, established by Johnathan Scott in 1763. From there on the town rapidly developed into a popular summer resort for planters and soon other Charleston residents. Early homes were simple cottages, with its now seen architecture starting to develop in the 1970s.
Homes
Mount Pleasant is the perfect place to find low-country-style homes, businesses, and lifestyles. The homes here reflect the history and elegance of the town, which many are drawn to. Although the average housing price this year is around $700K, this beautiful town and all it has to offer is worth the price to many.
Schools
The area has a plethora of schools in district 2, sure to fit the needs of all families. Additionally, the Mount Pleasant school district is another driving factor for people looking to move to Charleston, SC. School-aged children will most likely attend Charles Pinckney Elementary, Moultrie Middle School, and Wando High School.
Amenities
Some popular things to do and restaurants to try in the Mount Pleasant Area include:
- Fort Sumter
- Boone Hall Plantation
- Shem Creek Kayak Tour
- Electric Bike Tour
- Mount Pleasant Pier
- Splash Island Waterpark
- Graze
- Crave
- Toast All Day
- Pages Okra Grill
- Vicious Biscuit
- Swig and Swine
Don’t worry about traveling, the Charleston Airport serves the Mount Pleasant area with a 15-mile drive.
South of Broad
Although South of Broad is one of downtown Charleston’s most beautiful and iconic neighborhoods, it comes with a hefty price tag. With the features of Battery Park, Charleston Harbor, and Rainbow Row, it’s no wonder why it’s so pricey.
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History
South of Broad is filled with rich history, literally. The area features some of Charleston’s most famous colonial and antebellum homes and mansions. This neighborhood was the original foundation for the wealthy and rich planters of Charleston. The popular architectural styles of the early 18th century can be found in nearly every home in the area.
Homes
The average price in this neighborhood as of this year ranges from $700k to over $8 million.
This is the best neighborhood for people looking for quiet and historical charm. Some of the homes here date back to the 1720s and you can find historical plaques on most of the buildings.
Not only do residents of this neighborhood enjoy scenic views, but it is within walking distance of some of the restaurants that put Charleston on the map!
Schools
Schools serving the South of Broad are in district 20 of the Charleston County School District. School-aged children will most likely attend Buist academy, Simmons-Pickney Middle School, and Burke High School.
Amenities
Some of the most interesting attractions in the neighborhood are:
- Rainbow Row
- Battery Park
- The Charleston Museum
- White Point Garden
- Scotty Doesn’t Know Speakeasy
- Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park
- The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre
South of Broad is 13 miles from the Charleston Airport, not too bad of a drive if you can beat the city traffic!
Harleston Village
One of the best neighborhoods in Charleston for people who love to be on the main scene is Harleston Village. Bordered by King Street, Broad Street, The Ashley River, and Calhoun Street, there is no way to be out of the loop in this neighborhood.
History
The neighborhood is named after the politically active Harleston family. The neighborhood was developed for residents and other uses by 1770. Many of the streets running through Harleston Village were named after great men of the day. This area is also home to some of Charleston’s historic “firsts” such as the College of Charleston built in 1770.
Homes
This is the perfect neighborhood for people of all ages and lifestyles. College students, professionals, and families can all find comfort and fun living in Harleston Village. Harleston Village offers a wide variety of homes ranging from college condos to family-style houses to Charleston’s uniquely but classically charming homes. You can find a mixture of Charleston’s preserved history and a growing new one in this neighborhood. The average housing price this year in Harleston Village is around $1 million.
Schools
Children living in Harleston Village can also enjoy the wide variety of schools in District 20 of the Charleston County School District. Some popular schools in the area include Charleston Day School, Memminger Elementary, and Mason Preparatory School.
Amenities
Some notable features of Harleston Village are the College of Charleston, Colonial Lake, and the Grand Wentworth Mansion. Some fun attractions in Harleston Village include:
- Caviar and Bananas
- Boone’s Bar and Grill
- House of Sage
- College of Charleston Campus
- Charleston Farmers Market
- Charleston Sailing Charters
Harleston Village is just 12 miles from the Charleston Airport, a small sacrifice for this amazing location.
James Island
James Island is a suburban area not too far from downtown, although its scenic shore views are what drive many to live here. James Island is a go-to area for families who enjoy being close to the water. Additionally, it is also the most popular area in Charleston, SC for boats, fishermen, and shrimpers.
History
James Island is rich with history of Native American Tribes and African culture. The island preserves its history by holding an annual three-day Island Heritage Festival to celebrate the Gullah culture of the island. Native Americans built villages along the coastal areas of the Carolinas, including James Island. Later on, plantations were established along the James Islands waterway by colonists.
Homes
You will find the majority of the homes for sale in the Charleston area are on James Island. Real Estate on the Island will include areas like public boat landings, public beaches, golf courses, and necessity stores all on the island. Although, if you’re looking for new construction, you will have to pay a higher price, as space on the island is limited. The average price for homes in the James Island area is $600K as of this year. Land in the area is around $200K an acre.
Schools
For families on the island, there are some of the best schools and amenities in the Charleston area. Children will most likely attend James Island Charter High School, the state’s first and most popular charter school located in district 3, or go across the bridge to Wando High School.
Amenities
Some of the island’s most popular amenities include:
- James Island County Park
- Splash Zone Water Park
- Martins Bar-B-Que Joint
- Charleston Crab House
- McCleod Plantation Historic Site
The Charleston Airport also serves the James Island area only being 13 miles from the island.
West Ashley
This neighborhood is more residential area of Charleston, while it’s not on an island it still offers amazing views of the Ashley River.
History
West Ashley is where the first permanent settlement in the Carolinas was made by the colonists in the 1670s and is where the city of Charleston got its start. The exact area where the settlers landed after sailing across the Ashley River is preserved and named Charles Towne Landing, after King Charles of Great Britain. There is also a replica of a 17th-century sailboat like the ones settlers used to get here, that tourists can check out!
Homes
A wide range of properties can be found in this suburban Charleston neighborhood starting from your standard starter home up to your largest mansions! With the average home price being around $300K currently, it is one of the most affordable areas of Charleston.
Schools
Children living in this neighborhood are in District 10 of Charleston County School District and will most likely attend West Ashley High School, The Carolina Voyager Charter School, or West Ashley Advanced Studies Magnet.
Amenities
The area is notorious for its restaurants and nightlife scene. Foodies will enjoy a wide variety of options from all over the world, some of the most notable being:
- The Glass Onion
- Genes HaufBrau
- Taste of India
- Zen Asian Fusion
- Bushido
- Ms. Roses Fine Food and Cocktail
- La Fontana Authentic Italian Restaurant
- Rio Grande
Travelers don’t have to worry as the Charleston Airport is only 6 miles away.
Are There Bad Areas in Charleston, SC
Because Charleston is a large city, there are some areas you should stray away from. As in any city, strange streets, bad neighborhoods, and even public areas at night can be a danger. Some neighborhoods you should avoid are:
Neighborhoods to avoid
Hanahan
Hanahan is an area on the Cooper River, right above North Charleston. Although neighborhood crime in the Hanahan area has dropped 19%, there are still issues with property crimes. Theft and violent crimes have fluctuated over the years. Overall, Hanahan’s crime rate is higher than around 55% of cities in the United States. Police visibility has increased dramatically in this area though.
Goose Creek
Goose Creek is east of Summerville, right above North Charleston. This neighborhood has experienced a large variety of crimes including assault, theft, shootings, homicides, etc. Residents urge tourists and other residents not to visit at night, especially if they’re a woman. Fortunately, police have become extremely active in this area because of recent crimes.
Wagner Terrace
Wagner Terrace can be found along the Ashley River in Downtown Charleston. Fortunately, crime rates have improved in this area in recent years, but there are still small theft issues. Residents advise against leaving valuable items visible in cars and to be wary of pickpockets. Additionally, females are encouraged to walk in groups, especially at night.
Streets to Steer Clear Of
Central Charleston is the most densely populated area in Charleston boasting a whopping 4,225 people per square mile. And while as a whole, Charleston is a relatively safe city, it’s best to avoid the following areas:
- Around Nassau Street
- Around Short Dukes
- Along America Street
- Interstate 26
- Some areas of East-Central
Conclusion
If you’re looking to move, Charleston, South Carolina is one of the best cities for people from all walks of life. With neighborhoods built to fit your next steps in life whether it’s growing your family, your business, or your education. Although there are some stumps in the road like high prices and high crime areas, there is no other city in South Carolina that will give you the variety of lifestyles that Charleston has to offer.
FAQs
Some of the safest neighborhoods in Charleston, SC are Mount Pleasant and West Ashley. However, many areas are considered safe by crime statistics and locals alike.
In general, Charleston, SC is considered safer than most cities. It has a lower-than-average crime rate for both violent and property crime categories.
Some areas you should avoid in Charleston, SC are Meeting Street between I-26 and the visitor center after dark,
America Street and Nassau Street, the center of the peninsula, and Downtown Charleston after dark. Like all cities, you should be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution in unknown areas, especially at night.
North Charleston gets a bad rap with higher crime rates and media attention. However, locals don’t seem to find much more crime affecting them in North Charleston than in Downtown or West Ashley. Still, it’s considered to be more dangerous than many cities in America. You should understand crime rates before making a major decision to relocate.
Reese Ledford comes from Fort Mill, South Carolina, right outside Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently studying English and Political Science at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. In her free time, she loves to travel, draw, write, exercise, and spend time with friends and family.