Uptown Charleston

If you’re not ready to move the ‘burbs, still want to live Downtown Charleston life, but in a less touristy & commercial area, then Uptown Charleston is the place for you.

Uptown Charleston
Hampton Park & Ashley River Charleston SC

Price Range

Single Family Homes: Median Price is $825,000. Range is : $600,000 - $2M.

Pros

  • Downtown Charleston living without the tourists
  • It’s all about community here.
  • Cafe, breweries, restaurants & parks

Cons

  • I’m struggling to think of many cons. I really like it here.

Uptown Charleston Residents Say.....

Here are ten comments from a Reddit thread written by people who live in Uptown Charleston, Hampton Park, Wagener Terrace area. Both good and bad.

  1. "Living in Hampton Park Terrace and Wagener Terrace is pretty chill. It's close enough to downtown Charleston to enjoy the city vibe but quieter and more residential."
  2. "The houses here are classic Charleston style—lots of charm and history. It feels like you’re living in a piece of the city’s past."
  3. "Hampton Park is a gem. Great for morning jogs, picnics, or just hanging out. It's a big reason why people love living here."
  4. "Parking can be a bit of a hassle, especially with all the old streets and narrow lanes. But you learn the tricks to find a spot."
  5. "The community vibe is strong. People are friendly and look out for each other. It’s like a little neighborhood where everyone knows your name."
  6. "Housing prices have been going up, though. It’s becoming more desirable, which means higher costs."
  7. "There’s a good mix of families, young professionals, and retirees. It’s got a diverse community vibe."
  8. "It's close to some cool spots for dining and nightlife. You can walk to a bunch of local restaurants and bars."
  9. "The schools around here are decent, which is good news for families. Plus, there are plenty of parks and playgrounds."
  10. "Overall, Hampton Park Terrace and Wagener Terrace offer that classic Charleston charm with a real sense of community. It’s a great spot if you love history and neighborhood vibes."

Where is Uptown Charleston?

Uptown downtown? What??

Uptown, you might hear it being called Wagener Terrace, NOMO, Hampton Park. No one has settled on one firm name for the area, but it's the upper part of the Downtown Charleston peninsula.

It’s the area north of the Crosstown, which is the road that cuts across the peninsula and connects the bridges to both West Ashley & Mt Pleasant. I have another page for the more historic/tourist downtown Charleston area, so be sure to read that too.

What is life like in uptown Downtown Charleston?

If you’re not ready to move the ‘burbs, still want to live Downtown Charleston life, but away from the tourists, then Uptown Charleston is the place for you.

I lived in this area for a few years and really loved it, everyone knows each other. It’s very community oriented. It’s got probably the most (in)famous neighborhood FB page, which won the “most passive aggressive neighborhood FB page award with the local city paper.

With more space up here, there are new businesses being developed in the areas, software start ups, breweries and creative restaurants. It’s got the nicest park in the area, Hampton Park. The Citadel is based up here.

Who Lives Here?

It's a mixed bunch here. There's many young families & urban professionals who want to be close to the city. Medical workers who like the 5 minute drive to MUSC. There's retirees who got bored of the 'burbs. There are families who have lived here for generations.

Food & Drinks

The F&B scene is excellent here. The residents are the types who crave coffee & craft beer. Local chefs open their restaurants here instead of in the tourist areas, so there's always something new to try here. A fine way to spend a Saturday is bounce between the many breweries on the King Street Extension on the north end of Uptown.

Shopping

Not many shops up here. Food Lion is the local supermarket. Publix isn't far away. Some of the local convenience stores have surprisingly good food. Don't overlook their rough exterior.

Parks & Recreation

Hampton Park is the biggest park downtown. They close it off twice a week for walkers, runners & cyclists. Fish or shrimp from the dock at Brittlebank Park on the Ashley River, bring a blanket and watch the sunset here.

Watch minor league Riverdogs baseball stadium, or the college sports at The Citadel. Soccer, baseball & basketball playing fields scattered throughout.

Drive Times

Airport : 15 minutes

Beach : 20 minutes to Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach

Have Questions About Downtown Charleston?

We answer all your Downtown Charleston questions. Quickly.

Best Neighborhoods in Uptown Charleston

Being an older area, there's no so many of today's subdivisions. Areas spill over into the next without clear definition. These houses are from early 1900s and every decade since, with most having been renovated and extended.

Map of Charleston SC. Best Neighborhoods in Hampton Park Area

1. Hampton Park Terrace

The streets around Hampton Park have some of the bigger houses. Streets like Moultrie, Huger, Parkwood, Allan Park

2. Rutledge Ave

Rutledge is the main thoroughfare through this area, starting at The Battery downtown, all the way to north end of the peninsula. I lived on Rutledge for a few years, really like it. It does get some road noise, but nothing good windows can't block out.

3. Longborough & Lowndes Point

There are two high end waterfront communities. They are more recent defined subdivisions. Some beautiful homes with less of the problems of the older homes in the area. I think everyone is either an MUSC doctor or attorney who lives here!

4. Marshfront

On the west side of Wagener Terrace, there are some marsh front properties with docks. Look on streets such as Devereaux, Riverside, Sunnyside

5. Fields Place

There are more modern build in infill developments like Fields Place. With land so hard to find in this area, developers have been buying up small lots and putting very modern tall construction on them. Fields Place is my favorite among them. I nearly (and should have) bought a house here. Fields is just an example. Ask us for more of these.

6. Condos

If you prefer a condo, the Cool Blow Lane ones are concrete done well. Very different from most of the other architecture in Charleston. I love them. Gritty but fun, next to a park and a brewery. For the boaters, you may like Bristol Condominiums with its own dock. High end.

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Areas Similar to Uptown Charleston

If you like Uptown Charleston, you may also like the Avondale area in West Ashley or Park Circle. They have a similar vibe but are less expensive.

The Old Village & the neighborhoods close to Shem Creek in Mt Pleasant are similar too. They'll be more expensive though.