Start Here: Where to Live in Charleston SC
Find the best Charleston neighborhoods to fit your vibe and budget. Learn what life is really like here. We don't sugarcoat anything. It's the good and the bad. No BS & no AI.
So, you're moving to Charleston? Excellent choice!
With 15 areas and towns in Charleston, it can feel overwhelming at first.
But don't worry, in just 3 steps, you'll learn each area and help you discover the neighborhood that perfectly fits your vibe and budget.
Step 1. You'll find descriptions & prices for each area of Charleston below. The vibe is as important as the price. If you like casual Folly, you may not like orderly Isle of Palms. Pick your favorites areas.
Step 2. Read our detailed guides for your favorites and learn what life is really like there. We don't sugarcoat anything. It's the good and the bad. No BS & no AI.
Step 3. Now you can zero in on the best areas of Charleston for you and confidently focus your search.
Steps 1 & 2
Charleston House Prices, Vibes & Area Guides
*prices shown are the median prices for a single family house in 2024.
North Charleston | $335,000
If you’re not quite ready for the ‘burbs, Park Circle in North Charleston is your spot, lots of beards & breweries. Artsy, not gritty like other parts of N Chs can be.
Summerville | $390,000
Families & high school football. Lots of land keep prices lower, so if you want space at a good price, look here. Downside: it can take 50 mins to get downtown at peak.
Hanahan | $425,000
Increasing Charleston area prices have people moving here who wouldn't have considered it five years ago. It's nice, friendly, with a good community. Water access if you're a boater. Location is central for much of Charleston.
West Ashley | $501,000
There's a lot to like about West Ashley. Big car dealerships & older feel keep prices reasonable. Newer subdivisions further out popular with families who like amenities. Neighborhoods closer to town have been revitalized to a walkable village lifestyle.
Johns Island | $613,000
Feels like a rural small town in SC. Produce is still grown on farms here, but it’s changing with development. The $613k is high, I had to double check it. You can find houses lower than that. You can also find $3M homes on 20 acres or water.
James Island | $655,000
Old school Charlestonians remember when all of Charleston was like JI. Some wish it never changed. Local, calmer, more laid back feel here, but down those side roads are some majestic waterfront homes. The nicest commute to downtown in all of Charleston. Minutes from Folly Beach.
Uptown Charleston | $825,000
Located in the upper part of Downtown Charleston, close to everything yet far from the tourists, it has Brooklyn-of-the-South vibes with an abundance of AirPod-wearing, espresso-carrying tech bros. Meanwhile, the DINKs love downtown's biggest park. MUSC doctors and other downtown-based workers love their 5-minute commute.
Mount Pleasant | $990,000
Many newcomers will only look at Mt Pleasant. Understandably so, because life is very good in MtP. The schools are A+. The first Whole Foods in the state opened here, that tells you a lot. HOAs will be measuring your grass height with a ruler, but it keeps the area looking, well, pleasant.
Downtown Charleston | $1,400,000
Downtown is the reason we all love Charleston. A world class city with a cozy small town feel. A walkable European lifestyle without the surly Parisian waiters. Modern condos or 200 year old houses, whatever you want, downtown has it. I've lived downtown for 15 years and won't be moving anytime soon.
Folly Beach | $1,540,000
Folly Beach is eclectic, with local characters and novelty t-shirt shops. It's not perfectly manicured like other local beach towns, but that's what makes Folly unique. Sunset views are outrageous, and when the surf is up, life doesn't get any better.
Isle of Palms | $2,000,000
IOP is the grown up preppy version of Folly. More neat & orderly. Beautifully maintained with large ocean front vacation homes. It also has friendly year-round community. Wild Dunes has condos & golf.
Kiawah Island | $2,100,000
Kiawah, where the rich live, Presidents vacation, and the Ryder Cup visits. Luxury and networking with a dash of golf, tennis, and beach. The next season of 'The White Lotus' should be filmed here. Seabrook Island is the little brother next door.
Daniel Island | $2,300,000
The exceptionally well-planned Daniel Island is so perfect, you feel like Jim Carrey in 'The Truman Show'. Kids still ride bikes to school. The houses on the Daniel Island Club golf course could have a permanent feature in Architectural Digest
Sullivan's Island | $4,700,000
Sold your business for 8 figures? Sullivan's is your spot. The most expensive zip code in the state, although the wealth isn't overtly displayed. It maintains a chilled beach vibe, and golf carts rule on an island with no traffic lights.
Step 3.
Focus on finding your ideal home
Now that you've selected a few areas you like, you can narrow down your search.
We're not fans of those sites that have you sign up for daily MLS updates—they're spammy and impersonal.
Instead, tell us about your dream home: what you like, what you don't like, and what's important to you. Ask any questions you have.
We'll handpick the best homes for you and explain why we think they're a good fit. Our local knowledge is better than any algorithm.
Email darragh@empirecharleston.com
