Firstly why Charleston, South-Carolina?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Charleston
• State: South-Carolina
• Population: 150,227 people
• Charleston’s quick summary would be Renowned for its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culinary scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 17,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 400
• Number of Homeless people: 200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its historic charm and coastal lifestyle attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Charleston Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 53%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $45,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Charleston is $48,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $3000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Charleston’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,371
• Property Tax %: 0.73%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,500
• Rent for an average house: $2,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Historic District
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Charleston, North-Charleston, Mount-Pleasant, Summerville, and probably could include West-Ashley
• Avg. Age of Homes in Charleston: 60 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.9%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Charleston’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Charleston are  Tourism, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
• Charleston Job Scene: strong job market in tourism and military
• The General Tech Scene: diverse tech ecosystem with strengths in tourism, tech startups, and creative industries
• Charleston Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Charleston: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 11

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Charleston

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-26 connects Charleston to Columbia and the upstate
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening traffic on 26
• Transportation Score: 57 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Charleston: 40,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 9 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Charleston: scdmvonline.com
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
• Local Airport: Charleston International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Charleston’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Charleston is best described as features warm humid summers and mild winters with abundant precipitation
• Winter Weather in Charleston i’d describe as mild with some rain
• Spring Weather in Charleston can be described as warm and humid with rain
• Summer’s in Charleston are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Charleston is usually mild and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 29 days in summer
• Days in a row in Charleston below Freezing: 4
• Average Annual Rainfall: 49 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality influenced by coastal location
• Charleston Winter Air generally good air quality with occasional fluctuations

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Charleston Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Charleston 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Charlestons’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Charleston County Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Charleston Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Charleston only Doctors is about 50
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Charleston only Police Officers is about 240
• Crime Rate Index: 45/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Charleston’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Charleston’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Charleston’s Water Quality Score: 68

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Charleston

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city known for its historic charm and beautiful waterfront
• You might enjoy performances at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Charleston  boasts a vibrant nightlife with a mix of historic bars great restaurants and live music reflecting southern charm

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Charleston

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a vibrant culinary scene with a focus on seafood
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Charleston
• The Popular Sports Team is Charleston Battery
• Top Level Political Climate in Charleston can be described as liberal coastal city emphasizing social justice and tourism
• Charleston’s Longer standing religious establishment is St. Philip’s Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Charleston Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Charleston has 35 Parks?
• Waterfront Park is Charleston’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Charleston Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, historic tours, and beaches

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Charleston Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Charleston can be described as laid-back urban atmosphere with rich history and coastal charm
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Charleston visiting beaches local festivals exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from Charleston are Sumter 4 miles away Camden 31 miles away Florence 47 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Charleston or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening traffic on 26. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Charleston’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Historic District is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Charleston are Sumter 4 miles away Camden 31 miles away Florence 47 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 45 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Charleston has 4 days in a row below freezing and 29 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Charleston people have an average (positive or negative) $3000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   200 homeless people living in Charleston. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal coastal city emphasizing social justice and tourism could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Charleston.

Retiree & Senior Life in Charleston

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive property tax relief focusing on their special needs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Blake
• Charleston Senior Center offers meal services and various classes activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Charleston, South-Carolina?

If Charleston, South-Carolina ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Charleston, South-Carolina, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!