Tips on Moving to Charleston, SC

If you are moving to Charleston, South Carolina, you are likely impressed by the city’s beaches, history and amenities. It is no secret that Charleston is a great place to live with temperate weather, numerous attractions and a welcoming community. If you are moving to Charleston, you have a lot of exciting decisions to make about where you want to set down roots.

Where to Live in Charleston

The best neighborhood for you depends on what you want out of your time in Charleston. A home for sale in Mount Pleasant, SC is ideal for a family that wants excellent schools for kids and lively entertainment for adults. If you love the beach, settling down on one of the many islands like the Isle of Palms is an excellent choice.

Young professionals can find their home in Historic Charleston, where old homes combine with start-up opportunities and a bustling downtown district. Whatever your reason for moving to Charleston, these tips can ensure you end up in the perfect location.

Choose Family-Friendly Communities

A family-friendly community should offer good schools, safe streets, personable neighbors and kid-friendly amenities in Charleston. The Charleston suburb of Mount Pleasant checks all the boxes and is a quick drive into the city for work or play. Stiles Point on James Island combines ocean views with all the necessities to raise a family.

● Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant offers some of the best educational opportunities in the area. Moultrie Middle School consistently earns high praise from parents and is rated the number one neighborhood middle school in South Carolina. Mount Pleasant Academy is an excellent K-5 elementary school with low student-to-teacher ratios in core subjects.

Mount Pleasant neighborhoods are safe and have a lot of parks for families. It is rated as one of the safest cities in South Carolina. Like Charleston, there are many outdoor activities for kids and parents. Quick access to Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms means plenty of fun in the sun. Plus, there are incredible dining options with everything from ice cream to wine.

Mount Pleasant is characterized by a mix of 1950s-built estates and recently built modern homes. Many houses on large plots of land provide a yard for the kids to play and run around in.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are luxurious apartments available. With its bountiful amenities and varied real estate options, Mount Pleasant is sure to meet the needs of a family moving to Charleston.

● Stiles Point on James Island

James Island is known for its scenic waterways, miles of beaches and fishing and shrimping. Combine those features with the Stiles Point community, and you get the ideal family-friendly neighborhood for a family that loves the water. The local elementary school and middle school both score an 83% in parent satisfaction for their educational environment.

Recreational opportunities are primarily centered around the waterways, as James Island is surrounded by the Charleston Harbor, Folly River, Stono River and the Wappoo Cut. Beyond days at the beach or on the river, families can enjoy James Island County Park or take a 13-minute drive to downtown Charleston for a night out.

Stiles Point and James Island have more modest homes and some budget-friendly home options. Some of the homes harken back to the farming history of James Island, and others are newly built to accommodate the growing community.

Live in Young Professional Neighborhoods

Moving to a new city can be difficult as you say goodbye to old friends and set up shop in a new environment. Fortunately, Charleston is one of the friendliest locales, so establishing a fulfilling social life is easy. Young professionals taking advantage of Charleston’s growing economy can find great homes in Historic Downtown Charleston.

● Historic Downtown Charleston

If you are looking for a community bursting with personality, Historic Downtown Charleston is the spot to be. Homes and businesses come shoulder to shoulder, and there are plenty of dining options throughout the town. The Medical University and College of Charleston are located near downtown as well.

Historic Downtown Charleston is home to many smaller communities with beautiful parks, exciting nightlife and luxurious shopping. Additionally, these communities are a short drive to beaches and golf courses. No wonder Historic Downtown Charleston is one of the most popular destinations for millennials.

Real estate in Historic Downtown Charleston shows off its storied history with antebellum bungalows, colorful row houses and townhomes. Many homes were built in the mid- to late 1800s but have been updated and renovated for the 21st century while retaining their original charm.

Find Serenity on Isle of Palms

Whether you are looking for a home in retirement or want a summer escape, the peace found in the streets of Isle of Palms is unbeatable. A 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms is an island community with beach homes and without the view-blocking highrises found elsewhere.

Recreational opportunities include great fishing and shrimping, golfing, strolls on the beach and hours in the Atlantic surf. Isle of Palms has many restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues for fun on the weekend.

Isle of Palms real estate consists of the 1960s and newer beachfront homes that range from small and comfortable to big and luxurious. The neighborhoods are full of live oak trees draped with Spanish moss and palm trees swaying in the breeze. At one time, Isle of Palms was the most luxurious vacation locale on the east coast, and now you could call it home.

The Neighborhood for You Is in Charleston

If you are planning to move to the vibrant and historic city of Charleston, you have made a great decision. Now you just need to find the right neighborhood for your needs. Fortunately, Charleston is home to communities that accommodate families, young professionals and retirees. Once you get settled in, the warm weather, beaches and friendly people are sure to validate your decision to move to Charleston, South Carolina.