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Our Top 8 Areas to Live Near Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC is a beautiful historic city with so much to offer its residents. The city has been a top destination for visitors with world-class dining, cultural attractions, creative spirit, and southern hospitality. Some fall in love so much that they opt to stay. The county is adding 1% to its population each year and will have over a half-million residents by 2030.

There are many neighborhoods to choose from historic homes to master-planned developments. Here are our top eight areas to live near Charleston:

Downtown Charleston

Downtown Charleston is the perfect place to be if you want to be in the heart of the action or the historic district.

The Downtown Area of Charleston is what people most often refer to when talking about the city. Otherwise known as The Peninsula, it is the formal name for areas covering West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, and the Cainhoy Peninsula.

The cobblestoned streets wind through the historic center, where high-end shops and galleries line King Street, paired with boutique hotels and some of the finest dining in the Southeast. On nearly every corner, magnificent buildings stand proud, alongside colorful homes and historical monuments that attract tourists from around the world. Elegant mansions sit tall along the waterfront in the Battery area, close to Charleston Harbor, while South Carolina’s characteristic palms line the boulevards.

If you want to live downtown, you are close to the nightlife and vibrant dining scene, but you’ll also contend with the many visitors who enjoy touring downtown Charleston and viewing its historic homes.

Living in Downtown Charleston has a lot of appeal, so the demand for housing here makes it one of the more expensive communities in the region.

In April 2002, there were 32 homes for sale, ranging from $300K to $5.3M. The median list price was $799,000.

Daniel Island

Daniel Island is a beautiful community located just minutes from downtown Charleston. This island community offers residents a true sense of Charleston living with its tree-lined streets and Charleston-style homes. If you’re looking for a Charleston community that offers beauty and convenience, Daniel Island is perfect.

Located in Berkeley County, between the cities of Charleston and North Charleston, Daniel Island is more of a peninsula between the Cooper and Wando Rivers. Beresford and Norman Creeks do connect to “cut off” Daniel Island.

Several families once owned the 4,000-acre island before it was developed into a master-planned residential community in the late 1990s. Since then, it has become one of Charleston’s most desirable places.

Daniel Island has several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique Charleston charm. The island is also home to several schools, churches, parks, and recreational facilities.

In April 2022, there were 35 homes for sale on Daniel Island, ranging in price from $230K to $3.2M. The median list price was $1.1 million.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is one of Charleston’s most popular and fast-growing suburbs. This vibrant city is located just across the harbor from downtown Charleston and offers residents stunning views of the city skyline. It received the National Civic League’s All-America City designation in 2010 and 2018 and was one of the 2019 Safest Cities in South Carolina.

The region’s growth is fueled by a mild climate, excellent public schools, low crime rates, ample housing in a wide price range, numerous employment possibilities, and access to artistic and cultural amenities. The town is dedicated to building a strong family-friendly community with lots of parks, outdoor spaces, quality education, and family-friendly events.

Mount Pleasant High School has received a perfect 100% rating from the South Carolina Department of Education each year since 2012.

The town is made up of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. The Old Village is one of Mount Pleasant’s most popular neighborhoods. This charming area is home to many historic Charleston-style homes and many shops and restaurants. The Old Village is also convenient to several parks and recreational facilities.

Mount Pleasant has an additional reputation for high-quality restaurants and dining options. Over 300 restaurants are in the city, cooking up everything from traditional Lowcountry to fine dining.

If you’re looking for a Charleston community that offers beauty and convenience, Mount Pleasant is a perfect choice.

In April 2022, there were 454 homes for sale in Mount Pleasant, ranging in price from $50K to $5.8M. The median list price was $650,000.

Sullivans Island

Sullivans Island is a small island located just off the Charleston peninsula at the mouth of the harbor. It has a reputation as one of the happiest seaside towns in America. Next to Isle of Palms, this Charleston community is known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning beaches. It’s also convenient to downtown Charleston, making it a popular place to live for young professionals and families.

The 2.5-mile barrier island is home to just over 2,000 residents plus a number of award-winning restaurants, shops, and businesses. The Charleston Light House and Fort Moultrie are popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors worldwide.

Life here moves at a slower pace. It’s a popular destination for kiteboarding, sailing, and fishing.

In April 2022, there were 12 homes for sale on Sullivans Island, ranging in price from $677K to $10.5M. The median list price was $3 million.

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is a Charleston community located across the harbor from downtown Charleston northeast of Sullivans Island and Mount Pleasant. This island town is popular as a residential and resort community, with beaches, golfing, tennis, and endless recreation options. Condé Nast readers voted it the no. 6 North American Island.

The Isle of Palms Connector bridge makes it easy to get to and from the island, and there are some public transportation options available for getting around town. It’s ideal for those who want to live in a Charleston suburb with a laid-back atmosphere or a beach town. It’s also convenient to the city, making it an easy commute for those who work downtown.

The island has six miles of pristine beaches, parks, golf courses, and restaurants. Tom Fazio designed the 18-hole course at Wild Dunes Resort. As a barrier island, Isle of Palms has a marina, fishing charters, and water sports rentals from its resorts and other business providers. Other shops and businesses in the business district cater to locals and tourists alike.

In April 2022, there were 81 homes for sale on Isle of Palms, ranging in price from $150K to $7.7M. The median list price was $1.8 million.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach has a reputation as Charleston’s beach town. Located just south of downtown Charleston, this 12 square mile barrier island and town is popular with families, retirees, and young professionals who want to live in a laid-back atmosphere. It’s also convenient to the city, making it an easy commute for those who work downtown.

Six miles of wide beaches, surfing, fishing, cycling, kayaking, boating, eco-tours, and sea wildlife await residents of Folly Beach. The pace is gently unhurried, and the stores and restaurants will treat you to genuine Southern charm and hospitality. It won’t take long for you to feel right at home.

The stores are known for their funky and bohemian vibe. Folly’s vibrant street life often has live music emanating from all directions and fruity cocktails at the beachside bar. After dark, Center Street becomes a bustling mixture of beach-casual nighttime entertainment and rooftop dance clubs.

In April 2022, there were 41 homes for sale on Folly Beach, ranging in price from $165K to $4.5M. The median list price was $1.2 million.

James Island

James Island is a Charleston suburb located across the harbor from downtown and north of Folly Beach. Located on the Charleston and North Charleston border, the marshland area has panoramic views of the Stono and Folly Rivers.

James Island was formerly farmland that has since been converted into a residential neighborhood that retains a small-town feel that its residents appreciate.

Its proximity to Charleston is convenient for those who work in the city. It’s also a popular place to live for families, with good schools and several parks and recreation options.

The island has numerous water access or waterfront living areas, plus parks, golf courses, and restaurants. The James Island County Park is a particular favorite among residents, with its water park, playgrounds, walking and biking trails, and athletic fields. The James Island Festival of Lights is one of Charleston’s most popular holiday events.

In April 2022, there were 55 homes for sale on James Island, ranging in price from $85K to $1.8M. The median list price was $513,800.

Johns Island

Johns Island is Charleston’s largest island, located just southwest of James Island. It’s a popular place to live for those who want to have a rural feel but be convenient to Charleston’s beaches or city amenities. Johns Island is bordered by the Wadmalaw, Seabrook, Kiawah, Edisto, Folly, and James islands. On the northern side of Johns Island are Stono and Kiawah Rivers.

Johns Island is 84 square miles in size, with more than 14,000 people.

The island has a rich history dating back to the 1600s, when the English first settled it. It’s named for John Colleton, one of the original eight Lords Proprietor of the Carolina Colony. In 1670, Johns Island was granted to Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury.

Johns Island is home to the Charleston Tea Plantation, the only tea plantation in America. The plantation offers tours and tastings. The Charleston Tea Plantation is also home to the Charleston Tea Party Museum.

The famous Angel Oak, a Southern live oak tree estimated to be 400-1500 years old, is located on the island. It’s also recognized for its tomato farms and other agricultural products.

In April 2022, there were 419 homes for sale on Johns Island, ranging in price from $20K to $17.8M. The median list price was $669,000.

Living near Charleston

Charleston is a great place to live with plenty of things to do. You are convenient to the beach and other Charleston attractions wherever you are. Live near historic downtown or choose a quiet beach town lifestyle. No matter where you choose to live near Charleston, you’re sure to find your little slice of Southern hospitality.