Our Top 8 Most Requested Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic city with a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. The historic parts of town are the world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment centers. That’s not to mention the attractive waterfront parks and numerous festivals held throughout the year that get people outside to enjoy the beautiful South Carolina climate. The many different neighborhoods each have a unique character representing an era in the city’s development.

Are you moving to Charleston? Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to retire or an exciting area to raise a family, there’s sure to be a neighborhood in Charleston perfect for you. From the historic antebellum mansions to contemporary developments, here are eight of our most requested Charleston neighborhoods:

Downtown

If you’re looking to be in the heart of all the action, downtown Charleston is your place! This historic neighborhood is home to many shops, top-notch restaurants, and cultural attractions. The nearby Riley Waterfront Park and other parks host art fairs, music events, and other festivals within walking distance of the many art galleries, breweries, and event venues that make downtown a bustling place.

Downtown Charleston is on a peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper rivers. The neighborhood has a land area of two square miles and a population of about 7,000 people.

Some of the most popular attractions in downtown Charleston include the Battery, Rainbow Row, and King Street. Besides the award-winning restaurants, downtown residents have daily shopping nearby. Tour the Gibbs Museum of Art, take a ghost tour, or meander the Historic Charleston City Market.

In April 2022, there were 439 homes for sale in downtown Charleston, ranging in price from $190K to $7M. The median list price was $1.2M.

South of Broad

South of Broad is one of the most desirable places to live in Charleston. This historic neighborhood is located south of Broad Street and features beautiful homes and cobblestone streets on the end of the Charleston peninsula. The views look over the intersection of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers to form Charleston harbor.

South of Broad is home to many of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks, including the Battery, Rainbow Row, and White Point Garden. The compact neighborhood has a land area of one square mile and a population of about 4,000 people.

In April 2022, there were 97 homes for sale in South of Broad, ranging in price from $1.2M to $7M. The median list price was $3.5M.

Cannonborough-Elliotborough

Another historic neighborhood, this compact community is just north of downtown Charleston between Calhoun Street and Meeting Street, south of Septime Clark Parkway. The neighborhood has a land area of 0.4 square miles and a population of about 2,000 people.

Trendy eateries are one reason people come to visit this neighborhood. Some of the most popular shops and restaurants in Cannonborough Elliotborough include Butcher & Bee, The Daily, and Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit.

At the southwest corner of the neighborhood is the MUSC Medical Complex. Not only to residents have excellent dining close at hand, but a full suite of medical services is also nearby. It’s a popular neighborhood with college students because of its location.

Many homes are recently restored or are undergoing restoration. The style trends towards classical row homes. The historic homes tend to have long patios on each floor to capture the summer breeze.

In April 2022, there were 37 homes for sale in Cannonborough Elliotborough, ranging in price from $290K to $1.7M. The median list price was $795,000.

Harleston Village

This historic neighborhood is west of downtown Charleston and south of the MUSC Medical Complex. With its eastern border along King Street, Charleston is home to many shops, restaurants, and places like ice creameries.

The neighborhood has a land area of 0.6 square miles and a population of about 1,500 people. Its location is so close to downtown and its attractions, making it score high for walkability and bikability–without all the tourist crowds.

Historic homes here can date all the way back to the 1700s. Its streets were named after prominent Charleston residents.

In April 2022, there were 54 homes for sale in Harleston Village, ranging in price from $350K to $2.6M. The median list price was $1.1M.

Johns Island

This large island is a Charleston classic, known for its laid-back vibe and stunningly beautiful vistas of the low country marshes and rivers.

Charleston’s largest island, located just southwest of James Island, is named after the first European settler, John Middleton. Today the island is a popular location for individuals who want a rural atmosphere but want to be close to Charleston’s beaches or city services.

Johns Island is surrounded by the Stono, Kiawah, and Wadmalaw Rivers. The land area is 84 square miles, making ample room for the almost 15,000 residents who call it home.

The island has long been known for its significance. The English originally inhabited it in the 1600s. It was a center for agriculture throughout the years, with its farms supplying fresh goods for nearby Charleston. Today it is still a region known for its tomato farms and other agricultural goods. The western side, closer to James Island, is more developed.

Its Charleston Tea Plantation is the only tea plantation in the United States. The plantation organizes tours and tastings. The Charleston Tea Party Museum is also on the premises of the Charleston Tea Plantation.

The island is notable for its Angel Oak, a 400-1500-year-old Southern live oak tree.

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.

James Island

Another one of Charleston’s gorgeous islands, James Island is a great place to live if you want to be close to the water but still have access to all the city offers.

This island was named after King James II of England and is one of Charleston’s seven sea islands. It’s located just north of Folly Beach and west of Johns Island. The island has a land area of 10 square miles and a population of about 12,000 people.

James Island is home to the James Island County Park, which features a waterpark, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and more. The park also has a nature center with live animals, hiking trails, and a theater. Its holiday lights are a popular Charleston area attraction.

In April 2022, there were 175 homes for sale on James Island, ranging in price from $320K to $4.5M. The median list price was $650,000.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is one of the most popular places to live in Charleston for good reason! This suburb has a lot to offer, from great schools to beautiful beaches.

Mount Pleasant is located just across the harbor from downtown Charleston. It’s a large city with a population of about 94,000 people. The town has a land area of 33 square miles.

Mount Pleasant is near the Isle of Palms, one of Charleston’s most popular beaches, and the town of Sullivan’s Island and its beach. The island is also home to the Fort Sumter National Monument, where you can learn about the Civil War and see the site of the first shots fired in the war.

Many great schools are in Mount Pleasant, including Charleston County School District’s Laing Middle School and Wando High School. The town is known for having some of Charleston’s highest-rated schools.

The town is also home to the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, a large shopping mall with over 100 stores. Find exclusive retailers and boutique shopping at the many shops.

In April 2022, there were 558 homes for sale in Mount Pleasant, ranging in price from $180K to $7.5M. The median list price was $629,000.

Summerville

Summerville is a great place to live if you’re looking for a small-town feel with a larger city’s amenities. This suburb is located just northwest of downtown Charleston and home to about 43,000 people.

Summerville is known as the “Flowertown in the Pines” because of its many gardens and parks. The town has a land area of 17 square miles.

Downtown Summerville is home to many shops and restaurants and the Summerville Dorchester Museum.

The town is also home to several schools, including Summerville High School, ranked the best high school in Charleston by Niche.com in 2020.

In April 2022, there were 198 homes for sale in Summerville, ranging in price from $130K to $2.4M. The median list price was $429,000.

Find a place to live in Charleston

If you’re looking for a great place to live in Charleston, SC, you can’t go wrong with these neighborhoods! Each one has its unique charm and amenities. Contact us today to learn more about these and other great neighborhoods.