Charleston is a city rich in culture and history. Over the past couple of years, it has grown into a top tourist destination in the U.S. In fact, around 45 people move to the city every day.
The Holy City also has great business opportunities, excellent schools and lots of greenery. If that sounds like your cup of tea, consider moving into these neighborhoods.
1. Grimball Gates
Grimball Gates has the quintessential Lowcountry appeal. Located on Johns Island, the neighborhood is easily accessible via Seabrook Islands and Kiawah Island. Grimball Gates is the ideal neighborhood if you like a laidback lifestyle.
The Charleston neighborhood is a gated community with over 90 acres of nature preserve. You can go boating, kayaking, crabbing and fishing in Grimball. Its nature preserve has beautiful walking trails, among other attractions.
At Grimball Gates, you can find:
- Eight ponds with water features
- On-site boat storage area
- Boating from the community docks
- 63 Island Trail loop with scenic marshes, river views, and bird watching
- Sitting area with gazebo
2. Downtown
Right at the center of the Charleston area, Downtown is home to cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways and church steeples — all of which lend the neighborhood a European feel.
Downtown has a mix of eclectic personalities — tattooed college students, blue-blood Charlestonians and everyone in between. Almost everything within the area is within walking distance.
The Charleston area boasts of the country’s first zoning ordinance and offers tons of beautiful architecture complete with well-maintained window boxes, iron-fenced courtyards, and fine gardens.
In the South of Broad neighborhood, homes start in the mid $500,000s and can climb all the way to over $10 million.
3. Harleston Village
Harleston Village is a mishmash of downtown Charleston’s best attractions. It has, among others, Charleston’s grandest historic hotel, Colonial Lake, and the College of Charleston. You can also find quiet residential streets, restaurants, bars and medical services. The neighborhood is close to Moultrie Park and Colonial Lake, which makes it perfect for people who love the outdoors.
Some attractions to see in Harleston Village include:
- The Old Marine Hospital
- The Old Jail
- Zion A.M.E Church
- Grace Episcopal Church
- William Blacklock House
- Old Bethuel United Methodist Church
- Cannon Park
4. Stiles Point
Located on James Island, Stiles Point is a 200-acre neighborhood with over 200 homes. Its history dates back to 1741 when it started out as a cotton plantation.
It’s arguably one of the best-looking neighborhoods in Charleston, with state-of-the-art architectural upgrades, in-ground pools, and wrap-around porches in the antebellum style. Properties here range from $480,000 to $1.5 million.
With Folly Beach and downtown Charleston minutes away, Stiles Point is close to great amenities, including:
- a 5-are recreation area with a tennis court
- picnic table
- ball fields
- children’s playground equipment.
5. West Ashley
Bordering Downtown Charleston, West Ashley is a great neighborhood for those who are on a budget. Local condos are priced between 100K to 200K, on average.
The neighborhood is the oldest suburb in Charleston. In fact, the first European settlement in Carolina was founded in West Ashley’s Charles Towne Landing area.
West Ashley also has the only zoo in Charleston. There are also minor battlefields from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras, historic plantations, and plenty of great places to shop as well.
6. Summerville
With 20 constituent neighborhoods and a population of around 48,848 people, Summerville is the 7th largest area in South Carolina. It’s best known for its top school districts and high school football teams.
Also, it’s located along the I-26, which means that it’s easy to commute to the area. It’s close to Google, Volvo, Boeing and many hospitals.
Summerville is a historic Charleston district filled with stately homes and quiet streets. Many of these date back to the Civil War era, nabbing Summerville a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Other attractions you can visit include:
- Middleton Palace
- Azalea Park
- Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
- Gahagan Park
7. Mount Pleasant
Located just minutes from the Ravenel Bridge, Mount Pleasant is one of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to raise a family. All thanks to its robust recreational program and award-winning public schools.
If you want to experience country club living alongside pristine waters, Creekside Park area should top your list. It features a community dock, a well-shaded park-like setting, and a tennis club.
Neighborhood amenities include a boat dock, lighted tennis courts, and a pool. Homes range from $500K to $2 million.
Attractions in Mount Pleasant include:
- Nelson Park
- Deerfield Nature Park
- Mt Pleasant City Parks & Rec
- Yost Park
8. Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is a beautiful place home to some of the best Lowcountry homes. The amazing Charleston neighborhood is home to world-class restaurants, golf courses, and shopping centers.
The Island used to be home to the Kiawah Indians, logging sites, pasturelands and plantation grounds. It wasn’t until the early ’70s that it began to develop thanks to a Kuwaiti-led group. Many celebrities and billionaires have their summer homes on the Island.
9. Elliotborough/Cannonborough
This borough is known for its hole-in-the-wall eateries, residential streets, and laid-back atmosphere. You can head to the Trattoria Lucca for fine dining and authentic Italian cuisine. Or grab a bite at the 5 Loaves, one of the best restaurants in Charleston.
For dessert, check out Sugar Bakeshop on Cannon. For shopping, visit Continuum Skate Shop, the Rogue Wave Surf Shop, or the Rogue Wave on Spring Street. You can also enjoy great pizza pies, local beers, and trivia at the D.Allesandro’s.
10. The French Quarter
Once a refuge from religious persecution, The French Quarter is now one of the most romantic places in Charleston. Because of its many art galleries, the Charleston Art Walk is hosted here on a bi-annual basis.
The French Quarter is a small neighborhood in southeast Detroit, bounded by South Market, East Bay, Meeting, and Broad. Besides the art galleries, The French Quarter is also home to historic churches like the St. Philip’s Episcopal churches and the French Huguenot. If you love leisurely walks and historical neighborhoods, you’ll feel right at home here.
11. Hanahan
North of Charleston is Hanahan, home to the Goose Greek Reservoir. The reservoir is perfect for residents who love bird watching and kayaking.
Hanahan has excellent schools, making it a perfect home for young families. It also has local bars and eateries like LG’s By the Creek, which provide a laid-back ambiance for hungry residents.
12. Upper King
Upper King is a modern community of shops, bars, and restaurants north of the Historic District. Known for its Visitor’s Bureau and Charleston Area Convection, this area is a haven for young professionals, students, and locals.
The neighborhood boasts of top-notch restaurants and energetic nightlife. For example, the 6.5 acre Marion Square is a great spot to catch some Charleston sun, take a break from shopping, or go picnicking.
The Marion Square was once a drilling ground for The Citadel but has eventually grown into one of the best neighborhoods in Charleston. Here, you’ll find the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Food + Wine Festival, the weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market, and more.
There is no place quite like Charleston. It’s arguably one of the best cities to live in the country. In fact, according to Travel + Leisure magazine, Charleston was ranked the best city in the world for the fifth year running, and was the only American city among the best ten overall. What more can you ask for in a neighborhood?
If you need any help with finding rental properties in the Charleston area or are looking to invest don’t hesitate to contact us today!