MOVING TO CHARLESTON?
“Charleston” is really a dozen different places. Start with how you want to live, and the right area usually becomes clear.
START WITH YOUR WHY
| If you want… | Look at |
|---|---|
| New construction you can walk or bike from, with trails and on-site schools | Nexton |
| Historic small-town charm, a town square and festivals | Historic Summerville |
| The shortest drive to Boeing, the airport or the Air Base | North Charleston |
| An easy commute to the Naval Weapons Station, or more house for the money | Goose Creek and Hanahan |
| A 55+ lifestyle with resort amenities | Del Webb Nexton or Hammock Walk |
| Beach days and waterfront dining | Mount Pleasant or James Island |
| A walkable island town center | Daniel Island |
| Close to downtown without a peninsula price | West Ashley |
| Space, live oaks and Lowcountry character | Johns Island |
| History at your doorstep | Downtown Charleston |
FIND YOUR FIT
No email, no sign-up — just a faster way to narrow a dozen areas down to the few worth touring first.
Answer all three to see your matches — no email required.
AREA GUIDES
Master-planned01Best for: Families who want new construction, remote workers, active 55+ buyers, anyone who wants to walk to dinner.
20+ miles of trails, 50+ parks, 10-gig fiber, schools inside the community, and dozens of restaurants.
Downtown: 30–35 min · Airport: about 25 min
SEE THE FULL NEXTON GUIDE ⟶
Historic02Best for: Small-town character, mature trees and a real downtown.
“Flowertown in the Pines,” centered on Hutchinson Square. Third Thursday, the farmers market, the Sweet Tea Festival and the spring Flowertown Festival.
Downtown: about 30–45 min · More house for the money
Central03Best for: Boeing, airport, Air Base and port employees; first-time buyers; food lovers.
The most central spot in the metro — about 15 minutes to downtown and 5 to the airport. Park Circle has a walkable strip of restaurants, breweries and a 55,000 sq ft inclusive playground.
Some of the most attainable homes in the metro
Suburban04Best for: Military families, I-26 commuters, more space for the budget.
Home to the Naval Weapons Station side of Joint Base Charleston, with established neighborhoods below Mount Pleasant prices.
Downtown: about 20–35 min
Coastal05Best for: Families focused on schools, beach lovers, boaters.
Shem Creek, the Old Village, and quick access to Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms.
Trade-off: higher prices and East Cooper traffic
Island town06Best for: A polished, walkable planned town inside the city limits.
A walkable center, parks and a planned layout off I-526.
Upper price range · Downtown: 15–20 min
Established07Best for: Commuters who want to be close to downtown at a lower price.
Established neighborhoods, no bridge to the peninsula, and the Avondale restaurant scene.
Mid price range
Coastal08Best for: The beach and downtown in the same week.
The James Island Connector puts downtown 5–10 minutes away; Folly Beach is down Folly Road.
Mid price range
Sea island09Best for: Land, live oaks and new construction.
Home to the Angel Oak and a wave of new neighborhoods.
Trade-off: Maybank Highway traffic
Historic10Best for: History, architecture and restaurants within walking distance.
Historic streets, celebrated restaurants, galleries and waterfront parks.
Highest prices in the metro
01 / 10 · Nexton, Summerville
Sample photography for illustration only.
THE FIRST MORNING
From packing boxes to porch sitting.
Sample photography for illustration only.
DRIVE TIMES
Typical ranges to downtown Charleston; traffic varies. Drive your commute at rush hour before you choose.
SOUTH CAROLINA BASICS
A third less assessed value — you must apply after closing.
Not tax advice; confirm details with the county or a tax professional. Sources: SCDOR income tax FAQs, SCDOR property tax exemptions.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
It depends on your rhythm. Nexton offers new construction with schools, 20+ miles of trails and 50+ parks inside the community. Mount Pleasant is known for its schools and beach access. Historic Summerville gives you small-town character with more house for the money.
Typically 30–35 minutes via I-26, and about 25 minutes to Charleston International Airport. Drive your actual commute at rush hour before you decide — traffic patterns matter more than miles.
Social Security is not taxed by South Carolina, military retirement income can be fully deducted, and there are additional deductions at 65+. Confirm your situation with a tax professional — see the SCDOR links in the basics section.
Your primary home in South Carolina can be assessed at 4% instead of 6% for property taxes — but you must apply with your county assessor after closing. It does not carry over from the seller.
Many relocating families visit for a long weekend, tour two or three areas that fit their 'why,' then buy. A private tour with Erica covers the trails, villages, schools and commute routes in one day.
YOUR FIRST-MONTH CHECKLIST
Apply for the 4% legal residence rate with your county assessor right after closing.
Confirm your school assignment by address with the school district.
Ask for flood zone and insurance quotes before you make an offer.
Drive your commute at rush hour before you choose an area.
Visit on a weekend and a weekday evening — Nexton’s events calendar and Summerville’s Third Thursday are good tests.
THE LOWCOUNTRY GUIDE
Tell me how you want to live, and I’ll show you the places that fit, from Nexton’s trails to the porches of historic Summerville.