Living in Charleston

About Charleston

Founded in 1670, Charleston is widely known for its beauty, history, restaurants, livability, and shopping. The accolades are seemingly endless, as Travel + Leisure Magazine has named it the No. 1 city in the US for 10 years in a row, in addition to ranking 12th on the magazine's list of the 15 best cities in the world, making it one of only two US destinations to make the cut. 

Living in Charleston gives its residents the unique experience of living in a city with a small-town feel. Nestled among our lush beaches, James Beard Award-winning restaurant scene, popular golf courses, and serene waterways, Charleston is an easy place to call home. 

There is no shortage of historical festivals and cultural events in the Lowcountry. From the High Water and High Tide music festivals to the Charleston Half Marathon and Sailing Regattas, there is never a dull moment in Charleston! However, for those wishing to explore new scenery or have a long weekend away from home, popular driving destinations include Edisto Beach, SC, Kiawah Island, SC, Hilton Head Island, SC, Greenville, SC, Savannah, GA, Atlanta, GA, Jacksonville, FL, Charlotte, NC, and Asheville, NC. 

• Best City in the US by Travel & Leisure for 11 years straight
• Best Restaurants- 4 of the 25 best fine dining restaurants in the US are in Charleston
• Best Small City in America by Conde Nast Traveler for the 11th time
• King Street has been named one of the most beautiful streets in the world by Architectural Digest

Fast Facts About Charleston

• According to the 2020 Census, the Charleston metro population is 452,741.
• The average yearly high is 73F and the average yearly low is 59F.
• US News and World Report ranked Academic Magnet High School as the second-best high school in America.
• Charleston is home to several sports teams, including the Charleston Battery (USL Championship soccer team), the Charleston RiverDogs (NY Yankees affiliate minor league baseball team), and the South Carolina Stingrays (Washington Capitals affiliate hockey team). In fact, Charleston has been named the country's best minor-league market!
• North America's longest cable-stayed bridge, the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge (pictured above), spans the Charleston Harbor, connecting historic Charleston and Mount Pleasant. 
• Charleston is the backdrop for many movies and shows, such as The Notebook, Cold Mountain, Halloween, and Outerbanks.

Things To Do In & Around Charleston 

• Charleston Wine & Food Festival
• Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)
• Spoleto Festival
• Cooper River Bridge Run
• Credit One Charleston Open Tennis Tournament
• 2nd Sundays on King Street
• Charleston International Antiques Show
• Fall & Spring Tours of Homes & Gardens
• Charleston Aquarium
• Visit the Charleston Museum (America's First Museum), Dock Street Theater (America's First permanent playhouse), or the College of Charleston (America's first municipal college)
• Take a Harbor cruise or historic walking tour
• Visit any of the Charleston-area beaches (Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, or Sullivan's Island)

Helpful Sites for Charleston Visitors

Explore Charleston

The City of Charleston, SC

Charleston County, SC