City Guide
Charleston, SC
Overview
Charleston, SC, is well known for historic sites, distinct architecture, and southern charm. The city is home to 140,476 people, so living in Charleston will have the best of small-town charm and big city living. There are a lot of fun and fascinating facts about the city, one of which is that it was a frequent target of pirate attacks. In 1718, the famous pirate Blackbeard attacked several ships trying to enter the harbor. Additionally, America's first museum was founded here in 1773.
What’s it like to live in Charleston, SC ?
If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Charleston, SC you'll find that the median sale price is
$569,000
and homes stay on the market for 42 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of
a single family home and a condo/co-op in Charleston are $610,000
and $379,750
, respectively. Charleston area townhouses have a median sale price of $402,500
, making them less expensive
than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Charleston, SCExplore our Charleston housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over
the years and how Charleston home prices compare to other markets. If you're curious about the most
valuable home features in Charleston, or looking for a new home improvement project,
discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.
Popular neighborhoods in and around Charleston
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Compete Score | Walk Score | Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Circle | $542,000 | 64 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Johns Island | $640,000 | 49 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Daniel Island | $1,557,500 | 45 / 100 | 19 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Downtown Charleston | $785,000 | 29 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| West Ashley | $480,000 | 57 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
Charleston Articles & Neighborhood Content
Read more on the Redfin blog
Popular homes for sale in Charleston
See all homes for sale
Rental listings in Charleston
See how much rent you can affordSee all rental listings
What is the cost of living in Charleston?
The cost of living in Charleston is 2% lower than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Charleston, the average monthly rent is $1,627, while the median home price is $569,000. Overall, housing in Charleston is 35% higher than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 2% higher in Charleston. Though healthcare costs 8% lower in Charleston compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Charleston, an optometry check-up costs around $73.36, while a dentist appointment is $95.75 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Charleston. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.
Compared to the national average
2%
Cost of living
35%
Home prices
Cost of living calculator
Compare cities across the U.S.
Charleston Migration & Relocation Trends
In Jun '23 - Aug '23, 30% of Charleston homebuyers searched to move out of Charleston, while 70% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
- Across the nation, 0.48% of homebuyers searched to move into Charleston from outside metros.
- Washington homebuyers searched to move into Charleston more than any other metro followed by New York and Boston.
Where are people moving to Charleston from?
- 70% of Charleston homebuyers searched to stay within the Charleston metropolitan area.
- Columbia was the most popular destination among Charleston homebuyers followed by Asheville and Myrtle Beach.
Where are people from Charleston moving to?
Number of People Moving to Charleston
least
most
People are moving to Charleston from
| Inbound | Net inflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Jun '23 - Aug '23 | ||
| 1 | 552 | ||
| 2 | 382 | ||
| 3 | 265 | ||
| 4 | 233 | ||
| 5 | 180 | ||
| 6 | 133 | ||
| 7 | 124 | ||
| 8 | 104 | ||
| 9 | 84 | ||
| 10 | 78 | ||
People are leaving Charleston for
| Outbound | Net outflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Jun '23 - Aug '23 | ||
| 1 | 102 | ||
| 2 | 95 | ||
| 3 | 88 | ||
| 4 | 58 | ||
| 5 | 38 | ||
| 6 | 29 | ||
| 7 | 23 | ||
| 8 | 22 | ||
| 9 | 16 | ||
| 10 | 15 | ||
Methodology
This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two
million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user
must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.
What is there to do in Charleston, SC ?
There are numerous places to visit in Charleston, SC, that will be a hit for anyone moving to the area. Charleston is known for its popular museums such as Nathaniel Russell House, The Charleston Museum, and Aiken-Rhett House. Dock Street Theatre and Charleston Music Hall are just a few of the performing arts venues that contribute to the city's rich arts and culture scene. Parks are abundant in Charleston, where you can find green spaces like Hampton Park, Charleston Waterfront Park, and James Island County Park. Fleet Landing Restaurant, Mondo's Italian Restaurant, and Santi's Restaurante Mexicano are some of the numerous popular restaurants to check out while in Charleston.
Explore some of the best things to do in Charleston
What's the best way to get around Charleston, SC ?
The best way to get around Charleston is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Charleston has a walk score of 40, meaning this area is car dependent. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Charleston has a transit score of 24, and almost all errands require a car. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 29403 and 29412. You can also get around Charleston by bike. With a bike score of 50, there is some amount of infrastructure for biking.
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
Bikeable
Bike Score®
Charleston Transportation
Bus Station
Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.
Rail Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Tram Station
Charleston has 1 tram stop. There are few tram lines, which means it is difficult to use them to commute.
Metro Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Car & Bike Rentals
Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 18 car rental locations. Renting a bike is another good way to get around. There are 8 bike rental locations.
Airports
Charleston has 2 airports which allows you to easily travel.
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