Discover CharlestonWhat Makes Charleston Shine: 3 Top Reasons to Move to the Holy City

From its sandy beaches to its rich history, Charleston, SC is a city unlike any other. In the same day, you can explore narrow, 18th century cobblestone-lined alleyways, order locally-sourced IPAs from an iPad at one of the world’s first “modern biergartens,” and still have time for a picturesque sunset harbor-cruise. Whether you’re looking to relocate to the “Lowcountry” for college, career, or retirement, the Holy City offers something for everyone.

Thirty-three new residents plant their roots in the greater Charleston area each day, and it’s not just because we’ve been named the Top American City by Conde Nast Traveler for three consecutive years (but that sure doesn’t hurt). No, what makes Charleston especially appealing to newcomers and old friends alike is less effable than that. Chucktown’s allure comes from its uniquely contagious sense of community. Whether you’re broken down in traffic on the Ravenel Bridge or waiting in line for a show at the Dock Street Theater, you’ll commonly find a helping hand or a friendly face not far off. For those of us who live here, the best parts of Charleston can be difficult to put into words, but we’ll give it whirl!

Here are 3 reasons that moving to Charleston SC is a great idea:

Quality of Life:

From the moment you set foot in Charleston, there’s an overwhelming sense that people are here because they want to be here, not because they wound up here. Not only is the cost of living in Charleston below the national average, but young professionals have flocked to the city in recent years for the low unemployment rate, emphasis on an emerging technology industry, and a “success is happiness” mentality. Retirees enjoy the year-round opportunity to spend warm afternoons on one of the city’s many golf courses. In Charleston, the pace of living is more relaxed than in other major US cities, and the residents here prefer it that way.

Culture & History:

The rich history of Charleston dates back to 1670 when “Charles Towne” was established by English settlers. From Francis Marion, the celebrated “Swamp Fox” of the American Revolution, to political theorist John C. Calhoun, Charleston was home to hundreds of important political figures over the course of history. The city is a living museum. Everywhere you turn, there are ferries traveling across the harbor to historic island forts, horse-drawn carriages marching past rows of pastel colored homes, and ancient, Gothic-spired churches holding Sunday service. (Fun fact: “The Holy City” is derived from the preponderance of steeples that dot the skyline of Charleston’s cityscape) The city is currently in the midst of restoring places of worship, apartment buildings, and houses to their original splendor.

Leisure, Libation, & Summer Livin’:

Charleston is home to a national aquarium, yearly food and arts festivals, and hundreds of internationally renowned restaurants, but one of the residents’ proudest claims to fame is their inherent ability to enjoy the simpler things in life. Whether you enjoy a hot toddy to accompany some chilly porch-swinging in Autumn, or you prefer drinking award-winning, locally brewed beer straight from the source, Charleston is home to distilleries, breweries (6 and counting!), and wine bars aplenty. There is even a local brew called “Holy City Slam. ” There is no shortage of award-winning dining destinations throughout the city, either. Husk, recently named one of the best new restaurants in America by Bon Appetit magazine, sits in the heart of downtown and serves up some of the freshest and most innovative fare in town. In summer, there’s nothing like setting up a lawn chair at one of the city’s regular oyster roasts and watching a boat show at the Charleston harbor.

Whether you’re searching for an exciting town in which to start a new career or you’re simply looking for a warm, sunny place to relocate your snow-weary family, the Holy City offers something for everyone. Charleston’s real estate experts are here to help match you with your perfect Lowcountry home.