Top 8 Places to Live in Charleston, SC according to Locals

Top 8 Places to Live in Charleston, SC according to Locals

If you've ever considered living in Charleston, South Carolina, these are the top eight places to live, according to locals. Welcome back! I'm Bill Olson, your favorite YouTubing Charleston realtor. Today, we're exploring the best areas around Charleston as ranked by locals on niche.com. Note: Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island were excluded as they are specific beach communities.

8. North Charleston

• Schools: B
• Housing: C+
• Good for Families: B-
• Crime: C-
• Nightlife: A-
• Overall Rating: B

North Charleston is centrally located between the peninsula and Summerville, making it convenient for commuting. It's home to major employers like Joint Base Charleston, Boeing, and the International Airport. Housing here is some of the most affordable in the area.

Average Home Price: $325,000 - $375,000

7. Ladson

• Schools: B
• Housing: B+
• Good for Families: B+
• Nightlife: B-
• Overall Rating: B+

Ladson, a Census Designated Place, sits between North Charleston and Summerville. It’s a densely populated area that provides a balanced lifestyle with good schools and affordable housing.

Average Home Price: $300,000 - $350,000

6. Summerville

• Schools: A-
• Housing: B
• Good for Families: B+
• Crime: C
• Nightlife: B
• Overall Rating: B+

Summerville, known as the "Flowertown in the Pines," is popular for its excellent schools and community events like the Flowertown Festival. It's also reputed as the birthplace of sweet tea. Housing costs are slightly higher, with new construction booming in areas like Nexton.

Average Home Price: $375,000 - $425,000

5. Goose Creek

• Schools: B
• Housing: B+
• Good for Families: B
• Crime: C
• Nightlife: B+
• Overall Rating: B+

Goose Creek, the most populous city in Berkeley County, offers affordable housing and a family-friendly environment. It’s also home to the Naval Weapons Station.

Average Home Price: $300,000 - $325,000

4. Hanahan

• Schools: B+
• Housing: B
• Good for Families: B+
• Crime: C+
• Nightlife: B+
• Overall Rating: A-

Hanahan, a small community with tidal water access, is ideal for water sports enthusiasts. It also hosts community events at the Hanahan Amphitheater.

Average Home Price: $400,000 - $425,000

3. James Island

• Schools: A
• Housing: B
• Good for Families: A
• Nightlife: B
• Overall Rating: A

James Island is located between Folly Beach and the Charleston Peninsula, offering easy access to both. It's a densely populated, older area with a mix of ranch-style and historic homes.

Average Home Price: $600,000 - $650,000

2. City of Charleston

• Schools: B+
• Housing: C+
• Good for Families: A-
• Crime: C
• Nightlife: A+
• Overall Rating: A

The City of Charleston includes the peninsula, West Ashley, parts of James and Johns Island, and Daniel Island. It’s renowned for its vibrant nightlife and historic charm, but housing can be expensive, especially on the peninsula.

Average Home Price: $750,000 - $1.5 million (varies by area)

1. Mount Pleasant

• Schools: A+
• Housing: B-
• Good for Families: A
• Crime: B-
• Nightlife: A-
• Overall Rating: A+

Mount Pleasant tops the list due to its proximity to downtown Charleston and two major beaches, plus excellent schools. Although housing is pricey, it offers a high quality of life.

Average Home Price: Around $1 million

These are the top places to live in the greater Charleston area, as rated by locals. If you're considering moving to, from, or around Charleston, I'd love to be your real estate resource of choice.