Before you even think about relocating your family to Charleston, SC, you’ll need to consider things like housing costs, job opportunities, and crime rates. If you have children, you’ll need to research schools in the area, along with the safest neighborhoods. After all, your children’s safety and education are top priorities.
Fortunately, with a little insight into Charleston’s various neighborhoods, you’re bound to find the perfect location for you and your family.
8 Best Neighborhoods in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston was established by English settlers in 1670 and named for King Charles I. From the time of settlement, the population grew, and now Charleston County has a population of 408,235. And the population only continues to grow as people flock to some of the best neighborhoods in Charleston.
1. South of Broad
South of Broad is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Charleston, SC, and is known for its stunning antebellum homes, scenic waterfront views, and historic feel. It’s also known for old-world cobblestone streets and landmarks like Rainbow Row, a row of historic townhouses painted with vibrant pastel colors.
The neighborhood is located at the southernmost tip of the Charleston peninsula and is bordered by the Ashley River and Cooper River.
Key Details about South of Broad:
- Average Rent Cost: About $3,000 per month
- Average Home Price: $3.1 million
- Safety Rating: B-
- Top Schools: First Baptist School of Charleston
- Attractions: Rainbow Row, Longitude Lane, Nathaniel Russel House
2. French Quarter
The French Quarter was founded by French Huguenots in the 1600s–but it didn’t receive its official name until the 1970s.
This neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. It’s also home to Dock Street Theatre, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, and the historic Charleston City Market.
The French Quarter is located just above the South of Broad neighborhood and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, which means you can buy or rent homes with breathtaking waterfront views.
Key Details about the French Quarter:
- Average Rent Cost: About $2,000 per month
- Average Home Price: $2.4 million
- Safety Rating: C
- Top Schools: None (nearby schools include Charleston Day School and Memminger Elementary School)
- Attractions: Waterfront Park, Charleston City Market, Dock Street Theatre, the Pink House
3. Harleston Village
Harleston Village is a charming neighborhood located north of Broad Street and Calhoun Street and east of the Ashley River. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in the Charleston area and promises an eclectic mix of Southern and Georgian-style houses, antebellum homes, and townhouses
The neighborhood is also one of the most walkable and bikeable areas in Downtown Charleston, so it’s a great place to move to for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint!
As the sprinkle of time, there are also plenty of waterfront views, restaurants, shopping options, and parks that the whole family can enjoy.
Key Details about Harleston Village:
- Average Rent Cost: About $3,500 per month
- Average Home Price: $1.1 million
- Safety Rating: B-
- Top Schools: Mason Preparatory School, Charleston Day School, Memminger Elementary School
- Attractions: College of Charleston, Cannon Park, Colonial Lake, Grace Episcopal Church
4. Cannonborough/Elliotborough
Cannonborough/Elliotborough is located just south of Route 17 and sits right in the middle of the Charleston peninsula.
Cannonborough/Elliotborough has a cozy, historic, small-town feel that draws in many homeowners and renters.
You’ll also find that it’s home to many restaurants, small bars, local shops, and bakeries, combining anything you could ever need in one place. Many young college students love to visit this neighborhood, as it is just a short drive from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Key Details about Cannonborough/Elliotborough:
- Average Rent Cost: About $2,500 per month
- Average Home Price: $1.2 million
- Safety Rating: C
- Top Schools: None (nearby schools include Mitchell Elementary School, Ashley Hall School, and Burke High School)
- Attractions: King Street and Elliotborough Park and Community Garden
5. Radcliffeborough
Radcliffeborough is perched between King Street and Rutledge Avenue and sits just below the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood. It’s known for its historical homes situated along tree-canopied streets.
Because the Medical University of South Carolina is located just west of this neighborhood, it’s a popular spot for students and professors. While the neighborhood is mostly residential, King Street still offers a lively dining and bar scene
Key Details about Radcliffeborough:
- Average Rent Cost: About $2,500 per month
- Average Home Price: About $950,000
- Safety Rating: C
- Top Schools: Ashley Hall School and Charleston Development Academy
- Attractions: Mace Brown Museum of Natural History and King Street
6. West Ashley
West Ashley lies west of the Charleston peninsula and is nestled between Savannah Highway and the Ashley River. Thanks to the low noise levels, this neighborhood is a favorite among families and young professionals.
When you move to the West Ashley neighborhood, you’ll be able to soak in scenic river views, marshes, towering mossy oak trees, and historic landmarks like Drayton Hall.
There is plenty of greenery compared to the Charleston peninsula, which means there are multiple parks to visit, should you choose to move here.
Key Details about West Ashley:
- Average Rent Cost: About $2,000 per month
- Average Home Price: About $550,000
- Safety Rating: B-
- Top Schools: Springfield Elementary School, Riverpointe Christian Academy, and West Ashley High School
- Attractions: Drayton Hall, Citadel Mall, and the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
7. Hampton Park Terrace
Hampton Park Terrace is north of Cannonborough/Elliotborough and south of Wagener Terrace. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, as most of the buildings were constructed as far back as 1912!
While it may be one of the smaller neighborhoods, it has one of the biggest parks in the Charleston peninsula, offering plenty of walking paths and gardens. Its smaller size also makes the neighborhood especially walkable.
Key Details about Hampton Park Terrace:
- Average Rent Cost: About $2,500
- Average Home Price: About $1.2 million
- Safety Rating: B
- Top Schools: None (nearby schools include James Simons Montessori School and Burke High School)
- Attractions: The Citadel and Hampton Park
8. Riverland Terrace
Riverland Terrace is located west of the Charleston peninsula, just above the Woodlawn neighborhood.
This neighborhood is best known for its oak-lined streets and beautiful waterfront views along the Stono River. It’s also home to plenty of restaurants and local small businesses (including the Terrace Theater, which is the oldest theater in Charleston, as well as a public boat landing. (Plus, Downtown Charleston is just a short ride away when you live here!)
Choose Riverland Terrace for its historic charm, gorgeous homes, and great walkability.
Key Details about Riverland Terrace:
- Average Rent Cost: About $1,800 per month
- Average Home Price: About $1.1 million
- Safety Rating: B
- Top Schools: None (nearby schools include James Island Christian School, Harbor View Elementary School, and Murray-LaSaine Montessori School)
- Attractions: Fort Pemberton, the Terrace Theater, Medway Park, and the Avenue of Oaks (Wappoo Drive)
Final Thoughts
So, the historic Charleston, SC districts and coastal neighborhoods have won you over. Now, it’s time to plan your move. When assembling your pre-move checklist, you might want to think about storage options, as you’ll be moving all of your belongings to somewhere new.
Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, can help with the move and offer nationwide self-storage options that are up to 50% cheaper than traditional choices. Once you find the perfect Charleston home, you can sign yourself up to be a Neighbor host and earn up to $294 per hour worked!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is the More Affluent Area of Charleston?
South of Broad is one of the most affluent areas of Charleston, given that it’s a coastal neighborhood, and many of the houses are historical.
Where Is the Artsy Area of Charleston?
The French Quarter is one of the more artsy neighborhoods. It’s filled with art galleries, theaters, and festivals.
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