Is Charleston, SC a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What Is Charleston, SC Known For?

Charleston is located along South Carolina's coastline, where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet. The city dazzles with its rich historical tapestry, which permeates daily life from preserved architecture to Civil War sites. A robust culinary scene matches its arts and culture vibe, all nestled in a coastal setting.

Charleston leans moderately conservative. Most residents identify with a religion, and there are numerous places of worship around the city. While predominantly white, the city has a noticeable African American community and other minority groups.

Students in Charleston revel in its educational history and vibrant arts scene. Families are drawn to community activities and holiday parades. Couples, especially newlyweds, find romance in its quaint, cobblestone streets and oceanic backdrop. For retirees, the slower pace and historical tours offer endless leisure. The city welcomes people of all backgrounds, genders, and beliefs, offering various community programs and events celebrating diversity.

Highlights

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Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in Charleston, SC, include culinary diversity, historical significance, natural beauty, and more. While some Cons are around cost of living, weather and flooding, and tourist crowds.
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Safety and Crime

Charleston, SC is ranked 192nd out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 213th on safety from violent crime, and 139th on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Charleston, SC is 6% lower than the national average.
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Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Charleston, SC leaves $1,243 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in Charleston, SC in January is 54°F and 84°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average +11°F warmer in January and is on average +5°F warmer in July.
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Politics and Voting

Charleston, SC voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 51.6% of the votes counted going to this party.
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The assessments presented on this website, including those related to crime, safety, cost of living, and other location characteristics (e.g., states, cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, areas, landmarks), are based on various sources and our internal research methods. These assessments are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and should not be used as the sole basis for making any decisions.