Moving to Charleston Guide

February 26, 2024

Thinking about moving to Charleston, South Carolina? Charleston is full of Southern charm, rich history, and easy access to beautiful beaches. In this guide, we break down where to live in Downtown Charleston, divided into three main categories, including Lively & Walkable, Historical, and Residential. Then we explore residential neighborhoods outside the city along with the best nearby beach towns. Here is Charleston Guru’s Ultimate Moving to Charleston Guide. 

Charleston Neighborhood Map

Before diving in, it may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the general location of each neighborhood using the map above. Click the links below to jump to any of the Charleston neighborhoods covered in this guide:

Downtown Charleston

*Lively & Walkable Neighborhoods*

Cannonborough/Elliotborough

Zip Code: 29403

Cannonborough Elliotborough is a highly walkable part of downtown, with several popular apartment buildings and homes for rent. You are within walking distance of gyms, spas, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, and a short distance from King Street. It’s no surprise that Cannonborough Elliotborough has become a go-to neighborhood for those new to Charleston, with its brand new construction, pedestrian-friendly streets, and proximity to both the airport and beaches.

Apartments & Rental Properties:

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Eastside + NoMo

Zip Code: 29403

Eastside + NoMo (North Morrison) is in a growing part of downtown near The Ravenel Bridge. This area is dotted with trendy bars, delicious restaurants, and new apartment buildings, all within a leisurely stroll from each other. Eastside + NoMo will have even more green space once the Lowcountry Lowline development is complete, too. This area is quickly growing and getting more apartments, hotels, and restaurants. 

Apartments & Rental Properties:

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Harleston Village

Zip Code: 29401

This upscale part of town is home to Colonial Lake and the Yvonne D. Evans River Walk, making it an ideal area for joggers, walkers, or bikers. No matter where you are in Harleston Village, you are also a short walk from the stunning views of the Ashley River. And, depending on where you are in Harleston Village, you may be near King Street and its endless shopping options. A new addition to Harleston Village is the Ashley Artisan Suites, a collection of local boutiques, located at the bottom of the Jasper Apartment building.

Apartments & Rental Properties:

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Upper King / Radcliffeborough

Zip Codes: 29401 and 29403

The College of Charleston is located in Upper King and Radcliffeborough, making it a convenient spot for college students and young adults. There is always something to do in this part of town. Radcliffeborough is a lively part of Downtown Charleston, with great restaurants, bars, and shopping. The whole area is very walkable, but you’ll need a car when you want to head to one of the many nearby beaches. Living options are minimal in this area.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Downtown Charleston

*Historical Neighborhoods*

Lower King + French Quarter + South of Broad

Zip Code: 29401

Lower King Street, the French Quarter, and South of Broadway, all located near the southern tip of the peninsula, are more residential and historical parts of Charleston. You won’t find many formal apartment buildings in this part of downtown, but you’ll see plenty of spectacular homes and charming architecture. With its close proximity to The Battery, where you can see the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, it is by far one of the prettiest places to walk in the downtown vicinity.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Ansonborough

Zip Code: 29401

Ansonborough is an elegant part of Downtown Charleston, home to many historic homes dating back to the 1800s. Ansonborough is nearby some of the oldest bars and restaurants in the city. Boutique hotels, Gadsdenboro Park, and the Charleston Aquarium are within walking distance from most homes, too. 

Apartments and Rental Properties:

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Downtown Charleston

*Residential Neighborhoods*

North Central

Zip Code: 29403

North Central is another upcoming Charleston area slightly away from Downtown’s busyness. This area is primarily home rentals or real estate for sale—there are very few apartments. This is a family-friendly area and puts you in the center of many great local restaurants, bars, and beautiful Hampton Park, where you can walk, run, or bike throughout the park on paved walkways.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Westside

Zip Code: 29403

The Westside is a popular neighborhood for those who want to be just a short walk away from downtown but want a quieter spot and more of a traditional neighborhood feel. And if you are interested in attending sporting events, you will be close to the Citadel as well as where the Riverdogs play at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. Tourists are also sparse due to the limited amount of nearby hotels. 

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Wagener Terrace

Zip Code: 29403

Wagener Terrace is a highly sought residential neighborhood in Downtown Charleston. It has a lot of single-family homes and spacious yards. There are several waterfront neighborhoods in this area with lots of new construction. Wagener Terrace is also home to Corrine Jones Playground and a centrally-located public garden, plus it’s just a short walk from Hampton Park.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
outside of Downtown Charleston

Avondale

Zip Code: 29407

Avondale is located in West Ashley, just a short drive to Downtown Charleston and Folly Beach. This lively part of West Ashley has a great nightlife scene and has several local restaurants, stores, and bars. This is an ideal spot for young professionals or young families. It has a lot of great parks and walking paths, and it isn’t too far from Folly Beach, so you can always enjoy the beautiful South Carolina weather. 

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Mount Pleasant

Zip Code: 29464

Mount Pleasant is a family-friendly town with many large neighborhoods, including popular communities like ION, Old Village, Park West, Dunes West, Rivertowne, Carolina Park, Belle Hall, and Hobcaw. Mount Pleasant is spread out, so living options range greatly. You can live near the Ravenel Bridge on the water, right over the bridge from Sullivans Island, by the Isle of Palms Connector for easy beach access, or up to 30 minutes from downtown on a larger plot of land. Mount Pleasant is also home to Shem Creek, a popular destination for waterfront dining and drinking.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

James Island

Zip Code: 29407

James Island is a more suburban and rural part of Charleston, and residents have access to many parks and places to spend time outside. It is only 12 minutes from Downtown Charleston and 15 minutes from Folly Beach. James Island has many waterfront homes and areas of town where you can get in the water to go fishing, boating, and kayaking.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Daniel Island

Zip Code: 29492

Daniel Island is a newer, developed, planned neighborhood with Southern coastal charm. Daniel Island is ideal for anyone looking for a part of town where they can enjoy nature and be in a relaxed area just a short distance from Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant. It is a great area to walk, run, bike, or boat. Daniel Island is a family-oriented place with a lively town center that includes the newly-renovated Credit One Stadium. The Credit One Stadium has a packed concert schedule, plus the Credit One Open, WTA 500 Tennis Tournament. You can also take the Daniel Island Ferry for a short boat ride to Downtown Charleston.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

North Charleston

Zip Codes: 29404, 29405, 29406, 29418, 29420, 29423, 29456, 29483, 29485

Popular Neighborhoods in North Charleston are Ashley Acres, Park Circle, Charleston Heights, Dorchester, and Park Circle North. To highlight one neighborhood, Park Circle is a growing and expanding part of North Charleston. Park Circle has a great foodie scene and a disc golf course right in the center of town! It is a fun and lively neighborhood with more affordable parts than Downtown Charleston.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Summerville

Zip Code: 29456, 29483, 29485

Summerville is a family-friendly suburb just north of North Charleston and Downtown Charleston. Summerville has been growing significantly in the past few years and is continuing to be developed. A popular new development in Summerville is Nexton. Nexton has more than 120 shops, eateries, and offices. They also have over 2,000 newly built homes.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

CHARLESTON BEACH TOWNS

Sullivan’s Island

Zip Codes: 29451 and 29482

Sullivan’s Island is a haven for those seeking an island lifestyle away from the bustling crowds. With fewer rental properties available, there’s a true sense of community with less vacationers and more locals. You’ll find an array of delightful eateries, watering holes, and fashion boutiques, each with its unique charm. Indulge in a cold beer at Poe’s Tavern, savor gourmet dishes at The Obstinate Daughter, or treat yourself to stylish beachwear at Bennie+Coco. When it comes to living options, Sullivan’s Island offers a wide range of historic and modern beach homes to suit all tastes and preferences (for those who can afford it).

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Isle of Palms

Zip Code: 29451

Isle of Palms is a great beach town to walk around, bike, paddle board, and surf. People embrace the more chill island feel on Isle of Palms. It is common to see people driving around on golf carts and entering bars and restaurants straight off the beach. And if you want to live out the dream of living on a resort, Isle of Palms has a gated community called Wild Dunes, a resort-style community. Isle of Palms is just a short drive to Mount Pleasant and an even faster drive to Sullivan’s Island.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Folly Beach

Zip Code: 29412, 29422, 29439

Folly Beach is a beach lover’s dream. Folly Beach isn’t a far drive from Downtown Charleston, and when you live on Folly Beach, you can surf, paddle board, and kayak to your heart’s desire. Folly Beach is a very relaxed beach town where locals enjoy the ocean’s small but fun waves.

Apartments and Rental Properties: 

Real Estate For Sale

Where to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Explore:

Visiting Charleston Before Your Move

If you are considering moving to Charleston and want to see a few neighborhoods, we have listed some of our favorite Downtown Charleston hotels, so you can visit before you officially move. There are also Airbnbs in the area that would be a great option.

DOWNTOWN-AREA HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

Also See:

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