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Moving to Charleston in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Charleston.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Charleston.

Planning to move to Charleston?

When you move to a new city, you have a lot of questions in your mind about the city, lifestyle, expenses, and more. But a moving guide like this can help you learn about the city and simplify your transition. If you plan to move to Charleston, you must know that the city has beautiful, stunning mountains with fresh air. The city offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, skiing, camping, and more. The city has a strong, growing job market with diverse industries offering high-paying jobs. The people of Charleston are friendly and have a laid-back attitude. The city is known as a beer lover’s paradise and has many breweries and taprooms. Before you plan your move, learn every detail about Charleston in this guide-

Quick Facts of Charleston

Let us explore some interesting facts about Charleston-

Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the US as it was founded in 1670.

The American Civil War began in Charleston with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in 1861.

In Charles, the Pineapple symbolizes welcome and hospitality.

College of Charleston is one of the oldest colleges in the US.

The city is known to be one of the most haunted cities in the US.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the oldest public gardens in America. 4

Charleston hosts festivals throughout the year including Spoleto Festival USA.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in Charleston.

Top reasons to move to Charleston

Most people from one city to another to find peace, better jobs, and more. But, determining the reason for your move to Charleston is also important. Here, we have listed some of the top reasons to move to Charleston-

Cost of Living- The city enjoys a relatively lower cost of living compared to other major cities.

Job Market- The city has a growing job market with various industries like technology, healthcare, and more. The city offers a good work-life balance with ample opportunities.

Culture- The city is steeped in history, and there are various beautiful architecture and historic sites. The city has a unique culture and tradition of the Gullah Geechee People.

Friendly Community- Charleston is known for its Southern Hospitality, and it can be felt through the warm nature of people. The city has a strong sense of community as it participates in festivals, community gatherings, and more.

Education- The residents of the city can access quality education through top-rated schools.

Climate- The city experiences warm weather throughout the year, and winters are pleasant. This type of weather provides opportunities for outdoor recreational fun.

Pros & Cons of Living in Charleston

Exploring the pros and cons of life in Charleston can be helpful after your move. You can prepare for the risks in advance.

Pros of living in Charleston	Cons of living in Charleston
The city is indulged in history with presence of several historic sites	The cost of housing has been rising in recent years
The job market is strong offering opportunities in different industries	Summers can be unbearable because of excessive high temperature
The city boasts stunning natural beauty and vibrant food scene	The city located in hurricane prone area
Charleston has low cost of living, excellent schools and laid-back lifestyle	Traffic congestion can be a problem during rush hours
The city is known for its southern hospitality and welcoming nature	Public transportation options are limited in the city
The city experiences world-class performances and food festivals	During summer, mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Charleston, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Charleston

Moving to a new city and searching for a perfect neighborhood can be daunting, but with a guide listing the top neighborhoods in the city, it will be easy. Here, we have compiled details about the best neighborhoods in the city-

South of Broad- This is a historic neighborhood with stunning waterfront views and vibrant nightlife. There are many grand mansions in this location.

Cannonborough-Elliotborough- This neighborhood offers a mix of historic homes and modern condos. The city has a vibrant life and plenty of dining options.

French Quarter- The neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, historic houses, and boutique shops.

Avondale- This neighborhood is considered best for families, as there are good schools, parks, and a variety of housing options.

Daniel Island- This is a planned community with a variety of housing options. There are good schools, parks, and recreational facilities that make it a perfect neighborhood for families.

Park West- This locality is in Mount Pleasant and offers a variety of housing options. You can find single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. This is a family-friendly neighborhood as there are good schools, parks, and recreational facilities.

Cost of living in Charleston

Learning about the cost of living in the new city is an important aspect of planning a move. This will help you decide whether you will move to the new city or not. The cost of living can help you calculate the moving budget. The cost of living in Charleston is lower compared to other cities but it is slightly higher than the national average. However, the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle.

Category	Charleston (in USD)
One-bedroom apartment in city center	$2,450
One-bedroom apartment outside city center	$1,675
Three-bedroom apartment in city center	$4,484
Three-bedroom apartment outside city center	$2,680
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	$20
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	$90
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	$57
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	$188.18
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	$53.89
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	$75.36

Housing Market in Charleston

The housing market in Charleston is currently experiencing a moderate increase in prices. The median sale price of a house in Charleston is around $679,500. The home prices have been increasing over the years.

Average rental cost in Charleston

The average rental cost in Charleston varies for property type, location, and size. The average rent ranges from $1,760 to $2,289 per month.

Charleston job market

The job market in Charleston is currently strong and growing. The job market showed significant growth that outpaced many US cities. The unemployment rate in the city is lower than the national average. There are several industries that are adding growth to the economy.

Top Career Options in Charleston

Learning about the job market of the new city where you are moving is important. It is better to learn about the top career options, their average and entry-level salary, and the total number of employees.

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary	Number of Employees
Software Engineer	110,000	70,000	1,400,000
Data Scientist	120,000	80,000	300,000
Physician	250,000	150,000	1,200,000
Lawyer	140,000	70,000	1,300,000
Accountant	75,000	50,000	3,500,000
Nurse	75,000	50,000	3,000,000
Teacher	60,000	40,000	3,500,000
Marketing Manager	120,000	60,000	2,000,000
Financial Analyst	90,000	60,000	1,500,000
Civil Engineer	85,000	60,000	1,200,000

Median Salary in Charleston

In Charleston, the median salary is around $57,110 per year. The salary in the city depends on industry, experience, and job role.

Transportation And Navigation In Charleston

The public and private transportation facilities in the city affect the quality of life. So, learn about the transportation and navigation before you decide to move there- Public Transportation- The city has CARTA (the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) that provides bus services within the city. The city has options for ride-sharing like Uber and Lyft. Personal Transportation- This is the most common mode of transportation in the city. Most residents own a car or a bicycle. The city has designated bike lanes and paths. There are pedestrians in the city making it walkable. Navigation- The city has a well-developed road network and good connectivity with the highways. Charleston Harbor is a major port that plays a role in commercial shipping and recreational boating.

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Major industries in Charleston

The following are the major industries in Charleston-

Aerospace

Automotive

Defense

Technology

Life Science

Logistics and Shipping

Tourism

Hospitality

Healthcare

Education System in Charleston

Finding a good school for your children is one of the most important tasks as per your moving checklist. So, when you plan to move to Charleston, explore the schools and colleges in the city to pick the best option. You can explore these schools, colleges, and universities and save time-

Elementary Schools in Charleston
Buist Academy for Advanced Studies
Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School
Mamie Whitesides Elementary School
Daniel Island School
Stiles Point Elementary School

Middle Schools in Charleston
Charleston School of the Arts
Buist Academy for Advanced Studies
Laing Middle School
Daniel Island School
Orange Grove Charter School

High Schools in Charleston
Charleston School of the Arts
Buist Academy for Advanced Studies
Laing Middle School
Daniel Island School
Orange Grove Charter School

Colleges and Universities in Charleston
College of Charleston
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
Charleston Southern University
Trident Technical College

Best things to do in Charleston

Once you move into the new city, it’s time to reduce the stress, and the best way is by exploring the city-

Stroll through the Rainbow Row to watch the colorful row houses.

Explore the French Quarter, wander the charming streets, and admire the culture.

Take a boat tour to Fort Sumter.

Visit Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island to relax on the beach.

Explore the beauty of the Lowcountry by kayaking and paddleboarding.

Explore the beautiful gardens at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

Visit the Charleston Museum and the Gibbes Museum.

Learn about the spooky history of Charleston.

Spot dolphins and other marine life via dolphin cruise.

Taxes in Charleston

Taxes are essential expenses and before you move to a new city learn about the different taxes applicable. Here is the breakdown of different taxes applicable in Charleston-

Sales tax- South Carolina has a 6% state sales tax and there are some local sales taxes in the city of Charleston. As a total, you will have to pay 9% sales tax.

Income tax- There is a 6.4% of state income tax rate in South Carolina.

Property Tax- The property tax rates in South Carolina are relatively low compared to other states. There are local property taxes depending on specific jurisdiction.

Excise Taxes- There are taxes imposed on specific goods like alcohol, gasoline, and tobacco.

Vehicle Registration Fees- The fees for registering a vehicle depend on vehicle type.

Type of insurance required in Charleston

Each state in the US has some mandatory and some optional insurance. Before you move to Charleston, learn about all the insurance you might need in Charleston-

Auto Insurance- This is a mandatory insurance that is required by the law of South Carolina All the drivers must have minimum liability coverage. Here is the breakdown of coverage-

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability

• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability

• $25,000 for property damage liability

Homeowners Insurance- This insurance will cover the damage to the property and personal belongings due to events like fire, theft, and natural disasters.

Renters Insurance- This insurance will protect your belongings and liability if you are renting.

Health Insurance- This insurance will cover the essential medical expenses.

Life insurance- This insurance will provide financial support to your loved ones, in case of your untimely death.

Disability Insurance- This insurance covers your income in case you cannot work because of some disability.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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