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Are you considering relocating to Charleston? My wife and I relocated here, and we both love it! If you are not sure whether Charleston is right for you or not, please read my 10 Pros and Cons of living in Charleston.
If you are considering moving to Charleston, you probably would like to know where are the best places to live? Where are the best neighborhoods in Charleston, SC? It really depends what you are looking for. Buying/Renting a home can be expensive on the Charleston Peninsula (Charleston area Rentals), so many people purchase a home further away, in a suburb of Charleston, and commute to work. Below you can find a list of suburbs near Charleston, SC.
You will find a link to AreaVibes.com and GreatSchools.org to each area below, showing different grades for things such as Cost of Living, Crime, Employment, Amenities, School Ratings, etc… Below is a list of the 17 best places to live near Charleston (in no particular order).
Here are the 17 Best Places to Live in Charleston, SC:
- Charleston Peninsula
- West Ashley
- Folly Beach
- Daniel Island
- Mount Pleasant
- James Island
- Goose Creek
- Hanahan
- Summerville
- Ladson
- Moncks Corner
- Johns Island
- Kiawah/Seabrook
- North Charleston
- Sullivan’s Island
- Isle of Palms
- Ravenel/Hollywood
The 17 Best Places to live in Charleston, SC are:
1. Charleston Peninsula
The Charleston Peninsula is the location of historic Charleston and the Downtown. Downtown Charleston is a great location to live if you are looking for a nightlife, places to shop, amazing places to eat, and always want to have something to do! The city of Charleston is a living Museum, and there are historic homes everywhere on the Peninsula. This is also the location of MUSC Hospital, Roper Downtown Hospital, Historic King Street, the French Quarter, Charleston City Market, and much more!
Homes for sale on the Charleston Peninsula are more expensive than most of the surrounding areas. There are many historic homes for sale in this location that are in the Board of Architectural Reviews (BAR) jurisdiction. There are condos and townhomes for sale in this location if you’re looking to live in the historic area of Charleston at a more affordable price. You’re parking options may be very limited depending on the property you purchase or rent.
2. West Ashley
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 5-25 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
West Ashley is within Charleston’s city limits, but is on the other side of the Ashley River from the Charleston Peninsula. West Ashley is the location of some of Charleston’s Historic Plantations (Magnolia Plantations and Gardens), and the site of the original settlement in 1670, at CharlesTowne Landing. Homes are more affordable in West Ashley than the Charleston Peninsula, and it is a close drive to downtown Charleston, making it a popular location for people who want to be close to downtown Charleston at a more affordable price.
You will find a lot of older/renovated homes “inside of I-526”, and a lot of newer and New Construction homes “outside of I-526”. West Ashley is located in between the Ashley and Stono Rivers, and also has many creeks. Because of this, there are a lot of waterfront homes for sale in this area.
3. Folly Beach
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 20-30 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Folly Beach is a city on Folly Island in Charleston County, South Carolina. Folly Beach is a popular tourist destination, and offers many souvenir shops, Surf Shops, places to eat, and a Pier.
Folly Beach offers Beach Houses, Beachfront Property, and Beachfront Condos. There are also more affordable homes that are located in the City of Folly Beach, but not directly on the beach. If you purchase/rent a home anywhere on Folly Beach, you will be just a few minutes away from the beach, since there are multiple locations along the island to access the beach.
Folly Beach gets crowded during tourist season. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. Folly Beach is a beautiful location that is not too far from downtown Charleston. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend that you go see the Morris Island Lighthouse!
4. Daniel Island
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 25-35 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Daniel Island is located between the Cooper and Wando Rivers, and is a Master-Planned community. The Island is located between North Charleston and Mount Pleasant, and is connected with Interstate-526. Daniel Island is a gorgeous community and has many amenities, including: Golf, Tennis, Swimming Pools, Parks and Walking Trails, and much more!
Daniel Island is the location of the Volvo Car Open tennis tournament, the Daniel Island Club, and has nationally ranked golf courses by Rees Jones and Tom Fazio. Daniel Island Residents have access to neighborhood boat ramps and fishing/crabbing docks.
There is no direct path to the Charleston Peninsula from Daniel Island; you either need to drive to Mount Pleasant or North Charleston before driving to the Peninsula. Homes for Sale on Daniel Island are somewhat expensive, but you may find something more affordable out a little further toward Wando.
5. Mount Pleasant
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 10-25 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Mount Pleasant is on the other side of the Wando River from the Charleston Peninsula, and is a great location to rent or own a home. Mount Pleasant homes for sale/rent can be expensive when comparing them to other neighboring communities of Charleston.
Mount Pleasant borders Charleston Harbor, the Wando River, Sullivan’s Island, Shem Creek, and is the location of Patriot’s Point, and the U.S.S. Yorktown. Mount Pleasant is expanding outward, and has many older/renovated homes for sale, but also has a lot of New Construction options.
Mount Pleasant is bordered by Sullivan’s Island, Daniel Island, and is close to Isle of Palm; making Mt. Pleasant a location that is close to the beach and to Charleston downtown.
6. James Island
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 5-25 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
James Island is a great place to move if you would like to be close to downtown Charleston, and also close to the beach! James Island is a large Island close to Downtown Charleston, and is a quick drive to the Peninsula. James Island connects to John’s Island, West Ashley, and Downtown Charleston (James Island Connector), and is close to Folly Beach!
James Island is bordered by Charleston Harbor, Stono River, Folly River, and has multiple creeks running through it. James Island has many homes with a Marshview, on a tidal creek, and other waterfront properties.
James Island Offers many amenities, 2 Golf Courses, and has plenty of places to shop and eat. James Island County Park is an amazing park that is a great place to go fishing, crabbing, and to bring the family! Is also host the Holiday “Festival of Lights”, which is a must-see during the holiday season!
7. Goose Creek
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 25-45 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Goose Creek is a City near Charleston, located in Berkeley County. Goose Creek is bordered by North Charleston and Hanahan, and is a popular location for people wanting to live close to Charleston, but want more affordable housing. Goose Creek has many amenties, places to eat, and places to go shopping.
Goose creek Borders the Cooper River, and is home to the Naval Weapons Station at Joint Base Charleston. There are many options to own older/renovated homes, or New Construction Homes. Crowfield Plantation in Goose Creek is a popular location with many amenities, and has a Golf Course nearby (Crowfield Golf Club). Goose Creek is one of the towns near Charleston, SC that is within close driving distance.
8. Hanahan
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 20-35 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Hanahan is a city in Berkeley County, located between North Charleston and Goose Creek. Hanahan is a popular location for people who want to live near the Charleston Peninsula in a more affordable location. Hanahan is located near Interstate 26, and I-526, making it a convenient location to get around the Charleston area.
There are many neighborhoods in Hanahan that border the Goose Creek Reservoir, making it a good option to own waterfront property at a more affordable price than many other locations. Hanahan is a nice little city with plenty of amenities nearby.
9. Summerville
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 30-50 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Summerville is a Historic City located near Charleston, SC, and is a very popular location for people who want to live close to Charleston with more affordable housing. Summerville has grown rapidly in recent years, and offers plenty of amenities nearby.
Summerville is a big area that is bordered by North Charleston, Ladson, Moncks, and Interstate-26 is the main road that will lead you into Charleston. Since this area has grown rapidly, there can be a lot of traffic during the morning and evening rush hours.
Summerville is a great location if you are interested in owning a a home in a more rural location than Charleston, but would still like to have a lot of amenities nearby. There are a lot of New Construction homes for sale in Summerville, as well as older homes. There are also many homes for sale with acreage in this location.
10. Ladson
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 25-45 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Ladson is a small town located in between Summerville and North Charleston. Ladson offers affordable housing near Charleston and Summerville, and is near Interstate 26 and hwy 78 making it easy to travel from the area into Charleston.
There are options to purchase a new construction home, or a preowned home in Ladson. Ladson is located near Hwy 78, and Trident Hospital. There are a lot of amenities in this location, making Ladson a convenient location to live.
11. Moncks Corner
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 35-50 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Moncks Corner covers a large area, and offers more affordable housing than Charleston, and is a more rural setting. There are many older homes for sale in Moncks Corner, as well as a lot of different opportunities to purchase a New Construction home.
The City of Moncks Corner is located on Hwy 17a, and Hwy 52, and is located near Lake Moultrie. It is a small city, but has a Walmart, multiple restaurants, and most of the amenities that you need nearby. Part of Moncks corner borders the Cooper River, so there are some opportunities to own Waterfront property in Moncks Corner.
If you have time to visit Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner, I highly recommend it! There have been a few popular movies with scenes filmed here (The Patriot, The Notebook).
12. Johns Island
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 15-45 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Johns Island is located in Charleston County, and is the largest island in South Carolina. Johns Island is bordered by James Island, Kiawah Island, and Wadmalaw Island, and is within a reasonable driving distance to the Charleston Peninsula.
Johns Island offers older/renovated homes, and also offers many opportunities to purchase New Construction Homes. Johns Island is a great place to purchase affordable property that is close to Charleston, and is also close to the Beach. Kiawah Beachwalker Park is an amazing public beach, and is not far from Johns Island.
13. Kiawah/Seabrook
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 45-55 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are neighboring islands bordering Johns Island, and offer resort style living near Charleston! Both Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are gated communities, and offer ocean-front properties and many amenities.
This is an amazing area for people who love to be on the beach, and for golfers! Kiawah Island offers multiple amazing golf courses, including the “Ocean Course”. These are great locations to live, but both Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island have different fees club memberships that may be required to live on the island.
14. North Charleston
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 10-35 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
North Charleston is the 3rd largest City in South Carolina, and is an affordable place to live close to Charleston that is in a reasonable driving distance. North Charleston has many amenities in the City, including: The North Charleston Coliseum, Tanger Outlets, and Northwoods Mall.
North Charleston borders the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, and provides some opportunities to own waterfront property. There are also plenty of good places to eat in North Charleston. North Charleston is a convenient location to get around the Charleston, with Interstate 26, Interstate 526, and Dorchester road going through the city.
15. Sullivan’s Island
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 15-30 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Sullivan’s Island is a town bordered by Mount Pleasant and the Isle of Palms near Charleston, and is one of the most expensive locations to live in the area. Sullivan’s Island is home to historic Fort Moultrie, many good restaurants, and has a very nice beach.
Sullivans Island is a very nice location, and I recommend that you visit the town and the beach if you get a chance. This is one of my favorite beaches in the area, and does not seem to get as crowded as the other beaches. Fort Moultrie is a very historically significant location that I recommend visiting on Sullivan’s Island, and you can access the beach right next to the fort.
16. Isle of Palms
Estimated Drive Time to Downtown Charleston: 30-45 Minutes– Depending on Traffic and Location
Isle of Palms is a city on an island neighboring Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant. Isle of Palms offers housing opportunities to be on or near the beach. Isle of Palms is not far from amenities in Mount Pleasant, and also has many restaurants and shops to eat at on the island.
Isle of Palms Has Beach houses, beachfront townhomes, and beachfront condos for sale in this area, and also has a county park that is located on the Beach (Isle of Palms County Park). Isle of Palms also has a Gated/Golf Community called “Wild Dunes“. Isle of Palms is a very nice beachfront community in the Charleston area if you’re willing to live a little further away from the Charleston Peninsula.
17. Ravenel & Hollywood
If you drive on Highway 17 away from Charleston, once you get past West Ashley, you will hit Ravenel. South of Ravenel on Hwy 162 and 165 is Hollywood. These locations have a more rural setting than Charleston, but there are withink a reasonable driving distance from Charleston.
The Hollywood/Meggett area borders the Wadmalaw River, and there are some Waterfront properties in the area. There are also some creeks in Ravenel, with waterfront property.
The Hollywood and Ravenel also have homes for sale with Acreage. If you’re looking for a rural setting that is in close proximity to Charleston, these areas maybe a good option for you.
Conclusion
Embark on a getaway to the enchanting suburbs of Charleston, SC, and immerse yourself in a Southern paradise that seamlessly blends rich history, exquisite architecture, and genuine hospitality. Charleston offers a harmonious mix of old-world charm and contemporary conveniences, catering to the preferences of history enthusiasts, nature admirers, and food connoisseurs alike.
Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the pastel-colored houses of the Battery, or unwind on the serene beaches of Sullivan’s Island—Charleston’s suburbs promise a diverse array of sights and experiences. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic district, where antebellum homes and vibrant gardens paint a picture of the city’s timeless grace. Explore iconic plantations like Magnolia and Middleton Place, where the city’s intricate history unfolds against breathtaking landscapes.
For culinary enthusiasts, Charleston stands as a gastronomic haven. From classic Southern comfort food to innovative farm-to-table creations, the city’s restaurants offer a delectable journey for your taste buds. Make sure to savor the renowned Charleston shrimp and grits for a truly authentic experience.
I hope this guide will help you in your efforts to relocate, and to find the best neighborhoods in Charleston, SC! If you have any additional questions about moving here, feel free to contact me! Also, contact me if you have any questions about cities near Charleston, SC. If you are considering moving to South Carolina, but not sure if the Charleston area is right for you, read my Best Places to Live in South Carolina. Thanks for reading this post about the best suburbs in Charleston, SC, the Best Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC, where to live in Charleston, SC, best areas to live in Charleston, SC, areas around Charleston, SC, Cities in Charleston, SC, the best places to live in Charleston, SC, and Cities near Charleston, SC!