Charleston, South Carolina
Southern charm meets coastal living
Travel + Leisure (2024)
#1 Best U.S. City
U.S. News (2025)
#29 Best Places to Live
WhereAtHome Score
66
Dout of 100
Overview
Charleston combines historic architecture, renowned cuisine, and beach access into one of the South's most desirable destinations. The city has attracted Boeing and tech companies while maintaining its distinct character. Housing costs have risen significantly but remain below many coastal metros. The hospitality industry drives much of the economy.
Key Highlights
- Historic downtown with antebellum architecture
- Award-winning food scene and restaurants
- Beach access at Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach
- Growing Boeing and manufacturing presence
- Voted top U.S. city by Travel + Leisure
- Port of Charleston drives trade
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
Charleston County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
91°F
Winter Low
38°F
Annual Rainfall
52"
Sunny Days
230
Amenities & Infrastructure
120+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
4 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
4 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
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