One of the most important parts of deciding where to move in a new city is identifying your ideal Neighborhood. Are you looking for beautiful parks? Do you want to be close to the city center? Are public schools a vital part of your future? No matter what components you find important for your eventual neighborhood, here are a few of the best Charleston neighborhoods you might want to consider.

Hampton Park Terrace – Best for the small-town feel

Hampton Park Terrace, which is only about three blocks wide, is named after the beautiful Hampton Park, located just to the north of the neighborhood. Although it’s small, it has a reputation for being hip and cool, offering both residential areas and great neighborhood shops, including coffee stores, restaurants, and more.

James Island – Best for relaxed families

James Island includes several smaller neighborhoods, but it’s common for lists spotlighting Charleston neighborhoods to include this small city as its own entry. Around 12,000 people live here, and the area is well-known for its relaxed ambiance and comfort with families of all types. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that’s as welcoming to young families as to older retirees, then James Island is a great option.

West Ashley – Best for affordability and convenience

For many people, an affordable neighborhood is important, but if you put affordability at the very top of your list, you may end up missing out on other important components of a neighborhood. West Ashley is the perfect combination of an affordable neighborhood that’s still ultra-convenient. Its proximity to downtown Charleston makes for a quick commute, providing the best of both worlds.

North Charleston – Best for blossoming families

Despite what the name may lead you to believe, North Charleston is actually technically its own city, separate from Charleston proper. It also contains a number of smaller neighborhoods, but one of the benefits of North Charleston is that it has significantly lower housing prices while also being very close to lots of jobs and plenty of hipster hotspots; the median rent in North Charleston is $1,352 for a one-bedroom. Many residents think of it as a great place to raise a family.

Wagener Terrace – Best for local events

Wagener Terrace is very similar to Hampton Park Terrace, sharing the fine spaces of Hampton Park with the other neighborhood. Wagener Terrace, however, is extremely well-known for its variety of events to enjoy, like annual BBQs and potluck lunches, which you can find through the Wagener Terrace Neighborhood Association. With quality bars, incredible restaurants, and modest craftsman homes aplenty, Wagener Terrace is known for being a hipster stronghold for a reason.

Park Circle – Best for a cozy community feel

One of the biggest reasons that Park Circle has rapidly become a great place for families is because of the extensive restoration process that it’s gone through in the last few years. Park Circle is now one of the trendiest communities in North Charleston, and its vibrancy has brought many young families to the area recently. Though it dates to the early 1900s, the restoration process has brought a new flair to this neighborhood.

South of Broad – Best for luxury and history

The South of Broad neighborhood is located in the historic district, and you’ll likely notice the 17th century landmarks as soon as you enter. Although it is a residential neighborhood, offering a variety of homes and neighborhood amenities, its historic nature, with landmarks including the Williams Mansion and the Nathaniel Russel House, has also made it an extremely affluent neighborhood. Although rent estimates can be incredibly difficult to attain due to the low number of homes available, you should expect to pay at least $3,000 per month, even for a one-bedroom apartment, with larger homes often renting for over $5,000 per month.

Grimball Gates – Best for laid-back natural living

If you prefer a laid-back lifestyle, then Grimball Gates may be the best option for your family. It’s a gated community that also includes over 90 acres of a beautiful nature preserve, as well as eight ponds to utilize for bird-watching or kayaking. This community is located on Johns Island, and you can visit it through Seabrook Islands or Kiawah Island.

Daniel Island – Best for affluent retirees

Daniel Island was originally a planned community, but it quickly grew into an organic community full of activities, get-togethers, and foodie favorites. You can find boating, golf, and tennis events, and it even has its own downtown area, offering a supermarket, restaurants, and boutiques aplenty. The typical one-bedroom rental starts at around $1,695, which means that this isn’t as much of an affordable neighborhood, but for those who can afford it, this is a great place to call home.

Upper King – Best for modern community

In Upper King, just north of the Historic District, you can find shops, bars, restaurants, and more. The area prides itself on its excellent restaurants, which means that there’s never a shortage of places to find someone new. Upper King is named after King Street, which is definitely the Main Street of Charleston, so you’ll always be able to discover something happening as a resident of the Upper King neighborhood.

Short-term rentals in Charleston

If you’re considering a move to Charleston but aren’t sure which neighborhood to commit to living in long-term, you might consider a short-term rental. Short-term rentals allow you to screen the desirable neighborhoods in Charleston, renting an apartment or house in different neighborhoods for a brief period of time, so you can be better equipped to select your long-term home. Whether your plan is to simply visit Charleston, or commit to a move, short-term rentals can be a beneficial option to consider.

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