What you won’t find in Charleston, SC: A Guide for Newcomers
Charleston, South Carolina, is renowned for its historic charm, coastal beauty, and vibrant culture. However, if you're relocating from out of town, it's essential to recognize that certain amenities or attractions common elsewhere might be absent here. Here's a guide to what you won't find in Charleston:
1. Highways and Freeways
Charleston's road infrastructure isn't as expansive as in larger metropolitan areas, mainly due to the many rivers and waterways that roads must bypass. As a result, you won’t find large highways and you also won’t find many short cuts. Often there is just one way due to one bridge that you must cross to get to where you are going. Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours or tourist seasons.
2. Big-Box & Department Stores in Downtown Charleston
While stores like Costco or Sam’s Club are available in the Charleston area, you won’t find them on the peninsula. Downtown living means smaller grocery stores or boutique shops are your go-to. And don’t expect to find large department stores. It’s wild, but we no longer have a Saks and we’ve never had the likes of Nordstroms or Neiman Marcus.
3. Urban Skyscrapers
Charleston has strict zoning and preservation laws to maintain its historic charm. In fact, this means no towering skyscrapers or modern glass-and-steel skylines, and nothing higher than the highest steeple. Instead, you'll find classic low-rise buildings, cobblestone streets, and plenty of historic architecture.
4. Public Beaches with Boardwalk Arcades
Although Charleston boasts stunning beaches like Folly Beach and Isle of Palms, they are not lined with flashy arcades or amusement rides as seen in places like Myrtle Beach or Atlantic City. The vibe is more relaxed and residential. We like it this way, but the one drawback is that also means that ironically in this waterfront city there are not many waterfront dining options.
5. Bike Friendly Lanes
While Charleston has made strides in becoming more bike-friendly, the infrastructure is still lacking compared to cities like Portland or Amsterdam. Dedicated bike lanes are limited, and the flat terrain is both a pro and a con, as flooding can make biking difficult in some areas. Also, the bridges make this difficult, but hello Ashley Crossing Project! We can’t wait.
6. Reliable Uber and Lyft Availability
Ride-sharing services exist, but availability can be spotty during peak tourist seasons, late at night, or in more suburban or rural parts of the Charleston area.
7. Dry Air
Charleston’s humidity is not to be underestimated, and can mean that newcomers might be shocked. The subtropical climate means the air is moist year-round, yes even in winter.
8. High-Tech Hubs
Charleston is growing as a tech and innovation center, but it still lags behind cities like Austin, San Francisco, or Boston in terms of high-tech infrastructure and startups.
9. Mountains & Hills
Charleston's topography is predominantly flat, characterized by coastal plains and marshlands. If you're accustomed to mountainous terrains or enjoy hiking, you'll need a readjustment, because it is true when we Charlestonians say that the only hill is the Ravenal (bridge that is). For hills of any real kind, you’ll need to plan a getaway to the upstate or Blue Ridge Mountains, which are about a four-hour drive away.
10. Major Professional Sports Teams
Charleston doesn't host major league sports teams like the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL. However, the city boasts minor league and collegiate teams, such as the Charleston RiverDogs (baseball) and the Charleston Battery (soccer), and our beloved Charleston Stingrays (hockey), which do offer exciting local sports entertainment.
11. Extensive Public Transportation Systems
Charleston's public transportation is limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules may not be as comprehensive or frequent as those in bigger cities. And though we love our local airport, there are no local trains and a car is a must.
12. Snowy Winters
Charleston's subtropical climate means mild winters with rare snowfall. If you're moving from a region with snowy winters, you'll find Charleston's winter season to be much milder, with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing, and as a former mid-westerner thank goodness for that!
Understanding these aspects can help set expectations and assist in your transition to Charleston. While the city may lack certain features found elsewhere, it more than makes up for it with its rich history, coastal charm, and warm hospitality. Embracing the unique offerings of Charleston will make your relocation a rewarding experience.
Charleston is more than just a place to live; it's a lifestyle filled with charm, history, and endless inspiration. As someone who adores this city and has the privilege of helping others call it home, I’d love to connect with you! Whether you're exploring the idea of a real estate investment, need guidance on a design project, or simply want to learn more about all that Charleston has to offer, I’m here to help. Let’s chat and bring your vision to life in this incredible Lowcountry gem—reach out today!