Livability Score

77
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (34) A+
Harken Cafe
Coffee Shop
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
Coffee Shop
Sweetwater Cafe
Coffee Shop
City Lights Coffee
Coffee Shop
Kaminskys
Coffee Shop
Clerks Coffee Company
Coffee Shop
Belgian Gelato
Coffee Shop
Bistro A Vin
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Second State Coffee
Coffee Shop
King Street Cookies
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer
Coffee Shop
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Chatime
Coffee Shop
Tapio - A Boba Tea Cafe
Coffee Shop
Ice Bing Cafe
Coffee Shop
The Daily
Coffee Shop
Harold's Cabin
Coffee Shop
Nosh Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Burry
Coffee Shop
Ruby
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (51) A+
Heyward-Washington House Museum
Museum
Dock Street Theatre
Theatre Arts
Gibbes Museum of Art
Theatre Arts
Gibbes Museum of Art
Museum
Preservation Society of Charleston
Attraction
Charleston Library Society
Museum
Colonel Robert Brewton House (1721)
Attraction
Old Slave Mart Museum
Museum
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
Museum
Powder Magazine
Museum
Sue Stewart Fine Art
Art Gallery
The Footlight Players Theatre
Museum
The Footlight Players Theatre
Theatre Arts
Rainbow Row (north end)
Attraction
Rainbow Row (south end)
Attraction
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Museum
Lowcountry Artists Gallery
Art Gallery
The Museum at Market Hall
Museum
The Calhoun Mansion
Museum
Palmetto Carriage Barn
Museum
Memminger Auditorium
Theatre Arts
John Rivers Communication Museum
Museum
Sottile Theatre
Theatre Arts
Kresse Arena
Stadium
Trio
Nightclub
Food and Drink (101) A+
Blind Tiger Pub
Bar
Bin 152 Wine Bar
Bar
Subway
Fast Food
Rooftop Bar
Bar
Godiva Chocolatier
Sweets
Craftsman Kitchen and Tap House
Bar
Whisk Bakery
Sweets
Carmella's
Sweets
Henry's
Bar
Freddo
Sweets
IT'SUGAR
Sweets
Pavilion bar
Bar
Pepper Palace
Deli
Peace Pie
Sweets
Market Street Saloon
Bar
Doar Bros.
Bar
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier
Sweets
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe
Fast Food
Jack's
Fast Food
Pita Pit
Fast Food
The Upper Deck
Bar
Firehouse Subs
Fast Food
Five Guys
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Moe's Southwest Grill
Fast Food
Fitness (9) F
George Street Fitness Center
Gym
CHS Revolution
Gym
St. Julian Devine Community Center
Community Centre
Arthur W. Christopher Community Center
Community Centre
Remleys Point Community Center
Community Centre
Miriam Brown Community Center
Community Centre
Barre South
Gym
Groceries (34) A+
Brown Dog Deli
Butcher
Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery
Bakery
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
Saffron Cafe & Bakery
Bakery
Cupcake DownSouth
Bakery
Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts
Bakery
Brown's Court Bakery
Bakery
Publix
Grocery Store
Food Lion
Grocery Store
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
Earth Fare
Grocery Store
Normandy Farm Bakery
Bakery
Publix
Grocery Store
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Mt. Pleasant Seafood
Seafood
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Southern Season
Grocery Store
IGA
Grocery Store
Kudzu Bakery
Bakery
Parks (142) A+
Washington Square
Park
93 Queen Street City Parking Garage
Park
Old Slave Mart Museum
Park
Hazel Parker Playground City Park
Park
Waterfront Park
Park
White Point Gardens
Park
Charleston Historic District
Park
Moultrie Playground and Colonial Lake
Park
Murray Horse Lot Park
Park
Rivers Green
Park
Marion Square
Park
Gadsdenboro Park
Park
Wragg Square
Park
Cannon Park
Park
Lucas Park
Park
Wraggs Mall
Park
Charlotte Street Park
Park
MUSC Horseshoe Park
Park
Medical History Park
Park
The Medical University of South Carolina
Park
Fitness Park & MUSC Urban Farm
Park
Mall Playground
Park
Mitchell Playground
Playground
Mitchell Playground
Park
Martin Park
Park
Shops (144) A+
Berlin Brothers for Men
Clothing
Ben Silver Collection
Clothing
Tucker Payne Aniques
Furniture
Old South Barber Spa
Hairdresser
Palmetto Barber Shop LLC
Hairdresser
Tom's Toys
Toys
White House Black Market
Clothing
Gucci
Clothing
Lil Cricket
Convenience Store
Tommy Bahama
Clothing
Chico's
Clothing
Coven Hair Craft
Hairdresser
Mellow Mood
Clothing
Victoria's Secret
Clothing
Gap
Clothing
Lucky Brand
Clothing
Juicy Courture
Clothing
lululemon
Clothing
Half Moon Outfitters
Clothing
Madewell
Clothing
H&M
Clothing
Bevello
Clothing
Steve Madden
Shoes
So Good Jewelry
Fashion
Stella Nova
Beauty
See more Charleston amenity data

commute F

Of all people who commute, 0.9% take public transportation in Charleston.
Public Transit Stops (13)
Stops & Stations
F
Charleston Bus Shed
Bus Station
Workers Taking Public Transit
0.9%
F
See more Charleston commute data

cost of living D

The cost of living in Charleston is 122/100 - which is 31% higher than South Carolina.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
D-
See more Charleston cost of living data

crime C-

Charleston crime rates are 2,264 per 100k, which is 19% lower than South Carolina
Property Crime
1,889 crimes per 100k
C-
Violent Crime
375 crimes per 100k
C-
See more Charleston crime data

employment A

The median income in Charleston is $72,071 - which is 54% higher than South Carolina.
Med. Household Income
$72,071
B-
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
A+
See more Charleston employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (53)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
United States Marshals Service
Police
Charleston County Sheriff's Office - Civil
Police
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Police
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Police
CFD Command Training Center / Old CFD HQ
Fire Station
Charleston Fire Department Station 2
Fire Station
Charleston Fire Department Station 3
Fire Station
CVS MinuteClinic
Clinic
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Delta Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Rutledge Tower
Clinic
Charleston Fire Department Station 15
Fire Station
MUSC Health Medical Center
Hospital
Roper Hospital
Hospital
Public Safety
Police
Charleston Fire Department Station 6
Fire Station
Ralph Henry Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center
Hospital
Tatum Dentistry
Dentist
Charleston Police Department
Police
Charleston Fire Department Station 8
Fire Station
Mary Bennett Murray Infirmary
Doctor
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Mount Pleasant Harbor Patrol
Police
James Island Fire Department Station 2
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
A
See more Charleston health & safety data

housing A+

Charleston home prices are $349,000 - which is 143% higher than South Carolina
Home Price
$349,000
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
23%
A+
Home Affordability
4.8x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Charleston housing data

schools A-

The Charleston graduation rate is 92% - which is 13% higher than South Carolina
School Test Scores
48%
F
High School Grad. Rates
92%
A
Elementary Schools (54) A
Allegro Charter School Of Music
First Baptist School
Charleston Day School
Memminger Elementary
Montessori Fountainhead School
Buist Academy
Mason Preparatory School
Ashley Hall School
Charleston Progressive
Mitchell Elementary
Charleston Development Academy
Sanders-Clyde Elementary
Simmons Pinckney Middle
The Charleston Catholic School
Porter-Gaud School
Harvest Time International Academy
James Simons Elementary
Charleston Charter School For Math And Science
Meeting Street Academy
New Israel Christian School
Harbor View Elementary
O'Quinn Schools Of Porter Gaud
Stiles Point Elementary
O'Quinn Schools Of Porter-Gaud - Mount Pleasant
St. Andrew'S School Of Math And Science
High Schools (15) A+
Allegro Charter School Of Music
First Baptist School
Ashley Hall School
Burke High
Porter-Gaud School
Harvest Time International Academy
Charleston Charter School For Math And Science
James Island Charter High
University School Of The Lowcountry
Coastal Christian Preparatory School
See more Charleston education data

ratings D

Charleston has an overall rating of 54% from 39 reviews.
User Reviews (10)
From AreaVibes
F
User Surveys (29)
From AreaVibes
A
See more Charleston user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Charleston, SC
( 39 Ratings )

Living in Charleston, SC

Charleston Area Facts

  • Charleston has a Livability Score of 77/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Charleston crime rates are 19% lower than the South Carolina average
  • Cost of living in Charleston is 31% higher than the South Carolina average
New Real Estate Listings in Charleston Area
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Charleston Reviews

Write a review about Charleston Tell people what you like or don't like about Charleston…
Worst place I ever lived 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 14, 2022) We lived in Charleston for 2 years and we hated it there. We lived in North Charleston and Goose Creek for a year each. I worked in both Mount Pleasant and Summerville. Traffic is horrible and the worst I ever experienced. I lived in the Dallas, TX area for 6 years and it wasn't ...Read More this bad. It doesn't matter what day it is, you'll be stuck in traffic. Everything is extremely annoying to drive to due to the lack of roads and alternate ways you can go. I guess if you're one of the rich professionals who lives and works in Mount Pleasant, then you probably don't have any complaints. Basically, there's an expensive part of the area towards the beach where all the doctors and other rich people live. Everywhere else is basically low income and ghetto. There's not really a middle class area. We are a middle class family, but could not find a nice neighborhood to live in. The cost of living was very high for being in a crappy house in a crappy neighborhood. In both neighborhoods we lived in, you couldn't go on walks without some stray dogs chasing after you! Many people had trash in their yards. It was just very indicative of a poorly managed city.

I loved my job, but we had to get out of there. We sent my son to a charter school in Goose Creek, in hopes that it would be better than the terrible public schools. It wasn't so we took him out to homeschool right before we left. Don't move here. It might be okay to visit as a tourist, but don't live here. Read Less
The worst place ever 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 24, 2020) This place is a high crime/low income nightmare. they have no attractions, no shopping malls, no entertainment. The crime goes mostly unreported. We have had at least 9 shootings near our home in "the nice area" in less than a year. The locals are extremely rude. The education is ...Read More non existent. I fear for children growing up here because the access to decent education is scary. We have lived in all of the suburbs (mt pleasant, west Ashley....) and now live downtown. It is a living nightmare. The summer is so hot its unlivable and most restaurants are so hot during the summer because the air con can't keep up. We have never felt safe here. No one uses a leash to walk dogs, our dogs have been attacked many times. DO NOT MOVE HERE. It is a nightmare. everyone is broke. No decent jobs. Its the worst of the worst. Do not believe anything else you read about this place, Its all a lie. Read Less
Can I give this place less stars? 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 21, 2019) You really don’t have a food place open 24 hours? With a city this crowded?! There’s nothing to do here besides go out and drink if that’s your scene, no theme parks, no laser tag places. Rivers Ave is a good place to stumble into the wrong kinds of people. Multiple times I ...Read More ’ve run into some aggressive homeless people that seemed intent to take what I had simply because I wasn’t carrying cash to help them. Traffic is God awful, and the people over here for the most part are terrible. Literally the worst city I have ever lived in. Stay away if you can Read Less
Forgot To Mention Traffic and Accidents 1 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 21, 2019) The drivers in this city are God awful. You could count the number of seconds on your hand before an accident occurs here, signaling is disgraceful in this area and my goodness, the traffic is horrendous. I could walk the length of a block in NYC before I make it past a few light ...Read More s on Rivers Ave or Dorchester Road. Terrible city planning to say the least. Make sure your insurance is up to date and be very careful driving. You know it’s bad when local cops have it plastered on their cars “Target: 0 traffic deaths”. Driving here is borderline life-risking. Read Less
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Can I give this place less stars? 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 21, 2019) You really don’t have a food place open 24 hours? With a city this crowded?! There’s nothing to do here besides go out and drink if that’s your scene, no theme parks, no laser tag places. Rivers Ave is a good place to stumble into the wrong kinds of people. Multiple times I ...Read More ’ve run into some aggressive homeless people that seemed intent to take what I had simply because I wasn’t carrying cash to help them. Traffic is God awful, and the people over here for the most part are terrible. Literally the worst city I have ever lived in. Stay away if you can Read Less
Forgot To Mention Traffic and Accidents 1 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 21, 2019) The drivers in this city are God awful. You could count the number of seconds on your hand before an accident occurs here, signaling is disgraceful in this area and my goodness, the traffic is horrendous. I could walk the length of a block in NYC before I make it past a few light ...Read More s on Rivers Ave or Dorchester Road. Terrible city planning to say the least. Make sure your insurance is up to date and be very careful driving. You know it’s bad when local cops have it plastered on their cars “Target: 0 traffic deaths”. Driving here is borderline life-risking. Read Less
Nonexistent Late Eats 2 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 21, 2019) ...Read More Read Less
Living in Charleston 3 rating By Anonymous ( Dec 10, 2018) Most people have heard Charleston is a beautiful city. Charleston is unquestionably beautiful and needs to be seen by all. Bear in mind that the entire area is built around sucking you dry of money. From your air plane ticket, food, hotel, and attractions, plan on overspending ...Read More . Walking is free, but nothing else is reasonably priced. Don't wear your heels, ladies! You will likely stumble and fall on the uneven sidewalks or the passed out drunks after the bars close. Did I mention how disgustingly hot it is in July and August? After spending an evening downtown, you may lose your sense of direction and find yourself driving on "Rivers Avenue.", a long stretch of road that will have you believing you are driving thru the set of "The Walking Dead". Lock your doors and keep driving, even if the light is red. Parking downtown is a hassle and it is getting more crowded everyday. Contributing factors for bad traffic include horse carriages pulling lazy tourists, narcissistic millennials taking selfies in the middle of the street, and junk cars driven by rednecks that break down in the middle of the road. You see, there are no emission laws here so you can smoke up the state with your polluting "puzzle piece" of a car that you resurrected from LKQ. In closing, Charleston is a good place to visit, but don't plan on spending much time here. Southern cooked meals will make you sick and fat. Be on the lookout for palmetto bugs, a southern euphemism for the giant flying coach roach that inhabits Charleston. You may find them walking on the wall of a restaurant or scurrying under your bathroom cabinet. They won't hesitate to drop on your head or run across your toes in the middle of the night. For this reason, it is my recommendation to travel with a man so he will do his duty of disposing the cockroach for you. Read Less
They Mean Whites Only 0.5 rating By Yawud EL ( May 01, 2018) Charleston and the surrounding areas or counties, no matter how much they build or the events they put on will always display their hidden racism. White Supremacy is alive and well here. Just go to downtown Charleston, the building is Gentrification and they are making the local ...Read More economy an uneven playing field and moving at such an expedited rate that the Black Man will have no home in this city and that is the end goal. If White Supremacy was not a propagated agenda they would not build new communities with Plantation in the name. Read Less
Southern Hospitality and affordable 4.5 rating By HerbertB ( Oct 25, 2016) Charleston is everything i thought it would be, quaint in feel but not small and the people are so kind! I never understood Southern Hospitality until I moved here http://www.drhorton.com/South-Carolina/Charleston.aspx it really is amazing! the Prices of everything and the people ...Read More make it a great place to be. Read Less
History, Southern Charm, Beaches, Great Food, and Friendly Smiles 5 rating By wisemanoncesaid ( Mar 24, 2014) Growing up on James Island, I lived in Charleston until I was 19, I then moved away to Houston, TX and have since moved back to the area. The best part about Charleston is this, since I was away for nearly 15 years, when I came back, things had changed. Changed for the BETTER! ...Read More We are now one of the fastest growing relocation cities in America, there are many tech jobs, nursing jobs, Boeing is here, and Google, we didn't have any of this "progress" when I was growing up here. All of this is available now, and yet people will still say hello to you when you pass them on the street. We have some of the best restaurants available, we have miles and miles of ocean front and river front property. We experience mild winters and balmy summers. I love Charleston, I have lived in many places, including Charleston's sister city Savannah, and by far Charleston tops my list. Read Less
Charleston, SC - Caught Between the Past and the Future 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 25, 2010) After settling into my new job in Charleston, South Carolina, this Yankee ventured out with a little trepidation. After all, for some in this area of the country the War still isn't over. Reminders of this are everywhere, in the people you meet, the way the city is still divided ...Read More along racial lines, and the critical role Charleston played during that period in our history. Fort Sumter, where it all began, still guards the city's Atlantic entrance. But I soon warmed to the Southern hospitality and charm I encountered everywhere, and settled into my role as a tolerated foreigner.

There is much to recommend in Charleston. The cost of living is probably half that of the west coast or northeast. Sandy beaches are a short distance away, and the drive presents a beautiful tapestry of salt marshes, inland waterways, drawbridges, marinas, and ocean views. The city of Charleston itself is a patchwork of more modern and pre-Revolutionary War buildings, with a definite European feel, accessed by driving or strolling down tree-lined cobblestone or brick streets. If you're into music, art, festivals, antiques, boating, history, fishing, or eating in the countless very good restaurants the city of Charleston offers, boredom will never be a problem. Read Less

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Charleston Awards

Compare Charleston, SC Livability

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      Charleston, SC

      Charleston is a charming city in South Carolina that is often visited by tourists traveling to the beaches of the state. An abundance of history resides in the city in the form of historic homes, churches, and statues. Many people find that it's difficult to leave the city once they arrive due to the friendliness shown by residents as well as the beauty of the area. King Street is one of the areas in Charleston where many people go when they want peaceful surroundings or even when they want to retire. Known as the Holy City, Charleston has several churches of various denominations and is the location of where the Order of Secession singing took place.

      Before you even arrive in Charleston, you'll see the steeples of churches against the background of the sky. Many churches in the city have been in the area for hundreds of years, adding their own touch to the history that the city offers. Some of the steeples were once used as lighthouses for those in the Confederacy. In 1670, the city was formally founded by Protestants. Over the years, more religious groups have been accepted into the city. Even though there are quite a few different religions in Charleston, everyone comes together in a way that is beautiful so that they support the residents and the tourists who visit the area.

      A large number of homes in the city have stood the test of time as they have endured everything from hurricanes to floods. After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the American College of Building Arts helped residents rebuild their homes due to a lack of artisans who were available to offer assistance. The Citadel is also located in Charleston.

      Since there are so many city streets to navigate, the best method of transportation is walking. It can be quite difficult to find a parking space and to secure a space even when one is found because of the tight quarters of the streets. Another option is riding a bicycle. There are numerous locations where you can securely park your bike while shopping, eating at one of the restaurants or cafes, or taking a stroll through one of the parks.

      When searching for a home to move to, consider venturing away from the historic area of the city. Homes that are only a short distance from downtown are often larger and are usually less expensive. Popular areas include Mount Pleasant and Johns Island. Beach access is less than 30 minutes from the city, which is why it's an area tourists travel through when they go to other beaches on the east coast. Fishing is a popular activity that residents and visitors enjoy as well as hiking at Waterfront Park.

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Charleston? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Washington Square
      93 Queen Street City Parking Garage
      Old Slave Mart Museum
      Hazel Parker Playground City Park
      Waterfront Park
      White Point Gardens
      Charleston Historic District
      Moultrie Playground and Colonial Lake

      Entertainment

      Heyward-Washington House Museum
      Dock Street Theatre
      Gibbes Museum of Art
      Gibbes Museum of Art
      Preservation Society of Charleston
      Charleston Library Society
      Colonel Robert Brewton House (1721)
      Old Slave Mart Museum

      Food & Drink

      Blind Tiger Pub
      Bin 152 Wine Bar
      Subway
      Rooftop Bar
      Godiva Chocolatier
      Craftsman Kitchen and Tap House
      Whisk Bakery
      Carmella's

      F Commute

      Is public transit available in Charleston? Of all people who commute, 0.9% take public transportation in Charleston.
      Drive to Work
      76%

      equal to the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      4%

      1% higher than the US average

      B- Health & Safety

      Is Charleston a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      MUSC Health Medical Center
      Palmetto Hearing Healthcare Center
      Bon Secours Saint Francis Hospital
      Ralph Henry Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center
      Roper Hospital

      Pharmacies

      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walmart Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      Mary Bennett Murray Infirmary