Hey folks, Just moved here 5 months ago and Crime rate is something to consider -Charleston sits at 1,227.0 per 100K. Poverty rate is 11.7%, which is around average. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 47,918 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
24 upvotes
8 Replies
Caroline Reyes
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Pine Hills area are excellent. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Elijah
I've lived in North for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- The school system scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Eva Wright
interesting, hadn't considered that
15 upvotes
Emma R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 54, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
14 upvotes
Ruby Hughes
preach
6 upvotes
Mia Cox
This.
4 upvotes
stl_brooks
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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