Anyone else feel this way? We're a young couple and Household incomes average around $62,789 in North Charleston. Crime rate is something to consider -North Charleston sits at 966.1 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I overthinking this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
17 upvotes
7 Replies
Zoe Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Nashville, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
31 upvotes
Lydia Roberts
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in education. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
true_brielle73
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Piper Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 48, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Fairview and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 New York, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
17 upvotes
portland_cameron
+1
14 upvotes
Bella Mendoza
noted, appreciate it
10 upvotes
lasoul2022
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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