All of us get stressed out every now and then, but did you know that where you live matters in regard to stress? In one study conducted in 2008 by the American Psychological Association, 2000 adults were polled across the country, and the differences in stress levels were amazing. It makes sense given the characteristics of some cities. A resident of New York City or any other quick paced Northeastern city will have a different personality than say someone from Atlanta or Portland. And having as little stress in your life is important.

High stress levels are linked with a whole host of different ailments, including a damaged cardiovascular system, high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression and more. Stress produces inflammation in the body. While a little bit of stress is necessary, too much can prematurely age you and put you at risk of all of these conditions. For these reasons and more, you want to pick a location to live where you can relax and maximize your happiness. Here's why you might want to look into Charleston real estate:

It's right by the beach: If you were to download a meditation app or view a guided meditation video, one of the images you'll often see is that of the beach. There's nothing like a day on the beach, and the calming waves and cool breeze can do wonders for your stress levels. Bonus points if you run on the beach. Exercise has constantly been shown to reduce stress levels.

It's relatively cheap to live: Compared to the cities in the Northeast or West, Charleston is a relative bargain. If you're talking about causes of stress, money is surely up there on the list. In Charleston, you can live like a king in comparison to Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York or Chicago.

There's hardly any traffic: Researchers can indicate how stressed you are by how long your commute is. If you're on the road for more than an hour a day, you're more at risk for all of those bad conditions mentioned above. Charleston is less congested than most cities in the country, so you won't have to spend all of your free time in your car.

A Wave and a Smile: More than anything else, people find relaxation when they move to Charleston because of its residents. You won't find a friendlier bunch than the people you'll meet in Charleston. Anyone you come across on the street will greet you with a smile and hello, and they're always looking to extend a helping hand.

If you're looking to relax, there are few better places than the city of Charleston. 

Charleston, South Carolina has earned high accolades for its status as a great place to retire. For example, did you know that Charleston was named as a top place in the South to retire by the Wall Street Journal? The Journal gave Charleston high marks for its warm weather, public transportation, walkability, history, beaches and friendly residents. In addition, there are a wide variety of restaurants, shops and events to fill up residents' calendars. If you're looking for a great place to retire, you can't go wrong with looking at Charleston, SC real estate.  Here are several things to consider before you move in.

·         What will your neighbors be like? Chances are you'll be spending a lot of time at home, so you'll want neighbors who won't ruin this experience. Before you decide on purchasing a home, take some time to walk around and see who these people are. Will these be people you'll have over for a Sunday afternoon party, or will these be people who you argue with over the height of their bordering trees?

·         How much home do you really need? When you purchase your first home, it’s okay to go a little big because you'll probably be looking at building a family. When retiring, though, it makes sense to take inventory of how much space you really need. This will make it easier to clean and allow you to make the best use of your space.

·         What do you want to do during retirement? A community like Charleston, SC has a wide variety of activities to fulfill many different interests and hobbies. What do you want out of retirement? Now that you have the time to do whatever it is that pleases you, look for a spot that offers the things you've always wanted or want to continue to do.

·         Will you be near family? Retirement is the time to be with those you love. You'll want to see your children, grandchildren, siblings and other people who mean something to you. Therefore, it's probably a good idea to choose a place that will put you in proximity of family members or just be a plane ride away. Charleston International Airport, located in North Charleston, is the busiest airport in all of South Carolina and has flights to destinations all over the country. 

Renting a vacation property for the summer in South Carolina is a great idea for families and couples who are looking for a great trip that doesn’t cost a lot of money. The following five reasons should be read by anyone thinking about renting real estate in Charleston SC.

1. Save money on meals. One of the main advantages to getting a vacation rental is access to a kitchen. Instead of spending money on meals in restaurants, it will be possible to cook a few simple meals.

2. Get more space than a hotel. In addition to a kitchen, most rentals come with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Put each family member in a separate room.

3. See Charleston at a self-determined pace. Unlike a hotel, most vacation rentals have flexible check-in and check-out times. Families that want to spend all day at the beach don’t have to worry about leaving early or arriving late to get in or out of their hotel on time. There are also no housekeeping services to schedule around, making them ideal for families that have small children who want to take a nap in the middle of the day.

4. Take advantage of the amenities of a rental. Just like many hotels, most vacation rentals provide access to pools, private beaches and a variety of other entertainment activities.

5. Save money over renting a hotel. In the middle of summer, finding a reasonable-priced hotel can be next to impossible. A lot of vacation rentals, however, lower their prices to attract first-time renters.

Renting real estate in Charleston SC is a great way to save money on a vacation while having a great time. It’s possible to have a much better vacation, and most people find they can save a lot of money with a rental.

A home in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, is a perfect investment located in a prime vacation destination. Rental properties here are in high demand, as visitors flock to see the place that was voted the Top City in the U.S. in 2012. A summer vacation home in Charleston is a great investment that can be rented out easily when not in use, and with many exciting things to do in the area, there will be no end to the number of people interested.

Our knowledgeable agents can assist you in finding the right property in your preferred location, whether in a historic district or at the beach. Here are some reasons that purchasing Charleston, SC real estate makes sense:

Magnificent Historic District

As the site of the first shot fired at the beginning of the Civil War, as well as a place of strategic importance in the colonial era and the Revolutionary War, Charleston is full of historical significance. The city boasts many historic homes, such as the Middleton Place House Museum, the Nathaniel Russell House (built in 1808), the Heyward-Washington House (built in 1772), and the elegant Edmondston-Alston House (built in 1825), and welcomes the visitors who come to tour them.

Waterfront Park

People love the convenience, tranquility, recreation, views and lounging opportunities presented by this city gem and owning a residence close to the park gives vacationers the ability to walk, run, jog, and bike nearby. Lined by Palmettos and oak trees and sporting a central fountain and a pier from which some of the best sights in the city can be seen, this park offers lovely walks and a charm that suits the old city, despite its more recent construction (1990).

Beaches

Pristine beaches, golf courses and relaxation draw travelers to the area. Such local districts as Sullivan's Island, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are premier destinations and the perfect location in which to own a vacation home.

Plantations

• Drayton Hall- Built in 1738, Drayton Hall comprises the oldest unrestored plantation and grounds in the country that is open to the public. Surviving the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and the earthquake of 1886, this home is a marvel simply because it has remained standing in more or less the same condition as in the 18^th century.

• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens- Also founded by the Drayton family, parts of the house were built before the Revolution, but much of it was burned in a fire during the Civil War and rebuilt afterwards. Parts of the garden, however, date back as far as the 1680s and are famous for their design elements.

• Middleton Place- A residence and rice plantation, Middleton Place consisted of several buildings constructed throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries and famous formal gardens. The main house was burnt by Union soldiers during the Civil War, but one of the buildings still remains for viewing and the gardens have been restored, as well.

At Carolina One, we can help you find the best summer vacation home to enjoy, rent out, or both! With all of the many activities and attractions in the area, you or your renters will have plenty of reasons to come and to stay.