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 is the type of city that people visit once and can't wait to go back to and stay at – forever. As a result, Charleston real estate is consistently booming. There are, as with all cities, many different neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics and personality. If you're looking to purchase a home in Charleston, use this guide to help pick the perfect area for you.

Historic District

Any picture you've ever seen of Charleston has most likely been taken in this part of the city. It is filled with vibrantly painted row homes, breathtaking parks, and cobblestone streets. The city's best restaurants are also located here. So, if your wallet can handle it and you don't mind bumping into some tourists, then the Historic District might be a great place to purchase a home.

North Charleston

If you're looking to be a part of Charleston without being in the middle of it all, then North Charleston is a great place to start your search. This section of the city is becoming very popular with people in their late twenties to early thirties, as well as young families. People that aren't able to afford the Historic District of the city usually turn to North Charleston, due to the proximity. 

French Quarter

Technically, the French Quarter is a part of the Historic District, though some people aren't aware of this because of the decidedly unique character of this sub-section. As with the rest of the district, you are still going to get a home near great restaurants and beautiful sites. The best part about the French Quarter is that there isn't as much foot traffic and it's much quieter. This is a great option for people looking to remain a few blocks away from all of the Charleston action.

Mount Pleasant

Located on the "other side" of the Ravenel Bridge, Mount Pleasant is predominately residential, making it a great place to raise a family. Located just outside of the attractions of the city, the area is not far enough away to make the commute a nightmare, but offers some space for people who want to let their kids play outside.

Upper King

This is the trendiest section of the city and is best known for being the home to many of the hottest bars, boutiques, and coffee shops. Since the College of Charleston is located here, this area is filled with all of the traditional college town accoutrements. 

Since Charleston real estate can be vastly different in each section of the city, be sure to check out a couple of the neighborhoods. There's certainly a home for everyone in this great South Carolina town, so don't rest until you've found a place that you can call home!

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.

At Carolina One, matching our clients with a home that fits their ideal lifestyle is our highest priority. One of the most important aspects of finding the right property is distinguishing wants from needs. It can be all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of house hunting and make a decision you'll end up regretting. This issue is a common one in the real estate business.

For example, you may fall in love with a home that has a spacious backyard, inviting swimming pool, marble countertops and a balcony that connects to the master bedroom. However, if you don't have the long-term financial security that's necessary for owning such a property, it will likely prove to be an unwise investment.

An effective method for finding the right home is to create a list of criteria for your new home and arrange it from most to least important. Would your life be significantly better if you had an extra bathroom, larger master bedroom or more room for kitchen amenities? Do you want to live in the middle of a city or a quiet suburb? Consider the future, as well. Is marriage a possibility or are children, perhaps? Asking yourself these important questions is a great way to narrow down your selection.

Before making a final decision, get all of the information on the homes that you're interested in from your Charleston real estate agent. If you're in a relationship, sit down with your significant other and discuss your options, making use of the aforementioned list. Contemplate every aspect of the deal without letting emotions cloud your reasoning. Be certain that the home you're buying is one that you'll be happy with. After all, home is where the heart is.

Buying a second home is a dream for many of our clients, and we’re always happy to share why we think our hometown is the best place to purchase a vacation property. Charleston, SC real estate features a broad range of historic homes, new construction, and condominiums, any of which is ideal for a second home.

This property diversity is often the first thing that attracts clients with the hope of purchasing a second home. From there, we’re careful to point out all of the reasons why this city is the perfect home away from home.

It would be difficult to find a city with better cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for barbecue, fresh seafood, or something experimental, you’ll find it here. Try Cru Café’s poblano and mozzarella fried chicken or Hominy Grill’s okra and shrimp beignets. Most people need a lifetime to sample the diverse culinary offerings.

Many people are also drawn here by the city’s fascinating past. That history is on display in countless museums, historic homes and parks. This makes every visit a chance to experience the vibrant past in a meaningful way. Charleston also boasts a thriving arts scene. With galleries, live music performances and even theater troupes, there’s always something entertaining happening.

Although food and culture are huge factors in the decision to buy a second home, most people are ultimately swayed by the area’s natural beauty. Park spaces are readily accessible and offer views of scenic spaces. If that’s not enough inducement, there’s the nearby Atlantic coastline with its charming villages. The nearby salt marshes beg to be explored by kayak. The hushed, watery surroundings are the perfect backdrop for spotting manatees.

Charleston, SC real estate also makes the perfect second home because the city is popular with tourists. People from around the world long to visit here, meaning that your second home can be a fabulous source of income. With so much to gain, it’s no surprise that more people are choosing Charleston as their home away from home.