It's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of houses for rent in Charleston, SC. That's why it helps to know what types of spaces are available and which one best suits your tastes and needs—this can help to narrow the pool substantially. Here are three major type of houses for rent and the pros and cons of each:
1. A historic home – One of the great things about Charleston is that it has so many historic homes, which means lots of beautiful older houses for rent in the area. Several areas of downtown Charleston have historic homes, and the outlying communities have many historic homes both in the countryside and in small traditional downtowns. In Charleston, "historic" can mean anything from a colonial-era plantation home to a Victorian or an early 20th century Craftsman style home. The pros of renting a historic house are obvious: they're beautiful, they're built to last, they have character and they will be the envy of all your friends. There are cons, too, however. For example, older houses are likely to have more problems and require more repairs (not that you'll have to pay for them!), and a fully restored and hassle-free historic home is going to carry a somewhat higher price tag.
2. A suburban dream – In many ways, the suburban houses for rent around Charleston are the best value for your money. Charleston has a variety of suburbs, many with charming downtown areas of their own and all of them with a fairly easy commute to the city center of generally 45 minutes or less—often much less. Suburban homes are newer and usually have much more space, in every sense possible: more rooms, larger rooms, and a spacious yard where you can have cookouts or other events. They come in many styles, including those with much more modern floor plans and large open spaces inside. These perks come at a relatively affordable price tag, depending on which suburb you choose. The downside, of course, is that you are farther from the city life and will need to drive everywhere.
3. A condo or townhouse – Sometimes, the best way to be close to the action is to rent a condo or townhouse rather than a full house. There are many city spaces that are appropriate for corporate rentals, and they can include some of the trendiest properties in Charleston. Condos and townhouses are more likely to have a modern look to them with an open kitchen, lots of light and sleek, minimalist décor—but there are many options available, including more traditional and "homey" places. The upside is being close to everything, whereas the downside is the more limited supply. But there are plenty of townhouses in the suburbs, as well!
What kind of house do you like the most?