Real estate in Charleston, SC is attracting a lot of interest at the moment and for good reason. But is Charleston really the right place to buy? At Carolina One, we think so, and it's paying off for many homebuyers already. Here are five advantages to buying in Charleston:
Great suburbs
Charleston is unique among major East Coast metropolises because it still has so many accessible, first-ring suburbs. Many of these suburbs grew up from what were originally holiday towns where wealthy Charlestonians would summer in the 1800s. That means many are still built around historic town centers and cute downtowns, while spreading slowly in careful, scenic developments. While price ranges vary from ultra-luxury manors to affordable middle class dream homes, all of these suburbs tend to be safe, have strong local schools and easy access to Charleston. Commute time is as little as ten minutes and rarely more than 30.
A thriving downtown
Charleston has a beautiful downtown with a mix of historic buildings, rehabilitated old industrial structures and modern structures that give it a very cosmopolitan feel. There's a thriving nightlife with lots of cultural centers, art events, bars and restaurants and music venues. Southern hospitality remains alive in Charleston and many of the restaurants mix traditional charm and warmth with bold new flavors and world influences. You're not going to get bored living in Charleston.
Close to nature
There are few cities in the U.S. where you can go from a bustling urban Downtown to an untouched forest or pristine beach in just fifteen minutes. The land around Charleston consists of rivers, tidal pools, traditional countryside, ancient pines and colossal live oaks. There are wildlife refuges, public parks, and scenic drives. Charlestonians never want for fresh air.
The job market
One of the most important things to consider when settling down in a city is future career prospects. While other Southern cities were floundering, Charleston was busy expanding into new markets including an ever-growing tech industry. Generally, Charleston enjoys a low level of unemployment and a continuous stream of new investment.
The home market
Of course, a home is an investment and the biggest financial factor to consider when buying is the value of the home itself. The general wisdom in the Charleston real estate market is "get in on the ground floor." The beautiful, nearby suburbs will not be affordable forever and properties in the developing downtown will only appreciate. Buying now means a great profit later.
There are many other reasons to buy in our beautiful area of South Carolina. If you think Low country life might be for you, check out our listings at Carolina One!