Charleston, SC apartments for rent

Located on the coast of South Carolina, Charleston dates back to 1679, making it the oldest city in the state and one of the oldest in the U.S. An ideal location, good weather and a plethora of historic sites make Charleston a popular tourist destination, while promising growth trends also make it a great place to live.

How big is Charleston?

With a total area of 127.5 square miles and a population of around 133,750, Charleston is the second-largest city in South Carolina behind Columbia.

What cities are close to Charleston?

Columbia is around 113 miles from Charleston, while Hilton Head is just under 100 miles down the coast. Myrtle Beach is about 100 miles north of Charleston.

What is the weather like in Charleston?

With a subtropical climate, Charleston enjoys moderate winters and hot, humid summers. July is generally the hottest month, with average highs of 91°F, while January is typically the coldest month, with average lows of 38°F. You can expect significant rainfall throughout the year and regular thunderstorms during the summer months. Snowfall is not unheard of, but it’s not common, either.

What are the pros of living in Charleston?

Charleston is the epitome of southern charm and hospitality. It’s packed full of historic monuments, beautiful beaches, a lively downtown area and some of the best restaurants in the area. It’s an extremely popular tourist destination and was named the #1 tourist destination in the country in 2014.

What are the cons of living in Charleston?

For those who aren’t used to hot and humid weather, summers can be extremely uncomfortable until you acclimate to them. Additionally, many residents feel that it’s necessary to own a private vehicle to get around, although downtown neighborhoods are very walkable.

How much is public transportation in Charleston?

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides public transportation within Charleston. It offers a number of bus and trolley services within the city and throughout the surrounding areas. A one-way fare for a local route typically costs $2, while a monthly pass costs between $40 and $57, depending on the services you require.

How much does a meal cost in Charleston?

On average, you can expect to pay around $15.50 for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant. A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant generally averages at $60, while a regular coffee is around $4.80.

How much are utilities in Charleston?

Each month, you can expect to pay around $190 for basic utilities, which include water, electricity, heating, cooling and garbage disposal. This is based on a 915-square-foot apartment.

Charleston Housing Statistics

What are the major industries in Charleston?

As a popular tourist destination, the accommodation and food services sector is one of the largest industries in Charleston. However, healthcare and social assistance remains the largest industry in the city, while professional, scientific and technical services is another major sector.

What are the top employers in Charleston?

The joint Air Force and Navy Base (Joint Base Charleston) is, by far, the city’s largest employer, with around 22,000 residents employed at the facility in a variety of roles. In fact, it employs twice as many people as the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), which is the second-largest employer in the city. Meanwhile, Charleston County School District is the third-largest employer in the public sector, while Boeing Aircraft is a major employer in the private sector, hiring more than 5,000 residents in its manufacturing center.

Does Charleston have good schools?

Charleston is served by the Charleston County School District (CCSD), which offers 86 schools and provides education for nearly 50,000 students. With a graduation rate greater than 80% in the CCSD and with more than 60% of its teachers holding advanced degrees, there are numerous top-rated schools in the city.

What are the top colleges in Charleston?

Charleston is home to several reputable universities, including the Military College of South Carolina, known locally as the Citadel. There’s also the College of Charleston — which specializes in liberal arts programs and is the oldest college in South Carolina — as well as Trident Technical College.

Charleston Employment Statistics

Charleston Education Statistics

Charleston Household Statistics

What can you do in Charleston for free?

Charleston has a plethora of free things to see and do. With beaches surrounding the city’s eastern border, a day at the beach is a great place to start. Most offer free parking, and if you’re up for heading out of town, Kiawah Island Beach is around 45 minutes from Charleston and was named the “2nd Most Romantic Beach in America” by National Geographic. Sullivan’s Island Beach is another top choice and, with a ban on high-rise buildings on the island, it’s also the closest to nature, with stunning maritime forests backing the beaches. Within the city, a stroll down the Battery — the city’s historic waterfront — is a top choice. Here, you’ll find shady oak trees, historic buildings, and wonderful views over the harbor and the lighthouse. Bordering the Battery is Waterfront Park, home to stunning water fountains, playgrounds and much more.

What cultural things are there to do in Charleston?

The French Quarter district is the city’s art district, housing numerous galleries and event spaces. The Gibbes Art Museum — housed in a beautiful, historic building — showcases numerous exhibitions throughout the year and boasts an impressive collection of local art. For theater lovers, head to Dock Street Theater, where you can catch a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year.

What sports teams play in Charleston?

While no major league teams call Charleston home, you can check out the Charleston Riverdogs, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the New York Yankees. Catch them at their own downtown stadium, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

What are the main annual events in Charleston?

Charleston is home to numerous exciting events, although it’s most famous for the annual Spoleto Festival USA. This two-week bonanza has been celebrating the arts in Charleston since 1977 with performances and exhibits from local and international artists alike. Here, you can expect everything from ballet and chamber music to theater productions and opera. You can also catch shows and performances at a number of local galleries, theaters and live music venues, with the entire festival culminating in a finale that’s free to enter and ends in a fireworks display.

Where to go shopping in Charleston?

Charleston is home to many shopping districts. King Street is a popular destination with a mix of independent boutiques and big-brand stores. However, the most popular shopping area is the iconic City Market. This open-air market is home to a multitude of independent stands and vendors selling arts, crafts and much more.

What are the renters’ rights in Charleston?

Renters’ rights are fairly well-protected and are governed by the South Carolina Landlord Tenant Act. The act states that security deposits must be returned within 30 days of the tenant moving out of the unit, with any deductions itemized and invoices attached. Tenants also have the right to habitable housing with essential services being repaired immediately. If a landlord fails to repair a faulty essential, tenants have the right to withhold rent. However, it’s worth knowing what is deemed essential, as only services like plumbing, heating and electricity typically qualify. Be sure to check your lease agreement for clarification.