Best Places to Live: Charleston, South Carolina

Stroll along the cobblestone sidewalks, indulge in Sunday brunch, and gaze at the immaculate mansions in Charleston, South Carolina.

Something about the city is magical, leaving visitors feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Tourists visit for the rich history, fabulous southern cuisine, and relaxing beaches, but the city captivates the hearts of travelers and sticks with them. Take a quick trip to this charming lowcountry gem, and you’ll see for yourself why Bankrate rated it one of the best places to live in America.

With remote work becoming the ‘new normal’ for many employers, people everywhere are packing up and relocating to their dream destinations. With the South Carolina coast being a popular place to move, we’ve asked a few of our SouthState team members, local to the Charleston area, to share what they love most about living in the Holy City. If you find yourself in Charleston, we have multiple locations to serve you, including two locations downtown on the peninsula.

In the last 10 years, the population in Charleston has increased nearly 20%. Holding the title for 4th largest city in South Carolina, the population is estimated to be 427,000. While the locals will tell you the traffic is the worst part of living here, it’s only a small inconvenience to live somewhere so lovely.

“Charleston is an extremely special city to me, not only because I was born and raised here, but it’s beauty, history and close proximity to the ocean make every day a vacation while living here,” says Amy Cox, Director of Talent Management. “Some of my favorite things to do on a nice sunny day are walk downtown and listen to the bells ring from the many churches, and then go to brunch at one of the bustling restaurants. I especially love the bistros and cafes that offer courtyard seating.”

“One of my favorite places to go in Charleston is Waterfront Park,” Sonia Hanson, Branch Manager at the Charleston Magwood location says. “There are so many beautiful, historic homes to see – and the views from The Battery are unmatched. While I’m there, I love to stop at Halls Chophouse, the Calhoun Mansion, and the Pineapple Fountain.”

No matter who you talk to, you’ll realize there is no shortage of exquisite dining options. From elegant steakhouses, vintage raw bars, and eateries boasting southern flare, there is something for every palette. “Some of the best meals of my life have been in Charleston,” Cox says. Other local restaurants highly recommended by our team members include Church and Union, Hanks Seafood, and Slightly North of Broad.

Many folks are drawn to Charleston because of the beaches, harbor, and marshes. Robb Byrd, Director of Banking Operations, thinks the scenery from the waterways are some of the best in the country. Don’t take our word for it, a visit to Shem Creek at sunset should do the trick.

Rich in culture, history, and southern tradition – but the city isn’t all church bells and oyster shells. Big companies like Boeing, Mercedes Benz, and Volvo have brought their businesses to Charleston, contributing job growth and other benefits to the local economy. The impressive variety of industries here provide a lot of opportunity for those looking for the next step in their career – whether you’re in health care, higher education, finance, or even aerospace manufacturing, there’s something for everyone.

If you find yourself conducting business in Charleston or one of its surrounding areas, SouthState’s knowledgeable bankers are well-equipped and excited to serve your financial needs – or provide personal recommendations for things to do / see while you’re here. “We really love what we do and serving our customers, and it shows in how we do it” says Hanson. “We know our customers and they know us. We want to learn their names, hear about their families, and tell them about ours.”

In addition to their industry expertise and stellar customer service, our bankers prioritize giving back to the community. If there’s a need in our community, our bankers step up to the challenge. “Community engagement at SouthState is an all-hands-on deck effort,” Cox says with pride.

There’s a lifestyle that comes along with living here you only understand if you’re a resident. If you’re considering making Charleston your home, go ahead and buy. “Once you’re here, you’ll never want to leave,” says Byrd. “Any given day, you can walk around the city and enjoy the historical buildings, courtyards, and eclectic shops that take you back in time. When you’re ready, you just hop in the car and head home. Every day is like being on vacation – that is a luxury only those living here can enjoy.”

SouthState has 18 Charleston area locations with knowledgeable and friendly bankers ready to serve your financial needs.