Charleston Apartments For Rent

Overview of Charleston

Charleston apartments for rent are home to one of the most consistently ranked cities among the country's most elegant places in the nation. The city was named a "must-see" by USA Today due to its old-fashioned Southern charm and beauty. Charleston was founded back in 1670 and has undergone many natural disasters, pirate raids and the Civil War. Today, 73 pre-Revolutionary buildings are still intact. Conde Nast Traveler named Charleston as the top U.S. city in 2012, crediting the well preserved architecture, excellent restaurant community and inviting people who live in the city.

Living in Charleston

Residents looking into Charleston apartments for rent enjoy the Old World charm of the city, like its cobblestone streets, antique shops, quaint boutiques and fine dining. House museums are open to residents and visitors who want to step back in time and learn about the city's rich, cultural history. Many plantations still line the Ashley River and are open to visitors for viewings. Families and individuals enjoy the idyllic weather and beautiful scenery thanks to the city's location along the Atlantic oceanfront. Charleston beaches are a go-to destination for vacationers and residents during the summer months. Residents and tourists enjoy partaking in water activities at the beach, including swimming, surfing, boating and fishing. The famous Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Hunting Island Beach are all located around the Charleston area.

The city hosts an array of activities and festivals year round, including the Charleston Festival of Houses and Gardens, the Cooper River Bridge Run and the Founders' Day Festival at Charles Towne Landing State Historic site. Residents and visitors don't have to miss a beat thanks to the CARTA - Charleston Regional Transportation Authority. DASH - Downtown Area Shuttles - are offered free and run through major Charleston attractions. Additional city transportation options near apartments for rent in Charleston include fixed bus routes serviced by CARTA and a water taxi service that offers transportation around Charleston Harbor.

Charleston Apartments and the Cost of Living

Due to a large gap between social classes in Charleston, the city government came together to develop the Charleston Homeownership Initiative Program to help families and individuals in need obtain Charleston apartments for rent and other housing options. The program is dedicated to revitalizing homes around the city to build better, sustainable neighborhoods and living conditions for low- to moderate-income households.

Those residing in apartments in Charleston have a cost of living index recorded at 0.4 percent higher than the state average and 2.3 percent less than the national average cost of living. AreaVibes estimates that Charleston residents typically pay $3.43 for a gallon of gas, $4.66 for a cup of coffee and $8.00 for pizza.

Apartments in Charleston Work and Study

Charleston apartments offer business entrepreneurs the opportunity to live, work and play in a thriving economic industry. Top Charleston industries include government, trade, transportation and utilities, professional and business services and leisure and hospitality. The leading employers located in the city of Charleston are Joint Base Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina and the Charleston Community School District.

Students living in Charleston have access to more than two dozen colleges and universities. Higher education institutions located in Charleston include Trident Technical College, the College of Charleston, Citadel Military College of South Carolina and Charleston Southern University.