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Downtown Charleston Neighborhood Guide Charleston, SC
About
Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, is a scenic and historic neighborhood known for its charm and Southern hospitality. It's the heart and soul of Charleston, offering a unique blend of old and new, with cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and antebellum homes alongside trendy eateries, boutiques, and a lively nightlife. Key landmarks include the historic Charleston City Market and the grand Battery and White Point Gardens. The neighborhood is bounded by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers and intersected by the main thoroughfare, King Street.
What You Will Love About Downtown, Charleston, South Carolina
- The rich history, beautiful architecture, and striking Southern charm that embody the neighborhood.
- The vibrant dining scene, featuring everything from traditional Southern fare to global cuisine.
- The easy walkability and accessibility of Downtown Charleston, making it simple to explore.
- The bustling King Street, which offers a multitude of boutique shops, antique stores, and galleries.
What’s Nearby
Downtown Charleston is surrounded by several beautiful islands, including James Island, Sullivan's Island, and Isle of Palms, known for their pristine beaches and outdoor activities. It's also close to North Charleston, which houses the Charleston International Airport and the Charleston Tanger Outlets. The South Carolina Aquarium and the Historic Charleston Foundation are also nearby.
Lifestyle
Life in Downtown Charleston is steeped in history with a touch of modern sophistication. Residents enjoy a laid-back, coastal lifestyle, paired with the amenities and vibrancy of urban living. The neighborhood is culturally rich, hosting numerous festivals, art events, and farmers' markets throughout the year.
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See best properties in this area
Rental Trends in Downtown Charleston
| Studio | 1 Bed | 2 Beds | ||||||||||
| $2850 | $2850 | $2850 | $2550 | $2590 | $2630 | $2670 | $2710 | $2750 | $2304 | $2235 | $2269 | $2650 |
| $3300 | $3300 | $3300 | $3400 | $3500 | $3500 | $3100 | $3350 | $3600 | $3600 | $3492 | $3387 | $3387 |
Explore the Neighborhood
There are 419 restaurants, 43 grocery stores, and 49 parks within a mile of the Downtown Charleston neighborhood.
Harris TeeterRetail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store
•0.1 miles
290 E Bay St
- The Vegetable Bin
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Fruit and Vegetable Store, Grocery Store
•0.2 miles
10 Society St
- Pepper Palace
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store, Herbs and Spices Store
•0.2 miles
84 N Market St
- Spice & Tea Exchange
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store, Herbs and Spices Store
•0.2 miles
170 Church St
- Charleston City Market
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Gourmet Store, Grocery Store
•0.2 miles
188 Meeting St
The Shops at Charleston PlaceRetail, Shopping Mall
•0.2 miles
205 Meeting St
- East Bay Liquors & Wines
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Liquor Store
•0.1 miles
289 1/2 E Bay St
- Harris Teeter
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store
•0.1 miles
290 E Bay St
- The Vegetable Bin
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Fruit and Vegetable Store, Grocery Store
•0.2 miles
10 Society St
- Pepper Palace
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store, Herbs and Spices Store
•0.2 miles
84 N Market St
- Wine Blending By Kessler
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Liquor Store
•0.2 miles
55 Wentworth St
- City Market Preservation
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Farmers Market
•0.2 miles
73 S Market St
167 RawDining and Drinking, Restaurant, Mexican Restaurant, Taco Restaurant, Seafood Restaurant
•0.1 miles
289 E Bay St
- Cru Cafe
Dining and Drinking, Cafe, Coffee, and Tea House, Café, Coffee Shop, Restaurant, American Restaurant
•0.1 miles
18 Pinckney St
- Sam's Cafe
Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, Burger Joint, Mexican Restaurant
•0.1 miles
291 E Bay St
- Hank's Seafood
Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, American Restaurant, Seafood Restaurant
•0.1 miles
10 Hayne St
- Roti Rolls
Business and Professional Services, Food and Beverage Service, Caterer, Dining and Drinking, Restaurant
•0.1 miles
251 E Bay St
- Anson
Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, American Restaurant, Seafood Restaurant, Southern Food Restaurant
•0.1 miles
12 Anson St
- East Bay True Value Hardware
Retail, Hardware Store
•0.2 miles
18 Society St
- Delta Pharmacy & Medical Supply
Retail, Drugstore
•0.2 miles
320 E Bay St
- Cty Market Preservation Trust
Retail, Department Store
•0.2 miles
188 Meeting St
- The Shops at Charleston Place
Retail, Shopping Mall
•0.2 miles
205 Meeting St
- Five & Dime General Store
Retail, Convenience Store
•0.2 miles
99 S Market St
- Fishin' Duck
Retail, Discount Store
•0.2 miles
188 Meeting St
Courtenay SquareLandmarks and Outdoors, Park
•0.1 miles
264 Meeting St
- Theodora Park
Landmarks and Outdoors, Park
•0.2 miles
84 Anson St
- Charleston Culinary Tours
Landmarks and Outdoors, Historic and Protected Site, Travel and Transportation, Tourist Information and Service
•0.3 miles
46 State St
- The Gadsden House
Landmarks and Outdoors, Historic and Protected Site
•0.3 miles
329 E Bay St
- Elyon Day Spa
Business and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service, Spa, Landmarks and Outdoors, Bathing Area
•0.3 miles
192 E Bay St
- Pirates House & Courtyard
Landmarks and Outdoors
•0.3 miles
145 Church St
Old South Carriage CompanyArts and Entertainment
•0.1 miles
14 Anson St
- Charleston Bike Taxi
Arts and Entertainment
•0.1 miles
1 Pinckney St
- Charleston Regional Alliance
Arts and Entertainment
•0.1 miles
293 E Bay St
- 34 West Theater Co.
Arts and Entertainment, Performing Arts Venue, Concert Hall, Music Venue, Theater
•0.1 miles
200 Meeting St
- One of A Kind
Arts and Entertainment, Art Gallery
•0.2 miles
74 N Market St
- Purple Tree Lounge
Arts and Entertainment, Dining and Drinking, Bar, Restaurant
•0.2 miles
36 N Market St
Olde Towne Veterinary ClinicHealth and Medicine, Veterinarian
•0.1 miles
17 Pinckney St
- Smith Cynthia P DVM
Health and Medicine, Veterinarian
•0.1 miles
17 Pinckney St
Earthling Day SpaBusiness and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service, Spa
•0.1 miles
245 E Bay St
- Elysium Salon
Business and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service
•0.1 miles
712 S Shelmore Blvd
- Earthling Day Spa and Pilates Studio
Business and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service, Spa
•0.1 miles
245 E Bay St
- Halcyon Place
Business and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service, Hair Salon
•0.2 miles
48 Wentworth St
Charleston Pole DancingCommunity and Government, Education, Sports and Recreation, Gym and Studio
•0.2 miles
54 N Market St
The Bicycle ShoppeRetail, Sporting Goods Retail, Bicycle Store
•0.2 miles
280 Meeting St
- Charleston Angler
Retail, Sporting Goods Retail, Fishing Store
•0.2 miles
188 Meeting St
- Pivotal Fitness
Sports and Recreation, Gym and Studio, Yoga Studio
•0.2 miles
69 Wentworth St
- Holy City CrossFit
Sports and Recreation, Gym and Studio
•0.2 miles
80 Society St
- Crossfit Discovery Downtown
Sports and Recreation, Gym and Studio
•0.3 miles
80 1/2 Society St
Scotty Doesn’t Know SpeakeasyDining and Drinking, Bar, Cocktail Bar, Lounge, Speakeasy
•0.1 miles
247 E Bay St
- Henry's House
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Restaurant, Burger Joint, American Restaurant
•0.2 miles
54 N Market St
- Purple Tree Lounge
Arts and Entertainment, Dining and Drinking, Bar, Restaurant
•0.2 miles
36 N Market St
- Church and Union Charleston
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Cocktail Bar
•0.2 miles
32 N Market St
- Queology
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Sports Bar, Restaurant, BBQ Joint, American Restaurant
•0.2 miles
32 N Market St
- Little Palm
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cafe, Coffee, and Tea House, Café, Restaurant, Sandwich Spot
•0.2 miles
237 Meeting St
Charleston County Public Library - Main BranchCommunity and Government, Library
•0.4 miles
68 Calhoun St
- Charleston County Library
Community and Government, Library
•0.4 miles
68 Calhoun St
- Charleston Library Society
Community and Government, Library
•0.4 miles
164 King St
- Addlestone Library
Community and Government, Library
•0.6 miles
205 Calhoun St
- Palmetto Montessori
Business and Professional Services, Child Care Service, Community and Government, Education, Preschool
•0.7 miles
57 Pitt St
- Shaw Community Center
Community and Government, Community Center
•0.7 miles
20 Mary St
- Charleston Fire Department
Community and Government, Government Building, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Fire Station
•0.1 miles
46 1/2 Wentworth St
- Charleston Fire Department, Station 2/3
Community and Government, Government Building, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Fire Station
•0.1 miles
264 Meeting St
- Drug Enforcement Administration
Community and Government, Government Building, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Police Station
•0.3 miles
200 E Bay St
- South Carolina State Government Frequently Called Numbers
Community and Government, Government Building, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Police Station
•0.3 miles
176 Concord St
- Musc, Main Hospital
Health and Medicine, Hospital
•0.4 miles
Ashley Ave
- Charleston County Sheriff
Community and Government, Government Building, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Police Station
•0.5 miles
100 Broad St
Downtown Charleston Apartments and Rentals
85 Rental properties in Downtown Charleston, Charleston, SC.
Cost of Living
| Category | Compare to State Avg. | Compare to National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| housing | 12.5% | 14.7% |
| utilities | 5.6% | 7.2% |
| food | 11.5% | 17.4% |
| transportation | 5.1% | 2.4% |
| healthcare | 10% | 3.6% |
Downtown Charleston Demographics
Downtown Charleston Transportation
Walker’s Paradise
Very Bikeable
Downtown Charleston Schools
- 9/10
Buist Academy For Advanced Studies
Grades 1-8 • Public
- 4/10
Memminger School Of Global Studies: A University Partnership School
Grades PK, K-5 • Public
- 6/10
Charleston Progressive Academy
Grades PK, K-5 • Public
- NRNo Rating
Grades K-8 • Private
- NRNo Rating
Grades PK-12 • Private
- NRNo Rating
Charter
- 6/10
Charleston Development Academy Public Charter School
Grades PK, K-8 • Charter
Neighborhoods Around Downtown Charleston
| Neighborhood | StudioAvg Rent | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| The PeninsulaNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,180 | 74% |
| King Street Historic DistrictNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,900 | -- |
| AnsonboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Harleston VillageNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| South of BroadNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| French QuarterNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| RadcliffeboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| East SideNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,134 | 0% |
| Cannonborough-ElliottboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| WestsideNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,172 | 9% |
| Mazyck - WraggboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| AvondaleNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| North CentralNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Peninsula WestNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Wagener TerraceNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Hampton Park TerraceNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Silver Hill - MagnoliaNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Ardmore - Sherwood ForestNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Byrnes DownsNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Ashley Hall ManorNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Maryville - AshleyvilleNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| I'OnNeighborhood in Mount-pleasant, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Orange Grove EstatesNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Lynwood - Willow Walk - OakcrestNeighborhood in James-island, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Neighborhood | 1 BedAvg Rent | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| The PeninsulaNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,445 | 66% |
| King Street Historic DistrictNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,202 | -- |
| AnsonboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,550 | -- |
| Harleston VillageNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,395 | -- |
| South of BroadNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| French QuarterNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| RadcliffeboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| East SideNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,224 | 0% |
| Cannonborough-ElliottboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| WestsideNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,445 | 4% |
| Mazyck - WraggboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| AvondaleNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| North CentralNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Peninsula WestNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Wagener TerraceNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Hampton Park TerraceNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Silver Hill - MagnoliaNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Ardmore - Sherwood ForestNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Byrnes DownsNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Ashley Hall ManorNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Maryville - AshleyvilleNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| I'OnNeighborhood in Mount-pleasant, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Orange Grove EstatesNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,400 | -- |
| Lynwood - Willow Walk - OakcrestNeighborhood in James-island, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Neighborhood | 2 BedsAvg Rent | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| The PeninsulaNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,900 | 64% |
| King Street Historic DistrictNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $3,387 | -- |
| AnsonboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $3,400 | -- |
| Harleston VillageNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,900 | -- |
| South of BroadNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| French QuarterNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| RadcliffeboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| East SideNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,305 | 60% |
| Cannonborough-ElliottboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| WestsideNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,367 | -- |
| Mazyck - WraggboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| AvondaleNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| North CentralNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,937 | -- |
| Peninsula WestNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Wagener TerraceNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Hampton Park TerraceNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Silver Hill - MagnoliaNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Ardmore - Sherwood ForestNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,599 | -- |
| Byrnes DownsNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Ashley Hall ManorNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Maryville - AshleyvilleNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| I'OnNeighborhood in Mount-pleasant, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Orange Grove EstatesNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Lynwood - Willow Walk - OakcrestNeighborhood in James-island, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Neighborhood | 3 BedsAvg Rent | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| The PeninsulaNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,775 | 44% |
| King Street Historic DistrictNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $4,699 | -- |
| AnsonboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Harleston VillageNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $6,500 | -- |
| South of BroadNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| French QuarterNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| RadcliffeboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| East SideNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Cannonborough-ElliottboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| WestsideNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Mazyck - WraggboroughNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| AvondaleNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| North CentralNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,775 | -- |
| Peninsula WestNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Wagener TerraceNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $2,220 | -- |
| Hampton Park TerraceNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Silver Hill - MagnoliaNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Ardmore - Sherwood ForestNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | $1,799 | -- |
| Byrnes DownsNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Ashley Hall ManorNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Maryville - AshleyvilleNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| I'OnNeighborhood in Mount-pleasant, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Orange Grove EstatesNeighborhood in Charleston, South-carolina | -- | -- |
| Lynwood - Willow Walk - OakcrestNeighborhood in James-island, South-carolina | -- | -- |