10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to Charleston (from a coffee-sipping, ghost-hunting, indie-film-scouting weirdo)

so you're thinking about moving to charleston, huh? good choice. bad choice. depends on the day. i moved here last year thinking i'd just be another indie film scout chasing southern gothic vibes, but turns out this city has a way of grabbing you by the collar and whispering "stay awhile." here's what i wish someone had told me before i packed my bags and drove down from brooklyn with a trunk full of film reels and bad decisions.

1. the humidity is a character in your life story

you know how in movies the weather is always "just background"? not here. the humidity in charleston is like that clingy ex who won't stop texting. it's thick, it's relentless, and it will make you question every life choice that led you to this moment. invest in a good dehumidifier. or just embrace the frizz. i've started calling my hair "coastal chaos" and owning it.

2. rent is a negotiation, not a given

i thought i was prepared for the cost of living. i was not. according to numbeo, the average rent for a one-bedroom in downtown charleston is around $1,800/month. but here's the trick: landlords expect you to negotiate. my first apartment wanted $2,000. i offered $1,600. they countered at $1,800. i moved in. don't be afraid to haggle. it's a southern tradition.

3. the food scene is both a blessing and a curse

i've gained 15 pounds since moving here, and i regret nothing. poogan's porch has the best shrimp and grits i've ever had, but it'll cost you. for something cheaper, check out xiaobao biscuit on weekday mornings. also, the farmers market at marion square on saturdays is a must. just bring cash and a big appetite.

4. the history is everywhere, even when you don't want it to be

i came here for the film scene, but i stayed for the ghosts. charleston is old. like, "built-on-top-of-a-possible-mass-grave" old. the old city jail is a great place to start if you're into that sort of thing. just don't go alone at night unless you're ready to make friends with something that goes bump in the night.

5. the job market is… niche

if you're in tech, finance, or hospitality, you'll do fine. if you're a freelance illustrator like me, you'll need to get creative. i started doing storyboards for local indie films and teaching weekend workshops. it's not glamorous, but it pays the bills. check out charleston digital corridor for networking events. and yes, they have free coffee.

6. the beaches are worth the traffic

folly beach and isle of palms are both within 30 minutes of downtown, but good luck finding parking in the summer. go early, bring a book, and don't forget sunscreen. the sand here is like powdered sugar, and the water is warm enough to swim in year-round. just watch out for jellyfish. they're not as friendly as the locals.

7. the locals are either your best friends or your worst enemies

charlestonians are proud of their city. they'll invite you to porch parties, tell you where to find the best she-crab soup, and then judge you silently if you mispronounce "legare street." (it's "luh-gree," by the way.) earn their trust by showing up, being polite, and not comparing everything to where you came from.

8. the arts scene is thriving (if you know where to look)

i came here thinking i'd be the only indie film scout in town. i was wrong. the charleston film festival is a big deal, and there are smaller screenings happening all the time at places like the cedar room. also, the gibbes museum of art is a hidden gem. go on a wednesday when it's free.

9. the weather is a rollercoaster you didn't buy a ticket for

today it's 75 and sunny. tomorrow it's 45 and raining. the next day it's 85 with a side of hurricane warnings. pack layers. and a raincoat. and maybe a generator. just in case.

10. you'll fall in love with it, even when it's being a jerk

charleston is like that complicated relationship you can't quit. it'll frustrate you, exhaust you, and make you question your sanity. but then it'll hand you a perfect sunset over the battery, or a quiet moment in white point garden, and you'll remember why you stayed. just don't expect it to be easy. nothing worth loving ever is.

green palm tree near white and pink concrete building during daytime

people riding on carriage on road during daytime

if you're still on the fence, check out the charleston subreddit for real talk from locals. and if you do move here, dm me. i'll show you the best spots for ghost hunting and coffee. just don't ask me to pronounce "legare street." i'm still working on that one.