10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to Charleston (No Fluff, Just Facts)

so you're thinking about moving to charleston. first off, congrats. second, brace yourself. this place is beautiful, historic, and also kinda weird in the best way. i moved here last year and here's what i wish someone had told me before i packed my bags and drove down from dc with my cat and way too many succulents.

1. rent is not cheap, but it's not nyc either

charleston's rent prices have gone up like crazy in the last five years. expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,200 for a decent one-bedroom, depending on the neighborhood. west ashley and james island are more affordable than downtown or mount pleasant. and yes, everyone will tell you to avoid north charleston at night, but it's not all bad during the day.

2. the humidity is no joke

if you're not used to southern summers, prepare to feel like you're walking through soup from june to september. i'm talking 90% humidity, hair frizz, and sweating through your shirt on a five-minute walk. invest in good deodorant and a portable fan. seriously.

3. the food scene is unreal

from shrimp and grits to lowcountry boils, the food here is next level. poogans porch is touristy but solid. for something more local, check out the ordinary for oysters or lewis barbecue if you're into smoked meats. also, hollywood coffee roasters has the best cold brew i've ever had.

4. traffic is surprisingly bad

i know, i know, it's not la or atlanta, but during rush hour or tourist season, king street and the ravenel bridge can turn into parking lots. biking helps, but charleston isn't the most bike-friendly city. scooters are popular, though.

5. hurricanes are real

charleston gets hit or brushed by hurricanes almost every year. evacuation orders happen. get flood insurance even if you're not in a flood zone. and stock up on water, batteries, and snacks before june. ready.gov has a solid checklist.

6. the history is everywhere

this city is old. like, pre-revolutionary old. cobblestone streets, haunted tours, civil war sites-it's all here. the charleston museum is a good starting point if you're a history nerd. but also, some of that history is heavy and complicated. be ready for that.

7. people are nice, but slow

southern hospitality is real. strangers smile, hold doors, and say "y'all" unironically. but also, things move slower here. service at restaurants, lines at the grocery store, even emails. it's not rudeness, it's just the pace of life.

8. the beach is close, but parking isn't

folly beach and isle of palms are both under 30 minutes away. but parking can cost $20+ during peak season, and the beaches get crowded. go early or late for a better experience. yelp has some good hacks.

9. the job market is tricky

if you're in tech, tourism, or healthcare, you'll find options. but if you're in something niche, it might take a minute. remote work is your friend here. and don't be surprised if your first job is in hospitality-it's the city's biggest industry.

10. the bugs are huge

palmetto bugs (aka giant cockroaches) are a thing. they fly. they're gross. get used to it. also, mosquitoes are relentless in the summer. citronella candles and fans on the porch are your best friends.

green palm tree near white and pink concrete building during daytime

people riding on carriage on road during daytime

final thoughts

charleston is not perfect, but it's magnetic. the architecture, the food, the slower pace-it gets under your skin. just come prepared for the humidity, the bugs, and the fact that you'll probably end up addicted to sweet tea. welcome to the lowcountry.