Downtown Charleston
A Look
Into
Downtown Charleston
Welcome to the charming heart of the South, where history whispers through cobblestone streets and the vibrant pulse of contemporary culture beats in harmony.
Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, is a tapestry of Southern elegance and modern allure, offering a lifestyle that seamlessly blends the past with the present.
One of the undeniable highlights of this enchanting city is its culinary scene.
Imagine strolling down King Street, a boulevard adorned with a plethora of eclectic restaurants, from upscale fine dining establishments to cozy cafes serving up Lowcountry favorites. From she-crab soup to shrimp and grits, every dish tells a story of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Days on Market
58
Average Sold Price
$1,264,910
Price per Sqft
$693
Why Downtown Charleston is loved by many
Art enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in creativity, as Charleston boasts a thriving arts community. The historic district is home to numerous art studios, where local artists craft their masterpieces inspired by the city’s picturesque surroundings.
The French Quarter, in particular, is a hub for galleries showcasing a diverse range of works, from traditional Gullah art to contemporary pieces that push the boundaries of expression. As you meander through these artistic havens, you’ll feel the vibrant energy that emanates from every brushstroke and sculpture.
The streets of downtown Charleston are a living museum of architectural marvels, featuring historic homes that transport you to a bygone era. Antebellum mansions with charming double piazzas, hidden gardens with blooming azaleas, and colorful row houses create a visually stunning backdrop. Living in this historic district means having the privilege of residing in a home with a story, where each brick and beam echoes the tales of generations past.
For those seeking a green oasis within the urban landscape, downtown Charleston doesn’t disappoint. Historic gardens, such as those at the Nathaniel Russell House and the Aiken-Rhett House, offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Strolling through these meticulously landscaped spaces, you’ll find yourself transported to a time when these gardens were the backdrop for elegant soirées and romantic rendezvous.
In downtown Charleston, the pace of life is both relaxed and exhilarating. Whether savoring a delectable meal at a renowned restaurant, immersing yourself in the vibrant arts scene, or simply enjoying the beauty of historic homes and gardens, every day in this charming city feels like a celebration of Southern hospitality and cultural richness. Living in downtown Charleston is not just a choice of residence; it’s an invitation to be a part of a community where tradition and innovation coalesce in a harmonious dance that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
Gallery
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools Rating
Orange Grove Elementary Charter School
1225 Orange Branch Road, Charleston, SC, 29407
Pre-K
Elementary school
Middle school
Public charter
GreatSchools Rating
Buist Academy
103 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
Elementary school
Middle school
Public charter
8/10
GreatSchools Rating
Murray Lasaine Elementary School
691 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC, 29412
Pre-K
Elementary school
Middle school
Public charter
8/10
GreatSchools Rating
Harbor View Elementary School
1576 Harbor View Road, Charleston, SC, 29412
Pre-K
Elementary school
Public district
8/10
GreatSchools Rating
Ashley River Creative Arts
1871 Wallace School Road, Charleston, SC, 29407
Elementary school
Public district
7/10
GreatSchools Rating
Stiles Point Elementary School
883 Mikell Drive, Charleston, SC, 29412
Pre-K
Elementary school
Public district
Best place to eat in Downtown Charleston
Hall’s Chophouse
Hall’s Chophouse is a family steakhouse and iconic Charleston institution. Decidedly old-school, this refined eatery excels in prime cuts of beef, luxurious raw bar offerings, and original takes on traditional sides (pepper jack creamed corn, sweet-and-sour collard greens). As for hospitality, it doesn’t get much better than Hall’s; expect highly attentive service and an eagerness to accommodate for all diets.
The Charleston Grill
A Charleston classic, the refined, award-winning Charleston Grill is renowned for its unparalleled dining experience and warm hospitality. Helmed by Chef de Cuisine Suzy Castelloe, who was mentored by Michelle Weaver, the seasonal menu showcases imaginative dishes that honor the purveyors and makers of the South.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ was born out of a friendship between Rodney Scott and Nick Pihakis and their mutual respect for the time and technique required to make great barbecue. Understanding the history of the craft, the difference it makes in flavor profiles to cook over live coal direct heat, and the dying art of whole hog barbecue is what drives them. Hardwood is burned down to glowing embers at the side of the bbq pits. Those embers are shoveled carefully under the meat and tended—paying special attention to temperature and heat placement—using those coals to regulate cooking through the entire process. The work is smoky, difficult and satisfying but turning the craft into a business is a way to ensure the survival of an important part of history and a traditional cooking technique that imparts a very unique flavor into meats. With Rodney Scott’s BBQ restaurants in Charleston, SC, Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA, there are pitmasters who are trained in the same way that Rodney Scott has been working the pits since he was a kid. In addition to serving outstanding food, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is committed to passing on the enjoyment, education and tradition of whole hog bbq to new generations.
Best things to do in Downtown Charleston
The Charleston City Market
In 1788, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney ceded the land to the City of Charleston for the express use as a public market, and he stipulated that the land must remain in use as a market for perpetuity.
To fulfill this requirement, the low buildings—sheds—that stretch from Market Hall to the waterfront were built between 1804 and the 1830s. These sheds originally housed meat, vegetable, and fish vendors; each booth rented for $1.00 per day, or $2.00 if the booth had a slab of marble used to keep the meat or fish cold. Butchers often threw meat scraps into the street, much to the delight of local buzzards, which were nicknamed Charleston Eagles. Over the years, the sheds have survived many disasters, including fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and bombardment.
In 1841, three years after the Masonic Hall on the corner of Meeting and Market Streets was destroyed by fire, the current Market Hall was erected. Architect Edward Brickwell White was paid $300 to create the building’s blueprints, which paid homage to the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens. The resulting handsome structure was originally used by the Market Commissioners for meetings and social functions, while the space beneath the hall housed vendors.
Since the 1970s, the original sheds and surrounding neighborhood have housed many small and unique shops. Of special note are the more than 50 sweetgrass basket weavers who carry forth a special Charleston tradition.
The Charleston City Market, recognized as one of the oldest in the country, is part of a permanent exhibit entitled “Life in Coastal South Carolina c. 1840” at the American History Museum of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.
Charleston Waterfront Park
Life in the Lowcountry is all about slowing down and taking a moment or two to relax, and locals and visitors both agree that Charleston’s Waterfront Park is the perfect venue to stretch out and soak up the scene. With a prime location overlooking Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River, and more than 10 acres of room to roam, (most of which is waterfront), Waterfront Pak is essentially a romantic, engaging, serene, and perfectly picturesque destination that will make any newcomer fall in love with this unique southern city.
South Carolina Aquarium
Wildlife surrounds you at the South Carolina Aquarium. With thousands of animals, dozens of exhibits and stunning waterfront views, you can connect with the natural world your way. Your Aquarium experience allows us to care for sick and injured sea turtles, provide education programming for students, and continue our critical conservation work within our walls and beyond.
