Let the numbers do the talking.
Charleston, SC vs Spartanburg, SC
Charleston, SC vs Spartanburg, SC: What the data shows
Charleston, SC is in Charleston, SC while Spartanburg, SC is in Spartanburg, SC — both in the same state. On home prices, Spartanburg, SC is the more affordable option at $225,000 median — $390,300 less than Charleston, SC's $615,300. WYLT rates Charleston, SC as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Spartanburg, SC as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Charleston, SC has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Spartanburg, SC has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Charleston, SC has Low flood risk and Spartanburg, SC has Low flood risk.
Charleston, SC is the more walkable neighborhood. Charleston, SC scores 49/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Spartanburg, SC's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Charleston, SC rates 8.3/10 and Spartanburg, SC rates 8.3/10.
| Category | Charleston, SC | Spartanburg, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $615K | $225K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $62K ✓ Higher income | $55K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 49/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 17/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 20 min ✓ Shorter commute | 45 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.3/10 | 8.3/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesProfessionalsRemote workers | Families seeking good schoolsYoung professionals looking for affordable entry‑level homesStudents needing budget housing |
Bottom line
Spartanburg is the better choice for those prioritizing affordability and good schools, while Charleston is more suitable for families and professionals with a larger budget who value a shorter commute to a major city. If walkability and transit-friendliness are key, neither neighborhood is ideal, but Charleston at least offers some limited options. Ultimately, Spartanburg's lower cost of living makes it a more practical option for most buyers, despite its drawbacks.
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