What are the hidden costs of living in Charleston?

Elevated property taxes and HOA fees Higher homeowner insurance in coastal region Ongoing maintenance for upscale homes

What is the median home price in Charleston?

The median home price in Charleston is approximately $674,000.

Is Charleston walkable?

Charleston has a Walk Score of 82 out of 100. It is considered very walkable.

What are the downsides of living in Charleston?

High cost of homes and rent Limited public transit and low walkability Potential traffic congestion Few local amenities within walking distance

How are the schools in Charleston?

Charleston has a school rating of 8.5/10. Schools are highly rated.

What is the commute like from Charleston?

The average commute from Charleston to Downtown Charleston is approximately 20 minutes.

Charleston, SC

Charleston · Charleston County · SC 29403

Updated August 1, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Think twice

Verdict

$674K

Median Price

82/100

Walk Score

8.5/10

Schools

20 min

to Downtown Charleston

Score Breakdown

FAffordability

15/100

D+Safety

55/100

B+Schools

85/100

DQuietness

40/100

B+Commute

85/100

B+Walkability

82/100

WYLT Score60/100

Our Take

This neighborhood has solid schools and a low flood risk, but it’s expensive and not very walkable or transit‑friendly. It’s okay for families with the right budget, but it’s a tough sell for people looking for affordable, convenient living.

Visiting Charleston before you decide?

Scout the neighborhood in person — find hotels near Charleston.

Find hotels on Booking.com →

Community Poll

Would you move to Charleston?

Explore this neighborhood

Ready to make the move?

Compare local moving labor and truck rental help, then book movers for your move to Charleston.

Get moving quotes on HireAHelper →

Map

Loading map…

The Good

✓Strong public schools with high ratings
✓Low flood risk in a high‑value area
✓Good median household income relative to cost
✓Community feel with a stable population

Real Talk

!High cost of homes and rent
!Limited public transit and low walkability
!Potential traffic congestion
!Few local amenities within walking distance
$Elevated property taxes and HOA fees
$Higher homeowner insurance in coastal region
$Ongoing maintenance for upscale homes

Best For

FamiliesProfessionalsRemote workersRetirees looking for stability

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskLow

Violent crimeModerate

Property crimeModerate

Air qualityModerate

Price volatilityModerate

Crime & Safety

Charleston, SC

D+

Safety grade

Safety score55 / 100

High riskVery safe

⚠️Violent Crime

Moderate

3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (3.7)11+

5% higher than the national average

🔒Property Crime

Moderate

19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (19.5)59+

2% higher than the national average

Verify with real-time data

City-Data stats →

From Residents

🏘

Loading…

From the Blog

📬

Stay in the loop on Charleston

Get one email when this report refreshes (~every 90 days). No spam.

Know someone considering this area? Send them this report.

wouldyoulivethere.com/report/charleston-sc-29403

Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC

Livability

Schools

Costs

People

Climate

Things to Do