According to United Van Lines’ National Movers Study, Oregon is still the top moving destination in the country, but South Carolina is a close second. And if you’re considering making the Palmetto State your new home, what better choice than Charleston, where modern technology meets the Old South?
Come see why moving to Charleston, South Carolina could be the best choice for your family.
Jobs
The job industry in and around Charleston can be described in three words: technology, tourism, and military. The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, was founded in 1842. Although it has a small student base (just 3,500 students), the school consistently ranks among the best in the nation. Following this long-standing military tradition is Joint Base Charleston, which has been an active military base since 1942, and includes both the long-standing Charleston Air Force Base as well as Naval Weapons Station Charleston. (The two combined in 2010 to form a joint base.)
Prefer a calculator over a crew cut? Charleston burgeoning tech industry might be right up your alley. Perhaps the most notable example of this is Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner factory. This 141-acre compound is home to final assembly buildings as well as the Boeing Research and Technology Center. Back on land, the Charleston Digital Corridor focuses on encouraging further tech growth to build Charleston’s economy. Providing job matching services, office space, and networking events, Charleston Digital Corridor is committed to making sure Charleston keeps up with the changing times.
Naturally, tourism drives Charleston’s economy, too. In fact, more than 4 million visitors think the antebellum architecture, the rich culture of the Low Country, and—of course—the beach, make Charleston one of the top vacation spots in the world.
Neighborhoods
Downtown Charleston – At just 17 square miles, the peninsular area of Downtown Charleston is easy to traverse by bike or foot. The streets retain an elegant, Old South charm, but the neighbors are as diverse as you’ll find anywhere: tattooed college students and retirees live side by side.
The Islands – The jewels of Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, and Isle of Palms may come with a high price tag, but the atmosphere is less “Martha’s Vineyard” and more “small town casual.” (Plus, you might run into Stephen Colbert.)
Mount Pleasant – Despite the cap on building permits, Mount Pleasant is growing fast. It’s convenient location and picturesque streets (it’s where The Notebook was filmed) are worth the higher price tag.
West Ashley – More diverse (and cheaper) than Mount Pleasant, West Ashley is just as convenient to downtown Charleston. Affordable, family-friendly, and well-established, this is a great place to raise a family.
Weather
If you’re moving from Florida to Charleston but don’t want a huge climate change, you’re in luck. Charleston temperatures are very similar to Orlando’s: highs range from 63 in the winter to 91 in the summer. Winter may last a bit longer in Charleston, but summer will feel a bit more familiar. Get used to lots of summer thunderstorms and high humidity. And even though South Carolina is north of Florida, snow is still extremely unlikely.
Transportation
Charleston’s grid system makes driving around the city a breeze, but parking takes a little more forethought. Residents of certain areas in downtown Charleston have parking permits and it’s often difficult to find street parking, so keep an eye out for one of the city’s many parking garages.
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides bus service throughout the Charleston area. Own a car but you’d rather not tangle with traffic? CARTA Express will pick you up from one of five (free!) park and ride lots for quick and easy service downtown. Once you’re in the historic downtown district, hop on the DASH trolley for a free ride.
And for travel outside of Charleston, there’s an Amtrak station as well as the Charleston International Airport, with nonstop flights to 24 airports across the country.
Cost of Living
The good news is that Charleston and Orlando have a very similar cost of living index. Housing, however, is 80% more expensive in Charleston, with an average home price of $247,000. One place you’ll see significant savings is your property taxes; South Carolina has one of the best property tax rates in the country. (Wallet Hub rated it #5 for 2015.) And while the Palmetto State has several income tax brackets, the highest rate (7%) is for any income level higher than $14,401—practically a flat rate.
Lifestyle
One of the biggest takeaways that tourists have when visiting Charleston 
is the city’s unparalleled beauty.
In fact, Charleston’s nickname is The Holy City, due to the ordinance that says no building can exceed the height of the tallest church spire. While skyscrapers might have their own form of beauty, there’s nothing quite like a skyline vista of towering steeples.
This charming Antebellum scenery makes a lovely backdrop (it’s where The Notebook was filmed) for the Southern charm that you’ll find everywhere you go. Charleston was rated as one of the friendliest cities in the country by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel and Leisure. In Charleston, they take the idea of “Southern hospitality” seriously.
But while you’re brushing up on your Civil War history, don’t forget about the area’s rich Gullah culture. Descended from African slaves, the Gullah people developed their own language, beliefs, art, and customs that helped make Charleston what is today.
Have to leave Florida but don’t want to leave the beach? No worries! Charleston is located on its own peninsula and is surrounded by coastline and islands. Whether you want to try your hand at horseback riding or the areas many world-renowned golf courses or simply kick back and relax with an ice cream cone, you’ll find plenty to love about Charleston.. And to find things to do in Charleston visit – http://travelerofcharleston.com/
Whether you’re moving to Charleston or Seattle, call Cento Family Moving today for your free quote. We’ve moved families just like yours to 49 states and we’d love to see how we can help you!
