Charleston, South Carolina has often been referred to as “America’s Best Kept Secret.” Founded in 1670 by settlers in search of religious freedom, Charleston is one of America’s most historic cities. Originally named Charles Towne, in honor of King Charles II, the city soon became a busy seaport supplying England with rice, cotton, indigo and deer skins. Successfully surviving wars, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes is a testament to the spirit and tenacity of its citizens. With a rich 340 year history, today Charleston is a beautifully preserved architectural and historical treasure.

The Charleston region (also known as the Tri-County Area or Metro Charleston) has a population of nearly 600,000 people, who live and work in the following major areas: The Peninsula, East of the Cooper (Mt. Pleasant), West Ashley, North Charleston, Goose Creek and Summerville. The island communities of Daniel Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island and Sullivan’s Island combine to offer a quality of life that is truly unmatched. There are many opportunities for excellent public and private school education, as well as graduate and post graduate programs at the College of Charleston, The Citadel, Charleston Southern University, Medical University of South Carolina, and Trident Technical College. Charleston’s five largest employers are the US Navy, the Medical University of SC (MUSC), Charleston Air Force Base, Charleston County School District and Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Top economic contributors are the Port of Charleston, MUSC, the military and the tourism industry.

Single family homes and condominiums in the Metro Charleston area range from the $150s to well over a million dollars depending on location and proximity to the water. Homes in the Peninsular City, for example average in the mid $700s, but just a short distance across the river in Mt. Pleasant, the average price is approximately $450,000. Home costs on James Island are in the low $300s, however West Ashley prices average below $250,000. Goose Creek and Summerville, two of our fastest growing areas will range from the $170s to around $200,000. Properties on Charleston’s barrier islands (Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island) will average close to a million dollars or more.