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About Charleston, South Carolina
Charming Charleston: Where history meets Southern hospitality and coastal beauty.
Charleston, South Carolina, is a city with a rich history and a vibrant blend of culture, industry, and southern hospitality. Founded in 1670, it boasts a remarkable past reflected in its well-preserved architecture and storied landmarks. Charleston played a pivotal role in the American Civil War, with Fort Sumter standing as a lasting symbol of the city's historical significance. Today, Charleston is often celebrated for its charming cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses, and the iconic Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park. Culturally, Charleston is a hub that seamlessly marries its historical roots with contemporary Southern culture. The city hosts a range of festivals throughout the year such as Spoleto Festival USA, which celebrates performing arts with a diverse international lineup. The culinary scene is also notable, blending traditional Southern dishes with modern innovation, earning Charleston a reputation as a significant culinary destination. Additionally, the city is surrounded by stunning coastlines and warm sandy beaches, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The economy in Charleston is diverse, with a strong presence in tourism, manufacturing, technology, and the burgeoning aerospace sector. The Charleston Port is one of the most active in the U.S., supporting trade and business initiatives. The combination of a thriving economy, rich cultural experiences, and charming character makes Charleston a special place to live and visit.
The basics
- Population
- 156K
- Median age
- 33.5 years
- Area
- 127.5 sq mi
- Elevation
- 20 ft
- County
- Charleston County
- Metro area
- Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro Area
Work and housing
- Median household income
- $64,500
- Median home price
- $414,000
- Cost of living (US = 100)
- 111
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Job growth
- 2.9%
- Households renting
- 53.2%
Schools and colleges
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 47.3%
- High school graduation
- 86.4%
- Going on to college
- 68.1%
- Schools
- 58
- Colleges and universities
- 5
- Students per teacher
- 15.7:1
- Public libraries
- 16
Getting around
- Average commute
- 25 minutes
- Highways
- I-26, US-17, SC-171
- Public transit
- CARTA
- Airports
- CHS - Charleston International Airport
Sport
- Minor league
- AAA Baseball: Charleston RiverDogs (Low-A affiliate), USL League One: Charleston Battery
- Venues
- Riley Park (6,000), Credit One Stadium (11,000)
- College conference
- CAA, Southern Conference, Big South Conference
Living here
- Climate
- Humid Subtropical
- Time zone
- America/New_York
- Area code
- 843
- ZIP codes
- 29401, 29403, 29407, 29412, 29414
Industries
- Tourism
- Aerospace
- Manufacturing
- Technology
- Port and Logistics
Landmarks
- Fort Sumter
- Battery and White Point Garden
- Historic Charleston City Market
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- St. Michael's Church
Attractions
- Waterfront Park
- South Carolina Aquarium
- Nathaniel Russell House
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Folly Beach
Museums
- Charleston Museum
- Gibbes Museum of Art
- Old Slave Mart Museum
- South Carolina Historical Society Museum
Parks
- Waterfront Park
- White Point Garden
- Angel Oak Park
- James Island County Park
Hospitals
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Roper St. Francis Hospital
- Trident Medical Center
Colleges
- College of Charleston
- The Citadel
- Charleston Southern University