18 Things to Know Before Moving to Charleston, South Carolina

With its Southern charm and hospitality, Charleston is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Each part of the city has a story to tell so you’ll never run out of history to uncover. You also have a diverse range of activities you can do in the Holy City.

For those who are moving to Charleston, you'll want to know what to expect. There’s a reason why it’s called the Holy City and why people are singing praises about it.

In this blog, we have compiled 18 things - among others - to know about Charleston, South Carolina.

1. There is so much more to Charleston than the downtown.

The picture-perfect historic downtown part of Charleston is not the only good part of the city. Charleston has a beautiful location by the sea and there are islands around the city proper, each with its distinct personalities. They are namely West Ashley, Johns Island, James Island, and Daniel Island.

1. Charleston’s beaches are beautiful.

Sometimes, it can get too hot in the city, and you start craving for the beach. You’ll be happy to know that the sea is just at the tip of your fingertips. Take a short trip to several of South Carolina's top beaches to soak up some sun and enjoy the pleasant seaside air. If you live within the city proper, there is a beach only 20 minutes away! Folly Beach is one of the state’s best beach areas for family fun, fishing, and other water activities you can think of. There are other beaches to explore that are nearby. It goes without saying that Charleston has an abundance of beautiful beaches.

1. Get ready with your flip-flops and flats.

People in Charleston love flip-flops! Yes, that is a fact. Charleston residents even wear flip-flops during the winter season. We bet that the people you meet in Charleston have multiple pairs of flip-flops and sandals. Don’t get us wrong: people wear heels too. Just be careful when you’re walking around downtown. The historic Charleston downtown is not exactly the easiest surface to walk around on in heels.

1. The nightlife is vibrant.

When the sun sets in Charleston, the party continues. Every night in the city is certain to be exceptional, from music venues and dancing clubs to friendly, quiet pubs and city-wide festivals. Whether you want to party all night at a nightclub or see a live show, the Charleston nightlife provides unlimited choices for entertainment. The bars are cutting-edge, with some presenting unique settings and others being lavish with golden design elements. Local live performances include anything from music to drama. There are a lot of jazz clubs in town, but there are also a lot of concerts by touring bands.

1. Food in Charleston is delectable.

Southern food takes the reigns in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston's superb gastronomy culture is one of the city's most enticing features. Charleston is also not the largest city on the map, but it is home to some of the country's top chefs. You can also find fusions and other innovations such as a mix of modernism mixed with traditional southern cooking.

1. The arts and culture scene in the city is thriving.

Charleston, despite its small size, offers world-class cultural experiences. There are a few playhouses and music venues in Charleston, and the Gaillard Center, which hosts book signings, shows, operas, jazz concerts, vintage exhibits, and more. There are also incredible festivals to be experienced around the city. There is a food and wine festival, High Water Music Festival, and Spoleto Performing Arts festival to name a few.

1. Hollywood loves Charleston.

Charleston has been the filming location of many Hollywood movies. If you recognize places in Charleston while watching The Notebook or Dear John, that’s because the city served as the primary filming location for them. With that in mind, feel free to recreate your favorite scenes when you visit those places. There’s a reason why people are calling the city “Chollywood”.

1. People love Bill Murray.

Bill Murray is only one of the many stars who call the Holy City their home. Charleston even considers Bill Murray as its unofficial mascot. You can catch this iconic movie star all around the place. It’s a common happening to have Bill Murray appear all over the city and give cameos. You might catch him at the grocery store. He might appear at your house party. He even photobombs tourist photos or engagement shoots.

1. Charleston is a historic city.

The most important role that Charleston plays in history is that the Civil War began with the Battle of Fort Sumter. Charleston, founded in 1970, is the oldest city in the state and one of the oldest in the nation. Charleston has a rich history. Simply wandering through cobblestone alleyways, attending a historical guided tour, or spending hours beneath the Live Oak trees in the famed Battery Park may transport you back in time. If you are interested in history, this city will provide you with all you want.

1. Sometimes, it feels like being in a fairytale.

The air is filled with the perfume of gardenia and honeysuckle. To add to the whole fairytale atmosphere, you can expect to hear horse hooves clopping around the cobblestone streets. There’s even a pineapple-shaped fountain!

1. The sports scene is eclectic.

If you are a sports buff, you would love to be in Charleston. The city is home to the Charleston River Dogs and it’s not to be left out that their games have excellent fireworks shows. If ice hockey is your game, The South Carolina Stingrays reside here too. Aside from baseball and ice hockey, you can pick from paddle boarding, wakeboarding, horseback riding, kiteboarding, and recreational leagues. If your poison is playing with the waves, you can go to Folly Beach and surf.

1. Oysters are well-loved here.

Oysters can be baked, roasted, grilled, or thrown into a stew, among other things. Because of its ideal growth environment and innovative farming procedures, South Carolina boasts some of the greatest. In reality, the state is frequently called the "Napa Valley of Oysters," with supplies frequently selling out due to great demand from local and national restaurateurs. The oyster is a diverse protein that allows itself to be cooked in several culinary ways and presentations, however, genuine experts prefer them raw.

1. Winter is comfortable.

Winter is uncomfortable in most cities. It is simply too cold to go outside. In Charleston, you could say that it is basically summer all year. People even wear tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops during the season. The winters in Charleston are moderate, and snow is uncommon, though not unheard of. When snow does occur in the city on rare occasions, schools quickly declare a snow day.

1. Sundays are fundays.

Everyone slows down during Sundays. A lot of people in the city like to go out on a Sunday for brunch or to visit the beaches that line Charleston. King Street during the second Sunday of the month is closed from traffic to give way for socialization among its residents. You should remember that Charleston has a ban on the sale of liquors on Sundays.

1. Nature and man coexist perfectly… for better or for worse.

Charleston has a bio-diverse environment resulting in a blurred line for wildlife and human residents. There are a lot of adorable woodland creatures to see around Charleston, but there is also an assortment of sharks, snakes, and gators. Avoid feeding these wild animals when you see them, just to be safe.

1. It’s like a hub because of its location.

Charleston is a drive away from a lot of other locations like Savannah, St. Augustine, and Asheville. It’s also just an hour and a half flight away from major cities like New York and Miami! Because it feels like a central hub, Charleston’s airport is outstanding.

1. Charleston is a melting pot… and quite a lot are from Ohio.

There are a lot of immigrants who choose to reside in Charleston, and we understand why, but it’s been a running joke to residents in the city that there have been a rising number of transplants from Ohio.

1. Gullah is a significant part of the culture.

There is no doubt that slavery plays a dark part in Charleston's history. The Gullah Geechee people had a significant impact on the city's culture as a result of this. These descendants of slaves have formed a close-knit society that continues to celebrate their rich West African, Caribbean, and Creole cultural history. The Gullah lifestyle is part of the lifeblood of the beloved land, from okra stew to the unmistakable scent of sweet grass baskets.

Conclusion

Moving across the country is an understandably difficult yet exciting task. If you need help with this endeavor of yours, you can call Three Movers at (888) 202-0036 to begin your relocation. We can start your journey with a free, no-obligation quote!

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