If you’re thinking of a move to Charleston, don’t think twice. South Carolina’s oldest city is filled with historic landmarks, enticing local beaches, beautiful homes, and the friendliest neighbors in the world! Charleston has been Travel + Leisure Magazine’s Top City in the United States for 8 years running for all of those reasons and more.       The Friendliness: The first thing you’ll notice if you’re coming in from another part of the country is the change in pace. Strangers will go out of the way to say hello and help you. We will smile, strike up a conversation, and generally make you feel welcome. It’s just part of Southern living! The History: Charleston retains and preserves its history that dates back 350 years. Its nickname, “The Holy City,” comes not only from its founding as a haven for religious freedom but also to the number of church steeples that create the skyline of the city. Local law prohibits any building that exceeds the height of the tallest steeple, St. Mathews Lutheran Church at 255 feet. These steeples were once used to guide ships into one of the most important ports on the east coast.  The Weather: Charleston has the perfect year-round climate. Locals consider a chilly winter day if it gets down into the low 50’s, and we can get the rare snowstorm (see below), but avoiding the harsh northern winters means a trade-off with some pretty hot summer days. Fortunately, there are many beaches and pools to take advantage of. There is nothing like Thanksgiving Dinner on the patio!  The Neighborhoods: There is a neighborhood for every lifestyle. Here’s a quick overview.    Downtown: with its cobblestone streets, old-world feel, and charming alleys, is highly sought after and is a bustling area, especially if you like to shop, dine, and enjoy the nightlife!     The Islands: are year-round residential communities, not just vacation destinations. Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach all have their own unique identities. Sullivan’s Island is a great place for a bit of peace and tranquility, while the adjacent Isle of Palms is a great place for family fun. Folly Beach is great for surfing and boating, fishing, and all the great entertainment options.    Moncks Corner: is about an hour from downtown and boasts a small-town feel along with waterside living options and very affordable housing prices. With its closeness to Lake Marion, it is a real up and coming area.    Mount Pleasant: just over the Ravenel Bridge from Downtown and is a growing community that offers shopping, dining, outdoor parks, and activities, as well as being the home of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.    Summerville: is full of southern charm, a quaint downtown, affordable homes, and much more.  A great place to live and work!    West Ashley: is across the Ashley River from Downtown and offers older, established neighborhoods like Avondale and Byrnes Downs with a mixture of newer subdivisions like Carolina Bay and Grand Oaks. Close to the beaches, the historic Plantations, and much more.        The Sites and Events - too numerous to mention, but here are some of my favorites: The Hunley Charleston Tea Garden Charleston Music Hall Angel Oak Shem Creek McLeod Plantation Fort Sumter Charleston Harbor Tours Gibbes Museum of Art Patriots Point Charles Towne Landing Charleston Museum City Market The Battery Live in Charleston, and you can add to this list every day!  Let me help you find your perfect Lowcountry Life.