Charleston, SCBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

Summers are hot, and winters are mostly mild. The azaleas bloom in spring, and autumn ushers in cool, crisp evenings. The average highs and lows are 87°F and 76°F (summer) and 59°F and 45°F (winter).

The average annual snowfall in Charleston is 0 inches. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during the winter months, snowfall is extremely rare. 

The average annual rainfall in Charleston is 47 inches, and the wettest month is August. 

Charleston averages 211 sunny days a year.

Go parasailing, build sandcastles or catch a stunning South Carolina sunset at nearby Folly Beach. Inside the city, roam around Waterfront Park, an 8-acre park that trails along the Cooper River in historic downtown and features beautiful gardens, fountains and views of the harbor. You may even stumble upon free community events while you’re there.

Pay a visit to the Charleston City Market, one of the nation’s oldest city markets and home to more than 300 entrepreneurs. The market’s stalls are filled with local artisans, home goods and stops for snacks and libations. 

Visit the Children’s Museum of the Low Country, which has an art room, a pirate ship, a garden and more.

From its charming historic district to dozens of ghost tours, Charleston is a city steeped in history. The oldest and largest city in South Carolina, Charleston was established along the western bank of the Ashley River and then moved to its current location on Oyster Point in 1680. The city was established as Charles Town in honor of King Charles II and adopted its present name in 1783. But this history is alive and well today. Just outside the city, on Johns Island, is the Angel Oak Tree in Angel Oak Park. It’s a massive live oak estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old. 

King Street is a bustling shopping destination filled with local boutiques, upscale retailers and charming shops. It’s a popular spot for anyone looking for clothing, jewelry and home goods.

Tucked away in a beautifully restored Victorian-era home on Queen Street, Husk boasts a rotating, seasonal menu with creative and playful dishes like deviled eggs with pickled okra and trout roe. But never fear. They also carry the classics, like South Carolina shrimp.

Many locals appreciate the diversity of performances at Charleston Music Hall, a historic venue housed in a 19th-century Gothic Revival building on John Street.

Happy hour is called tequila and taco hour at Pink Cactus, where you can get $7 margs and Palomas to pair with $5 tacos.

Tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, and technology are three of Charleston’s largest industries. Joint Base Charleston, Boeing South Carolina and Charleston County School District are significant employers in the area. 

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Charleston is 9%. 

Yes, South Carolina has a state income tax.

MUSC Health-University Medical Center is a teaching hospital affiliated with the Medical University of South Carolina and is regarded as the best hospital in Charleston. It is also nationally ranked in two adult specialties and four children’s specialties. Roper Hospital is also a significant provider, nationally ranked in one specialty, a high performer in 12 procedures and conditions and regionally ranked as one of the best hospitals in the Low Country. 

Charleston has several colleges and universities, including the College of Charleston and The Citadel, a public military college.