Charleston is located on the Charleston Harbor in an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest and oldest city in the state of South Carolina. Charleston is a major port for the eastern seaboard and a popular destination for tourists as well. The city has a laid-back, old-South feel to it and can be a great place if you are looking for rooms for rent in Charleston. Read on to know about the city, the average rent in Charleston, and more!
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Getting to know Charleston
Charleston was founded in 1670 in honor of King Charles II. The city was originally called Charles Town and was located on the West bank of the Ashley River. However, it was relocated in 1680 to its present site. Charleston was captured in the American Civil War without much violence. Hence, you will find many historical buildings that dot the landscape. Charleston has a humid subtropical climate. If you are looking for rooms for rent in Charleston, expect mild winters, hot and humid summers, with rainfall all year round.
Finding rooms for rent in Charleston
Due to the city’s height restriction ordinance, there are hardly any tall buildings on the city skyline. You can find historic buildings that are hundreds of years old and church steeples that blend in with modern buildings. If you are looking for rooms for rent in Charleston, you will be greeted by a unique and calm, small-town vibe. Here are some options for you to find cheap rooms in Charleston.
Top Neighborhoods in Charleston
- Downtown: Church steeples, hidden alleyways, and cobblestone streets give the Downtown area a European feel. The architectural marvels, historic buildings, and gardens mean there is much to see. Downtown is also a melting pot of locals and tourists of all ages and walks of life. Walkability and bike-ability are also great here, making it a great choice to find cheap rooms in Charleston.
- Avondale: This neighborhood is situated in the West Ashley area, West of Downtown. Avondale is home to many great restaurants, bars, pubs, and more. If you are looking for rooms for rent in Charleston and want a lively social life, this is a great choice. While not a part of Downtown, locals still love Avondale and drop by their favorite haunts. All this makes it a great place if you are looking for rooms for rent in Charleston.
- East Cooper: While it may be slightly off the beaten path, East Cooper boasts some of the best sightseeing in South Carolina. From Mount Pleasant to the naval and maritime museum, there is much to see in East Cooper. With stunning views, lush gardens, and nature trails, it is a great option to find rooms for rent in Charleston.
Average rent in Charleston
| Rooms for Rent in Charleston | Average Rent |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in Charleston | $919 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment in Charleston | $1,540 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in Charleston | $2,244 |
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Average cost of living in Charleston
| Particulars | Cost Per Month |
| Rent | $1,061 |
| Traveling | $110 |
| Health Insurance | $113 |
| Food | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $208 |
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University life in Charleston
Charleston can be a great place to study if you enjoy dynamic and diverse city life. Charleston will charm you with its small-town charm and rich culture. There are great options for higher education or research as well too. You can easily find cheap rooms in Charleston as a student. Here are the living costs and the average rent in Charleston.
Top Universities in Charleston
- College of Charleston
- Charleston Southern University
- Medical University of South Carolina Libraries
- The Citadel
- Trident Technical College
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How transit friendly is Charleston?
Downtown Charleston offers great walkability and is best explored on foot. The same applies to many other areas of Charleston as there is a lot that can be seen and explored. However, for longer distances, you will need to look towards public transportation and taxis.
1. Buses in Charleston
The city is served by a bus system, operated by the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). It offers connectivity to historic downtown attractions and most urban locations as well. You can check routes for the CARTA buses on their website. There are also three CARTA Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) routes that are free of charge.
2. Taxis in Charleston
You can easily use taxis in Charleston and they are generally safe and inexpensive. However, you can find difficulties finding one in some places. Hence it is advisable to book one in advance. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available. They can be great if you are looking for rooms for rent in Charleston in an out-of-the-way area.
Taxi rates in Charleston
| Taxi Rates For | Cost |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $6.00 |
| Taxi 1Hour Waiting | $45.44 |
| Taxi 1km Normal Tariff | $3.11 |
3. Airport in Charleston
The Charleston International Airport serves Charleston and is a joint civil-military airport. It is the largest and busiest airport in South Carolina. The airport also houses a Boeing facility that assembles its 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Taxis to downtown cost about $25 and shuttles arranged by Airport cost $14 per person to downtown.
4. Walkability in Charleston
Fortunately, most of Downtown and the historic district are accessible on foot. If you live in one of these areas or just exploring, you can easily make it around without transportation. You will also find many walking tours. They allow you to see more than you would just driving past. There is a walking tour for virtually every interest from history, to architecture to pubs.
Cultural Activities in Charleston
- Charleston Museum: A museum that documents the history and culture of Charleston over the years.
- French Quarter: Home to St. Philips Church, French Huguenot Church, and other historic buildings. Known for its architecture and art galleries.
- Gibbes Museum of Art: A Beaux-Arts building that houses a collection of over 10,000 works of fine art with a Charleston or Southern connection.
Dining in Charleston
- Five Loaves Cafe: A budget local favorite that offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. This cafe is a must-try if you are going to looking for rooms for rent in Charleston and living here.
- Blind Tiger: An old speakeasy from the Prohibition era that retains its historic identity. Today it is a local favorite and a great hangout spot.
- Moe’s Crosstown Tavern: A great spot to chill and catch a sports game and grab some snacks. Also, be sure to try their Sunday brunch!
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Whether you plan to find rooms for rent in Charleston and live here as a student or professional, there is something for you. With the old, small-town charm and lively social scenes, you will feel at home in Charleston. The friendly people and beautiful views and architecture make this place worth it!
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