Charleston : South carolina

What Charleston is like for active adults

Charleston. “The Holy City”, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. as well as being one of its top tourist attractions. Located on the coast of South Carolina this city of many prominent churches was founded in 1670. Until 1800 it was the 5th largest city in North America. Today the city has a population of just over 112,000, with 600,000 people living in the Charleston Metropolitan Statistical Area.The College of Charleston and The Citadel are just two of the institutions of higher education that are located here.

Charleston’s popularity as a tourist destination is based on its long and colorful history as well as its streets lined with majestic and Spanish moss draped live oaks. Historic pastel-colored homes look out over the waterfront. The city is also an important port, boasting the second largest container seaport on the East Coast.

The city and the surrounding area is a popular retirement community. The area is developing rapidly with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers and active adults 55+ looking for vacation homes. Most of these new planned communities are heavily oriented towards golf. But retirees can also choose to live in the city in apartments, condos, restored historic homes.

The National Association of Realtors reports the median selling price in the Charleston Metro was $195,000 in the 3rd quarter of 2009, down from the year earlier quarter. Zillow reports its Home Value Index at $219,000. Here is more information about how to retire in South Carolina. Use this link to find out why baby boomers are increasingly retiring to SC's "Low Country".

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What is special about this retirement community

• Charming old city with central squares • The Old Exchange and Customs House • Many plantations are open to the public • Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter • Milder winters • 5 downtown squares and a number of parks

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What is not special about this retirement community

Some northerners might find the southern atmosphere too much. Hot, humid summers. High crime rate

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Charleston attracts a community of people who either want to live in a charming and historic old city, or nearby in the many new developments springing up for retirees. Charleston has been designated as the “most polite” city in the nation.

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Local economy is driven by

The economy is very strong due to tourism and its nearby military bases. It is also becoming a prime location for technology jobs and corporations.

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Climate and Physical Environment

The city of Charleston is located at the mid-point of South Carolina's coastline near the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. The area has many harbors, wetlands and rivers. Charleston Harbor leads to the Atlantic Ocean. The average July high is 89 and the average January low is 42. August is the rainiest month.

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Cultural environment

The Gibbes Museum of Art is one of the country’s oldest art institutions. The Charleston Museum was the first Museum in the Americas. The Spoleto Festival USA is a 17-day art festival. The College of Charleston and the Citadel are located in Charleston.

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Medical facilities

There are 7 hospitals in Charleston

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Transportation

Charleston AFB/ International

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Facts about CHARLESTON

State: SC
Environment: Urban,College Town,Coastal,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: jb

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