Known as “the Holy City,” Charleston is one of the best destinations to relocate to in the South. From iconic foods like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes to Rainbow Row and views of the Charleston Harbor, it shouldn’t be surprising that nearly 140,000 people call this city home. If you’re considering living in Charleston, you’re probably wondering about the cost of housing. Well, you’ve made it to the right place. The median price of homes for sale in Charleston is $485,000, and the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,282.
If that price is out of your budget, don’t worry. Redfin collected the 8 most affordable Charleston suburbs to consider living in. And the best part is that they’re all less than 40 minutes away from the city center. You’ll be close enough to explore all of Charleston’s best activities without paying the price of city life.
With a median home sale price of $210,000, Lincolnville is our list’s most affordable Charleston suburb. Home to 3,000 residents, this affordable town can be an excellent choice for people looking to remain close to Charleston without paying the price for a home in the city. Living in Lincolnville, you’ll find Gahagan Park and have easy access to all the attractions throughout the city of Charleston.
Deciding between renting or buying your next home? Explore your options.
Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.
A little more expensive than Lincolnville is the suburb of Ladson, which is home to roughly 16,000 residents. If you move to this Charleston suburb, stop by Music In Motion Family Fun Center and Coastal Carolina Flea Market for an afternoon of fun. Only 25 minutes away from downtown Charleston, you can easily plan an evening in the city, whether you’re looking to try a new restaurant or see a show.
Home to 8,000 residents, the suburb of Sangaree takes third place on our list. Located in Berkeley County and only 30 minutes from Charleston, you’ll be exploring Waterfront Park in just a quick drive.
Bring the holidays home with
Redfin Redesign
Claim your home to create your ideal holiday space with garlands, lights, and festive touches, or use Redesign on any Redfin listing!
Another well-known Charleston suburb is North Charleston, where the home prices are about $160K less than in Charleston. This suburb has about 122,500 residents and is an excellent area to consider buying a home in. Whether you need to catch a flight at Charleston International Airport or want to spend the morning at a local café, there are many activities to do and things to see in this suburb.
Just 25 minutes away from Charleston, you’ll find the suburb of Goose Creek. Home to 46,000 residents, there are plenty of unique things to do and spots to visit in this charming suburb. If you are moving to or visiting Goose Creek, make sure to visit Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark.
Living in Charleston, it’s likely that you know of Moncks Corner, the sixth suburb on our list. This affordable suburb is home to about 14,000 residents, so you’ll have a fraction of Charleston’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. Once moving to Moncks Corner, add the Old Santee Canal Park, Berkeley County Museum, and Cypress Gardens to your list of places to visit.
Next on our list of affordable Charleston suburbs is Summerville, which is about 30 minutes away from downtown. With a population of roughly 55,000, Summerville is a great area to live in that’s not nearly as big as Charleston. If you find yourself moving to this suburb, make sure to visit Summerville-Dorchester Museum.
Bordered by Goose Creek and North Charleston, Hanahan is an excellent place to consider living in that will get you access to downtown Charleston in just about 25 minutes. The suburb has direct access to the Cooper River and the Charleston Harbor, making it a great place for finishing and water sports.
Methodology:
Affordability is based on whether a suburb is less than the median sale price of Charleston and under a 40-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our
Editorial Guidelines here.
Serving homebuyers and sellers in the South Carolina area, Christopher Corley is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater South Carolina area, Christopher Corley possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.
