Consider This When Buying Real Estate in Charleston’s Historic District
Ever feel nervous about buying a home or moving to a new location, and think “Is this the right move for me?”
A quick city-guide or list of property details can give you some insight, but there are doubts. For those moving to Charleston’s Downtown Historic District, there’s a double whammy. First, you have to wonder if downtown Charleston is right for you. Then you have to answer if you should buy a historic real estate property.
Real estate is already filled with too many decisions. To narrow your choices and get you in the right mindset, let’s dive into the questions you should ask yourself before deciding on Charleston, SC.
- Should I buy a historic home in Charleston?
Charleston and the outlying suburbs offer plenty of choices for real estate. You can find ranch-style properties, modern living arrangements, houses on the beach, and homes situated within historic districts. All have different pros and cons.
Historic homes in Charleston are typically located on the peninsula, giving you quick access to many workplaces, restaurants, and other entertainment options. The main selling point to historic real estate is the character of the home. No property is the same and each has a layout that has been distinguished by its previous owners (some dating back to the early 1800’s).
Living in a historic home means you get to be a part of something unique. You get a glimpse into the past few are privy to. How cool is that?
Some things you may want to research before buying include:
- What taxes will you pay? Are there any tax credits (or incentives) from state and local governments?
- What restrictions are there for renovating historic homes?
- What kind of costs will you face with maintaining a historic property?
- Does the location create a setting you want to live in or be away from?
- Is downtown Charleston the right location for me?
Downtown Charleston is naturally alluring. You’re connected to almost everything -- entertainment, work, travel spots, and so on. Choosing Charleston means understanding what kind of vibe you want to live among.
Downtown is more energetic and lively than other suburbs like Mount Pleasant or James Island. Restaurants and events are just blocks away. Each weekend is its own adventure. You don’t have to worry about sitting through traffic, since you’re already in the heart of things.
The price for living in downtown Charleston means less space for your dollar. Properties, here, don’t have acre-sized backyards. You’re choosing to live in a traditional, Southern home where you’re close to your neighbor. Other things to consider include knowing your flood zone. Charleston is located in a flood zone and does, occasionally, experience inclement weather. This means paying more for home and flood insurance.
- Does the home (or location) have the right amenities?
Depending on your lifestyle, Charleston’s Downtown Historic District may or may not be the right place for you. If you’re someone who wants to be on the beach, surfing every day … downtown Charleston may not be the best option, since you can choose a home on Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or Folly Beach.
But if you love being in the heart of activity and cherish opportunities to try new things, downtown is a great choice. Before selecting a property, perform a local Google Map search. See what parks, schools, and other venues are nearby. Example: if you’re a sailor, you’ll enjoy the marina just down the road.
Double check what effort it will take to live your lifestyle and see if it’ll be a happy (and easy) one.
Modify Search Criteria
62 1/2 Cannon Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential
Excellent investment opportunity in legal STR district! Large duplex located in the heart of Charleston's highly sought-after Cannonbourgh Neighbor...
14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 1i
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential
Welcome to downtown Charleston living at its finest! Nestled in the historic Ashley House, this charming condo offers the perfect blend of modern c...
181 Queen Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Step into a piece of Charleston history; the St. Amand/ Aimar house at 181 Queen Street was built in 1841, the same year the Charleston City Market...
254 Saint Philip Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential
RENOVATED SHORT TERM RENTAL READY FOR OPERATION IN JUNE 2024! Traditional Charleston meets modern design is what you will find in this newly refine...
609 King Street UNIT #704
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential
Coming in 2026! The Peninsula of Charleston is an ownership-model, continuing care retirement community (CCRC) on highly desirable upper King Stree...
4 Halsey Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
This lovingly maintained two story Charleston single style residence in Harleston Village is located only steps away from Cannon Park. The house wa...
67 Legare Street UNIT #301
Charleston, SC 29401
Crafts House
Residential
Introducing an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Charleston's rich history at the Crafts House, a meticulously converted luxury condo tha...
33 Lockwood Drive UNIT A-3
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential
A-3 might be the best slip in the entire marina. Steps away from the parking lot make caring your gear a breeze. No long walk hundreds of yards fro...
7 Logan Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Located in Historic Downtown Charleston and South of Broad, this 2 BR/1BA condo is quite the find! It has hardwood floors, an eat-in kitchen, a lig...
84 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Nestled in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, 84 King Street exudes timeless elegance and modern convenience. Built in 1785, this me...
12 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Nestled in the heart of the coveted South of Broad neighborhood, this 1935 traditional brick home exudes timeless elegance in an unparalleled locat...
35 Society UNIT I
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
Indulge in the epitome of city living with this circa 1850's renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence nestled in an original carriage house of...
11 West Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
This Southern Charmer 1 bedroom 1 bathroom unit with deeded parking is located in the heart of downtown Charleston. When parking is hard to find, t...
65 Logan Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Nestled among a charming row of quintessential historic Charleston homes stands 65 Logan Street. Impeccably maintained and restored using the highe...
61 Warren Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
Immerse yourself in the allure of Charleston's historic charm fused seamlessly with modern luxury in this exquisite Charleston Single House. Once o...
210 Coming Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential
210 Coming Street at Midtown Condos is a luxurious, boutique condominium built with modern architecture in historic Charleston. Ideally located in ...
5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #201
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential
Welcome home to unit 201 at The Gadsden. This two-bedroom condominium is the epitome of modern downtown living. Situated on the second floor, this ...
52 Ashe Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliotborough
Residential
Welcome to 52 Ashe St! Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, this stunning and sophisticated home has been recently renovated with the utmos...
Reduced -$145,000
5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #413
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential
Welcome to the Gadsden, a luxury condominium complex in downtown Charleston where residences are designed with function, style and high end finishe...
84 Bull Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Incredible opportunity to own a piece of historic Charleston real estate in the Hutchet House, circa 1842. On the quiet and idyllic corner of Bull ...
40 Hasell Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
Welcome to 40 Hasell Street - a stunning historic Charleston Single that was built in 1840. It is located in the esteemed Ansonborough neighborhood...