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.

  1. 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?

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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Displaying results 1-21 of 5275
29 Photos 114 Queen Street Charleston, SC 29401

114 Queen Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24009998 / Active
4 br, 3 ba, 2390 Sqft

This historic Harleston Village home is located in the heart of downtown Charleston and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, galleries, p... 

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$1,895,000
Provided courtesy of The Cassina Group
50 Photos 71 Vanderhorst Street Charleston, SC 29403

71 Vanderhorst Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 24009924 / Active
9 br, 4 ba, 3124 Sqft

Presenting 71 Vanderhorst, a fully Renovated Triplex in Historic Radcliffeborough Downtown. This charming property, originally built in 1870, featu... 

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$1,995,000
Provided courtesy of Riverland Realty
5 Photos 33 Lockwood Drive UNIT Lu224 Charleston, SC 29401

33 Lockwood Drive UNIT Lu224
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential

MLS# 24009799 / Active
n/a br, n/a ba, n/a Sqft

You won't find a better slip in all of Charleston. Slip T-17 is 90ft x 22ft yacht-sized wet slip at the end of the marina, in the premium Harborage... 

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$550,000
Provided courtesy of Brand Name Real Estate
11 Photos 65 Vanderhorst Street UNIT C Charleston, SC 29403

65 Vanderhorst Street UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 24009912 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 530 Sqft

Welcome to your cozy urban retreat! This delightful ground level condo is nestled in the vibrant heart of the city, just a stone's throw away from ... 

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$365,000
Provided courtesy of EXP Realty LLC
31 Photos 3 Queen Street UNIT #201 Charleston, SC 29401

3 Queen Street UNIT #201
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 24009878 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1023 Sqft

Nestled in one of Historic Charleston's most coveted neighborhoods~ The French Quarter~this is Downtown Living at its Finest. This two-story elegan... 

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$875,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
51 Photos 166 Wentworth Street Charleston, SC 29401

166 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24009676 / Active
4 br, 3 ba, 2 Half Bath, 4964 Sqft

The historic Job Palmer House at 166 Wentworth Street is a stunning Charleston Single home that was built circa 1809 and previously restored in the... 

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$5,100,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
68 Photos 38 Hasell Street Charleston, SC 29401

38 Hasell Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 24009653 / Active
6 br, 6 ba, 6511 Sqft

Welcome to 38 Hasell, a classically elegant, astonishingly grand solid brick estate offering 14 foot ceilings, intricate historic mouldings, period... 

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$5,900,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
43 Photos 15 Colonial Street Charleston, SC 29401

15 Colonial Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential

MLS# 24009551 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3114 Sqft

Located in Charleston's most exclusive South of Broad neighborhood. Steps from Colonial Lake and a short walk to everything the lower peninsula off... 

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$2,050,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company, LLC
20 Photos 301 Broad Street UNIT #1 Charleston, SC 29401

301 Broad Street UNIT #1
Charleston, SC 29401
Broad Street Arms
Residential

MLS# 24009535 / Active
2 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 975 Sqft

With the guidance of San Francisco-based designer Vincent Leger of EAG Studio and the owner's refined minimalist flair, the pair reimagined this vi... 

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$1,150,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
1 Photos Sold 5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #207 Charleston, SC 29401

5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #207
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential

MLS# 24009383 / Sold
3 br, 3 ba, 1507 Sqft

Beautiful three bedroom/ three bath with its own walkup entrance The Gadsden is walking distance to the restaurants, theaters, galleries and shops ... 

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Sold Price: $1,350,000
Provided courtesy of The Exchange Company, LLC
28 Photos 138 Tradd Street UNIT B Charleston, SC 29401

138 Tradd Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24009479 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1232 Sqft

South of Broad, pied-a-terre! This Historic Charleston property has been meticulously transformed from historic gem into modern masterpiece. The tw... 

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$1,300,000
Provided courtesy of Corcoran HM Properties
48 Photos 86 Columbus Street UNIT A & B Charleston, SC 29403

86 Columbus Street UNIT A & B
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential

MLS# 24009267 / Active
6 br, 4 ba, 2614 Sqft

Great Investment Opportunity! Charleston Single Duplex in Historic Downtown Charleston, located in the convenient and fast-growing Eastside neighbo... 

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$900,000
Provided courtesy of RE/MAX FullSail, LLC
27 Photos 29 Cannon Street Charleston, SC 29403

29 Cannon Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24009178 / Active
4 br, 2 ba, 1525 Sqft

Located in desirable Cannonborough-Elliottborough district, 29 Cannon Street is a historic Charleston single house zoned limited business brimming ... 

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$1,700,000
Provided courtesy of Tift Properties
36 Photos 3 Queen Street UNIT #315 Charleston, SC 29401

3 Queen Street UNIT #315
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 24009121 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1562 Sqft

Welcome to 3 Queen Street, a captivating downtown Charleston condominium situated in the vibrant French Quarter, offering unparalleled convenience ... 

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$1,500,000
Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
42 Photos 66 Warren Street Charleston, SC 29403

66 Warren Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 24009092 / Active
6 br, 5 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3808 Sqft

Be immersed in Charleston history with this stunning Charleston Single home built in 1852. Awarded the 1992 Carolopolis Award in recognition of exc... 

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$3,249,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company, LLC
46 Photos 13 1/2 Kirkland Lane Charleston, SC 29401

13 1/2 Kirkland Lane
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24009081 / Active Contingent
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1400 Sqft

Welcome to your dream home in downtown Charleston's historic Harleston Village! This remarkable 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condo offers an unparallele... 

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$799,000
Provided courtesy of Matt O'Neill Real Estate
62 Photos 17 Trumbo Street Charleston, SC 29401

17 Trumbo Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24008900 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2750 Sqft

A unique opportunity to experience downtown Charleston living in a Carolopolis Award-winning home, built in 2019. 17 Trumbo is built out of the flo... 

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$2,700,000
Provided courtesy of Chamberlain Chesnut Real Estate
44 Photos 150 Bee Street UNIT #702 Charleston, SC 29401

150 Bee Street UNIT #702
Charleston, SC 29401
Bee Street Lofts
Residential

MLS# 24008843 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1609 Sqft

The view! Gorgeous views of the Ashley River and marinas. Watch the boats go by from your own private balcony located high above everyone. This is ... 

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$795,000
Provided courtesy of Lois Lane Properties
67 Photos 26 Gadsden Street Charleston, SC 29401

26 Gadsden Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24008810 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2278 Sqft

Charming late 1800's classic Charleston Single, lovingly restored by the owner over the last 35 years. This lovely home offers a hand-built quality... 

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$1,775,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
39 Photos 37 Smith Street Charleston, SC 29401

37 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24008804 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 5168 Sqft

Located in the desirable Harleston Village area, this historic Charleston single provides an excellent opportunity for the discerning buyer. The pr... 

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$2,750,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
25 Photos 14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 5 K Charleston, SC 29401

14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 5 K
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential

MLS# 24008753 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 779 Sqft

Beautifully renovated condominium in the Ashley House. Panoramic views of the Ashley River and Marina. Western exposure with beautiful sunsets. Wal... 

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$454,795
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
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Broker Reciprocity The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker ReciprocitySM Program of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Marshall Walker Real Estate are marked with the Broker ReciprocitySM logo or the Broker ReciprocitySM thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Last updated on 04-22-2024 11:57 PM EST . The broker providing these data believes them to be correct, but advises interested parties to confirm them before relying on them in a purchase decision. Copyright 2024 Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
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