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
7 Doughty Street UNIT F
Charleston, SC 29403
Downtown
Residential
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!! Nestled quaintly between the College of Charleston and MUSC, this charming townhouse would make a great investment f...
7 Doughty Street UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29403
Downtown
Residential
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!! Nestled quaintly between the College of Charleston and MUSC, this charming townhouse would make a great investment f...
7 Doughty Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Downtown
Residential
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!! Nestled quaintly between the College of Charleston and MUSC, this charming townhouse would make a great investment f...
48 Gibbes Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
The owner truly put together the dream team when creating this masterpiece. Designed by architects Dufford Young, built by Tre Sheppard Constructio...
59 Anson Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
This exquisite historic home is nestled on the corner of Anson and Society Streets in the heart of the charming residential neighborhood of Ansonbo...
59 Barre Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Harleston Village, one of downtown Charleston's most popular neighborhoods, boasts Halsey Park, a new classically designed enclave. 59 A Barre Stre...
114 Queen Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
This historic Harleston Village home is located in the heart of downtown Charleston and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, galleries, p...
9 Brewster Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Midtown
Residential
Sophisticated contemporary townhouse located in the Midtown community and close to some of Charleston's favorite restaurants, bakeries, and boutiqu...
71 Vanderhorst Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
Presenting 71 Vanderhorst, a fully Renovated Triplex in Historic Radcliffeborough Downtown. This charming property, originally built in 1870, featu...
33 Lockwood Drive UNIT Lu224
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential
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...
65 Vanderhorst Street UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
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 ...
3 Queen Street UNIT #201
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
Nestled in one of Historic Charleston's most coveted neighborhoods~ The French Quarter~this is Downtown Living at its Finest. This two-story elegan...
166 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
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...
38 Hasell Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
Welcome to 38 Hasell, a classically elegant, astonishingly grand solid brick estate offering 14 foot ceilings, intricate historic mouldings, period...
15 Colonial Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential
Located in Charleston's most exclusive South of Broad neighborhood. Steps from Colonial Lake and a short walk to everything the lower peninsula off...
301 Broad Street UNIT #1
Charleston, SC 29401
Broad Street Arms
Residential
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...
5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #207
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential
Beautiful three bedroom/ three bath with its own walkup entrance The Gadsden is walking distance to the restaurants, theaters, galleries and shops ...
138 Tradd Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
South of Broad, pied-a-terre! This Historic Charleston property has been meticulously transformed from historic gem into modern masterpiece. The tw...
86 Columbus Street UNIT A & B
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential
Great Investment Opportunity! Charleston Single Duplex in Historic Downtown Charleston, located in the convenient and fast-growing Eastside neighbo...
29 Cannon Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential
Located in desirable Cannonborough-Elliottborough district, 29 Cannon Street is a historic Charleston single house zoned limited business brimming ...
3 Queen Street UNIT #315
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
Welcome to 3 Queen Street, a captivating downtown Charleston condominium situated in the vibrant French Quarter, offering unparalleled convenience ...