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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42 Photos 14 Atlantic Street Charleston, SC 29401

14 Atlantic Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24023301 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1879 Sqft

Nestled on a picturesque corner lot in the South of Broad neighborhood, this three bed, two and half bath residence offers the quintessential Lowco... 

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$2,450,000
Provided courtesy of The Pulse Charleston
8 Photos 115 Wentworth Street Charleston, SC 29401

115 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24023251 / Active
n/a br, n/a ba, 2 Half Bath, 2412 Sqft

Construction opportunity in the heart of Harleston Village in downtown Charleston. 115 Wentworth Street is located just off of Coming Street. Previ... 

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$825,000
Provided courtesy of Disher Hamrick & Myers Res Inc
32 Photos 55 Elizabeth Street Charleston, SC 29403

55 Elizabeth Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential

MLS# 24023220 / Active
3 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1826 Sqft

Experience the allure of history and the promise of potential in this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home at 55 Elizabeth Street, nestled in the ... 

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$725,000
Provided courtesy of The Real Estate House International
20 Photos 35 Society Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29401

35 Society Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 24023077 / Active
2 br, 1 ba, 1072 Sqft

Step into this beautifully renovated circa 1850s ground-floor condominium, where historic charm meets modern updates. This two-bedroom, one-bath un... 

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$1,095,000
Provided courtesy of Constant Properties
40 Photos 62 Dereef Court Charleston, SC 29403

62 Dereef Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Morris Square
Residential

MLS# 24023079 / Active
4 br, 3 ba, 2123 Sqft

This immaculate and recently built home is in the center of the action on the downtown Charleston peninsula! 62 Dereef Court is located adjacent to... 

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$1,270,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
35 Photos 5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #502 Charleston, SC 29401

5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #502
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential

MLS# 24022975 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1273 Sqft

Parkside luxury living at The Gadsden! Residence No. 502 was meticulously designed to maximize living space within while providing stunning views o... 

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$1,345,000
Provided courtesy of East West Realty 2, LLC
31 Photos 14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 11a Charleston, SC 29401

14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 11a
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential

MLS# 24022938 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 508 Sqft

Come home to the unmatched views of The Ashley House, Charleston's best condo value! Across the street from the City Marina, and walking distance t... 

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$275,000
Provided courtesy of Charleston Expert Home Sellers, LLC
69 Photos 58 Dereef Court Charleston, SC 29403

58 Dereef Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Morris Square
Residential

MLS# 24022926 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1390 Sqft

Are you looking for a newer home on the historic Charleston peninsula? 58 Dereef Court is situated in the pocket neighborhood of Morris Square, a n... 

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$923,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company, LLC
38 Photos 55 Barre Street UNIT B Charleston, SC 29401

55 Barre Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24022811 / Active
3 br, 3 ba, 2667 Sqft

OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED. Stunning and stylishly furnished condo (in two-unit building) with sleek, high-end design in beautiful Halsey Park -- near... 

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$2,240,000
Provided courtesy of AgentOwned Realty Preferred Group
34 Photos 157 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401

157 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24022930 / Active
4 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2924 Sqft

This is the one to put your signature on! A beautiful South of Broad Charleston Single that retains much of the original historic fabric including ... 

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$2,695,000
Provided courtesy of Handsome Properties, Inc.
7 Photos 26 Line Street Charleston, SC 29403

26 Line Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential

MLS# 24022305 / Active Contingent
4 br, 2 ba, 1504 Sqft

**Charming Double Unit Fixer Upper in America's Favorite City! 26 Line Street, Charleston, SCOpportunity Awaits in Conde Nast's Number One City!**U... 

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$579,000
Provided courtesy of Premier Coastal Real Estate
59 Photos 11 Bedons Alley Charleston, SC 29401

11 Bedons Alley
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24022278 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2000 Sqft

Welcome to 11 Bedons Alley, an exquisite Charleston retreat nestled on a serene, quiet street in the heart of town. This charming residence offers ... 

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$2,500,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
26 Photos 3 Chisolm Street UNIT #103 Charleston, SC 29401

3 Chisolm Street UNIT #103
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24022217 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1342 Sqft

Welcome to 3 Chisolm, a prestigious and captivating gem nestled in the heart of Charleston's sought-after South of Broad neighborhood. Steeped in h... 

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$1,000,000
Reduced -$250,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston
58 Photos 330 Concord Street UNIT 18d Charleston, SC 29401

330 Concord Street UNIT 18d
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential

MLS# 24022789 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2193 Sqft

In this exquisite residence, you are living in, and at a corner post of Charleston with extraordinary views, truly exceptional! Enjoy true luxury l... 

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$1,650,000
Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
59 Photos 23 Elliott Street Charleston, SC 29401

23 Elliott Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24022130 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3700 Sqft

Sitting along a quiet side street in the sought-after South of Broad neighborhood, 23 Elliott Street offers the charm of an 18th-century-style exte... 

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$4,950,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
50 Photos 85 Cumberland Street UNIT P1 Charleston, SC 29401

85 Cumberland Street UNIT P1
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 24022127 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 862 Sqft

This dual-level penthouse in historic Charleston perfectly blends charm and modern comfort. With its high ceilings, walls of windows, and exposed b... 

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$780,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston
75 Photos 123 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401

123 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential

MLS# 24021983 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 2 Half Bath, 7790 Sqft

Welcome to 123 Meeting Street, a distinguished property at the corner of Meeting and Queen Streets in historic Charleston. This four-story gem (wit... 

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$4,000,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company, LLC
35 Photos 3 Queen Street UNIT #209 Charleston, SC 29401

3 Queen Street UNIT #209
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 24021901 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1596 Sqft

3 Queens Gate is located in a circa 1885 warehouse that was constructed in a classical revival style by the antebellum architect, Francis Lee, acco... 

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$1,250,000
Provided courtesy of Lois Lane Properties
54 Photos 1 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401

1 Bee Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential

MLS# 24021615 / Active Contingent
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1880 Sqft

Welcome home to 1 Bee Street! Built in 1900 this is ideally located in a wonderful neighborhood quietly situated between Rutledge & Ashley Avenues.... 

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$1,350,000
Provided courtesy of Handsome Properties, Inc.
40 Photos 80 Smith Street Charleston, SC 29401

80 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24021687 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 2054 Sqft

CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION! A renewed and redesigned home brought to you by Cozy Development. Nestled in the heart of Harleston Village, this pre... 

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$2,079,999
Reduced -$1
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company, LLC
10 Photos 284 Meeting Street UNIT #203 Charleston, SC 29401

284 Meeting Street UNIT #203
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 24021366 / Active
3 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2847 Sqft

Nestled within the heart of downtown Charleston's historic district, this exclusive new construction project introduces six meticulously crafted lu... 

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Provided courtesy of The Cassina Group
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