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
14 Atlantic Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Nestled on a picturesque corner lot in the South of Broad neighborhood, this three bed, two and half bath residence offers the quintessential Lowco...
115 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Construction opportunity in the heart of Harleston Village in downtown Charleston. 115 Wentworth Street is located just off of Coming Street. Previ...
55 Elizabeth Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential
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 ...
35 Society Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
Step into this beautifully renovated circa 1850s ground-floor condominium, where historic charm meets modern updates. This two-bedroom, one-bath un...
62 Dereef Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Morris Square
Residential
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...
5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #502
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential
Parkside luxury living at The Gadsden! Residence No. 502 was meticulously designed to maximize living space within while providing stunning views o...
14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 11a
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential
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...
58 Dereef Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Morris Square
Residential
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...
55 Barre Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED. Stunning and stylishly furnished condo (in two-unit building) with sleek, high-end design in beautiful Halsey Park -- near...
157 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
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 ...
26 Line Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential
**Charming Double Unit Fixer Upper in America's Favorite City! 26 Line Street, Charleston, SCOpportunity Awaits in Conde Nast's Number One City!**U...
11 Bedons Alley
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Welcome to 11 Bedons Alley, an exquisite Charleston retreat nestled on a serene, quiet street in the heart of town. This charming residence offers ...
3 Chisolm Street UNIT #103
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
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...
Reduced -$250,000
330 Concord Street UNIT 18d
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential
In this exquisite residence, you are living in, and at a corner post of Charleston with extraordinary views, truly exceptional! Enjoy true luxury l...
23 Elliott Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
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...
85 Cumberland Street UNIT P1
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
This dual-level penthouse in historic Charleston perfectly blends charm and modern comfort. With its high ceilings, walls of windows, and exposed b...
123 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential
Welcome to 123 Meeting Street, a distinguished property at the corner of Meeting and Queen Streets in historic Charleston. This four-story gem (wit...
3 Queen Street UNIT #209
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
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...
1 Bee Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential
Welcome home to 1 Bee Street! Built in 1900 this is ideally located in a wonderful neighborhood quietly situated between Rutledge & Ashley Avenues....
80 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION! A renewed and redesigned home brought to you by Cozy Development. Nestled in the heart of Harleston Village, this pre...
Reduced -$1
284 Meeting Street UNIT #203
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
Nestled within the heart of downtown Charleston's historic district, this exclusive new construction project introduces six meticulously crafted lu...