Consider This When Buying Real Estate in Charleston’s Historic District - Page 216
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.
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39 Elizabeth Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential
BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED DUPLEX ACROSS FROM TIEDEMANN PARK IN WRAGGBOROUGH. EACH UNIT HAS IT'S OWN PIAZZA AND THERE'S A LARGE SHARED GARDEN IN THE REA...
130 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Circa 1873, The John C. Tiedeman house is a fine example of a Charleston Single Home with side-hall entrance. The exterior facade showcases Ital...
330 Concord Street UNIT 3D
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential
This is a lovely, well maintained, well cared for unit at Dockside overlooking the beautiful and spacious courtyard. Dockside is a wonderful commun...
129 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
Circa 1796, 129 Church Street is a beautiful Charleston Single House situated in the heart of the French Quarter. Just steps from America's olde...
149 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Charming little house that has it all! Three bedrooms, (one currently used as a den) two and a half baths, a wonderful hidden patio and garden. Bea...
6 Saint Michaels
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Early to mid-19th century Georgian Townhouse that has been meticulously restored. Charming walled courtyard gardens with beautiful fountain. Rear b...
170 Queen Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Wonderful Queen Street townhouse located just steps from Colonial Lake. This low maintenance home has been well maintained and seen numerous improv...
53 Hasell Street UNIT J
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
This charming carriage house is located behind the Charity Wilson House at 53 Hasell St. It is a great location to see Charleston on foot with King...
6 Legare Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
This gracious home is in an ideal location and is on one of the most prestigious streets in historic Charleston. The property is a fabulous venu...
39 Gadsden Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
One of the rare one-story historic homes south of Calhoun Street, 39 Gadsden is set back from the street amid lush landscaping for privacy and t...
87 East Bay Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Sophisticated, turn key condominium located South of Broad on Rainbow Row in the heart of Charleston's historic district. This beautifully maintain...
70 Morris Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
House has been rented and has leases in place through July 2014. Off street parking for one car. . property next door is being developed now. House...
37 Gibbes Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Nestled amid the oak trees in the heart of the historic city, this South of Broad home captures the spirit and mystique of Charleston, on a stre...
177 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
WONDERFUL CHARLESTON HOME IN CONVENIENT LOCATION! OPEN FLOOR PLAN. UPDATED KITCHEN OVERLOOKS GRAND LIVING SPACE. LARGE CLOSETS. GATED BRICK COURTYA...
17 John Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential
Cute two and a half story Charleston single in great neighborhood. Live in it the way it is - or fluff the kitchen and bathrooms.
15 Colonial Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Designed for sophisticated urban living and entertaining, you will want your clients to see this absolutely gorgeous and totally renovated home Sou...
161 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
This beautiful South of Broad Charleston Single home circa 1870, is located on a large lot on a quiet street in one of the loveliest parts of the C...
4 Kennedy Court
Charleston, SC 29403
400 Meeting Street
Residential
Investment Property / Home needs renovation / Priced to Sell / Purchased ''As Is'' - in convenient easily accessable downtown location
26 Blake Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential
Existing duplex built in 1900: large lot measuring apx. 5740 sq. ft. Site is zoned DR-2F allowing single family and/or duplex. See Addendum for Cit...
11 West Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
A perfect historic downtown pied a terre. Built in 1826 by Dr. William Lennox Kirkland this property sits on a quiet one way street with a priva...
251 Meeting Street UNIT #3
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
FANTASTIC LOCATION! ABOVE JESTINES KITCHEN. COMPLETE RENOVATION. WOOD WALLS AND CEILING. HEART OF PINE FLOORS, NEW BATHROOM, AND BOSCH APPLIANCES I...