Consider This When Buying Real Estate in Charleston’s Historic District - Page 5
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
30 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
This 1843 historical gem has all of the components of an elegant and Handsome Charleston Single home. The generously sized Living Room and Dining R...
50 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
The E.J.F. Fischer House was built Circa 1887-1889 in the Queen Anne Style after the Earthquake of 1886. The home was built on the site of an early...
67 Legare Street UNIT #205
Charleston, SC 29401
Crafts House
Residential
Nestled within the esteemed enclave of downtown Charleston, a gem awaits in the form of the historic Crafts House, a testament to timeless elegance...
174 1/2 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Perfect opportunity to live in the heart of downtown Charleston! Completely renovated and beautifully maintained historic single family two-story h...
8 Prioleau Street UNIT #A
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
Nestled within the vibrant French Quarter, this captivating townhome offers an unrivaled urban lifestyle in downtown Charleston. Situated mere step...
80 Society Street UNIT F
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential
Welcome to your urban oasis in downtown Charleston! This second-floor 1 bedroom condo offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury. W...
Reduced -$32,000
55 Concord Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
It's all about the views! Enjoy panoramic views of Charleston harbor from your living room and bedroom! Situated right on Waterfront Park, this tow...
14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 6d
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential
Beautiful Completed RENOVATED Condo With Dead-on VIEWS OF THE ASHLEY RIVER AND Marina. A GREAT FLOOR PLAN FOR SHARING AS EACH BEDROOM HAS IT'S OWN ...
192 Ashley Avenue UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
Don't miss your opportunity to preview this charming 3rd floor condo. unit located in the Beauregard House circa 1840. Featuring a light-filled, op...
181 Queen Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Step into a piece of Charleston history; the St. Amand/ Aimar house at 181 Queen Street was built in 1841, the same year the Charleston City Market...
97 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
This perfectly placed pied-a-terre is one of the most charming historic homes South of Broad. An 1870 gem which includes many of the original finis...
1 King Street UNIT #104
Charleston, SC 29401
Fort Sumter House
Residential
Welcome to 1 King St~ The Fort Sumter House~ which was formerly Charleston's First Waterfront Hotel. Step into Unit 104 and you will quickly discov...
63 Rutledge Avenue UNIT #23
Charleston, SC 29401
M Hill
Residential
Classic and beautiful historic building right on Colonial Lake! This charming one bedroom is a perfect pied-e-terre or for anyone to call home! Cha...
13 Short Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Welcome to the epitome of charming living in historic downtown Charleston's Harleston Village. This exquisite home, ideally situated just one block...
Reduced -$20,000
26 Barre Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Welcome to 26 Barre Street! Located on the peninsula in Historic Downtown Charleston, within the highly sought-after Harleston Village, this gorgeo...
Reduced -$100,000
35 Society Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
Experience the allure of Ansonborough with this exceptional one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence that offers the privacy of a home and the convenien...
Reduced -$10,000
78 Vanderhorst Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
MUST SELL NOW!! HIGHLY MOTIVATED SELLER SAYS BRING ALL OFFERS! ASK ABOUT UNBEATABLE FINANCING OPTION WITH RARE 6.00% RATE! If you're looking for So...
32 N Adgers Wharf
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Located South of Broad between Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park, this updated townhome sits on one of Charleston's most romantic cobblestone streets...
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...
2 Wharfside Street UNIT 4-B
Charleston, SC 29401
Laurens Place
Residential
Unit 4-B represents the best in luxury condominium living on the Peninsula. This home is truly turn-key, ready for its new owner. Laurens Place is ...
1 Harleston Place
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Place
Residential
Welcome to charming Harleston Place. Nestled in Harleston Village, this end unit townhome offers three stories of downtown living. Natural light ba...