Charleston SC

Charleston SC

Charleston SC is a city of enchantment and charm, of fascinating beauty, history and culture. Relocation to Charleston SC is so easy! The magnificent beauty of Charleston SC makes it easy to fall in love with, and impossible to forget. Charlestonians have a deep abiding love for their fair city and are eager to tell you that it is the most wonderful place in the whole wide world!

First of all, Charleston has a great geographic location. Originally built on a peninsula of land that divides the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, the metropolitan area now sprawls into the three counties of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester.

The Lowcountry's topography includes tidal marshes, saltwater lakes, freshwater lakes, wide-mouthed rivers, bays, coves, the Atlantic Ocean and its beaches. The natural beauty of the Greater Charleston area is manifest. Home to all types of water birds like egrets, herons, ibises, pelicans and gulls, the area also provides habitat for interesting creatures like alligators, loggerhead turtles, foxes and deer.

Each area that makes up Greater Charleston provides residents with beautiful natural surroundings.

Charleston's unique character is founded in her history and its preservation. The city's beginnings are found at a site on the Ashley River now preserved as the historic site and nature preserve, Charles Towne Landing 1670. This, the first of English settlements in South Carolina, was initiated as a business venture by eight British noblemen, known as the Lord Proprietors. They had been granted ownership by King Charles II of the vast territory between "31 and 36 degrees north latitude and the two oceans" in return for an annual payment of twenty marks and one-fourth of all gold and silver that might be found. In 1672, the governor ordered the "laying out of a town at Oyster Point", a peninsula of land between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, and in 1680 the capital and port of entry were officially moved to this more "convenient" location.

Today, historic downtown Charleston is a reflection of the centuries that have passed since her founding. Carriages pulled by horses and mules roll past stately antebellum homes and churches, 18th century storefronts and other historical structures that are amazingly well-preserved. Street after street presents one picturesque view after another of what life was like in early Charleston.

Charleston attracts retirees from around the nation and one of its biggest draws is the mild climate. Spring comes early to Charleston. The floral display is breath-taking as abundant dogwoods, redbuds, magnolias and brilliant azaleas fill every neighborhood with indescribable beauty.

Summerville draws over 200,000 visitors to its Flowertown Festival each Spring to admire the fantastic azalea and camellia spectacle. Cypress Gardens in Berkeley County is a wonderland of spring beauty and visitors ride in flat bottom boats to enjoy the natural elegance.

Charleston is a paradise for recreational pursuits, particularly outdoor activities. Anything water-related is thoroughly enjoyed, whether it's sailing in Charleston Harbor, canoeing the rivers or picking up seashells along the shore. Charlestonians are in love with their waterways and social entertaining is often built around boating, sailing and parties on decks, patios and balconies overlooking water.

Golfers are delighted with the courses available in Greater Charleston. Fishermen take advantage of the many opportunities to test their skills in both fresh and salt water. The area park systems are well-developed and offer residents a multitude of surroundings and facilities for recreation.

Annual events and entertainment are outstanding in Greater Charleston. From the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition held February 18-20, 2005 which showcases some of the world's finest wildlife artists, to Spoleto Festival USA, which brings international talent in all performing arts to Charleston on May 27-June 12, 2005, to the wonderful MOJA Festival held September 29-October 9, 2005, the celebration of African-American & Caribbean heritage that has won national acclaim, there is always something exciting going on in Greater Charleston.

Housing costs in Greater Charleston are about the national average. The choices are virtually unlimited, from homes that front on the Atlantic and tidal marshes, to homes situated alongside top-rated golf courses, to convenient, well-appointed apartment communities. Areas like Historic Charleston offer homes built in the 1800's for lovers of antiquity and charm, while new neighborhoods built around recreational features are being developed in places like Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, and James Island.

Charleston is internationally known for its arts festivals and events. Museums in Greater Charleston are both entertaining and educational. The Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon is owned by the South Carolina State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The economic base in Greater Charleston is formed by a successful combination of the more than $5.1 billion tourism industry, the dynamic Port of Charleston, the medical community, military installations and a diverse group of manufacturers. Charleston is poised at the brink of an economic expansion of major proportions. International companies are particularly keen to the many advantages of locating in Greater Charleston. The port facilities, the excellent and available work force, and the central location to the rest of the Southeast are a few of the reasons companies are selecting Greater Charleston for growth and expansion.

Charleston is easy to get to and easy to navigate. Major highway construction is completed on the Mark Clark Expressway, or I-526, a freeway that encircles the entire metro area. A new 8-lane super-bridge is being built across the Cooper River. An extra lane is separated for bike and pedestrian traffic. This is the longest cable stay span in North or South America. I-26, an east-west route is the primary route connecting Charleston to I-95 and to Columbia, SC, the state capital.

People move to this lovely lady by the sea for a multitude of reasons. Corporate executives find themselves in fortunate circumstances when transferred to Charleston. Health care professionals seek out the excellent medical facilities for career enhancement. Military personnel are delighted by the transfer. Retirement to the Greater Charleston area is a dream come true for many people each year. Retirees cite the location, mild climate, access to water and beaches, beautiful natural surroundings, excellent health care and cost of living as main factors in deciding to make Charleston their home.

Whatever reason brings a person to Charleston, they soon realize the blessings that Charleston residents have known all along. You're going to love it!

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