I think Charleston is the prettiest city in the U.S. You should visit when the azaleas are in bloom. You might rethink relocating though if you go in the middle of summer.

I'm thinking we'll be there for only part of the year. January-April/May or something like that. I'd like to be in a more moderate climate during the Northeast's coldest months.

Don't you remember this thread? Lots of info here.


http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/best-place-for-youngish-retirees.cfm

Actually I always liken Charleston to being the most "European" city in the US--historic,small and very walkable with a LOT to see and do. it is a little jewel, and I'll bet Charlestonites along with a lot of others are grateful to Joe Riley, the mayor who "saved" it from urban renewal about 40 years ago.
There are folks on the board who might advise about places to live--the story goes that the Battery is full of part time residents which may or may not be a good thing for the city.

Oh, I LOVE your reference to NOLA!! That city is one of a kind also, but with a lot of "evil" thrown in!! LOL

I recently moved away from Charleston. ( sniff). I lived in old Mt Pleasant. I really loved it. My house was a mile from the ocean. Be aware- it is very different from visiting.

EmilyPost-- Charleston in my mind is one of the most fascinating spots I've seen in the southern US. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself there!

Suewoo-- I remember your thoughtful insider comments both prior and after my first ever trip to Charleston last year, for example that you were there to see the Hunley when it was dragged up. I feel somehow sad to know that one of the forum's most insightful local advisors has left her beloved city on the peninsula.

I was fortunate enough to visit Charleston last Christmas. I found it very charming and can't wait to go back!

Aw, Daniel, that is so sweet. I appreciate it. I left to care for my elderly parents, and I know that I did the right thing. I'm not far away though, not to worry!

Oh, Sue. Are you up our way now? Sorry you had to leave, but you ARE correct.

That was a great thread, ekscrunchy. Thanks for the link. My daughter and son in law may be relocating there and we're considering at least a part time move. Anybody know a good realtor in that area?

suewoo: In what way is living there different than visiting?

Yes, Gretchen I'm in Greensboro. Daddy died a week and a half ago, so I got here in time to help care for him and send him off to the angels. No regrets at all.

EmilyPost, the most important thing to consider is employment. Jobs can be scarce and everyone and their brother wants to live there now. Traffic can be horrendous, and the politics are what they are. At the risk of sounding mean, and that's not my intent, there are so many people there now "from off" that some of Charleston's gentleness is gone. My best friend here is a real estate agent. Her name is Melinda Mitchell. She is excellent. Google her if you like.

One of the things that has happened on Isle of Palms is people have moved there and want to make things hard for others to do the same. Strange. And locals can be resentful when new people start trying to change everything to make it faster/bigger/like we had it up North.

I guess what I'm saying is that the welcome mat is rolled out quick for tourists and not so much for others. Just be aware. And do visit in August before making that decision

Thank you for your candid response, suewoo. You've painted quite a clear picture. But I can't wait to go back! Maybe we'll be tourists for 2-3 months out of the year and call it a day!

And I'm sorry for the loss of your father, suewoo.

Hey, Sue. I am SO sorry. I am a little under the bus now--as I am sure you are, but we can get together. Be sweet.

Sue, sorry for the loss of your father. My dad also died, two weeks ago tomorrow, so I know how you're feeling. RIP.

{{hugs}},suewoo. I'm glad you got that time with your father. It eases the loss a tiny bit if you have no regrets.

Aw, y'all are so sweet! Thank you. I am a lucky girl.

sf7307, my best to you. None of it is easy. I've never had a holiday season without Big Daddy!

EmilyPost, enjoy Charleston for me, ok?

Aw, y'all are so sweet! Thank you. I am a lucky girl.

sf7307, my best to you. None of it is easy. I've never had a holiday season without Big Daddy!

EmilyPost, enjoy Charleston for me, ok?

Anyone care to comment on Charlotte vs. Charleston?

Apples and forklifts. Do you want to know about relocating?

Not now! : )

Sue is correct. VERY different. Charlotte is a wonderful city for being so large, but feeling small and accessible. We have basically torn down ALL our "history" in the name of shiny new buildings. Good corporate culture in supporting the life of the city. Good museums, particularly in the past 2 years with the addition of the downtown cultural corridor. Really pretty neighborhoods and quality of life. Geographically you can be in the mountains in 2 hours and at the beach in 3--not bad!!

Sue / Anyone else!

How does living differ to visiting?

We have visited 3 times, the latest was a month ago. We stayed on Edisto and went into Charleston frequently, loved it.

After over 100 trips away from Britain, we are sure SC is our favourite destination. We love heat, culture, architecture, eating out, sailing and nature. SC seemed to excel on all these fronts.

Which leads us to the coming years. Our son will leave home in 10 years, we will be 53 and will sell up to retire. Charleston looks so attractive, that's if we qualify through the immigration process which now seems very tough for white, middle aged Brits.

What are the downsides to life in Charleston?

Dickie_Gr: You can read suewoo's explanation above or here


EmilyPost, the most important thing to consider is employment. Jobs can be scarce and everyone and their brother wants to live there now. Traffic can be horrendous, and the politics are what they are. At the risk of sounding mean, and that's not my intent, there are so many people there now "from off" that some of Charleston's gentleness is gone. My best friend here is a real estate agent. Her name is Melinda Mitchell. She is excellent. Google her if you like.

One of the things that has happened on Isle of Palms is people have moved there and want to make things hard for others to do the same. Strange. And locals can be resentful when new people start trying to change everything to make it faster/bigger/like we had it up North.

I guess what I'm saying is that the welcome mat is rolled out quick for tourists and not so much for others. Just be aware. And do visit in August before making that decision