Charleston, South Carolina, is a Southern coastal Atlantic city with a welcoming attitude. Lying on a peninsula, Charleston's historic streets, horse-drawn carriages, and French Quarter and Battery districts also beckon visitors and residents alike. First founded in 1670 as Charles Town, Charleston is also South Carolina's largest city with a 2020 population of around 140,000 people. There are, in fact, many reasons why you should visit but, more importantly, why you should move to Charleston.

A Top City

If you're looking for a city to move to, Travel & Leisure Magazine's website has ranked Charleston, South Carolina, as the US's best city for years now. There's no shortage of world-class restaurants, for one, and miles of beaches are a perfect compliment to Charleston's warm subtropical climate. Conde Nast Traveler readers have named this Southern city as their favorite as well.

Friendliness and History

Friendliness seems to be a way of life in Charleston, and Southern culture, manners, and charm are abundant. Even strangers seem willing to strike up a conversation or help with directions. Much history also exists in South Carolina's largest city, which is 350 years old and counting. Charleston takes the preservation of its many historical buildings and landmarks seriously. Its most prominent and oldest mansions and Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, are critical historical landmarks.

Subtropical Climate

Lying within the nation's coastal subtropical zone, Charleston benefits from what many observers say is a perfect year-round climate. Though winters may occasionally feature temps below the 50s, as well as a very rare Southern snowstorm, the city's weather is mainly warm all year long. Be warned: Midsummer days in Charleston are frequently hot. However, the city's numerous pristine beaches and sparkling pools, in addition to a large number of aquatic activities, will quickly cool you off if you should feel overheated.

Educational Offerings

Educational opportunities also offer solid reasons for why you should move to Charleston. The city's public school district encompasses a mixed rural, suburban, and urban area of 1,000 square miles. Also, several excellent colleges and universities dot the metro region. One of the most storied and prestigious military colleges in the country, The Citadel, calls Charleston home, as does The College of Charleston. Travel & Leisure has also named the latter college's campus as the most beautiful in the country.

Employment Opportunities

As far as job opportunities go, Charleston seems to be a magnet for growth, especially in the medical, military, and seaport arenas. This Southern city's port ranks as the fourth-largest in the country, for example, and aircraft and car companies both call Charleston home. The Medical University of South Carolina also hires many people. Plus, the US military employs tens of thousands of Charlestonians, including active-duty members, reservists, civil servants, dependents, and contractors.

Neighborhoods and Communities

There are many neighborhoods in and around Charleston that rank among the best to live in the state, including Mount Pleasant, a growing community located just over the city's Ravenel Bridge. The local high school is known statewide for its high-quality education as well as its marching band. If city living is more your style, consider Charleston's downtown or West Ashley districts. If money isn't a concern, the Atlantic coast barrier island communities near Charleston offer many fine residential neighborhoods. Average home prices there are steep, though, so beware.

Move There Now

When you add up everything Charleston has to offer, there's little reason not to consider moving there soon. Nicknamed the Holy City for its many historical churches, South Carolina's -- and the nation's -- best city delivers recreation, job, and cultural opportunities in abundance. Charleston seems to be a near-perfect place to live and to thrive.