Relocating to Charleston, South Carolina
By Gentry Todd · Updated October 2026
“Gentry was recommended to me by the group of physicians I was interviewing with. I have never dealt with such a professional and well set up realtor. His system was very well thought out, first we communicated online and over the phone, then when I was in the area, we had lunch, and after that he made a point to show the different Charleston regions first to help narrow down the house list. Throughout all of this, he was very communicative, and I never felt pressured at all in regard to anything. I cannot recommend him enough.”
If you're moving to Charleston from out of state, you probably have the same questions everyone does: which neighborhood fits your life, what things actually cost here, and how the buying process works when you're searching from 200, 500, or 5,000 miles away.
We work with relocating buyers every week, from remote workers who've never set foot in South Carolina before their first visit, to retirees moving to be closer to family, to professionals relocating for a new job. Here's what you need to know before you start.
Rated 4.9 from 75 Google reviews and 4.9 from 42 Zillow reviews, as of October 2026.
What does it cost to live in Charleston, SC?
As of mid-2026, home prices in Charleston County vary quite a bit depending on the area and home type. The blended median across all home types is roughly $585,000 to $650,000, while single-family detached homes specifically run closer to $700,000+. As a general rule of thumb, the closer you are to Downtown Charleston or the beach, the greater you can expect home prices to climb.
Figures based on Redfin, Zillow, and Charleston Trident Association of Realtors data as of June 2026 — we update this periodically.
Please complete our buyer intake form to set up a personalized home search and see what your budget can get in the Charleston area.
Which Charleston neighborhood is right for you?
Charleston isn't one market — it's a dozen very different ones. A quick starting point:
- Mount Pleasant: A suburban feel, Charleston County schools, and an easy commute downtown
- Daniel Island: Master-planned and quieter, with a close-knit community feel
- Downtown / South of Broad: Historic, walkable, popular with buyers wanting urban lifestyle and character homes
- West Ashley: More affordable, good value, growing fast
- James Island / Johns Island: More space, closer to beaches, a mix of new construction and older homes
- Isle of Palms / Sullivan's Island: Good for buyers wanting beach living and comfortable with a higher price point
Our area guides give a detailed breakdown: Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, Downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms, Seabrook Island and Summerville.
Do I need to visit in person before buying?
We always recommend at least one in-person visit to the Charleston area to really narrow down which areas fit your personality and budget. We love to create itineraries and Google driving tours to help guide you through each area and better understand what it's like to actually live there — mapping out the best grocery stores, dog parks, restaurants, and where the schools are located.
We also consider ourselves experts in video walkthroughs and virtual tours, and have had several happy buyers close on properties throughout the years using these methods. South Carolina real estate contracts are friendly toward out-of-state buyers, and we can walk you through the process on your initial buyer consultation — click here to schedule
How long does the relocation process take?
On average, it takes our relocation buyers 3-6 months from initial consultation to the closing table. South Carolina is an attorney state: a licensed attorney must handle your closing and you can choose your own.
Ready to start your move to Charleston?
We'll set up a call to talk through your timeline, budget, and what you're looking for. No pressure, just a real conversation about whether Charleston (and which part of it) is the right fit.
Schedule a ConsultCommon Questions About Moving to Charleston
Is Charleston, SC a good place to retire?
Yes, for many people. South Carolina assesses a home that is the owner's legal residence at 4% of its value for property tax, compared with 6% for second homes and rentals. You apply for the 4% rate with your county assessor after you move in. Add outdoor living year-round and Charleston is a friendly area at any age.
What is the cost of living in Charleston compared to other cities?
Charleston's cost of living is below the national average: the Charleston Regional Development Alliance puts the region at 94.4 for 2025 on the C2ER Cost of Living Index, where 100 is the U.S. average. New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Washington DC and Seattle all score well above 100 on the same index.
Do I need a real estate attorney to buy a home in South Carolina?
Yes. Unlike many other states, South Carolina requires a licensed attorney to handle the closing on a real estate purchase. We're happy to recommend a real estate attorney that we use and trust regularly.
“The whole Gentry Todd Group were great for our home buying process. As out of state homebuyers they made the whole process smooth and easy. We appreciate their help and would absolutely recommend their services.”