Looking for the best neighborhoods in Charleston, SC? Look no further! Many of Charleston's suburbs offer a peaceful, laid-back vibe, with easy access to all your essentials and the bustling downtown area. From beach vibes to historic charm and modern conveniences, the best Charleston neighborhoods have it all. 

Summary:

• Best Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC

• Best Suburbs of Charleston, SC

• Which Charleston Neighborhood Is Right for You? 

• New Construction Homes in Charleston, SC

• Best Charleston Neighborhoods Conclusion

Best Neighborhoods in Charleston

The peninsula of Charleston rivals its twin city of Savannah, GA, with Southern charm, delicious and robust food scene, history, and accessibility. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods around Charleston, SC.

Harleston Village

There are several reasons why Harleston Village is one of the best places to live in Charleston, SC. First, it sits next to the sprawling campus of The Medical University of South Carolina. In addition to the area’s easy access to this quality healthcare system, this neighborhood also borders King Street and South of Broad, where you’ll find the iconic Rainbow Row and tons of shopping. Plus, Harleston Village has several centuries-old buildings and tree-lined streets and offers convenient proximity to the lovely Ashley River. 

Cannonborough/Elliotborough

The Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood is right near the center of Downtown Charleston. Another one of the top neighborhoods in Charleston, SC, the area overlaps King Street with its rows of boutiques, restaurants, and bars and has plenty of residential streets, too.

Hampton Park Terrace

Hampton Park Terrace is one of the best Charleston, South Carolina, neighborhoods because of the beauty of Hampton Park. According to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, this neighborhood was primarily designed and built between 1910 and the early 1920s, so many homes have the same gorgeous architecture of the time. Not only does the neighborhood offer proximity to The Citadel, the military college in South Carolina, but the Ashley River is conveniently close as well. 

Wagener Terrace

Further inland from the peninsula is one of the most popular Downtown Charleston neighborhoods: Wagener Terrace. Residents on Trulia, as of October 2024, praise the area's pedestrian-friendly setting (much like all of Downtown Charleston) and restaurant scene. Locals also appreciate how dog-friendly the neighborhood is. Wagener Terrace offers green spaces near the Ashley River border, a local park, and several schools. 

Best Suburbs of Charleston, SC

The best Charleston suburbs each offer unique charm and appeal. If you’re looking to settle down just outside the city, be sure to explore a few of these best suburbs near Charleston, SC. 

North Charleston

One of the best neighborhoods near Charleston, SC, North Charleston is a suburb north of downtown, as the name suggests. In addition to the grocery stores, retail stores, and restaurants, North Charleston has the Charleston International Airport. This area offers easy access to major highways in the city, including Interstate 26 and Interstate 526, helping make traveling into downtown or neighboring suburbs convenient. Browse new construction homes in Charleston, SC, by Pulte®. 

Daniel Island

Daniel Island sits to the east of downtown Charleston and has an abundance of greenery and parks for relaxation and outdoor fun. One of the more affordable suburbs of Charleston, SC, Daniel Island is surrounded by the Cooper and Wando Rivers. Sprinkled throughout the suburb are numerous parks, including Frissel Park, Pirate Park, and Mitchell Wharf Park. Plus, the main shopping center on the island offers a brewery, grocery store, and several restaurants. 

Johns Island

Johns Island is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Charleston, SC, about 15 miles west of the city. This suburb sits next to the barrier islands of Kiawah Island and Folly Island, which have excellent beaches, and it’s also near the Charleston Tea Garden®, a popular tourist attraction. Among other attractions, you’ll find the Charleston Aqua Park™ for fun adventures on hot summer days, the famous Angel Oak®, and several farms. The residential areas here feel extra secluded due to the abundant greenery and waterways throughout the suburb. Explore our new construction homes in Johns Island, SC.

Mount Pleasant 

Mount Pleasant is another one of the good neighborhoods in Charleston, SC. The suburb sits east of Charleston with easy access into the city via Interstate 26 and 526. The area has plenty of shopping and dining, numerous apartment complexes, and several residential areas. For those who enjoy water sports or exploring the outdoors, Mount Pleasant is conveniently close to acres of Lowcountry creeks and beautiful coastal marsh that lead into the Atlantic Ocean, ideal for kayaking or boating. 

West Ashley

Much like the rest of the Charleston area, the suburb of West Ashley is steeped in the coastal Lowcountry. This lovely suburb has water on three sides: the Ashley River, the Stono River, and the Wappoo Creek. In addition to all that natural beauty, West Ashley offers a mix of retail, grocery stores, large department stores (such as Costco®), and residential areas. In fact, the suburb is so large it has neighborhoods like Avondale, which houses most of this suburb’s boutiques and restaurants.

Summerville

Summerville, another of the best suburbs near Charleston, SC, is about 25 miles north of the city and surrounded by green space and golf courses. This suburb offers lots of amenities and necessities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and recreational activities. A popular spot is Azalea Park, with 12 acres of greenery, trails, ponds, parks, and tennis courts. Plus, the town of Summerville hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, too. Check out our new construction homes in Summerville, SC.

Which Charleston Neighborhood Is Right for You?

Homebuyers have their own unique needs and goals when searching for the best neighborhood to plant roots. Whether you’re climbing the career ladder, looking for proximity to great nightlife, or have a growing household, the Charleston area has a home for you.

Best Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC, for Young Professionals

If you’re seeking convenience when it comes to commuting, access to abundant amenities, and fun activities after work and on weekends, these are some of the coolest neighborhoods in Charleston:

• Cannonborough/Elliotborough: If you want to live in the heart of the action, consider the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood. You can stroll (or ride a golf cart) to nearby coffee shops and boutiques, rooftop bars, and the hottest restaurants.

• North Charleston: North Charleston is a more affordable neighborhood that offers proximity to major employers and loads of activities and attractions. According to PayScale®, in October 2024, the cost of housing in North Charleston is almost 40% lower than the national average.

• West Ashley: West Ashley is about six miles from the heart of downtown, offering an easy commute for those who work in the city and want proximity to all the fun in the area.

Best Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC, for Families

For a slower pace of life and a relaxing oasis away from the downtown area, which can get crowded with tourists and college students, these are the best Charleston neighborhoods for families and individuals: 

• Summerville: Based on October 2024 reviews, residents on Niche praise Summerville as a top five suburb of Charleston for settling down. It’s likely because of the many beautiful green spaces and spots for recreational activities and entertainment. 

• Johns Island: The quiet, natural beauty of Johns Island lures homebuyers to the area’s laid-back way of living. It’s also within an easy drive of Charleston and other cozy local suburbs.

• Daniel Island: Daniel Island is one of the best neighborhoods in Charleston, SC, because of the abundance of outdoor options, proximity to Downtown Charleston, and the quality schools and sports facilities.

New Construction Homes in Charleston, SC

If you’re drawn to the captivating charm of Charleston, these new construction communities from Pulte in some of the best suburbs near Charleston, SC, may be the perfect place for you to call home: 

• Park's Edge at Carolina Bay: This West Ashley community has gorgeous single-family homes, three community pools, multiple playgrounds, a kayak launch, and a three-acre central park. Park’s Edge is ideal for those who enjoy spending time outside. Our homes here start in the upper $500Ks.

• Cedar Glen Preserve: This community borders a wildlife preserve. Residents enjoy the tranquility of nature as they stroll the walking trail and relax in the pocket parks. Cedar Glen Preserve has a quieter, more rural feel than other communities in the area, and homes start in the low $400Ks.

• Point Hope: Point Hope is a new construction community on Daniel Island, a suburb of downtown Charleston and nearby Mount Pleasant. The community has on-site shopping in addition to a playground, nature trails, and bike paths.

• Sea Island Preserve: Located on Johns Island, Sea Island Preserve is a gated community with homes starting in the mid $500Ks. With 360 acres of dedicated land conservation area to enhance the serene atmosphere, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a peaceful oasis every time you come home. 

• Nexton: The community of Nexton in Summerville offers a coastal, beachy vibe where every day feels like a vacation. In addition to the ample trails and biking space, residents also enjoy access to an open pavilion and thousands of acres of green space. These stunning homes start in the upper $400Ks.

Best Charleston Neighborhoods Conclusion

Charleston is the perfect place for homebuyers with its Southern coastal charm, beaches, and vibrant downtown. There's never a dull moment with so much to do and events happening all the time. It's time to start living your dream life in the charming Hostess City of the South!

Explore new construction homes in Charleston, SC, today, or browse more Pulte blogs. 

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist

Last Updated: 3/12/25