636 Properties

Local Guide

See what Charleston, SC has to offer.

What Renters Like and Dislike

What Renters Like and Dislike About Charleston

That it is close nit and we can depend on one another for basic and urgent needs that plague our community

Easy access to really good shopping, even though you do need a car. Very safe neighborhood to walk for exercise.

Most things are walkable and convenient. Neighbors are friendly and nice. Avondale, the business district has a lot of up and coming restaurants and interesting businesses.

Close to downtown and interstate highways as well as close to two major grocery stores. I like going out to eat with family and friends.

Close to activities. Relatively quiet. Grocery store close by. Only 20 minutes away from everything

My neighborhood is very nice and friendly. I love going to the local coffee shop. I also like going to the beach.

Who Lives Here

Charleston Demographics

Education

High School

17%

Associate's

17%

Bachelor's

22%

Master's

8%

Doctorate

37%

Family Size

2 people

54%

3 people

23%

4 people

15%

5 people

5%

6+ people

2%

Household Income

0-50k

36%

50-100k

31%

100-150k

17%

150-200k

7%

200k+

9%

Age

0-10

11%

10-20

10%

20-45

41%

45-65

24%

65+

15%

Affordability

How expensive is it in Charleston?

Percentage: 3/53/5

Renters gave this area a 3 out of 5 for affordability

Rent Trends

Studio1 Bed2 Beds3 Beds
Dec '23$1752$1774$1753$1899
Nov '23$1768$1852$1742$1899
Oct '23$1757$1839$1695$1935
Sep '23$1772$1736$1525$1873
Aug '23$1689$1796$1490$1764
Jul '23$1772$1832$1502$1849
Jun '23$1762$1697$1290$1826
May '23$1882$1711$1340$1774
Apr '23$1772$1681$1400$1779
Mar '23$1659$1649$1235$1791
Feb '23$1764$1660$1366$1675
Jan '23$1612$1700$1440$1759
Dec '22$1584$1673$1334$1692

*The rent information included in this summary is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent.com over the past 12-months and is for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Getting Around Charleston

Charleston Transportation

Commute Time

0-15 Mins

26%

15-30 Mins

44%

30-40 Mins

18%

40-60 Mins

10%

60+ Mins

3%

Transportation Scores

Percentage: 6363

Walk Score®

Walkable

No

Say 28 of 43 renters

Has Sidewalks

Yes

Say 26 of 43 renters

Percentage: 6464

Bike Score®

Bike Friendly

Yes

Say 33 of 43 renters

Top Scores: Nightlife, Art, Medicine

Things To Do In Charleston

Top Score

Nightlife

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Get your dance shoes on, Charleston looks good for nightlife.

  1. A high number of bars and clubs per resident
  2. Significantly more bars and clubs than average
  3. 61% more bars and clubs than areas of a similar size

Fine Arts

4.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

This place gets the picture when it comes to art.

  1. A high number of fine art centers per resident
  2. Significantly more fine art centers than average
  3. Significantly more fine art centers than areas of a similar size

Medical Care

4/5 stars based on undefined reviews

This place is no sight for sore eyes. Plenty of docs in Charleston.

  1. A high number of medical facilities per resident
  2. Significantly more medical facilities than average
  3. 42% more medical facilities than areas of a similar size

Grocery Stores

3.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Suffice to say, this place is great for groceries.

  1. Few grocery stores per resident
  2. Significantly more grocery stores than average
  3. 19% fewer grocery stores than areas of a similar size

Restaurants

3.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Rest assured, you won't go hungry around here.

  1. A high number of restaurants per resident
  2. Significantly more restaurants than average
  3. 14% more restaurants than areas of a similar size

Coffee

3.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Oh la latte, not a bad spot for getting a cup of joe.

  1. Few coffee shops per resident
  2. Significantly more coffee shops than average
  3. 15% fewer coffee shops than areas of a similar size

Health and Fitness

3.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Looking good! Charleston scores high for health and fitness.

  1. Few gyms per resident
  2. Significantly more gyms than average
  3. 6% more gyms than areas of a similar size

Pet Services

3.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Sit. Stay. Good boy. Charleston is a good place for pets.

  1. Few pet facilities per resident
  2. Significantly more pet facilities than average
  3. A standard number of pet facilities compared to areas of a similar size

Parks

3/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Charleston is shrubby, not shabby.

  1. A high number of parks per resident
  2. Significantly more parks than average
  3. 42% more parks than areas of a similar size

Retail Shops

3/5 stars based on undefined reviews

If you love to shop, Charleston is a good fit.

  1. A high number of shops per resident
  2. Significantly more shops than average
  3. A standard number of shops compared to areas of a similar size

Gas Stations

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

The road is less traveled for filling the tank up in Charleston.

  1. Few gas stations per resident
  2. Significantly more gas stations than average
  3. 54% fewer gas stations than areas of a similar size

What Renters Are Saying

Charleston Features

Area Has Litter

No

Say 40 of 43 renters

Good Place To Raise A Family

Yes

Say 39 of 43 renters

Noise Late At Night

No

Say 37 of 43 renters

Busy Streets

No

Say 36 of 43 renters

Area Has Potholes

No

Say 36 of 43 renters

Near Grocery Stores

Yes

Say 35 of 43 renters

Pet Friendly

Yes

Say 35 of 43 renters

Safe For Families

Yes

Say 35 of 43 renters

Area Has Kids Play Outside

Yes

Say 30 of 43 renters

Quiet Area

Yes

Say 30 of 43 renters

Mostly Older Buildings

No

Say 29 of 43 renters

Tree Lined Streets

Yes

Say 28 of 43 renters

Maintained Yards

Yes

Say 24 of 43 renters

Nearby Parks

Yes

Say 22 of 43 renters

Near Schools

Yes

Say 22 of 43 renters

Near Highways

No

Say 24 of 43 renters

Well Lit

No

Say 24 of 43 renters

Mostly Newer Buildings

No

Say 31 of 43 renters

Near Downtown

No

Say 33 of 43 renters

Nice Views

No

Say 35 of 43 renters

Charleston Education

Schools

Percentage: 4/54/5

School Score

How satisfied do renters feel with the schools in this area.

Top Schools in Charleston

Information provided by GreatSchools. To verify school enrollment eligibility, contact the school district directly.

What You Need to Know

Renter Articles

All About

Living in Charleston, SC

EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT RENTING AN APARTMENT IN CHARLESTON, SC

Located on a broad peninsula in South Carolina’s famed Lowcountry, Charleston is a charming colonial town noted for its rich history and southern hospitality. Its well-maintained historic landmarks and attractions only accentuate the plentiful modern conveniences, and the city supports active residents of all ages. In fact, Charleston is known as the southeastern United States’ premier “lifestyle destination” for young families and retirees alike. You’ll have no trouble finding rentals in this welcoming corner of South Carolina.

Even Charleston’s most active residents need a place to rest after a long day at the beach or out on the water. Fortunately, Apartment Guide can help you find downtown rentals in Charleston that feature modern amenities and won’t break your budget. From furnished two-bedroom spaces in modern waterfront communities to sprawling three-bedroom townhouses on the city’s leafy outskirts, Apartment Guide’s database has an up-to-date repository of attractive options.

If you’d prefer to search for a specific type of living space in downtown, simply use our intuitive search feature to find apartments for rent in Charleston with amenities like in-suite laundry, covered parking and must-have central air conditioning. With an impressive selection and an easy-as-pie interface, Apartment Guide is your source for hundreds of affordable Downtown Charleston apartments.

THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS TO FIND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN CHARLESTON

Whether you want a laid-back atmosphere by the Atlantic or a bustling downtown scene outside your door, Apartment Guide will help you find the best apartments in Charleston. Review our top neighborhoods in Charleston for options with everything from suburban appeal in North Charleston to historic Downtown elegance. For families relocating with kids, you’ll find that Charleston County School District serves over 50,000 students; many of the top-rated schools are in the Mount Pleasant and James Island communities. Some favorite Charleston neighborhoods include:

  • Ashley Hall Manor: Located next to West Ashley, Ashley Hall Manor offers townhomes and apartments in Charleston.
  • Avondale: A favorite spot for young professionals, Avondale offers its own unique blend of boutique shops and restaurants near downtown Charleston.
  • The Boroughs: The Boroughs is a group of small “villages” in Charleston with their own unique flair, including Radcliffeborough, Mazyck-Wraggborough, Ansonborough and Cannonborough-Elliotborough.
  • Downtown Charleston: Characterized by cobblestone streets, historic churches and stately southern mansions, Downtown Charleston offers a one-of-a-kind setting with proximity to fine dining and boutique shopping.
  • East Side: The East Side includes the well-known Hampstead Village, one of Charleston’s historic neighborhoods that was first founded in 1769.
  • Harleston Village: Harleston Village is another historic Charleston neighborhood with pedestrian-friendly tree-lined streets. Some of the homes are literally hundreds of years old, going back to the 1700s.
  • Melrose: Melrose is west of West Ashley, just north of Highway 17. This is a renter-friendly residential neighborhood.
  • Sangaree: This Charleston suburb has a rural feel and is a great place to chill and enjoy nature.
  • South of Broad: This beautiful area of Charleston is known for its pastel-colored antebellum houses.
  • West Ashley: West of the Ashley River, you’ll find West Ashley and beneath it James Island, established communities bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway. The architectural styles vary as much as the price points, which reflects the diversity of residents in this area.

Other areas to live near Charleston include:

  • The Islands: Ocean lovers should seek out apartments in Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island. Your neighbors will be a mix of retirees and active residents involved in beach activities, and your traffic will be significantly higher during the summer months.
  • East Cooper/Mount Pleasant: Named for its location east of the Cooper River, this area is convenient to both downtown and the beach. Great schools and a strong sense of community make this an ideal place for families.
  • North Charleston: The affordability of North Charleston attracts both families and businesses who appreciate proximity to Downtown and beaches without paying the price tag to live there.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON

Charleston has a lot of great things to do, especially when you want to take a break from searching for apartments in Charleston. Here are some ideas for entertainment and fun:
  • Charleston has one of the country’s highest concentrations of preserved Colonial-style buildings, and you must see favorites such as the Calhoun Mansion, the Old Slave Mart Museum and picturesque Rainbow Row. To complement these historic structures, Charleston boasts an extensive network of public squares and pocket parks.
  • Thanks to the presence of a 300-year-old French Protestant church and one of the largest Roman Catholic cathedrals in North America, the city is also a mecca for folks who take an interest in religious history.
  • The Dock Street Theater, built in 1736, was the first theater in the United States. Located on the corner of Church Street and Queen Street, the theater still provides excellent entertainment to Charleston residents and visitors.
  • Take a scenic walk along the waterfront at The Battery to see historic antebellum mansions, numerous monuments and views of Fort Sumter. Follow the water toward East Bay Street, and you’ll run into the famous Rainbow Row, 13 historic, vividly painted Charleston homes.
  • Hop on a ferryboat and ride from Patriots Point to Fort Sumter where your kids can view the cannons and battle-scarred walls at the site where the Civil War started.
  • Do you like golf? Charleston has a number of beautiful golf courses, including the City of Charleston Municipal Golf Course that offers a great game at affordable prices.
  • Charleston makes the most of the water that surrounds it on three sides. The city is ringed with marinas and launch ramps for sailing enthusiasts and motor-boaters. Adventure sports enthusiasts love the town’s easy access to the open waters of the Atlantic and regularly head out to sea to deep-sea fish, parasail and water ski.
  • On the other side of town, wildlife-rich protected areas like Bear Island Game Management Area offer endless opportunities for hikers and bird watchers.
  • Charleston is the home of the famous military college The Citadel, which is available for group tours.
  • Charleston has long been a hot spot for the pickiest foodie with its extensive list of top seafood and fine dining restaurants including McCrady’s, where George Washington dined, nationally renowned Hall’s Chophouse and the critically acclaimed Husk Restaurant.

GETAWAYS FROM CHARLESTON

Although there is plenty to keep you entertained in Charleston, the distance to destinations outside the city is short and worthwhile. For a quiet beach experience, Edisto Island is an hour away, or, for a more touristy scene, make the two-hour drive north to Myrtle Beach, which is also next to the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge. If you like wildlife, a little closer to home is the Francis Marion National Forest where you’ll find the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

FIND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN CHARLESTON, SC

Finding a new place to live is a stressful experience. Be sure to use an apartment finder like Apartment Guide to help you locate your next rental property. Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly apartment or simply want an affordable place to live, we’ll help you find apartments for rent in Charleston that match your needs.