North Charleston has as much to offer as its neighbor to the south
North Charleston is more than just Charleston’s neighbor. This bustling city spans three counties -- Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley -- and is home to a major Boeing manufacturing facility, the Charleston International Airport and Joint Base Charleston, an Air Force base. Its many neighborhoods offer something for everyone, from hip Park Circle to suburban Forest Hills to historic Charleston Heights, all giving its nearly 115,000 residents the same laid-back Lowcountry lifestyle found farther down the peninsula. “We literally do not have to leave North Charleston to experience history, picturesque views of the Cooper River, award-winning dining experiences, attractions, professional sporting events, concerts, festivals and the best local artisans in the world,” says Amy Heath, the city's director of tourism. “The only thing stiff on this side of the bridge are our cocktails!”
Explore the scenic trails along the Cooper River at Riverfront Park in North Charleston.
Ashley Acres is minutes away from the Charleston International Airport in North Charleston.
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A mix of housing options including large homes near the Ashley River
Newcomers will find a diverse mix of home styles and sizes throughout the city, including midcentury-era ranch, Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods from the 1970s and 1980s, and New Traditional builds from the early 2000s and 2020s. Prices range throughout the city, with no one neighborhood claiming all higher-priced homes, though ones near the Ashley River can run between $600,000 and $1 million, thanks to custom upgrades, bigger yards and water views. The median price for single-family homes is about $360,000. Townhouses are also available throughout the city, with a median price of about $270,000.
Find beautiful homes with private docks on the Ashley River in Ashley Acres.
Park Circle has beautiful farm house style homes with spacious yards in North Charleston.
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North Charleston has many options for shopping, dining and entertainment
Residents have access to all the shopping, dining and entertainment available in Charleston, but North Charleston has many things to do, see and eat. The city’s Park Circle neighborhood features a growing dining and nightlife scene, especially along Montague Avenue. “It’s gone through a major transition over the last 20 or so years,” says Michele Costanzo, a Realtor at eXp Realty who sells throughout Charleston and North Charleston. “There are all kinds of restaurants, from Asian food to pizza. If you want nightlife in North Charleston, Park Circle is where you want to go.” In the Highland Park neighborhood, popular chain restaurants and retailers sit in conveniently located shopping centers near Rivers Avenue, making running errands or having a date night easy. Northwoods Mall is also in Highland Park, offering indoor shopping and movies at Northwoods Stadium Cinema. The Bennett neighborhood sits just south of Charleston International Airport. It has Tanger Outlets, another option for shopping. The North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center is home to the South Carolina Stingrays, the city’s minor league hockey team. The arena also hosts Broadway shows, live music and events like the Charleston Boat Show.
History buffs visit the Friends of Hunley Museum, which houses the C.S.S. Hunley submarine, a Confederate war vessel that sank during the Civil War and was raised in the 1990s. Trident Medical Center and various medical offices sit near the city’s north end, close to Charleston Southern University and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, in nearby Charleston.
Shop name brand stores for the latest trends near Waylyn at Tanger Outlet in North Charleston.
Charleston Boat Show is a fun annual event families and friends enjoy attending to kick off boating season in Charleston.
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Park Circle's playground is one of many outdoor recreation spots
Residents have many options for outdoor recreation, including parks, youth sports and aquatics. The Park Circle neighborhood features a popular green space in the community’s center with a baseball field, disc golf course and the world’s largest inclusive playground, which spans 55,000 square feet of ADA-accessible equipment and plenty of shade. Riverfront Park offers green space dotted with sculptures and a newly built pedestrian bridge set against the waterfront. The Ashley River, which runs along the city’s west side, offers launches for kayaking. Golfers tee off at the Golf Club at Westcott Plantation, a private course on the city’s north side.
Park Circle Playground in North Charleston has great sidewalks and walkways for family strolls.
Enjoy a cold beer with friends on the outdoor patio at Holy City Brewing in Park Circle.
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The city's highly rated school district is a draw
Charleston County School District is one of the districts that serves the city. It rates an A on Niche and includes 88 schools. The city is also served by Dorchester School District Two, which rates an A-minus on Niche and includes 15 elementary schools, six middle schools, and three high schools. The highest-rated private school is Cathedral Academy, rated a B on Niche.
Students who want to stay close to home after graduation can attend Charleston Southern University. This private four-year school is located on the city’s northeast side. There’s also a campus for Trident Technical College, which operates a popular bridge program into Charleston Southern or the College of Charleston.
North Charleston High School is a part of the Charleston County School District.
Cathedral Academy is open for Summerville parents wanting a private education for their child.
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Many events bring residents and out-of-towners together
North Charleston hosts events throughout out the year, including the St. Patrick’s Day Block Party and Festival each March and the 4th of July Festival, which features food, beverages and fireworks once the sun goes down. December ushers in several Christmas-themed events, including the official tree lighting in Park Circle and Howlidays at The Park, an evening of pet vendors and dog-friendly hot “chocolate” at Mixson Dog Park.
North Charleston Farmers Market at the Park Circle Pavilion is a popular event families enjoy.
Residents love the local events around town during the North Charleston Arts Fest.
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North Charleston's "hurricane season;" a look at crime
North Charleston ranges from hot and humid summers to mild winters. Humidity levels often stay around 50%, and summers can see heavier rainfall than the rest of the year. Residents should note that the city is sometimes in the path of hurricanes, bringing flooding and wind damage. The city’s website provides information and resources to help residents stay prepared during “hurricane season,” which runs from June to November.
According to FBI crime data, the city experienced about 30 homicides, higher than nearby Charleston, which had about 10. Property crime rates are higher in North Charleston than in Charleston, too: in 2023, there were about 480 burglary incidents and 750 motor vehicle theft incidents, compared to Charleston’s 255 instances of burglary and 480 incidents of motor vehicle theft. However, as of early 2024, violent crime had dropped by 3% and property crime by 7%.
Residents get around by car and bus; the airport is in the heart of the city
Interstate 26, U.S. Route 78 and SC-642 run through the city, connecting residents to the rest of the state. Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) bus line stops along thoroughfares, including Rivers Avenue, Dorchester Road and International Boulevard. The Charleston International Airport is in the heart of the city and offers flights throughout the United States.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
