Charleston, South Carolina: The Holy City
The largest city in the great state of South Carolina, Charleston is one of America's most iconic and picturesque beach communities. Though famous for our idyllic oceanside paradise with a unique southern charm, the Charleston region is actually incredibly varied and diverse. Offering the conveniences of a larger metropolitan area with the exquisite allure only a beach town can offer, not to mention a plethora of harmonious rural communities, there is a reason why Charleston is often voted "The South's Best City". Actually, if you ask us, there are more than several.
Often praised for its natural beauty, deep historical roots, strong local economy and comfortable standard of living, Charleston doesn't just have a little something for everyone, it has a lot of it. When life is good, people are generally happier, which is why Charleston is known far and wide as one of the friendliest and most romantic cities in the world today. Just recently, The Holy City has received accolades and awards from websites and publications ranging from Business Insider, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast, Forbes, Fodor’s, Trip Advisor, 10best.com, the Huffington Post, livability.com, Fast Company, Where to Retire, and the Wall Street Journal, just to name a few.
Founded in the year 1670, over a hundred years before the founding of our country, Charleston has a long history of being a land of milk and honey. Originally making its riches in the export of rice and indigo, Charleston's location along gorgeous Atlantic Ocean beach with acres of fertile soil just inland led to the creation of many wealthy businessmen, and with that, a steadily increasing population of those wanting a slice of the pie for themselves. As one of the oldest cities in Colonial America, Charleston held the distinction as the richest of the colonies. This is evidenced by Charleston being home to the nation's first public college, first playhouse and first museum, as well as some of the oldest churches and synagogues built in the new world. In fact, these historic houses of worship are how Charleston gained its nickname as The Holy City. While the area suffered some economic downturn after The Civil War, during the 1970's, a resurgence of art, entrepreneurship and cuisine swept the area. Fortunately, and understandably so, this return to prominence hasn't seen a slowdown since.
The greater Charleston area consists of a diverse selection of truly unique cities and towns. The city of Charleston itself is divided into areas like Daniel Island or West Ashley, all of which offer such distinct aesthetics that you would swear they are their own municipalities. When you start to add in some of the outlaying cities and towns such as Awendaw, Edisto Beach and Goose Creek, one really begins to understand just how varied the Charleston region is. Flaunting Floridaesque beaches, the history, art, culture and nightlife of a city like New Orleans, as well as the peaceful tranquility only country life can offer, The Holy City's various districts offer far more variance than most American cities.
Spread throughout the Charleston area are many different historic buildings representing our various boom periods, meaning in many places, history comes alive just walking down the street. The King St. Shopping District is a fine example of this, with its distinct and classically inspired Beaux Arts architecture, making even the Starbucks and Urban Outfitters a living museum of American innovation. Homegrown boutiques such as Hampden and The Finicky Filly are well known for satisfying the cravings of many a trendy shopper, while the high end dining and shopping of Belmond's Charleston Place will please even the most posh and exorbitant of patrons. If you prefer your history lessons a tad on the tasty side, eateries such as Callie's Hot Little Biscuit or the Tapas Bar Barsa will serve you just fine.
Our office is located near Folly Beach on James Island, where we have great pride in our distinctive small beach town feel. Due to the natural borders of being an island, new construction and expansion in James Island is all but impossible, and that's the way we like it. We are proud of being our own unreplicable entity, but the more you explore out here, the more you realize that the entire greater Charleston area feels the same way about where they call home. Ladson, home of the Coastal Carolina Fair, is completely unlike the massive, three county spanning North Charleston, but both are great places to raise a family. Such is the appeal of Charleston; with the variety of natural beauty and cultured living, there is always something new and fun to do.
We here at Coastal Funding aren't just here to help assist you in any of your home mortgage needs, but if you have any questions about life in the greater Charleston area, please use the contact form below and we will get back to you as soon as we possibly can. More information about Charleston can also be found at our links page here.