Apartments for Rent in Charleston, SC

Which city was home to the nation's first public college, theater, golf course, and museum? The answer is, of course, Charleston! This coastal city was founded as Charles Town in 1670 and it still retains much of that historic charm. After moving to your Charleston rental, visit the South Carolina Historical Society to learn more about the numerous historic sites and the city's more than 350 years of history. Then, explore the shops of Charleston City Market, one of the country's oldest public markets (it opened in 1804), or visit the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, a colonial town founded in 1697. The town was abandoned at the start of the Revolutionary War and is now an archaeological site. Charleston sits along the Atlantic coast near several popular beaches, like Folly Beach, and several islands, including Daniel Island, James Island, and Johns Island. When searching for neighborhoods in Charleston, you'll find several fantastic neighborhoods. The cheerful Rainbow Row features colonial-era houses painted in cheerful shades of pink, blue, orange, and green. Find your home in Downtown Charleston and visit the Dock Street Theatre, originally built in 1736 and the oldest theater in the US, or the Charleston Museum, founded in 1773 as America's oldest museum. Head a little west from downtown to find rentals in the popular Cannonborough and Elliotborough neighborhoods. Head north of downtown to Park Circle, a trendy neighborhood filled with restaurants and wine bars.

If you are planning to rent in the Charleston area, keep in mind that Charleston is slightly more expensive compared to the rest of the country, mainly due to higher housing costs. A one-bedroom apartment in Charleston will cost around $1,600 a month, while a two-bedroom apartment goes for roughly $2,000. If you're close to downtown Charleston, you can get around using the CARTA bus system.

Featuring centuries-old colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, Charleston has a quaint beauty that's unmatched by any other American city. While many residents have a car, it's just as easy to get around using the CARTA bus system or the trolley. Even outside the city limits, the Charleston area is astoundingly picturesque. Weeping willows, magnolia trees, and other lush greenery can be found throughout the islands and towns surrounding the Charleston Bay, making this the perfect place for nature lovers. Whether you're living in Charleston or in one of the surrounding towns, you can easily go canoeing, kayaking, or on a scenic nature walk. The cost of living in Charleston has seen an increase, with the median home price now around $400,000, reflecting the city's growing popularity.

Ranked the World's Best City by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2016, Charleston is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Here, Southern hospitality is a way of life, and Charleston's residents are known for being incredibly friendly. In 2023, Condé Nast Traveler recognized Charleston as one of America's Most Friendly Cities, thanks to the welcoming nature of the residents.

When moving to Charleston, you'll appreciate the city's low unemployment rate and available opportunities. The area's top industries are healthcare, sales, and manufacturing, and some of its biggest employers include the Joint Base Charleston, Boeing South Carolina, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare.

Charleston is home to several colleges and universities, including Charleston Southern University, College of Charleston, Trident Technical College, and The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. If you're moving to Charleston as a student, you have plenty of schools to choose between. Charleston is also home to several popular minor-league sports teams. Thanks to the close-knit nature of the area, the stands are usually packed during all the home games. Join in on the fun by cheering on the Charleston Battery soccer team, rooting for the Charleston RiverDogs baseball team, or catching a South Carolina Stingrays hockey game.

If you're living or renting near Charleston, you'll want to take advantage of the area's pleasant climate by spending some time outside. So take a stroll around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens to see the best greenery in the Lowcountry. It even has its own zoo, making this an amazing place for animal lovers and families, too. Charleston is also home to the renowned City Market, where you can grab groceries, homemade gifts, and the area's famous sweetgrass baskets. Charleston boasts numerous annual festivals, including Spoleto Festival USA. This 17-day arts fest features performances from more than 100 artists, and it's the largest of its kind in the entire U.S.