Moving from the Northeast or Midwest to Charleston: What to ExpectBy Brandon Bott — Charleston Realtor Since 2012

Dec 9

Every year, more and more families move from New York, New Jersey, Boston, Chicago, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond to the Charleston area — especially Mount Pleasant and Summerville.

If you’re thinking about making that move, here’s what to realistically expect.

1. Lower Taxes, Different Costs

You’ll likely see:

Much lower property taxes
No brutal winter utility bills
Potentially lower overall tax burden

At the same time:

Home prices in Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island may feel similar to strong suburbs up north
Insurance and HOA/amenity fees are new line items for some buyers

Net result for many: better lifestyle for similar or slightly lower cost.

2. A Very Different Climate (In a Good Way)

No more:

Shoveling snow
Ice scrapers
Salt-stained cars

Instead:

Mild winters
Long springs and falls
Hot, humid summers (with AC everywhere)

You’ll spend way more time outside — at the beach, on the water, or at parks.

3. Culture Shift: Slower Pace, Friendlier Vibe

Charleston is:

Slower-paced than major northern metros
Very hospitality-driven
Big on “hello,” “yes ma’am,” and “thank you”

It takes a little adjusting — in a good way.

4. School and Sports Culture

If you’re coming from competitive school districts up north, you’ll find:

Strong public schools in Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, and parts of Summerville
Big emphasis on youth sports (baseball, soccer, football, lacrosse, cheer, etc.)
Lots of after-school and club activities

You’re not “downgrading” — you’re just changing zip codes.

5. Travel & Airport Access

Charleston International (CHS) keeps adding:

Direct flights
New routes
More carriers

It’s not a major hub — but it’s way more convenient than most people expect.

6. Home Styles and Neighborhood Layouts

Expect:

Fewer basements
Raised construction in certain areas
Open floor plans
Master-planned communities with amenities
Houses built to handle heat and humidity

You’ll trade snow blowers for screened porches and palm trees.

Final Thoughts

Moving from the Northeast or Midwest to Charleston is a big change — but for most of my clients, it’s a life upgrade: more sunshine, more outdoor time, lower taxes, and a lifestyle that feels like a permanent step toward “vacation mode.”

Call or text me at 843-754-9737.