Historic Charleston Neighborhoods

Historic Charleston neighborhoods are generally considered those South of the Septima Clark Expressway, or more colloquially known as “the Crosstown”. Join me for a tour of them including a general overview, basic real estate pricing and my favorite local businesses! Scroll to the bottom for a fantastic map of all of them or click here for an interactive Google Map I made many moons ago. Let’s start with the famous South of Broad…

South of Broad

South of Broad is Charleston’s most storied neighborhood and perhaps the most exclusive part of Downtown and perhaps the entire state. Rows of palatial antebellum mansions line East Bay and Meeting Streets but you’ll find homes of all shapes and sizes on the quaint wandering streets. Perhaps the quietest neighborhood of Downtown, residents here enjoy the tranquility of the suburbs with the proximity of urban living, though this district is very popular with meandering tourists and horse drawn carriages. In the past 10 years it has become a favorite of part-time second-home owners, and you can still find native Charlestonians and families if you look in the right places. Homes here range from around $1,750,000 to $20,000,000. My favorite local businesses South of Broad include:

DULLES DESIGNS

On Catfish Row on Church Street, you’ll find fine custom stationary for any event or communication your heart desires. Let Emilie draw you into her elegant shop and create something memorable for you.

GOAT.SHEEP.COW

Do you like cheese? Do you like cheese and wine? Then this is the place for you. I could live here. Let them fix a party platter for you and your guests will swoon. Stop in at their Church Street location, or check out the new one in East Central.

BURBAGES GROCERY

Best corner grocery store in town hands down. From homemade soups, sandwiches and take-away dinners, to fresh meats and vegetables, they’ve got everything you’ll need. At the triangle on Savage and Broad.

French Quarter

The French Quarter is the oldest section of Downtown Charleston, bounded on the south by Broad Street and the north by the City Market. It is home to the Charleston Art Walk, an evening held many times a year where Charleston residents and visitors alike enjoy gallery hopping and wine tasting along its storied streets. Here you will also find theaters like the famed Dock Street, churches, inns and secret gardens waiting to be discovered. While homes are less available in this area, condos abound – from the historic converted apartment to luxury living near the water. Homes range from $1,500,000 to $5,000,000 and Condos from $700,000 to $12,000,000. My favorite local businesses in the French Quarter include:

KHOURI CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Khouri made me a believer in getting ‘cracked’ to help heal pain, plus he has a holistic approach to treatment of whatever ails you. Massage, Acupuncture and more… Appointments are easy, and the team is fantastic. Access via Unity Alley off State St.

KRAWCHECK AND DAVIDSON

Lenny and Lydia are two of this town’s most revered and wonderful attorneys. They’ll handle real estate closings, wills, condominium documentation, estate work and a myriad of other topics. Basically you can hand your life over to them and feel 100% confident. On State Street between Chalmers and Broad

VENDUE ROOFTOP BAR

A long time staple of Charleston, the Vendue Rooftop Bar and Restaurant offers magnificent views of the Charleston harbor and church steeples all around. Head up the stairs to the Crow’s Nest for sunset. Accessed via the Vendue Hotel.

Ansonborough

If you love to walk to restaurants and shops, Ansonborough is within a few blocks of the Harbor and Market St. The Harris Teeter grocery store is just across East Bay St from this neighborhood and the Gaillard Auditorium borders the northern side. Many of the homes in Ansonborough are made of brick, built after a fire ravaged the original homes in 1838 and range from $1,000,000 to $4,000,000. There is also a good selection of condos on the Harbor, starting at $500,000 at Dockside, Laurens Place and Anson House, with a newer one called The Gadsden that opened in 2018. My favorite local businesses in Ansonborough include:

CHARLESTON GAILLARD CENTER

With some of the most extraordinary acoustics I’ve ever heard, our new performing arts center is second-to-none. Plus, the building houses our city offices so this is where you go to attend meetings like Zoning and the Board of Architectural Review. At George and Anson Streets.

EAST BAY NAIL SALON

What can I say, every now and then I like to sit in a huge massage chair and read trashy magazines while someone paints my toes. This bright open space is beautiful, and the ladies do a fantastic job. Book ahead during wedding season! At East Bay and Inspection Street.

DELTA PHARMACY

Tucked inside a brand new building (with a nod to historic architecture) on the Corner of Calhoun and East Bay is a favorite local compounding pharmacy. Go here for your basic needs and all your prescriptions. And they deliver!.

Harleston Village

Harleston Village is one of the most diverse and lively neighborhoods of Downtown Charleston. With its center point of Colonial Lake and Moultrie Park, you’ll find all kinds of people enjoying the outdoors, from college students to families to the elderly and everything in between. Just a short walk to the City Marina and King Street, Harleston Village also has lots of corner stores, business and services (dentists, doctors), making it a very pedestrian-friendly area. Homes here range from $900,000 to over $4,000,000 including many new construction options, and you can find condos at the Baker House, Berkeley Court and in various historic homes turned into multiple places. My favorite local businesses in Harleston Village include:

60 BULL CAFE

Fantastic wine selection, great sandwiches, hot food selections, and breakfast that will get your day started right. Could you ask for more from a neighborhood corner cafe? Stop by and say Hi to the awesome proprietors, Torrey and Kathi. Corner of Smith and Bull.

QUEEN STREET GROCERY

A great corner grocery store at the corner of Queen and Logan, the best part about this place is their amazing selection of sweet and savory crepes, and great coffee! Sit outside in their little red chairs and watch the world go by.

TIMOTHY LIPTAK, DDS

I LOVE going to the dentist when it’s Dr. Liptak. With cheerful staff, peppy music and cool art, his office makes you happy. Request the room that displays his amazing collection of old Charleston postcards. On Ashley Ave between Bull and Bennett.

King Street Historic District

King Street is often compared to New York City’s 5th Avenue and boasts not only high end name brand boutiques, but also local purveyors and a fine selection of restaurants. This street is divided into three sections: Upper King (above Calhoun St) which is known for its lively nightlife, and new hotels and apartment buildings; Middle King St – from (Calhoun to Market St) with all your well known shops including Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Talbots etc…; and Lower King St (Market to Broad St) with more boutiques, antique and art galleries. There are countless condos to choose from, including newly renovated loft styles and historic buildings ranging from $350,000 to $4,000,000. Parking comes at a premium here. My favorite local businesses on King Street include:

BIN 152

Hands down the best wine bar in town with 30 different wines by the glass, 130 bottles, and a glorious selection of cheese and charcuterie. You’ll feel like you’re in Paris as you watch the bustling city go by. At King and Queen.

M. DUMAS & SONS

My husbands favorite local clothing store…from traditional southern/coastal brands like Tommy Bahama, to a wide selection of Barbour clothing, to upscale Italian items, and shoes too, M. Dumas & Sons has been a Charleston staple since 1917.

CHARLESTON GRILL

My favorite place for a magnificent meal. It blows my mind every single time. If you don’t want to eat, go for the nightly jazz trio, settle into white leather chairs and order a beautiful cocktail. You will always feel welcome. Inside Charleston Place.

Mazyck-Wraggborough

Mazyck-Wraggborough, or Wraggborough for short, is a growing neighborhood with historic homes, and several areas of newer construction. It is home to the famed Aiken-Rhett house and several churches. Walking distance to the Gaillard Performing Arts Center, and both Marion Square and Upper King Street, homes here range from $900,000-$3,500,000. My favorite local businesses in Wraggborough include:

SOIREE, INC.

Tara Guerard is a nationally acclaimed full-service event planner. While you’ll need a minimum size and price, rest assured you’ll get an event to remember. She also consults with architects and hospitality services to create masterful spaces. On Chapel Street by the fountain.

BAY STREET BIERGARTEN

If you like beer, go here. If you like playing cornhole outside whilst drinking beer, definitely go here! Also, they have Tater Tots. Charleston’s best German-style biergarten. Located at East Bay and Chapel.

AIKEN-RHETT HOUSE

A must see for locals and tourists alike, this historic home and its outbuildings are untouched and well preserved. Get a glimpse into life and style of the 1800s, as you tour the property cared for by the Historic Charleston Foundation. At 48 Elizabeth Street.

Radcliffeborough

Right next to the Medical University of South Carolina, Radcliffeborough is populated by doctors, college students and more in condos and historic properties. Homes here are more affordable than those in the neighborhoods south of Calhoun Street, and it’s not hard to find a beautiful 3 BR for under $1,500,000. This neighborhood is easy walking distance to the Upper King St district with restaurants and shops galore. For families with young daughters, the private Ashley Hall school is here too. My favorite local businesses in Radcliffeborough include:

STELLA’S

Tucked away off Upper King, this popular Greek restaurant has a gorgeous winding seating bar, intimate tables and an outdoor courtyard. Taste all the meze with your friends and you’ll leave with a full belly having had a fantastic time. On St Philip St.

THE GREENERY

For creative, fresh florals and beautiful attention to detail, call Tricia at the Greenery. They will deliver anywhere, and offer free delivery to patients at MUSC. Find this shop at Calhoun and Ogier Streets.

CHARLIE’S GROCERY

Not only does this corner grocery have a great selection of basics for a quick stop, but also they are a deli with hot and cold subs, and Boar’s Head meats by the pound. Locals love their falafel. At the corner of Jasper and Radcliffe.

Eastside

The Eastside is an historic neighborhood that used to lie (in part) under the shadow of the old Cooper River bridges. Today you’ll find it a mix of families and long-time owners, students and more…One of the most impressive projects in this area is the renovation of the Cigar Factory, located at the foot of Columbus Street and East Bay Street, completed in 2015. My favorite local businesses in the Eastside include:

THE CIGAR FACTORY

Today the Cigar Factory is mostly commercial space for local businesses, but it also has Mercantile – a great grab-and-go, or stay-and-eat gourmet food emporium, and Mash – a cool whisky and beer bar. On East Bay near the bridge on-ramp.

THE COMMODORE

An unpretentious dive bar and music venue, the Commodore has an incredible house band that plays funk, jazz and blues, inspiring its patrons to dance the night away. Get there early to avoid the lines. At Meeting and Sheppard.

TACO BOY

this renovated warehouse and taco eatery has an incredible outdoor space with picnic tables, funky art and a lively bar. Fantastic guacamole and fruity cocktails. Plenty of parking and bike racks are available. On Huger Street just off East Bay.

Elliotborough

In the past 15 years, Cannonborough and Elliotborough have experienced significant gentrification. Old homes have been spruced up and new homes have been built, though there are still many handyman specials available for those with a keen eye. Homes here range from $700,000 for a fixer upper to $2,000,000 for a large renovated home, or $2,500,000 and up for a legally permitted short-term rental on Spring or Cannon. Newer construction homes in the Morris Square and Midtown developments start at around $800,000. Bogard Street is popular with college students and young families. There are also multiple great community gardens tucked in among these streets. The heart of this area, Spring Street and Cannon Street, is considered “Midtown” and numerous stores and restaurants line the blocks. Fuel is on the west end and places like The Grocery are on the east. My favorite local businesses in the Elliotborough include: