A quick look at life in Charleston in 2016

The latest nostalgic trend has people looking back at photos from a decade ago. What was Charleston like?

A photo of the old Hominy Grill in Charleston, which is now closed down. Its red walls have an iconic blue painting on the side advertising the business, with cars parked outside and treet hanging overhead.

Who remembers Hominy Grill? | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

We wanted to do a little more digging into the latest nostalgic trend, which has people sharing photos from 2016 on social media.

A lot has changed in Charleston since then. Here are a few ways the Holy City compares a decade ago to today:

  • The Charleston-North Charleston Metropolitan Area had a population of ~645,000 people in 2016. That’s 17% less than today’s estimated 774,000.
  • Ten years ago, the median average home in Charleston cost ~$216,000. Since then, that number has almost tripled, now sitting at ~$572,000.
  • The Holy City has said goodbye to a number of beloved businesses in the past decade, including Hominy Grill, pictured above, which served locals elevated Lowcountry and Southern comfort food for 24 years between 1996 and 2019.

What are your memories from 2016 in Charleston? Which other shuttered businesses do you miss? Send them in.

More from CHStoday
Did you know? The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in Charleston more than 200 years ago.
From wings and beer to big-screen thrills, here’s where to watch the NCAA Basketball Tournament in the Holy City.
Join the annual event, Charleston by Design, to explore history through the lens of art and design.
CHStoday had the chance to chat with Oscar from One Beautiful Question about what inspires him and his work.
From award-wining country artists to chart-topping bands, there’s no shortage of concerts to enjoy live music in the Holy City this year — use this guide to find your next concert.
Spicewalla, an Asheville-based spice brand, is helping you add the flavors you love (from Chef Shuai Wang’s North Charleston restaurants) to your pantry.
The new rooftop restaurant will overlook the Cooper River and offer coastal Italian dishes.
The waterfront home in Riverland Terrace was owned by the Halsey family of WB Halsey Lumber Company.
The land and building set to house a new Mount Pleasant restaurant and event space, Frank & Jack’s, have been listed.
This downtown bookshop, Philosophers & Fools, is inviting the Charleston community to celebrate two years of drinks, snacks, and books.