Plus, Lost Isle landed on the New York Times’ Restaurant List for 2024.
 
09.25.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE

Today’s Forecast

85º | 23% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:09 a.m. | Sunset 7:13 p.m.
High tide 3:15 p.m. | Low tides 8:36 a.m. + 9:36 p.m.

 

💵 CHS, by the numbers

Cost of living in Charleston

CHS_Cost_of_Living_SEPT2022
We’re talking about the cost of planting some roots in the Holy City. | Photo by Cody Silver on Unsplash
With Charleston’s 12th straight No. 1 ranking on Travel + Leisure’s list for Best in the US and the announcement of several high-profile developments this year, we figured it was time to talk about the cost of planting some roots in the Holy City.

The median household income in Charleston County is $78,795 (in 2022 dollars) according to data from the US Census Bureau. State-wise, South Carolina’s median income at ~$59,318 per household.

The overall cost of living in Charleston is higher than both the national average and the rest of the state.

CHS_cost of living.png

The overall cost of living in Charleston is higher than the national average.

|

Screenshot via bestplaces.net

Breaking down the numbers

Hypothetically speaking, if you live in a household that brings in $79,000, your max monthly budget for rent and utilities would be about $1,975. The average monthly rent for a 968-sqft apartment in Charleston is $2,010putting you over budget.

Meanwhile, if you’re wondering how much you can currently afford to spend on buying a home in Charleston, try using SmartAsset’s cost calculator. Factors like your marital status, annual pre-tax income, down payment, and monthly debt will help determine that figure. According to BestPlaces, the median home cost in the Holy City is $493,200.

While we’re crunching numbers, let’s also take a look at the chart below to see how Charleston’s cost of living compares to that of Soda City. Hey, COLAtoday.

CHS_cost of living vs cola.png

Charleston’s average home price is more than double Columbia’s.

|

Screenshot via bestplaces.net

We also took a look at the cost of living in Charleston compared to Greenville. Hey, GVLtoday. Here’s what we found:
  • The cost of living is 11% lower in Greenville.
  • The median cost of rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,259, which is $450 less than in Charleston.
More budgeting numbers
Asked

What would you tell someone who is considering moving here about the cost of living?


A. This is a really affordable city to live
B. Prices are reasonable — not exorbitant, not cheap
C. Prepare yourself for sticker shock — it’s expensive
D. None of the above
Weigh in
Explore Charleston
 
Events
Wednesday, Sept. 25
  • The Sound of Charleston | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 7-8:15 p.m. | Circular Congregational Church | $16+ | Hear the music of Charleston’s history — from gospel spirituals to the music of George Gershwin, performed by the Lowcountry’s finest professional artists.
  • Weekly Trivia | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 7-9 p.m. | Indigo Reef Brewing Company | Free | Put your knowledge to the test, it’s free to play and winners will receive house prizes.
Thursday, Sept. 26
  • Oktoberfest at the Carriage House | Thursday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | The Charleston Place | Price of purchase | Embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest with Bevi Bene’s Marzen brew on draft.
  • MOJA Opening Day Parade | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6-7 p.m. | Marion Square | Free | Kickoff the 40th annual festival with a parade featuring various organizations including student groups and bands.
  • Book Signing with Sarah Tuthill | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | A Maker’s Post, Sullivans Island | Free entry | Drop in and enjoy wine + custom charcuterie boards from Tuthill’s cookbook, plus get your copy signed.
100+ events
Click here to have your event featured.
interveneMD
 
News Notes
Weather
  • Keep an eye on the forecast. Meteorologists are tracking tropical activity that could bring stormy conditions to our area. Get updates on when + where the storm is moving, and stay prepared with our hurricane guide. (WCBD)
Opening
  • Book lovers and Swifties unite. Sweeter than Fiction, a romance bookshop that will also offer Taylor Swift merchandise, is set to open on King Street this fall. The shop will also sell apparel, stickers, tumblers, candles, and stationery.
Real Estate
  • If you’re looking for more living space, check out this ~6,000-sqft Sullivan’s Island home. The six-bedroom house sits on a tree-lined property two blocks from the beach. Originally built in 1900, it has been restored and features large porches, a detached shed, and two outdoor showers.
Ranked
  • The New York Times just dropped their Restaurant List of the top 50 spots across the US. On that list is Lost Isle, the Johns Island restaurant known for its laid-back vibe and tasty fire-to-table creations.
Seasonal
  • Spooky season is near. The Isle of Palms Recreation Department is teaming up with Bulldog Tours to host Ghostly Tide Tales on Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. There will be campfires + family-friendly ghost stories on the beach near the Sea Cabins. Pro tip: Park for free during the event in Municipal Lot B.
Cause
  • AMOR Healing Kitchen, a local nonprofit that serves plant-based meals to those facing health challenges, will host an Avondale Block Party. This Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., head to the shop on Magnolia Road for a sidewalk sale, games + crafts, music, and plant-based food.
Answered
  • City Editor Callie here. I won’t lie, I had to do a double take at last week’s sweet tea poll results. I expected a lot more people to vote in favor of the sweet drink created right here in the Lowcountry.
Number
Finance
  • Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (Yes, it sounds pumpkin-spice bananas. But it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
 
State

💧 Preparing for the future

kiawah river

Waterways are plentiful in the Lowcountry.

|

Photo by Vive Media

Gov. Henry McMaster issued + announced Executive Order 2024-22, establishing a new Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC), tasked with developing a state water plan to protect the state’s water resources while balancing economic + environmental interests.

The working group will be led by the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), which took over many of the Department of Natural Resources’ responsibilities regarding water policy at the beginning of July.

SCDES will also select up to 25 additional representatives from various sectors, think: academia, public water suppliers, conservation, agriculture, forestry, energy, tourism, historic preservation, experts in engineering, environmental protection, and more to ensure collaboration and invite guidance.
See WaterSC’s tasks
The Buy
Shop the best shoes to pair with your fall wedding guest look, from Nordstrom’s “Wedding Guest” selection:

🥿 Save your ankles with sparkly Betsey Johnson flats.
👡 Choose champagne or silver for this five-star rated sandal.
💎 Add a touch of sparkle to your outfit with jeweled slingbacks.
👠 Go for style + function with a kitten heel on pointy-toe pumps.
More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
CHS_CallieBrown

Today’s edition by:
Callie

From the editor
I love a good makeover. Take a peek at the latest update of a downtown home renovation project by Erin Carpenter. It’s giving us all “The Notebook” feels, which makes sense, as part of the movie was filmed right here in the Lowcountry.
Missed our previous newsletter?    
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback    
Advertise with us to stand out.    
Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More    
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY