Let’s put this into perspective: The study ranked 850+ cities, meaning Charleston is in the top 40%. It also measured many factors, so to better understand the placement, we looked at the areas where Charleston excelled, and where there’s room for improvement.
Charleston’s high marks
Compared to the rest of the nation, Charleston’s job market was a highlight. The median household income was $90,050 — over $10,000 above the national average. The city also had a below-average unemployment rate, thanks to booming industries like tourism, technology, and health care.
If you’re looking for love, Charleston is a great spot. Only 42% of residents are married, so there are plenty of singles around town. Plus, the city received praise for its food, entertainment, and beach access, meaning there are plenty of places to go on dates.
Wine Night at Five Loaves Cafe | Wednesday, June 18-Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Five Loaves Cafe, Mount Pleasant | Free | Enjoy any bottle of wine on the menu at half price every Wednesday and Saturday during dinner at both the Mount Pleasant and Summerville locations.*
Yoga Fest | 6-8 p.m. | James Island County Park | $30+ | This all-levels, family friendly yoga celebration includes classes, music by Mystic Vibrations, a performance by AcroCharlestonSC, and local vendors.
“Sex & The City” Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Bay Street Biergarten | $13 | And just like that, your knowledge of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda + Charlotte will pay off at this trivia game.
Thursday, June 19
Living Legacies: A Juneteenth Celebration | 6 p.m. | Magnolia Plantation | Free | Celebrate peace and freedom with storytelling and reflection with Polly Sheppard and speeches by author Margaret Seidler + artist John W. Jones.
Adults Only Night | 6-7:30 p.m. | Charleston Aqua Park, Johns Island | $30 | Leave the kids at home and unleash your inner child with this 90-minute session on the water course.
Friday, June 20
Homeschool in the Parks: Hasty Hummingbirds | 10-11:30 a.m. | Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Ravenel | $7 | Learn about these tiny, colorful, fast-flapping birds at this class perfect for kids ages 7-12.
Gyasi with Dagger Polyester | 6-9 p.m. | Pour House | $18 | Enter the rockin’ world of Gyasi who brings his music to life with art, fashion, and storytelling.
Saturday, June 21
Low Country Mountaineers BBQ Bash | 1-4 p.m. | The Citadel Holliday Alumni Center | $25+ | Dig into all-you-can-eat barbecue, listen to live entertainment, and participate in the pepperoni roll bake-off to support the Charles Drake Scholarship Fund.
North Charleston’s Palmetto Commerce Interchange is on track for an early arrival. The $54 million Interstate 26 corridor project is expected to be done by the end of this year — a few months before its originally anticipated early 2026 completion. Locals should still expect traffic while construction is ongoing. (The Post and Courier)
Biz
Two local pharmacies — Winyah Pharmacy + Preferred Care — have united under one Charleston roof as Guardian Pharmacy of South Carolina. The new facility will have double the space of the two prior locations combined to better serve the health care needs of locals.
Job
Extra, extra: The popular Netflix show “Outer Banks” is currently filming its fifth (and final) season in the Charleston area, and it’s casting extras this week. If you think you’re camera ready, check out how you can apply — there are scenes filming today + Friday. (The Post and Courier)
Edu
An anonymous donor has given the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine a $50 million donation, the largest single gift in the university’s history. The funding will enhance MUSC’s commitment to education and help build the new College of Medicine building expected to open in 2027.
Kids
School may be out, but the Lowcountry Food Bank is keeping its Summer Break Cafe open to make sure lunch is still served. The initiative helps address food insecurity through the nonprofit No Kid Hungry campaign and provides nutritious meals to children 18 and under at Charleston area locations.
Concert
Gov’t Mule is getting ready to make Charleston’s “Soulshine.” The Southern rock band is coming to The Refinery on Sunday, Oct. 12. Ticket sales begin this week and will be available to the general public on Friday, June 20, at 10 a.m.
Plan Ahead
Does your business have an upcoming event? Promote it in CHStoday. Head to our self-service ad portal to find an option that works for your budget — from eye-catching banner ads to engaging social posts.
Stat
27%. That’s how much home insurance rates have risen in the last four years, widely due to the increased frequency and scope of natural disasters like hurricanes, fires, and floods. Take this two-minute questionnaire to see if you’re wasting money on overpaying for insurance (and how you could save).*
Home
Still climbing ladders to clean your gutters? HomeBuddy installs premium gutter guards in just a few hours — and it’s 100% no-clog guaranteed. See your local offer.*
Category
The Buy
A reversible couch cover that’s waterproof, machine washable, and pet hair resistant. Bonus: It seamlessly converts into an outdoor blanket.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’m excited “Outer Banks” is filming in the Charleston area again, but it’s not the only program set in the Lowcountry. If you want to see some local landmarks on your screen, check out these shows + movies with local ties.