Support Us Button Widget

Why I returned to Charleston, SC

Screen Shot 2022-01-07 at 4.05.14 PM

Chucktown love | Photo by @localstature

These are contributor-submitted pieces. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.

Back in November, we asked readers who had left the city why they returned to Charleston. We love these stories of locals at heart who knew they wanted to make their way back to the Holy City. We’re lucky to live here, and happy to welcome them home.

“I was born in Charleston and lived here until I was 22. In order for my husband to complete his studies at Emory graduate school, we moved to Atlanta, Georgia. After fifty years, I moved back to Charleston because it will be my home always. The smell of marsh gas, the mosquitos, the humidity and anything else that tried to keep me away failed to do so.” —Reader Teresa R.

I left due to a divorce and had 2 small children and returned to my home state so family could help with child care. I really did not want to leave and knew that I would return. Reason, quality of life! You can have culture and the beach in a very unique setting! I fell in love with Charleston, it is my happy place! So happy to be back!” —Reader Linda N.

“I moved here after college to live with CofC grads. I was here for 2 years and left to get a tech job closer to family. After two years, and the ability to work remotely — I couldn’t pass up the weather and the ease of travel to get back home. The weather in the north is brutal. Also, the cost of living compared to Boston was a big pull!” —Reader Shane W.

Retired in Charleston 1985. Went to Atlanta for new challenges. Retired again, and one more time! Moved back to Charleston in 2019. My 15 family members live here! Love them!” —Reader Ken B.

“Growing up a military brat, my dad retired in Myrtle Beach where I graduated Socastee HS, graduated Horry G-Town Tech College and… joined the Coast Guard! Ironically I was assigned to Charleston, SC, in January 1990 in the aftermath of Charleston’s infamous visitor, Hurricane Hugo. I was here in CHS from 1900 to 1993 and I enjoyed it very much. (I lived in West Ashley, N. Charleston & Mt Pleasant.)

Nearly 33 years later, having been to 53 countries, lived in NC, CA, HI, USVI, TX, VA… temporarily staying in many more cities/states, Charleston is where I decided to return to and retire in 2012. Now, I’m not going to lie… it was #3 on my list: first was Maui (became very difficult logistically), next was San Diego (became way too unfriendly on a retirement income […] so here I am.

I loved almost everything about Charleston (particularly James Island). Minus the bugs and humidity it’s a first class city to live in. Now I am quite literally sick over the number of apartments and condos being built in the Charleston Metro area and could not even imagine what has become of Summerville and John’s Island. But here my wife and I will stay, come what may. All in all I still love living here, despite the growth which this city’s infrastructure will not be able to sustain.

We enjoy the delicious food, history, culture, weather, cost of living, arts, festivals, city sports teams ie; Rays, Riverdogs, Battery and proximity to the coast. City/state taxes are not excessive and costs for government services are fair. It’s a relatively clean and safe city compared to others similar in size and population. So thanks for asking… interesting to see how the city will grow in the future.” —Readers Scott + Kim M.

More from CHStoday
The Magnolia Landing development will span 192 acres and provide working, housing, dining, and entertainment options for the community.
It’s not just Charleston getting the praise; the Lowcountry has several hotels, resorts, and islands honored in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure CHStoday is always filled with content you love.
Sponsored
Charleston has a packed list of races to get prepared for throughout the year
Deep dive into this guide and learn how to navigate the annual two-day music festival loaded with live music and food inspired by the Lowcountry.
Dining in the Holy City is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
The Swedish car company is celebrating 70 years, and it has sold more than 5 million cars in the US.
The annual festival will be back on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. The Charleston Beer Fest will offer tastings from 75+ breweries, live music, and a variety of local vendors.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.