First visit to Charleston: Love at first sight
Dec 11th, 2012, 05:34 PM
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First visit to Charleston: Love at first sight
We spent our first few hours in Charleston, drove down King, walked along the Battery, walked through some of the Historic District and French Quarter, flew over the bridge, hit the beach for a half hour, stopped for an early dinner at Hall's Chop House and a bag full of macarons and left 5 hours after arriving. We're ready to relocate!
Charleston is one of the most beautiful American cities I've visited. Parts of the city are evocative of the West Village in Manhattan, and other neighborhoods are reminiscent of the cobblestoned streets of Nantucket. The air is very soft and the light very diffused. This place is New Orleans' better behaved twin sister.
Where's a great place to live in the city?
Charleston is one of the most beautiful American cities I've visited. Parts of the city are evocative of the West Village in Manhattan, and other neighborhoods are reminiscent of the cobblestoned streets of Nantucket. The air is very soft and the light very diffused. This place is New Orleans' better behaved twin sister.
Where's a great place to live in the city?
Dec 12th, 2012, 02:17 AM
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Don't you remember this thread? Lots of info here.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...h-retirees.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...h-retirees.cfm
Dec 12th, 2012, 03:29 AM
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Actually I always liken Charleston to being the most "European" city in the US--historic,small and very walkable with a LOT to see and do. it is a little jewel, and I'll bet Charlestonites along with a lot of others are grateful to Joe Riley, the mayor who "saved" it from urban renewal about 40 years ago.
There are folks on the board who might advise about places to live--the story goes that the Battery is full of part time residents which may or may not be a good thing for the city.
There are folks on the board who might advise about places to live--the story goes that the Battery is full of part time residents which may or may not be a good thing for the city.
Dec 12th, 2012, 06:49 AM
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EmilyPost-- Charleston in my mind is one of the most fascinating spots I've seen in the southern US. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself there!
Suewoo-- I remember your thoughtful insider comments both prior and after my first ever trip to Charleston last year, for example that you were there to see the Hunley when it was dragged up. I feel somehow sad to know that one of the forum's most insightful local advisors has left her beloved city on the peninsula.
Suewoo-- I remember your thoughtful insider comments both prior and after my first ever trip to Charleston last year, for example that you were there to see the Hunley when it was dragged up. I feel somehow sad to know that one of the forum's most insightful local advisors has left her beloved city on the peninsula.
Dec 12th, 2012, 01:52 PM
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That was a great thread, ekscrunchy. Thanks for the link. My daughter and son in law may be relocating there and we're considering at least a part time move. Anybody know a good realtor in that area?
suewoo: In what way is living there different than visiting?
suewoo: In what way is living there different than visiting?
Dec 12th, 2012, 02:59 PM
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Yes, Gretchen I'm in Greensboro. Daddy died a week and a half ago, so I got here in time to help care for him and send him off to the angels. No regrets at all.
EmilyPost, the most important thing to consider is employment. Jobs can be scarce and everyone and their brother wants to live there now. Traffic can be horrendous, and the politics are what they are. At the risk of sounding mean, and that's not my intent, there are so many people there now "from off" that some of Charleston's gentleness is gone. My best friend here is a real estate agent. Her name is Melinda Mitchell. She is excellent. Google her if you like.
One of the things that has happened on Isle of Palms is people have moved there and want to make things hard for others to do the same. Strange. And locals can be resentful when new people start trying to change everything to make it faster/bigger/like we had it up North.
I guess what I'm saying is that the welcome mat is rolled out quick for tourists and not so much for others. Just be aware. And do visit in August before making that decision
EmilyPost, the most important thing to consider is employment. Jobs can be scarce and everyone and their brother wants to live there now. Traffic can be horrendous, and the politics are what they are. At the risk of sounding mean, and that's not my intent, there are so many people there now "from off" that some of Charleston's gentleness is gone. My best friend here is a real estate agent. Her name is Melinda Mitchell. She is excellent. Google her if you like.
One of the things that has happened on Isle of Palms is people have moved there and want to make things hard for others to do the same. Strange. And locals can be resentful when new people start trying to change everything to make it faster/bigger/like we had it up North.
I guess what I'm saying is that the welcome mat is rolled out quick for tourists and not so much for others. Just be aware. And do visit in August before making that decision
Dec 12th, 2012, 04:56 PM
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Thank you for your candid response, suewoo. You've painted quite a clear picture. But I can't wait to go back! Maybe we'll be tourists for 2-3 months out of the year and call it a day!
