I know this isn't technically "travel", but does anyone have any information regarding Charleston's economy/job market/real estate?

I'm planning on relocating to the south (ideally Charleston) in a year and a half, but I'd like to learn more about jobs, salaries and real estate.

I'm 24, moving from NYC, where I currently work as an admin assistant at a law firm in midtown. I have a BA in international affairs, and not much other work experience other than working with children. My best friend plans on moving down there as well, and we'll be renting.

Thanks for any help/advice!

Charleston overall is a diverse city that depends on industry and tourism so the economy is healthy. It also has great education and hospital systems.

This is only Charleston and not North Charleston so please keep that in mind.

Housing downtown is expensive and
housing out on the beaches is expensive but much less than Manhattan rents.

Plan on about $1000 for a one bedroom and $1700 for a two bedroom. If you move a little further out, your rent will go down but you'll need a car.

Do you plan on having a car?

Yes, I definitely plan on having a car. (A Wrangler to be more specific...)

"Administrative assistant" is such a broad sweeping title. Right now, I make upwards of $40k plus overtime, bonus & medical insurance.

If I were to go through headhunters, do you think I'd be able to get a comparable salary?

No, you'd be lucky to get $25,000 as an entry level as an admin asst.

Your qualifications will not really count until you build up local employment history unless you bring something specific to the table.

You say you are an aa, but what do you do? What field? That will have a lot to do with how much you make.

No, you'd be lucky to get $25,000 as an entry level as an admin asst.

Your qualifications will not really count until you build up local employment history unless you bring something specific to the table.

You say you are an aa, but what do you do? What field? That will have a lot to do with how much you make.>>>>>>>

I'm technically a legal secretary at a boutique commercial litigation firm in midtown.

My duties range anywhere from: office manager (ordering supplies, inventory, scheduling maintenance) to human resources (dealing with recruiters, screening potential employees, interviewing), to admin stuff (correspondence, travel arrangements, calanders, answering phones, conference calls) to paralegal duties (duplications, collating, research, bluebooking, litigation support, drafting docs etc. etc).

It's a small firm, and a pretty comprehensive position, which is why they pay so much... because on any given day I can wear all these "hats".

I've worked as an assistant director of a child daycare center, so I can maybe add that to my experience.

I don't want to move there and take a huge pay cut. I can't afford to with $700 monthly student loan payments. I dunno if there is another field I could maybe switch to... ?

When someone is considering moving to SC I recommend that they look at the job market. Charleston is hotter than most of the state. Check out www.indeed.com It is the easiest to use job search engine. Are you fluent in another language?


Also do a search for the Charleston newspaper online. That will help you geta feel for things.

If you have ever thought about being a lawyer. Charleston has a night law school for working professionals.

P.S. The day care director won't pay any more than the admin assistant.

Okay, that is a big difference chris.

I would apply for positions as a legal secretary or an office manager. That would get you much closer to your goal of 40k.

Remember this and milk it, a boutique commercial litigation firm in Midtown Manhattan will be big time in Charleston.

Good luck and keep posting!

Charleston is a fabulous place to be in your mid twenties. I think you'll be surprised and the amount of culture and arts you'll find in Charleston!