Buying Homes Downtown Charleston SC Tips | What To Know about purchasing homes in Downtown Charleston SC

There are few places in the United States that are as pretty and majestic as downtown Charleston, SC. With the perfect mix of places to see, things to do, and unbelievable dining who wouldn’t want to live in downtown Charleston? If you are going to buy downtown there are some issues that you need to consider since most of the homes downtown will need renovations, remodeling, or improvement due to their age.

Houses for sale in downtown Charleston SC don’t come cheap. Especially anything that is really nice, and living downtown comes with its own set of challenges. It’s no mystery that we get a lot of rain here in the South and that rain coupled with a city that is just at or below sea level has its inherent problems. FLOODING. Although the city has done a lot to help curb the problem of flooding but there is still a ways to go.

charleston sc historic property renovations builderSo.. Next question if you want to live in Downtown Charleston is what kind of home do you want to buy? So many people love the historic charm of such an old city, but homes this old have issues, and there aren’t a lot of new construction homes in downtown Charleston that come on the market regularly. Good news… there are some new developers that have come to the area making purchases and building new in real estate downtown Charleston, SC.

Another large factor to consider when thinking about buying homes in Charleston SC is the PARKING. As with most metropolitan living, parking comes at a premium. Many homes downtown do not have “off street” parking so your car will always be parked near the curb on the street versus your own drive way. No.. there are no such things as a garage in downtown Charleston, SC. Just to have your own drive way is luxury alone. Some of the more older historic homes for instance, houses for sale on Tradd St, were built so long ago that they have old servant’s quarters or old non-attached kitchens that are now garages, or completely other living spaces. That’s why a lot of buyers coming to the area consider condos in downtown Charleston, SC. The only kind of garage you will find in downtown Charleston homes is with completely renovated multi-million $$ mansions or a parking garage associated with a condo.  If you a condo is more your style then downtown Charleston SC high-rises might be your best option. All of these properties have been completely built new which is rare for a lot of homes. Parking isn’t a problem in these condos.

ThirdRENOVATIONS. Doing improvements, and renovations in a historic city isn’t easy, and luckily that is the case. There are very many rules, restrictions, and other things one must know before buying downtown Charleston SC because you can’t just tear something down and build it as you want it. You have to go through the ARB (architectural review board) and get everything approved, and signed off on. If you try to do construction on a home without having done this, YOU and the contractor will get serious fines. READ MORE –>

Lastly; is where in downtown Charleston, SC to live? There are different boroughs of downtown Charleston SC all with their own set of charming qualities and features.

Borough neighborhoods of Downtown Charleston, SC:

 

  • South of Broad – Literally just as it is named this area is the most popular part of downtown Charleston, SC.
  • Harleston Village – Located just 3 blocks of the city’s hospitals Harleston Village is also near the only lake in town.
  • French Quarter – Very reminiscent of New Orleans for obvious reasons it is centered amongst the commerce.
  • Ansonborough – This community is probably one of the most sought after of all the downtown Charleston homes.
  • Radcliffeborough – In the middle of Calhoun and Morris St this borough is centrally located.
  • Wraggborough – Is nearest to all the nightlife, dining, and entertainment of all the communities of downtown.
  • Cannonborough and Elliottborough – The most affordable of downtown Charleston real estate, charm is still everywhere.
  • Hampton Park – Has gorgeous homes, nature, green area, and detail in this area named after Gen. Hampton.
  • Wagener Terrace – Just on the other side of the cross town this community is known for more modestly sized homes.
  • Eastside
  • Westside

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