Charleston SC History Charleston is rich in historic charm, but enjoys cultural sophistication which is evident throughout the city. Things like the great fires of 1740, and 1861, the fall of Fort Sumter and consequent destruction of the city during the Civil War, plus a major earthquake in 1886 could not keep Charleston down. The economy of Charleston once was centered around merchandise and trade dating back to the earliest days of the town when the settlers of “Charles Towne” would trade and barter such things as deer skins, indigo, hemp, and cotton with the Indians. Merchants who dealt in luxuries from England also added to the economy of the port city. The Charlestonians eventually became great planters, thus transforming the area to a more agricultural society. In spite of the Yellow Fever epidemic during the mid-1700s, prosperity soon returned and business began to grow again with rice as the cash crop. As the 20th century dawned, Charleston found itself emerging from the crises of the past into the economic prosperity of its golden future; but this time the economic drivers which rose to prominence included manufacturing, military, and the railroad. Later in the 20th century, international container cargo shipping, the medical industry, and tourism also became highly important to the economy of Charleston. Around Charleston There are many exciting and fun things awaiting you in Charleston, SC including the Charleston Aquarium, antebellum mansions, eclectic art galleries, theater, festivals and outdoor concerts. The more popular outdoor activities include things like golf, tennis, horseback riding, water sports, as well as guided tours through Blackwater Swamps and historic plantations like the Magnolia and Boone Hall plantations, saltmarshes and barrier islands – and much, much more. Public education for Charleston pre-K through 12 is provided primarily by three school districts: Berkeley County Schools, Charleston County School District, and District 2 and District 4 of Dorchester County School District.
Charleston Real Estate In 2007 the estimated population of Charleston, SC was 115,235 representing a 19% increase from 2000 census data. During the first quarter of 2009, 313 homes were sold representing a 29% decrease from the same period in 2008. The average MLS list price of current homes for sale in Charleston is $386,427. Days on market (DOM) measures the period of time from the date the property was listed on the MLS to the date when a contract is accepted. For the first quarter of 2009 average DOM was 138 days, representing a 15% increase from the same period in 2008. As of May 1, 2009 there were 1,927 active listings or current inventory in Charleston, SC. Current inventory reflects the number of active listings on the market. Months of inventory equals the current inventory divided by monthly sales. Monthly inventory measures how many months it would take to sell out of inventory at the current month’s rate of sale. As of May 1, 2009 there were 24.7 months of inventory listed in Charleston, SC.
Sales rose in Berkeley County by 65% from November last year, with 196 homes sold at a median price of $154,700. The Median was $170,000 for the same month of 2008.
Charleston County showed the greatest gains in the regions during November, with sales doubling over last year, and median prices stayed within 1% of the 2008 level. In all, 361 properties were sold in Charleston County, at a median price of $225,000, compared with 170 at a median price of $227,700 a year ago.
In Dorchester County, Sales jumped 42% with 199 properties sold. The median price of homes sold was $150,000 compared to $170,000 in November 2008.
For an analysis of specific neighborhoods in Charleston, SC please email info@lowcountry-lifestyle.com or contact Kyle Cosper, Broker/Owner at (843) 881-8535.
The boundaries of metropolitan Charleston, SC lie within three counties, Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester. The city has 90 miles of coastline, and stretches inward from the Atlantic coast some 50 miles. |