Charleston’s Historic District primarily makes up the entire downtown Charleston, at the junction of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Many local residents refer to “the two rivers joining to form the Atlantic Ocean”. This peninsula area is home to around 36,000 residents.

Charleston's name is derived from Charles Town, named after King Charles II of England. The city was founded as Charlestowne or Charles Towne, Carolina in 1670, It adopted its present name in 1783. Today, the Charleston Historic District is the ideal blend of modern elegance and classical southern charm. To live in Charleston is to walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes, signers of the Declaration of Independence and authors of the Constitution. With more architecturally significant 18th and 19th century buildings than any other city in America, historic Charleston glows in the glory of its collection of gracious houses and imposing civic structures.

Also known as The Holy City, Charleston brims with culture. Year-round events keep the Charleston area buzzing.

Every January, is Charleston’s Lowcountry Oyster Festival, held on the grounds at Boone Hall Plantation. This event has been named in the "top 20 events in the southeast" by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

Charleston’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation, attracting more than 35,000 attendees every February. The majority of the outdoor events are held in popular Marion Square.

In March, the annual Charleston International Antiques Show features a diverse range of antiques from the late 17th to the early 20th century, including: American, Asian and European furniture, silver and porcelain, textiles, ceramics, vintage jewelry and clothing, and garden furniture. The Wine + Food Festival just celebrated its 11th anniversary.

Charleston's Annual Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens is held during the peak of the historic port city's blooming season, for four weeks, between March and April. The festival offers guests the rare opportunity to explore the private residential interiors and gardens of approximately 150 of America's most distinctive historic houses in 11 colonial and antebellum neighborhoods.

The first weekend in every April, Charleston’s Cooper River Bridge Run is held, and the finish line is historic downtown Charleston. It is distinguished as one of the best organized and the best conducted 10-K race in the world.

For 17 days and nights each May, Spoleto Festival USA fills historic Charleston, South Carolina’s theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances by world renowned artists as well as emerging performers in disciplines ranging from opera, theater, music theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music, as well as the visual arts. Piccolo Spoleto features artists from the Southeastern United States in all areas of performing, literary and visual arts – classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities and more.

In June, the annual Governor's Cup Billfishing Series is designed to promote the state's billfishing tournament industry, increase coastal tourism and encourage conservation through the tag and release of billfish.

There is nothing like Charleston’s 4th of July celebration. Fireworks are launched from the flight deck of the world famous aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN, across the Charleston’s Historic harbor. It's a show that's been featured in the New York Times travel section, Southern Living and a host of other publications.

When the weather turns cool, take a stroll through the historic district during Charleston’s Annual Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens. The five week event is possible only as a result of the generosity of owners of historic properties, as ticket holders are able to get a glimpse of the responsibility of historic home ownership.

The MOJA Arts Festival in October is an annual event that highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. “Moja”, a Swahili word meaning "One," is a celebration of harmony among all people in the Charleston community. MOJA Festival’s wide range of events include: visual arts, dance, concerts, storytelling, theatre, children's activities, traditional crafts, and ethnic food.

During the holiday season, celebrate with a visit to the historic Edmondston-Alston House, one of the first dwellings built on historic Charleston’s High Battery neighborhood. Costumed interpreters will tell the story of Christmas in the 1860’s.

Three renowned universities are a located on the historic Charleston peninsula, The Citadel Military College, The College of Charleston, and the Medical University of South Carolina. Trident Technical College has a downtown campus, and there is also a new culinary arts school. Two private schools, Ashley Hall, and Porter Gaud have been teaching Charleston students for well over a hundred years.

Charleston’s neighborhoods are divided into “ boroughs”. Ansonborough is where the newly renovated City Market is located, and Wraggborough is home to Marion Square. Charleston is the heart and soul of the old and the new south, and is now again the thriving epicenter of art and culture, style and taste. For six years running, Conde Nast readers have named historic Charleston number one on their list of best U.S. cities to visit!

Charleston SC Historic District Real Estate

The Downtown Charleston Peninsula including zipcodes 29401, 29402 and 29403 saw over 190 sales between Jun 1 and Dec 30 2022 .  Prices ranged from $18,500,000 to $238,000 for habitable houses.   The median sales price increased over 13% on the Charleston Peninsula from the same time last year.

For more information regarding specific neighborhoods in the Downtown Historic  Charleston area, contact Behren Kittrell, BIC Charleston Flat Fee Real Estate.  Home sales include condominiums, investment properties, and fix and flips. Information provided by Behren Kittrell, BIC Charleston Flat Fee Real Estate.