Consider This When Buying Real Estate in Charleston’s Historic District - Page 256
Ever feel nervous about buying a home or moving to a new location, and think “Is this the right move for me?”
A quick city-guide or list of property details can give you some insight, but there are doubts. For those moving to Charleston’s Downtown Historic District, there’s a double whammy. First, you have to wonder if downtown Charleston is right for you. Then you have to answer if you should buy a historic real estate property.
Real estate is already filled with too many decisions. To narrow your choices and get you in the right mindset, let’s dive into the questions you should ask yourself before deciding on Charleston, SC.
- Should I buy a historic home in Charleston?
Charleston and the outlying suburbs offer plenty of choices for real estate. You can find ranch-style properties, modern living arrangements, houses on the beach, and homes situated within historic districts. All have different pros and cons.
Historic homes in Charleston are typically located on the peninsula, giving you quick access to many workplaces, restaurants, and other entertainment options. The main selling point to historic real estate is the character of the home. No property is the same and each has a layout that has been distinguished by its previous owners (some dating back to the early 1800’s).
Living in a historic home means you get to be a part of something unique. You get a glimpse into the past few are privy to. How cool is that?
Some things you may want to research before buying include:
- What taxes will you pay? Are there any tax credits (or incentives) from state and local governments?
- What restrictions are there for renovating historic homes?
- What kind of costs will you face with maintaining a historic property?
- Does the location create a setting you want to live in or be away from?
- Is downtown Charleston the right location for me?
Downtown Charleston is naturally alluring. You’re connected to almost everything -- entertainment, work, travel spots, and so on. Choosing Charleston means understanding what kind of vibe you want to live among.
Downtown is more energetic and lively than other suburbs like Mount Pleasant or James Island. Restaurants and events are just blocks away. Each weekend is its own adventure. You don’t have to worry about sitting through traffic, since you’re already in the heart of things.
The price for living in downtown Charleston means less space for your dollar. Properties, here, don’t have acre-sized backyards. You’re choosing to live in a traditional, Southern home where you’re close to your neighbor. Other things to consider include knowing your flood zone. Charleston is located in a flood zone and does, occasionally, experience inclement weather. This means paying more for home and flood insurance.
- Does the home (or location) have the right amenities?
Depending on your lifestyle, Charleston’s Downtown Historic District may or may not be the right place for you. If you’re someone who wants to be on the beach, surfing every day … downtown Charleston may not be the best option, since you can choose a home on Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or Folly Beach.
But if you love being in the heart of activity and cherish opportunities to try new things, downtown is a great choice. Before selecting a property, perform a local Google Map search. See what parks, schools, and other venues are nearby. Example: if you’re a sailor, you’ll enjoy the marina just down the road.
Double check what effort it will take to live your lifestyle and see if it’ll be a happy (and easy) one.
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12 Bee Street UNIT D
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough
Residential
Excellent location right next door to MUSC. Walk around the corner to Hominy Grill for a bite to eat, or take a short bike ride/walk down to Britle...
12 Bee Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough
Residential
Excellent location right next door to MUSC. Walk around the corner to Hominy Grill for a bite to eat, or take a short bike ride/walk down to Britle...
239 Calhoun Street UNIT A&B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
Centrally located between CofC and MUSC this stately Charleston Single Home, circa 1886, will be an incredible investment or family home. The most ...
150 Bee Street UNIT #801
Charleston, SC 29401
Bee Street Lofts
Residential
This is the best unit in the building - southwest corner! Penthouse with 20' ceilings and panoramic views of the Ashley River and marinas. Large so...
330 Concord Street UNIT 14F&G
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential
High floor with Southern, Eastern, and Northern exposures. Views out to the Atlantic. Enjoy the Ravenel Bridge as a backdrop. Two condos were combi...
38 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
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This home known as the William C. McElheran House circa 1847, was purchased in 1860 by CD Franke and Ferdinand Benedict for the construction of gun...
150 Bee Street UNIT #315
Charleston, SC 29401
Bee Street Lofts
Residential
The absolute best value in Bee Street Lofts. No question. And it is on the garden level with two huge outdoor terraces with gas grills and fabulous...
13 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
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A charming typical 3 story historic Georgian Colonial peninsula town home c. 1775 with first and second story piazzas located on lower Church Stree...
63 Rutledge Avenue UNIT #27
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
GREATLY REDUCED! Condo at Berkley Court. Great views of Colonial Lake from this corner unit. A MUST SEE.
130 South Battery
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Beautifully renovated traditional brick home on tree-shaded street just steps from The Battery. Gracious entry opens to large living and dining roo...
18 Adgers Wharf Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
18 South Adger's Wharf dates to mid 1830s, was completely restored in the early 1990s and the kitchen was completely updated in 2009. This is a han...
55 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
Constructed circa 1762 as a double tenement on a very large lot, 55 King Street was converted to a single family residence in the mid twentieth cen...
330 Concord Street UNIT 4H
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential
Stunning views of the Charleston harbor from this 4th floor two bedroom condo in Dockside Condominiums. Located on the peninsula of historic Charle...
29 State Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
Amazing renovation in one of Charleston's most loved historic buildings. Great location in the heart of the French Quarter. Looking for a bright ch...
58 Murray Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
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This Contemporary brick masterpiece is a visual delight boasting breathtaking harbor views from almost every room. The formal living room with a fi...
152 Broad Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED HOME ON BROAD STREET OFFERS OLD CHARLESTON CHARM WITH MODERN CONVENIENCES. LARGE OPEN FLOOR PLAN. UPDATED KITCHEN. GORGEOUS H...
30 Radcliffe Street UNIT A OR B
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
Classic Charleston architecture in highly desirable Radcliffeborough neighborhood. Renovated from top to bottom with concrete footings and foundati...
30 Radcliffe Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
Classic Charleston Architecture in highly desirable Radcliffeborough neighborhood. Renovated from top to bottom with concrete footings and foundati...
2 Laurens Street UNIT 3F
Charleston, SC 29401
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Ultimate luxury beyond limit in downtown Charleston: this one bedroom home has it all, even a doorman to help you with your packages and greet your...
2 Laurens Street UNIT 2D
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
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Ultimate luxury beyond limit in downtown Charleston; this two bedroom home has it all, even a doorman to help you with your packages and greet your...
2 Laurens Street UNIT 2B
Charleston, SC 29401
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Ultimate luxury beyond limit in downtown Charleston; this two bedroom home has it all, even a doorman to help you with your packages and greet your...