Charleston, South Carolina, is a beautiful Southern city known for its rich history. From cobblestone streets to buildings dating back before the Revolutionary War, stepping into Charleston is like stepping back in time. But Charleston is also a thriving modern city with art museums, the South Carolina Aquarium and a busy downtown scene of restaurants and shops. More than 133,000 residents call this port city home, and more people move here every year due to the growing economy. For those wanting to live nearby, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 suburbs surrounding Charleston.
10. Hollywood
- Population: 5,227
- Median Home Value: $237,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 38 minutes
- School Ranking: C
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 841
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 136
Welcome to Hollywood! It may not be California, but South Carolina’s Hollywood is a pretty great place. Located 21 miles west of Charleston, Hollywood is home to some great sights and activities, including Dungannon Plantation Heritage Preserve, area golf courses and waterside fun along the Stono River. Find your new home in Hollywood!
9. Moncks Corner
- Population: 11,419
- Median Home Value: $178,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
- School Ranking: B-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 409
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 68
Moncks Corner is located 33 miles north of Charleston. This little suburb is a great blend of urban shopping centers and outdoor spaces. Residents here will enjoy the variety of restaurants, places of worship and fun activities like the local bowling alley. What’s more, Moncks Corner is just a short drive away from the Berkeley County Airport. Browse the house listings for Moncks Corner.
8. Ladson
- Population: 13,790
- Median Home Value: $152,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
- School Ranking: B
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,499
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 566
Ladson is a census-designated place 20 miles northwest of Charleston. This suburb has seen an increase in population over the years, partly due to its easy access to major highways. Every year, Ladson hosts the Coastal Carolina Fair, an 11-day event that draws crowds from all over. Your new Ladson home is just around the corner.
7. North Charleston
- Population: 113,237
- Median Home Value: $164,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
- School Ranking: B
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 6,567
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,039
With more than 113,000 residents, North Charleston is the most populous suburb on our list. As its name suggests, North Charleston is located just north of Charleston. Beyond the plentiful shopping and dining opportunities, North Charleston is also home to important facilities such as the Charleston International Airport and Charleston Southern University. Another notable feature is Park Circle, which is one of the few English Garden-style communities in the country. Find your North Charleston home today.
6. Goose Creek
- Population: 42,841
- Median Home Value: $178,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
- School Ranking: B
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 955
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 105
Just east of Ladson, Goose Creek is about 18 miles north of Charleston. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the parks, local creeks and rivers, and hiking opportunities along trails such as the Marrington Plantation Trailhead. Rich history can be found throughout the city, maintained by a community dedicated to preserving its splendor while encouraging growth. Be sure to check out the new houses in Goose Creek.
5. Summerville
- Population: 51,692
- Median Home Value: $199,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,740
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 140
Located west of Ladson, Summerville is a thriving community of more than 51,000 residents. The city has seen a sharp increase in population over the past few decades, primarily due to the city’s affordability, diverse industries and stellar public education system. Summerville is also home to multiple parks and country clubs, as well as the Summerville-Dorchester Museum, where residents can learn about local county history. Find your new Summerville home.
4. Hanahan
- Population: 25,765
- Median Home Value: $216,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 346
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 60
Hanahan is located about 15 miles north of Charleston. With the Cooper River and Goose Creek Reservoir running through the community, Hanahan is full of great fishing spots and water sports. Hanahan also has a strong public education system, a popular recreation center and no shortage of good restaurants. Take a look at the houses available in Hanahan.
3. James Island
- Population: 12,068
- Median Home Value: $272,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,209
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 195
James Island is a short four-mile drive south of Charleston. This coastal community offers miles of beaches, perfect for a day in the sun and water. James Island is also home to the Fort Sumter National Monument, commemorating the battles fought during the Civil War and the War of 1812. With its diverse restaurants and cafes and highly ranked education system, James Island is a great place to call home. Browse the house listings in James Island.
2. Isle of Palms
- Population: 4,340
- Median Home Value: $814,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 80
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 2
Isle of Palms is a small city located on the barrier island of the same name. The long coastline is perfect for swimming, surfing and boating. When you’re not soaking up some sun on the sandy beaches, you can play a few rounds at the community’s multiple golf courses. With the lowest number of violent crimes on our list, residents here can walk the beaches with peace of mind. Find your new home in Isle of Palms.
1. Mount Pleasant
- Population: 89,338
- Median Home Value: $441,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,221
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 138
With a name like Mount Pleasant, it’s no wonder this suburb tops our list. Located just across the Cooper River from Charleston, Mount Pleasant is a rich blend of beautiful beaches and a thriving, urban town. Whether you’re revisiting history at the local museums and historic sites, going showing at the multiple shopping centers or taking a jog in one of the many waterfront parks, you’re guaranteed to have a pleasant time. Your dream home in Mount Pleasant is waiting for you.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
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Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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