Charleston, South Carolina, attracts people from all over the world. It’s a beautiful, historic city with a vibrant culture and stunning coastal views.
But Charleston isn’t the only great place to be in the area. The Holy City is surrounded by smaller towns, each with its own distinct personality and appeal.
Thinking about moving to the Charleston area? Or maybe you want to explore beyond the city limits on your next trip? Here’s a look at some of the best towns close to Charleston, South Carolina, including information about population, housing, attractions, and location.
Mount Pleasant: A Growing Hub
Mount Pleasant is a large suburb right next door to Charleston. The town covers about 50 square miles. With a population of around 64,700, Mount Pleasant has seen explosive growth over the past few decades, actually doubling in size between 1990 and 2000.
If you’re looking to buy a house in Mount Pleasant, you can expect to find prices starting around $259,000 for a modest three-bedroom, two-bath home. Rents for a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment start around $620 per month.
There are also plenty of hotels in Mount Pleasant, with nightly rates starting around $64 at places like the Days Inn near Charleston Harbor.
Charleston: The historic core
Charleston itself is a pretty great place to hang out, so it’s no wonder so many people are looking for towns nearby.
Key features of Charleston
- Charleston has a population of about 124,000.
- Charleston is a coastal city, located roughly halfway between Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia.
- The Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet in Charleston and flow into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Interstate 26 ends in Charleston.
Housing and accommodations
If you’re planning to stay in or near Charleston, here’s a snapshot of the housing market:
- Homes for sale in Charleston start at about $154,000 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house.
- Apartments in Charleston start at about $620 a month for a 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit.
- Hotels in Charleston start at around $139 a night (Embassy Suites Charleston – Historic Charleston and Ansonborough Inn are two popular choices).
Exploring Smaller Towns: Hollywood and Ridgeville
If you’re looking for something smaller and quieter, there are a few little towns within commuting distance of Charleston that might suit you.
Hollywood, SC
Hollywood, South Carolina, is located in Charleston County. It’s a smaller town that covers about 21 square miles.
With a population of only around 3,900 people, homes in Hollywood are generally priced starting around $249,000 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house. A one-bedroom apartment will run you around $610 per month.
If you’re visiting, hotels in Hollywood such as the Hampton Inn and Hawthorn Suites offer nightly rates starting around $75.
Ridgeville, SC
Ridgeville is another small town not too far from Charleston. It’s a tiny place, covering only about 2 square miles.
Ridgeville is home to roughly 1,600 people. Homes for sale start around $225,000 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house, and apartments start at around $629 per month for a one-bedroom unit.
Hotels in Ridgeville, such as the Comfort Inn and Hampton Inn, offer nightly rates starting around $79.
Other Towns Near Charleston
Charleston County is home to a variety of other smaller towns and communities, each offering something a little different. If you’re looking to stay close to Charleston, but want a different vibe, check out towns like Ladson, Parkers Ferry, Rantowles, and Yonges Island.
Many of these communities are linked by US Highway 17, making it easy to get around and explore the Charleston area.
In Summary
Charleston, South Carolina, is a great place to live, and so are the towns surrounding it. From bustling Mount Pleasant to smaller, quieter communities like Hollywood and Ridgeville, each town has something special to offer.
If you’re thinking about moving to the Charleston area or just planning a visit, I highly recommend taking some time to explore these nearby towns. You might just find your perfect spot!