Travel + Leisure named the best East Coast city, beating out major competitors such as Boston and New York City. Climate, cost of living, and a city’s feel differ drastically along the coast, making the best city estimate a combination of scientific and subjective. All things considered, the magazine said that real estate specialists ranked Charleston, South Carolina, as the finest city to live on the East Coast in 2025. The winner’s walkability, pleasant population, and thriving shopping and dining environment elevated it to the top of the list. The seaside city, which has a population of over 150,000, placed higher than Newport, Rhode Island, Greenwich, Connecticut, and Bethesda, Maryland.
Charleston is South Carolina’s biggest city. With its cobblestone lanes, horse-drawn carriages, palmetto palm trees, and ancient mansions, the city exudes southern charm – relaxed and approachable. But it isn’t stuck in the past. Award-winning young chefs incorporate southern aspects into contemporary American cooking, and the famed Spoleto Festival hosts hundreds of musical, theatrical, and dance events each year, some of which are modern reinterpretations of classics. The populace is well-educated, housing values continue to climb, and unemployment is low. Charleston, South Carolina, is home to both trendy and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Reasons to Move to Charleston:
One disadvantage of being selected the finest city is the possibility of an inflow of people migrating there, raising the cost of housing. In August 2025, the median sale price of a house was $635,000, with residences in the downtown historic district costing more than $1 million. According to experts, the amount you pay for housing should not exceed 28% of your total income. That figure is achievable in Charleston for those earning the area’s median income (about $83,000 per year), even if you are unsure whether renting or purchasing a property is preferable.
Charleston’s cost of living in 2024 was 2% lower than the national average, while other cost of living indices, such as utilities and groceries, were higher. These expenses are offset by lower taxes, cheaper gasoline, and lower health-care costs. If you have children, approximately 75% of Charleston County public school students are proficient in math and reading, and there are numerous private schools. Additionally, the College of Charleston provides undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Charleston has a subtropical climate, with moderate winters and scorching summers. There are four public pools to assist you beat the heat, and the Atlantic Ocean beaches are just a short drive away. A visit to a farmers market, purchasing a local’s latest book from an indie bookstore, or browsing the offerings in the Charleston Brewery District are all possible daily activities in Charleston. History buffs can board the ferry to Fort Sumter, where the American Civil War began, and Fort Moultrie. In addition, the city’s more than 400 churches represent nearly every religious group. There is something for everyone in this lovely city.
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