Charleston, SC is the county seat of Charleston County, and the most populous city in South Carolina.
Its history dates to the 17th century.
The city’s history includes several battles over claims to the area, and pirates deciding that they liked the area.
Gentrification has had a role in the population shifts.
Charleston has also had a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Crime in Charleston varies, based on specific neighborhoods in the city of more than 151,000 residents.
The chance of becoming a crime victim is higher in Charleston when compared to the chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime nationwide.
There are good neighborhoods in Charleston that attract residents because of the safety of the neighborhood, good schools, and other amenities.
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC
1. Sullivan’s Island
The high cost of living in the Sullivan’s Island neighborhood, which is 143 percent higher than the average cost of living in South Carolina, may seem like a reason for people to choose another neighborhood.
The good livability score, the natural beauty of the island, and the excellent schools are some reasons that people call Sullivan’s Island their home.
Residents earn a median annual income of $150,000.
The median income for Sullivan’s Island residents is 220 percent higher than the median income for the state.
It is more than 200 percent higher than the U.S. average.
Another benefit of living on Sullivan’s Island is the fact that residents feel safe inside and outside their homes.
The crime rate on the island is 66 percent lower than the South Carolina crime rate.
It is 59 percent lower than the national average.
2. Folly Beach
The residents of Folly Beach include families, singles, young professionals, and empty nesters.
Living in Folly Beach is like being on vacation every day.
It is just a short, 10-minute drive from downtown Charleston, yet has an eclectic vibe.
The tourists line the beach along with the residents, who enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and watching everyone else.
Residents pay a higher-than-average price to live in the area.
The cost of living in the neighborhood is 49 percent higher than the South Carolina average.
People who live in the area enjoy a safe neighborhood.
The chance of becoming a crime victim on Folly Beach is one in 228, which is 81 percent lower than the U.S. average.
3. Mount Pleasant
Situated between Downtown Charleston, SC, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms, the Mount Pleasant area is one of the best Charleston neighborhoods.
Mount Pleasant does not have many parks, but it does have a vibrant nightlife scene.
The many restaurants, bars, and entertainment options are sure to appeal to the growing population of young professionals and families.
Safety is not much of an issue in Mount Pleasant, since it has one of the lowest crime rates in South Carolina.
You have a one in 65 chance of becoming a crime victim, which is 34 percent lower than the national average.
It is 45 percent lower than the state average.
4. French Quarter
The French Quarter area is inside the Downtown Historic District of Charleston, SC.
Art galleries, museums, open-air markets, restaurants, and nightlife are some amenities that draw residents and visitors to the neighborhood.
The historic buildings, many of which are centuries old, are just one reason that the French Quarter is a National Historic Landmark District.
Residents and visitors feel safe walking through the French Quarter during the day and at night.
The cost of living is high, but many residents are likely to feel that having a sense of safety is worth the higher housing cost.
5. Riverland Terrace
Charleston has several neighborhoods that offer a lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the busier neighborhoods that have a lot of nightlife activities.
Riverland Terrace, located on James Island, is one of those neighborhoods.
Public green spaces, waterfront views, and community events are some amenities of the neighborhood.
Riverland Terrace is an ideal neighborhood for families and retirees.
The neighborhood is safer than 59 percent of the cities in South Carolina.
6. South of Broad
The cost of a home in the South of Broad neighborhood is for those who are prepared to pay several million dollars to live in their home.
It is Charleston’s most expensive neighborhood and one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the U.S.
South of Broad is a highly sought-after neighborhood with examples of stunning architecture.
Mansions and smaller historic homes provide the perfect residence for families, retirees, and other residents.
Cobblestone streets and colorful homes in Rainbow Row serve as a reminder of days gone by in South of Broad.
Most residents hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
The neighborhood also has excellent schools.
Crime is low because of the exclusivity of the neighborhood.
7. James Island
The beautiful beaches, excellent livability score, low poverty rate, and low unemployment rate, are some reasons that residents choose James Island as their home.
The cost of living is higher than in many areas of South Carolina.
The median income is 75 percent higher than the median income for the state.
James Island has a low crime rate.
The crime rate is 60 percent lower than the state average, and 52 percent lower than the national average.
8. Wagener Terrace
Wagener Terrace is a great neighborhood to live in for people who want to be close to the big city, yet far away enough to enjoy a residential, quieter neighborhood.
The tree-lined streets feature affordable homes that range from small bungalows to mid-century homes, to new-construction homes.
Residents include families, retirees, single residents, and young professionals.
The proximity to Joint Base Charleston makes Wagener Terrace an ideal neighborhood for military personnel and their families.
Residents enjoy the many restaurants, hiking trails, and parks.
The low crime rate is another attractive feature.
The crime rate in Wagener Terrace is 67 percent lower than the state average.
9. Stiles Point
Stiles Point is at a central location, located just 13 minutes away from downtown Charleston, SC.
The neighborhood is close to Folly Beach, another of Charleston’s safest neighborhoods.
A recreation complex, parks where kids play freely, a variety of trails, and great restaurants are some reasons that residents prefer to live in Stiles Point.
The low crime rate is another reason.
Stiles Point is safer than 59 percent of the cities in South Carolina.
10. Harleston Village
Take a step back in time to the historic Harleston Village neighborhood, which dates to the 17th century.
Families, retirees, and college students who enjoy the quick commute to the College of Charleston live in the vibrant, yet peaceful neighborhood.
Residents get the benefit of enjoying quiet, residential streets while also enjoying the many restaurants, bars, parks, and family-friendly activities.
Crime does not occur as often in Harleston Village, compared to some other Charleston, SC neighborhoods.
The neighborhood is safer than 57 percent of other South Carolina cities.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Charleston, SC
- Do not walk trails alone. It is easy for many people to assume that they will be safe when they walk or hike a trail. Stay safe and have someone walk with you.
- Stay away from high-crime neighborhoods. Charleston has several safe neighborhoods but also has some with high crime rates. Stay out of those areas.
- Stay in well-lit areas. Do not stray away from well-lit areas when traveling to Charleston. It only takes seconds to become a crime victim.
- Plan. Avoid standing out and making yourself a target. Research where you are going and how to get there.
- Stash the cash. Do not let anyone see your cash. Carry only the money that you need in your wallet or purse.
Charleston Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Charleston Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downtown Charleston safe?
Downtown Charleston is known for its vibrant nightlife, entertainment options, its historic homes and structures.
Many people enjoy the downtown area and feel completely safe, even at night.
What neighborhoods should I avoid in Charleston, SC?
Some of the dangerous Charleston neighborhoods with high crime rates include North Charleston, Summerville, Hanahan, and Eastside.
How can I find a safe hotel in Charleston?
Check for hotels that are located in the safest Charleston neighborhoods.
Book your room well in advance if you plan to visit or move to one of the safe Charleston neighborhoods.
Doing so helps to guarantee that you enjoy Charleston while staying at a hotel located in a safe area of Charleston.
