Charleston, August 18, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston real estate market is witnessing a significant migration trend, with over 62% of apartment searches coming from individuals residing outside South Carolina, particularly from Charlotte. This influx is attributed to Charlotte’s rapid population growth and the allure of Charleston’s affordable lifestyle and robust job market. As competition for rental properties rises, Charleston’s housing market shows signs of increasing rental prices, prompting real estate developers to adapt quickly to meet the burgeoning demand. This trend may reshape the rental dynamics in the region in the years to come.
Charleston
A significant trend has emerged in South Carolina’s real estate market, particularly in its largest metropolitan areas, including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. A growing number of apartment searches in these cities are being conducted by people currently residing outside of South Carolina, primarily migrating from Charlotte, North Carolina.
In the Charleston metro area, more than 62% of apartment searches are attributed to potential renters from other regions. This influx is driven largely by the Charlotte area’s impressive population growth, which exceeds 2.8 million, and trends indicate that over 55% of individuals searching for apartments in Charlotte are interested in moving out of the area.
Residents from Charlotte have discovered South Carolina’s affordable lifestyle, appealing cities, and robust job market, contributing to the state’s rank as the top state for employment growth and consistently in the top five for population growth across the United States. Notably, a substantial portion of the migratory trend involves individuals who have family connections in South Carolina.
Migration Patterns and Market Demand
In Charleston specifically, about 30% of apartment searchers are also considering rentals in nearby Columbia, where rent prices are generally lower than in Charleston itself. This trend has created a significant imbalance between those seeking rental properties and available listings, indicating a sizable demand for housing as more residents flock to the region.
Charleston’s housing market, often referred to as “hot,” has seen escalating rental prices, with luxury apartments, such as Marin at The Waterfront Daniel Island, listing units starting at $3,000 monthly. Meanwhile, the recently completed condominium buildings on Johns Island, priced starting at $299,000, have indicated strong market confidence, with a significant number of units pre-sold even before their official opening.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The surge in apartment searches, predominantly driven by the migration from Charlotte, presents both opportunities and challenges for South Carolina’s housing market. With the state attracting new residents for its employment prospects and lower cost of living, real estate developers may need to adapt quickly to the burgeoning demand for housing.
As the trend of relocating to South Carolina continues, areas such as Charleston are likely to experience a sustained period of growth, significant shifts in rental dynamics, and a restructured market poised for further developments in the coming years.
FAQ
Why are people moving from Charlotte to South Carolina?
The migration from Charlotte to South Carolina is primarily due to the state’s affordable cost of living, strong employment growth, and appealing lifestyle in cities like Charleston.
What percentage of apartment searches in Charleston are from outsiders?
More than 62% of apartment searches in the Charleston metro area come from individuals living outside the region.
What are some trends in rental prices in South Carolina?
Rental prices are rising, with luxury apartments in Charleston starting at around $3,000 for multi-bedroom units, while some new condominiums start at $299,000.
Key Features of Migration Trends
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Source of Apartment Searches | Charlotte, NC |
| Percentage of Outsiders Searching in Charleston | 62% |
| Population of Charlotte Metro Area | Over 2.8 million |
| Employment Growth Ranking | 1st in the U.S. |
| Average Rental Price for Luxury Apartments in Charleston | $3,000 Monthly |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Flash Flooding Devastates Wheeling Community
Charleston Community in Shock After Discovery of Human Remains
Additional Resources
- Charleston Business: Marin Daniel Island Luxury Apartments Rentals
- Nora D. Real Estate: Charleston SC Real Estate Market
- YieldPro: Bainbridge Fund
- Post and Courier: Indigo Hall Johns Island Dockside Condos
- Charleston Business: Report on Multi-Family Oversupply
- Wikipedia: Real Estate in the United States
- Google Search: South Carolina Real Estate Trends
- Google Scholar: Charleston Real Estate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- Google News: Charleston Real Estate
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
