Best area for "young professionals?" (Charleston, Central: apartment complex, for rent)

[GeauxTigers2010]

My knowledge of Charleston is very limited thus far, as I've only spent about 48 hours there. However, my move to Charleston is definite and I need to find a place to live where I feel comfortable. Read: where there are other 20-somethings around. Most of my visit was spent on Mt Pleasant (Belle Hall) and I did not get the impression that it was the right area for me, but I also didn't venture to far down 17, so I could be wrong.

I am a college graduate in my mid-20s. I work in the medical field and often work nights, so coming home at 3:30am and feeling safe walking from my car to my door is very important. I will also be living alone most of the year, as my boyfriend is in the military and deployed. I am not looking to live downtown and would ideally like to stay below $800 a month for rent. I liked James Island a lot, but cannot afford to live there.

Can anyone suggest a good location (or even apartment complex, if you know of one) for someone like me?

[moneill]

Try Central Square apartments in Mount Pleseant -- great location, and full of young professionals. Very safe.....

[GeauxTigers2010]

Those are way out of my price range, but thank you for your suggestion.

[moneill]

oops sorry. I forget the price thing -- in a big city they would be a great deal. In Charlesotn -- not so much.

[JimmyCh]

There should be apartments for 800 in James island. Downtown is more expensive, and I think you need a roommate to stay below 800 in a safe area of downtown (anything below Cannon or Morris st). If you choose James island, you need to watch for parking in downtown. Bus is out of question if you are leaving work around 3:30 a.m.