Top 5 (Or More) Things You HATE Most About Living In Charleston? (Summerville: relocating, transplants)

[83margaux]

Hi. Like many posters on this board, my wife and I are considering making the move to Charleston. I'm hoping a post like this assist everyone else in a similar situation.

What are the top 5 (or more) things you HATE most about living in Charleston?

Also, please see similar thread about things you LOVE most about living in Charleston.

[Jim3310]

As a 4 year old told me recently; "You said hate, that's a bad word. I'm telling."

1. I would like more flights out of here; though it's getting better.
2. The bread is too pale.
3. Traffic signage is terrible.
4. Education needs a refitting.
5. They only put the Giants game on when they have too.
jim

[pokrplr]

hmmmmm just 5 eh? OK

a) Summertime! I should have been born an eskimo...

2) Lack of "good" Italian food

c) Bad drivers

4) Stealing #5 from Jim, the GMEN get the shaft to Carolina Games, UGH!

e) This one is most important to me >>> NO CASINO'S........

[seacoastbill]

1. The Bugs: There are a tremendous amount of aggressive mosquitos and noseeums. They like being out when the weather is best. So if you like being out, they will be out.
2. The lack of hills: The lanscape is flat and wet. If you are into watersports, then Chas is great. But if not, there is a lack of interesting landscape.
3. The people: people here have little to speak about. They talk about their homes, their money, their social life. But it is difficult to get deeper
4. The lack of bike friendly streets: Charleston is a difficult place to get on two wheels, whether motorized or not. As a former Harley rider, Charleston broke me of my passion because the drivers simply don't pay attention to you. I also was a big road biker and don't do that for the same reasons.
5. The lack of variety in food: Charleston has some great low-country food. But, in comparison to bigger cities like Charlotte or Atlanta, there simply is not any variety. You will find the chain restaurants like Chilis and etc. You will find some really great local places. But you won't find the "big city" choices.

[imperieux]

Originally Posted by seacoastbill

1. The lack of variety in food: Charleston has some great low-country food. But, in comparison to bigger cities like Charlotte or Atlanta, there simply is not any variety. You will find the chain restaurants like Chilis and etc. You will find some really great local places. But you won't find the "big city" choices.

Wow. Normally I wouldn't disagree with anyone's list for opinions are completely subjective, but this one is so off the mark that I have to speak up. Someone that is potentially relocating should be told that there are more restaurants here other than Chili's.

The fact is, Charleston's restaurant scene is so diverse and wonderful that it's known both nationally and worldwide, and not just for it's Lowcountry Cuisine. Fodor's actually lists this city as a destination for cuisine and this fact is listed as number 1 in their list of Top 5 reasons to visit. I'm a "foodie" and it was one of the reasons I relocated here and why I'm so happy living here now.

Here's a few different varieties...

39 Rue de Jean - French Bistro-style
Carolina's - Lowcountry seafood
Cypress - Fine Classic American
Fig - Contemporary American
Grill 225 - Upscale Steakhouse
Jestine's Kitchen- Soul Food
La Fourchette- Classic French
Robert's of Charleston - Contemporary American w/live music and show tunes
Peninsula Grill - Contemporary Seafood
Slightly North of Broad- Southern Lowcountry w/an eclectic focus
Sienna- Contemporary Italian
Jack's - American-Casual
Tristan's - Global Cuisine
Mercato - Classic Italian

And that's such a small sample. I'd be here all day if I listed every wonderful restaurant this city has to offer.

[imperieux]

As for my list of 5 things I hate about Charleston, I can really only think of one.

1. The fact that so many transplants are moving here and expecting and wanting the same things they left in NJ, NY, OH, etc.. I worry that Charleston will lose a bit of it's authentic southern flavor that is so charming as the northern exodus continues and brings with it the same problems I've tried to escape from.

Perhaps I'll be criticized for saying this, as I'm a transplant myself, but I've chosen to assimilate as much as possible for I believe that the old adage "When in Rome.." applies. Hopefully, many more transplants will choose to do the same in honor of preserving the charm that makes Charleston so unique.

[nomony]

Originally Posted by Jim3310

As a 4 year old told me recently; "You said hate, that's a bad word. I'm telling."

1. I would like more flights out of here; though it's getting better.
2. The bread is too pale.
3. Traffic signage is terrible.
4. Education needs a refitting.
5. They only put the Giants game on when they have too.
jim

No Giants games unless they have to?????? My husband probably won't move to Summerville now. Guess I'll have to come alone!

[83margaux]

Originally Posted by imperieux

As for my list of 5 things I hate about Charleston, I can really only think of one.

1. The fact that so many transplants are moving here and expecting and wanting the same things they left in NJ, NY, OH, etc.. I worry that Charleston will lose a bit of it's authentic southern flavor that is so charming as the northern exodus continues and brings with it the same problems I've tried to escape from.

Perhaps I'll be criticized for saying this, as I'm a transplant myself, but I've chosen to assimilate as much as possible for I believe that the old adage "When in Rome.." applies. Hopefully, many more transplants will choose to do the same in honor of preserving the charm that makes Charleston so unique.

funny you say this. this is one of the large reasons why we'd like to leave richmond. it was great for about 5 years, but we have steadily felt that transplants from further up north are bringing the same problems that you describe. i'm originally from maryland.

[Luvsdabeach]

1. Being a native, I happen to agree with imperieux because I'm already seeing some of it.
2. The morning and afternoon rush hour traffic on I-26.
3. Watching construction companies clear cutting all the beautiful tree's to make room for cookie cutter neighborhoods.

[flgrammie]

Bosom buddy politicians and public workers. There's no way any of them are honest.