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I am considering moving to Charleston. The last time I visited was about 6 years ago and it was with a group that went to the aquarium and Fort Sumter so I didn't get a great feel for how walkable the city is, but being able to walk or bike is a big selling point for me so tell me, on average, how walkable is this city?
It's not. I don't know a single person who doesn't own a vehicle.
It may be doable if you live downtown and work at, say, MUSC, but you would have one hell of a time going grocery shopping. Want to go to the beach? Not happening.
I am considering moving to Charleston. The last time I visited was about 6 years ago and it was with a group that went to the aquarium and Fort Sumter so I didn't get a great feel for how walkable the city is, but being able to walk or bike is a big selling point for me so tell me, on average, how walkable is this city?
By city, I'm assuming you mean downtown...
Very walkable. Gym, shopping, groceries, beach -> All doable by bike
The buses have compartments on the front bumper where you can fit your bike. So anywhere buses go, you can bring your bike
If you're not feeling driving a car and you live downtown, another option is a golf cart, they are legal and you can travel anywhere downtown with them (up too 3 miles from your house ).. I use mine for quick trips.
I work with people that live downtown and bike to work. I also know some people without cars that get around by bike and bus. One lives in West Ashley and takes the bus to Mt. P for work, another lives in N. Charleston and takes the bus to work in Mt. P, and two others live in Mt. P and go everywhere on their bikes. Depending on where you live, I don't think you would have any problems getting around by bike. As mentioned by someone else, the buses have bike racks, so you can go anywhere the bus goes.
My daughter recently moved to downtown Charleston. She walks, takes the free trolley and once, she rode her beautiful bike to work, and it was stolen. Thief broke the lock right off. Believe it not, her bike was recovered and returned to her within the week! Now that would never happen in Chicago!!!
Parts of the peninsula are walkable. I'd say the closer you live to Calhoun Street or King Street, the better off you'd be as far as being able to shop, dine, and find entertainment all within walking distance. The free downtown shuttle bus would extend your range. You should look at their map, but be aware that most of the neighborhoods the shuttle passes through are historic and pricey to live in.
There is a nice area for cycling in the suburbs along the West Ashley Greenway. (Walking may be possible if you live very close to the shopping areas near the Greenway). But that is a rare exception. The suburbs were built to accommodate automobiles. There is a large community of people who support making neighborhoods pedestrian and cyclist friendly, but there are also a lot of people who just want bigger and more expensive roads. The latter are the people who choose to live 30 miles from their work, and then they complain about the traffic. If you move here, please be outspoken about the many ways in which new development could be better. We could use your help dragging some people out of the dark ages.
Last edited by Native_Ink; 05-27-2014 at 08:01 AM..
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If you move here, please be outspoken about the many ways in which new development could be better. We could use your help dragging some people out of the dark ages. 
