Downtown Charleston (neighborhood, living, beaches)

[boojum]

My wife and I are mid-50s, self-employed and think we can afford to live downtown - slightly above or below Broad. Question is - should we? Any thoughts on what it's like in day-to-day terms actually living there? Clients are all in other parts of the country, this is purely a life-style question. Thanks!

[elainefin8]

Bring a lot of money. Are you comfortable using public transportation? Parking can be an issue. Charleston homeowners ins can be costly. South of Broad is definitly costly. However, if you can afford it, go for it. Of course, you need to talk to a realtor specializing in lower Charleston. Make sure to include questions on availability, ins, and the history of any properties you seriously investigate.
East Bay is mardi-gras every night, traffic is a mild pain during the daylight hours and tourist season. The culture is rich, the people a veritable melting pot stew.
Air travel is not easy from this area. Fights are few and not always convenient.
If weather frightens you, this is not the place for you. Hurricanes can be devistating.
Again on the plus side: lovely beaches, amazing food, fishing, culture, history that spans the first incursion of the Europeans through the current outfitting of the navys most modern warships, stunning flora and fauna, alligators. Oh, wait, that last might not belong in that column. I was truely surprised to discover alligators do in fact wander into the local neighborhood ponds . . . .
If Charleston does not work out for you, please consider Albuquerque, NM.