Charleston Boroughs and which one is good to live in?

Laid out in the 18th century, Harleston Village is one of Charleston's earliest and largest neighborhoods and was home to many of Charleston's entrepreneurs and intellectuals. Many of the streets are named for the important men of the day- John Rutledge, William Pitt, and Christopher Gadsden. On the east side Harleston village encompasses the College of Charleston, which is one of the oldest Universities in the country. On the western boundary are the Ashley River and the City Marina.

A few pre-Revolutionary houses remain, but Harleston's Village development was hampered by the irregularity of tidal creeks and low-lying marshland. A building boom produced a mélange of styles: Charleston "Singles" as lands were subdivided, and grand houses in the Greek Revival and Italianate styles.

Brilliantly positioned within the old walled city and offering sweeping vistas of Charleston’s historic harbor, South of Broad is a highly sought-after neighborhood by social and business èlites. The streets are like galleries lined with fine examples of Georgian, Federal, and Greek revival architecture. Leave your car at home, put on a chic pair of walking shoes, and stroll to all the pleasures of Charleston - world-class restaurants, art openings, upscale boutiques, antique shops plus the fashionable harbor front dog park where Barclay can meet his friends, and you can catch up on the latest.

"Charleston has gained a certain individual beauty by a series of fortunate circumstances. Her periods of prosperity coincided with the best periods of American architecture, so, when she could afford to build, she built handsomely." --Elizabeth O'Neill Verner.

Here you can own an architectural masterpiece. Buying a historic property is like buying artwork. Historic Charleston Properties offers expert advice on authenticity, provenance, and market value; all of which are vital in making a wise investment.

For enjoying the romance of America's most European city you will find a collection of elegant 18th and 19th century town houses, charming carriage houses, picturesque pieds-à-terre, gracious family houses, along with chic new harbor front condominiums, inspired by breathtaking vistas of the harbor offering hard to find living space on one floor.

With South of Broad's prices skyrocketing, the sophisticated are rediscovering the French Quarter, which exudes a very colorful and rich history. It has always been a notable address for the city's cultured and offers Charleston's best art venues. Here connoisseurs can indulge their senses: sweet scented gardens, art galleries resplendent with original art, fine cuisine and exemplary wine cellars, jazz, chamber music or lively plays at America's first theater. The French Quarter provides all the elements that make great cities buzz with excitement.

Elegant Charleston Single Row Houses with hidden gardens to apartments above antique shops, and where 18th century architecture hides bistros and avant guard shops. With the recent renaissance of the harbor front, two new high style condominiums provide much needed living on one floor-ONE VENDUE with a warehouse style and FACTORS WALK in a small boutique, more elegant style (ONLY ONE PENTHOUSE REMAINING).

Ansonborough was Tiny Charles Towne’s first suburb. Laid out in 1774, Ansonborough is now in the heart of the historic district. 18th and 19th century houses with private walled gardens and iron gates line narrow tree-shaded streets where people hustle along worn sidewalks to: the neighborhood green grocer, farmers market, upscale wine and cheese shop, yoga or pilates, church, school, to King Street for shopping till you drop, and small neighborhood bistros or world class restaurants.

Rescued from a slum by Historic Charleston Foundation in the 1950’s, Ansonborough is built on high virgin land, and has one of Charleston’s largest collections of Greek Revival architecture and perhaps one of Charleston’s oldest houses-circa 1717. Ansonborough is home to many fascinating locals and “seasonal residents.”

In Mazyck-Wraggborough revitalization and restoration are underway. Developed in the 18th century by the antebellum elite who wanted "Villas" outside the Walled City, Mazyck-Wraggborough remains a repository of Museum quality houses. This borough is sought-after by buyers who appreciate fine architecture, but do not want to spend the prices of neighborhoods further south. Mazyck-Wraggborough is convenient for those liking to walk. Shopping on Saturday's at the Farmer's Market is a fun, social outing. For smart shops, award winning chefs, and the latest martini, King Street is just a short stroll away!

Mazyck-Wraggborough is a neighborhood of diversity. Mazyck-Wraggborough remains a repository of museum properties: The Aiken-Rhett House, The Joseph Manigault House, and the William Rhett House. A recent gated town house neighborhood adds a new dimension.

Radcliffeborough and Elliottborough are neighborhoods that are in the process of reinventing themselves and creating new identities. Economically mixed, they are home to academics, artists, writers, and students who value the location and feel. With a hip cosmopolitan edginess to it, Radcliffeborough is attracting developers who are restoring or tearing down and rebuilding. The developers of I'on have a new project on board, MORRIS STREET SQUARE, which will start in the $400,000's and will appeal to young professionals. Parents of College of Charleston students are seizing investment opportunities for affordable housing as prices are rising in Harleston Village. Walkability to schools, King Street for shopping, restaurants, and pubs has great appeal.

Developed by prosperous planters in the 1800’s a few plantation houses still remain. Ashley Hall School is housed in one of grand houses that are scattered throughout the neighborhood. Many have fallen in disrepair, but with revitalization, this neighborhood is on the cusp of transformation.