World's Smartest Cities Include Charleston

TOP PLACES TO LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston, South Carolina is nicknamed the Holy City for its longstanding tradition of religious tolerance. Many people revere this city for other reasons. Not only is it historic, cultured and has a centuries old tradition of supporting the arts, Charleston is also a center for business. Charleston neighborhoods along with its location on the coast encourage retirees to consider relocating to Charleston.  One of the busiest ports on the Eastern Seaboard gives the area the ability to provide transportation of goods and people to almost anywhere. Business and government entities in the area take advantage of the excellent location for intermodal transportation by train, air or water.

Governor Nikki Haley has been leading the charge to encourage new business and higher educational standards to South Carolina. New business is being attracted by the upgrades to infrastructure, the reform of the educational system and the ability of the state to achieve all this without the need to raise taxes. South Carolinians are enjoying the lowest unemployment rate in some years. Recently reelected by a historic margin, Governor Haley also spearheaded the effort to provide tax relief for small business, immigration reform and pension reform.

Venues in the Charleston area attracting business and highly educated workers:

• Joint Base Charleston is home to Charleston Air Force Base, Space and Warfare Systems, Nuclear Power Training Command, the Army Combat Equipment Group Afloat and Surface Deployment Distribution Command. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and US Coast Guard also operate facilities in the area.
• Medical University of South Carolina is attracting students from all over the world with programs in Dental Medicine, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and associated professions. The Storm Eye Institute, Hollings Cancer Center and Childrens Hospital are also located at MUSC.
• The Greater Charleston area is home to 26 colleges and universities, including The College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University and The Citadel.
• The Holy City itself, one of the top places to live in South Carolina and a beautiful setting for tourism and activities inspires those considering relocating to Charleston to do it.

Top employers in the area include Google, Bosch, Boeing, Blackbaud and Daimler. The pro business climate and educated work force in South Carolina as well as the charm of Charleston neighborhoods attracted these top companies to the area.

South Carolina law provides tuition exemptions for residents 60 and older at state colleges, generally seniors may take any classes offered, some other fees may apply and rules vary by college, so let research be your guide. Educational opportunities abound in the Charleston area for first time student as well as lifelong learning opportunities for those not quite first time students. As one of the top places to live in South Carolina for retired persons, a good supply of educational opportunities is essential. The top colleges in the area from an enrollment standpoint are Charleston Southern College, The Citadel, College of Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina and Trident Technical College.

The College of Charleston offers a unique opportunity in lifelong learning, the Center for Creative Retirement, based in North Charleston and held in varying venues weekly lectures are offered on many diverse subjects. The Citadel and Trident Technical College offer senior classes as well.

The Holy City is also blessed with some of the most walkable and scenic Charleston neighborhoods. Great dining based on Lowcountry cuisine features farm to table seasonal produce and locally grown meats and seafood make Charleston a great place to live, work, play, retire and eat. The city's commitment to the Arts is demonstrated every summer with the production of the Spoleto festival and the year round performances by the Charleston based Symphony, Ballet and the Light Opera Guild. If Visual Arts are more to your liking, a trip down the Museum Mile should be on your list of must sees. Some of the top museums in Charleston are located along Meeting Street "the Museum Mile" - historical items to paintings by Lowcountry artists are on display here.

Given the Lowcountry setting, the proximity to water and beaches and availability of the arts and educational opportunities in Charleston, is it any wonder that the highest percentage of college graduates in the state of South Carolina live in the area? The exceptional lifelong learning opportunities continue to attract retiring Baby Boomers. If you're exploring the Lowcountry for retirement, ask for our free Charleston relocation information to help you learn more about the area.