Coastal Living in Charleston: What It's Really Like

When people picture living in Charleston, water is usually somewhere in the picture.

That's accurate.

Charleston is surrounded by rivers, tidal creeks, marshes, harbor and ocean.

For me, that's one of the best things about living here.

But "coastal living" can mean a lot of different things when you're buying a house.

A listing may describe a property as waterfront, marshfront, tidal-creek, deepwater or simply having a water view.

Those aren't interchangeable.

If water access matters to you, figure out what you actually want.

Do you want:

• ✓A view?
• ✓A dock?
• ✓Kayak access?
• ✓Boat access?
• ✓Deep water?
• ✓To be near a marina?
• ✓To live near the beach without actually living on it?

Those answers can lead you to completely different properties.

The Lowcountry is tidal.

That means a creek that looks completely different at high tide may be mostly mud at low tide.

If you're buying because you want boating access, don't judge that access from one photograph taken at the perfect tide.

Understand the actual property and water access.

A dock can be an incredible feature.

It can also be something you need to investigate separately from the house.

If a property has a dock, I would want to understand its condition, permits, maintenance history and exactly what kind of water access it provides.

If the property doesn't have a dock but you're imagining adding one later, don't assume that's automatically possible.

Investigate first.

Living near salt water can mean more exposure to corrosion and weather.

That can affect exterior hardware, HVAC equipment, railings, vehicles and other materials.

It isn't a reason not to live near the water.

It's simply part of owning a coastal property.

Being near water makes flood due diligence especially important.

Don't make the mistake of assuming:

• ✓"It's elevated, so it's fine."
• ✓"The neighbors said it never floods."

Look at the actual property.

Review the flood zone, elevation information, insurance considerations and whatever property-specific information is available to you.

There are days when I get on a boat and remember that this is where I actually live.

That's a big part of what Charleston means to me.

But when you're buying, enjoy the view and do the homework.

Both things can be true.