When I talk to clients about living in Charleston, I am always interested to hear the different reasons they have for moving to (or remaining in) Charleston. Over the years I have heard probably hundreds of reasons, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to the top ten reasons to live in Charleston:

1. "I want to live near the beach!" With all the beaches Charleston has to offer, we have to ask clients what kind of beach they’re looking for. Folly Beach is a favorite among surfers and other laid-back individuals. If you’re looking for seclusion, then maybe a private beach like Kiawah, Seabrook, or Wild Dunes is a good start. Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island fall somewhere in between, and they both have public access areas.

2. "There are always things to do." A lot of people must think so because tourism is one of Charleston’s biggest industries. Outdoor activities include going to the beach, kayaking, and playing golf. Charleston is also known for its shopping and dining. If you’re looking for something educational to do, then I’ll move on to the next reason.

3. "Lots of culture and history." Charleston’s role in history has paved the way for a lot of tourism. Visitors and residents alike enjoy taking carriage tours of downtown Charleston, touring plantations, and visiting museums.

4. "All the young people." There is truth to that saying that once you go to College of Charleston (or any other colleges in the Charleston area) you never move away. The two owners of this website are perfect examples.

5. "I’m ready to retire." AARP named Charleston as one of the top five "Dream Towns" in the United States for retirees.

6. "It’s a good place to raise a family." Some of the public school districts and private schools in Charleston are the best in the state. Also, Charleston has lots of kid-friendly places, like the SC Aquarium, kids’ museums and organizations, and county parks.

7. "I want to be in a good job market." Between the tourism and large corporations like Bosch and Amoco, Charleston has a large and varied job market.

8. "The weather!" When I talk to people who are moving to Charleston from the north, they usually give Charleston’s mild climate as one of the top reasons. It hasn’t snowed yet this year, and I’m not going to hold my breath (which, by the way, I can’t see) for it!

9. "Lots of Southern charm." This statement became a fact when Southern Living magazine named Charleston "Best Southern City."

10. "All the boating!" As one of the oldest port cities in the south, Charleston is a favorite boating destination. There are several regattas each year, including regional and international competitions. And for the boaters who also like to fish—Charleston is only 60 miles from the Gulf Stream, so it hosts many fishing tournaments. Plus, Charleston boasts more than a dozen marinas!

Charleston is a great place to live in. The reasons to live here are as varied as the people who give them. Charleston attracts all kinds of people—singles as well as families, Northerners and native Southerners, younger and older people (and all the ages in between).