About the City

With a rich, 300-year history, Charleston remains America's most beautifully preserved architectural and historical treasure. Though preservationists regard the city as a "living museum," it is also very much a contemporary urban center boasting art galleries, music clubs, museums, shopping emporiums and a smörgåsbord of restaurants.

Charleston Facts

Climate: average daily temperatures—Low 54° F, High 75° F
Population: 107,337 (city); 549, 033 (metropolitan area)
Median Age: 33.2
Median Household Income: $35,295
Real Estate: median home cost: $239,200 (2006)
Airport: Charleston International Airport (average of 73 departures daily with 7 airlines)
Mayor: Joseph P. Riley, Jr.

Top Employers

Medical University of South Carolina
Bosch
Cummins Engine Company
The Citadel
City of Charleston
Mead/Westvaco
Charleston and Berkeley County Schools

Local Publications

The Post and Courier (daily)
Charleston Regional Business Journal (weekly)
Charleston City Paper (weekly)
Charleston Magazine (monthly)
Skirt Magazine (monthly)

Utilities

Phone: AT&T
Electric: South Carolina Electric and Gas Company
Gas: South Carolina Electric and Gas Company
Water: Charleston Water System
Public Transportation: Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA)

Visitors can find useful information about the city through the following websites:

City of Charleston
Charleston Visitors and Convention Bureau
Charleston Chamber of Commerce
Charleston.com
Post and Courier Newspaper
Charleston City Paper