Charleston Travel Forum

Hello everyone,

I am brand new to this site, but it seems to offer a lot of good advice. My girlfriend and I are considering a move to Charleston. I crave warm weather, the ocean and outdoor activities, as does she. From that perspective, Charleston seems like a good fit. I have read many posts and forums on the neighborhoods, schools and things of that nature so I do not need any other advice on the subject. I am trying to discover some more of the intangibles.

She is from Ohio and Jewish, I am from Indianapolis and Catholic. Neither one of us are particulary religious. Both of us are artistic and independent/democrats. I have been many times as a tourist but have heard that people from other states will never seem to fit in with the locals. I have also heard that it is a very conservative and Baptist city. Would people with our demographics fit in with the city culture? Both of us are very laid back, respective of differing viewpoints and cultures. We would never be the kind of transplants to attempt to change where we are to where we are from.

She has a job in advertising, I have two masters degrees, one in public administration and one in informatics.

Anyone have any thoughts on the matter?

Sounds to me that you are both pretty independent and open minded so think it's a good fit. You have described my situation. I moved to a southern town 12 years ago. I love it. There have been many challenges though, religious and cultural intolerance the most prevalent. I would still recommend the move because the positives still outweighed the detractions.
Welcome to VT.

Charleston is a cosmopolitan city. With military bases there for many years, many types of people have settled there. Yes, the south is generally conservative and religious. As a native southerner, I love and appreciate that fact. What many northerners call "intolerance" we call "conviction". We do not require people to believe like us to be our friends as long as we are not treated in a condescending manner. We do not "thump Bibles" as we are often referred to - we'd rather try to live it than thump it. If you move to the area and are friendly and respectful of the culture, you will enjoy a welcome and hospitality that will be refreshing. If your neighbor invites you to church, that's courtesy, not a requirement. Come with an open mind that northerners seem to be proud of, and you'll enjoy yourself. best wishes.