5 Popular Charleston Neighborhoods For Black Families, Young Professionals & Singles –  South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, is a beautiful and bustling Southern city ideal for families and singles alike.

With a diversity grade of A, Charleston is one of the most ethnically diverse in South Carolina.

If you’re looking to relocate, search no further – below are the best Charleston neighborhoods for Black families, singles, and professionals.

3 Best Charleston Suburbs for Black Families

Whether you don’t want to be directly in the city or want to lower housing costs, there are plenty of suburbs of Charleston that are perfect for new or growing Black families.

1. Ravenel

For a small-town feel but a short drive to Charleston, Ravenel is a practical choice. Ravenel has an African-American population of over 1,000.

With a population of 2,961 people (an estimated number of 662 families), your kids will have plenty of neighborhood kids to play with, and you’ll have dinner party guests, too!

There are also several public and private schools near Ravenel. Some top-ranked options are:

• E.B. Ellington Elementary School (public) – has an extended day program with cultural, educational, and recreational activities for kids.
• Baptist Hill Middle and High School (public) – offers extensive SAT and college help.
• Northside Christian School (private) – is a bit of a drive, but a diverse private school.

Most private schools are religiously affiliated, so keep that in mind if you send your kids to private schools.

In addition to being near Charleston, Ravenel has plenty to do. For adults or parents on date night, there’s Deep Water Vineyard, located on Wadmalaw Island 10 miles away from Ravenel.

For kids and families, there’s an overwhelming amount of activities, some of which include:

• Champney’s Blueberry Farm – pre-picked or self-picked blueberries.
• Charleston Fossil Adventures – find fossils with tour guides.
• Caw Caw Interpretive Center – a historic nature preserve that was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Ravenel is a peaceful small town with access to everything you love about the Lowcountry. Since a little over half of the population is Black, growing Black families come here to prosper and connect.

2. Summerville

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Another suburb with an A in diversity, Summerville is an ever-evolving town with plenty to offer. If you’re looking for a large residential area and a mid-size town feel, Summerville should be on your radar.

Summerville has a population of 53,037, of which 21% are Black. Families are rapidly moving to the area, and new schools, homes, and businesses are springing up seemingly everywhere.

Plus, it only takes about half an hour to get to Charleston from Summerville. You won’t miss out on the beachy feel, but you won’t have to deal with as many tourists.

This suburb is particularly great if you have young kids or are about to start a family. There is so much to do in the area, and a lot of it is free!

Here are a few family-friendly options in Summerville: 

• Azalea Park
• Colonial Dorchester
• Edisto River Adventures

Summerville is home to several widely-loved festivals, too. The annual Sweet Tea Festival is their biggest hit, with culturally diverse vendors, food, and tons of sweet tea.

Summerville is home to several Black-owned businesses in the downtown area, such as Turning Page bookshop, Swank Desserts, and more.

3. Goose Creek

Less than thirty minutes from Charleston, Goose Creek is a quaint, diverse suburb with a traditional Lowcountry feel.

Goose Creek welcomes families of all backgrounds, incomes, and ethnicities, so your kids will grow up in a community with a worldview. About 20% of the population is African American, 3.3% are Asian, and 9% are Hispanic or Latino.

Where Goose Creek truly shines is its schools. Berkeley Middle College High School is the top-ranked public school in the area. It’s a magnet school, so applications are required, but with a focus on STEM and college-level courses, it’s a great choice with the future in mind.

Of course, Goose Creek does not lack in the fun department, either! There is an abundance of activities for families – whether you’re nature lovers or prefer a stroll through a museum.

Some options include:

• Cypress Gardens – a 170-acre garden and swamp with boat tours.
• Coastal Carolina Fair – daily fair with rides and food.
• Mellow & Play Cafe – a coffee shop with an area for children so parents can have some quiet time.

If you’re considering moving to the Lowcountry but don’t want to live amid downtown Charleston, Goose Creek will give you that sweet Southern feel without the hustle and bustle.

2 Best Charleston Neighborhoods for Black Singles & Young Professionals

Charleston has so many neighborhoods and boroughs that finding the perfect one can seem impossible. Below are the top best Charleston suburbs for Black singles and young professionals!

1. Harleston Village – Best for Young Professionals

If you’re a young professional looking for a metropolitan feel, Harleston Village is your ideal neighborhood.

Featuring tree-lined streets, historic homes, high-brow shopping and dining, and Black-owned businesses, Harleston Village is a place where diversity thrives.

The neighborhood is 17% Black, and most residents are college-age or young adults.

There are plenty of job opportunities in the neighborhood as well, and many businesses are Black-owned. Some considerations are:

• CO Federal Credit Union – historic credit union that’s Black-owned
• The Space Company – Charleston’s only Black-owned real estate company

After a long week at work, enjoy a yoga class at Transformation Yoga, a locally loved studio that’s Black- and women-owned, and get a drink with friends at Mynt, a Black-owned bar and nightclub.

2. King Street District – Best for Singles

Whether you’re looking for love or embracing the single life, King Street in Charleston has you covered.

From numerous bars and restaurants to Black-owned nightclubs, you’ll never be bored in this neighborhood.

The King Street area is by far the busiest in downtown Charleston, so if you aren’t one to enjoy sitting in traffic, you might want to skip this district. However, you can also go without a car, as everything you need is right in front of you.

If you’re looking to impress on a first date (or trying to find a date), here are our recommendations for a romantic night out:

• Graft – Black-owned wine bar/restaurant and shop
• Bourbon and Bubbles – fine dining, pricey drinks and Black-owned

Have no fear if you want to go clubbing or bar-hopping, though! King Street has a variety of locales perfectly suited for mingling.

We recommend checking out Trio, a nightclub loved by locals and with a rotating DJ schedule, and Prohibition, a classy, jazz-age-themed club with modern drinks and a young clientele.

Is Charleston Safe?

Like anywhere else, Charleston has its rough patches. There are areas you probably shouldn’t venture to, but for the most part, Charleston is pretty safe – especially for South Carolina.

South Carolina currently ranks 9th on the US Peace Index List. Charleston is among the safest cities in the state.

SC also ranks 7th for violent crime in the US. Charleston itself has a violent crime rate of 225.2, considerably less than other major South Carolina cities.

Some neighborhoods you should stay away from are North Charleston, which has a crime rate of 603.7, and the East Side neighborhood, which has a large homeless population.

What is Charleston’s Demographic?

Charleston is quite diverse for South Carolina. About 75% of the general population is White, and 13% are African-American or Black.

Economically, Charleston can range anywhere from elite old money to standard middle-class and lower-middle-class. The median household income is $62,843.

Sixty-four percent of Charleston residents own their homes, and 32% have a college degree.

Charleston also has almost 10 million women-owned businesses and 8 million minority-owned businesses.

The Top Charleston Neighborhoods for Black Families, Conclusion

Charleston, South Carolina, has something for everyone. Whether you’re growing a family or are a young Black professional, you can find the perfect neighborhood for you.

From King Street to Summerville, the Lowcountry welcomes you!