Nestled along the scenic coastline of South Carolina, Charleston stands as a beacon of Southern hospitality, historical richness, and culinary excellence. Renowned for its cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses, and vibrant culture, Charleston has captured the hearts of travelers and locals alike. Let’s explore why Charleston is hailed as one of the greatest cities in the United States, celebrating its culinary scene, picturesque downtown, and stunning beaches. Below is the entire list of all the critical acclaim, accolades, article write-ups, awards, achievements, and compliments back to 2010. Writers of all the best and biggest publications, blogs, newspapers, and editors give their opinions, and studies on the best cities in the U.S., which sometimes include world ranks and Charleston SC ranks consistently in the top 20 of these lists. These data studies, polls, & surveys take into account things such as popularity, travel metrics, culinary options, tourist opinion, local input, international feedback, history, quality dining, finance and money, housing data, cultural aspects, military factors, food, retirement, veterans affairs, real estate trends, livability scores, school rankings, and much more. No matter what the source of the data, or what they choose to use for their article or blog, South Carolina and more specifically the Charleston SC Metro region ranks at or near the top. See for yourself below.
PUBLICATIONS INCLUDE GREATS SUCH AS:
CONDE NAST – TRIPADVISOR – FORBES – US NEW & WORLD REPORT – USATODAY – TRAVEL & LEISURE – FODORS – SMARTASSETS – WALLETHUB – TIME MAGAZINE – BON APPETITE MAGAZINE –
2024
(Feb 23rd)
US NEWS & WORLD REPORT housing data outlook ranks Charleston #5 hottest real estate markets for supply and #13 nationally for resiliency.
2021
- (Feb) Charleston was ranked as one of the best cities in America to do business by AZ State University study.
- (March) Charleston ranks #4 Best cities for post-pandemic Life by Today.com
- (May) Charleston has 7 of the top best hotels in the world according to TripAdvisor.com
- (July) U.S. News and World Report recently published a list of the 150 best places to live in the United States placing the Holy City (Charleston) in the top third.
- (July) U.S News and World Report 25 Fastest Growing Cities 2021, Charleston #19, Myrtle Beach #1, Spartanburg #12
- (July) Trip Advisors 2021 Best Fine Dining restaurants in America ranked Halls Chop House #3, Circa 1886 ranked #9, Peninsula Grill #14, and 82 Queen #25. So that’s four restaurants in Charleston in the top 25, a city with only 500k people.
- For the ninth year in a row, Travel + Leisure readers crowned Charleston, South Carolina, the No. 1 city in the United States.
- Charleston ranked #2 city in America to retire by Wallethub. (Columbia SC #11)
- Mount Pleasant ranks in WalletHub’s #9 most livable small city in America
- (Oct) Charleston Ranked #13 as Best City in USA for military retirees by SmartAsset.com
- (Nov) Charleston ranked #3 city in the World for relocation by Money.Co in England.
- (Nov) Charleston ranked #6 Most “Fun” places to live in the USA, by US News.
- (Nov) Porch.com ranked Charleston #1 City in America for single Millenials.
- (Dec) Charleston #10 best mid-sized college town in America. (As a side note, Clemson SC ranked #15 small-size)
2012
- (Oct 2012) *Conde Nast Travel magazine readers rank Charleston SC #1 city in the WORLD!
- (Oct 2012) Conde Nast Travel magazine readers ALSO rank Charleston SC #1 Best destination in the United States.
- (2012) Livibility.com ranks Charleston SC #2 of the 10 best cities with “downtown” in the United States.
- (2012) Livibility.com ranks Charleston SC #3 of the 10 best spring break family destinations.
- (Oct 2012) Fodor’s Travel ranks Charleston SC in top 20 of best cities to visit in the World. (only two in U.S.)
Charleston’s allure has captured the attention of travelers and critics worldwide, earning it a plethora of accolades and recognition:
- Southern Living magazine dubbed Charleston the “South’s Best City.”
- Conde Nast Traveler named Charleston the “Top City in the U.S.” for several consecutive years.
- The New York Times hailed Charleston as a “Food Lover’s Destination.”
Culinary Paradise:
Charleston’s culinary scene is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, offering a palate-pleasing journey through Lowcountry cuisine and international flavors. Renowned chef Anthony Bourdain once remarked, “Charleston is one of the most delicious cities in America.” The city’s restaurants have garnered numerous accolades, with several chefs earning James Beard Awards for their culinary prowess. Indulge your senses with a taste of Charleston’s famous shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and Lowcountry boil, each dish reflecting the region’s coastal heritage. From upscale dining establishments to cozy corner cafes, Charleston’s culinary landscape caters to every taste and preference.