North Charleston, SC is located on the coastal plain and bordered by Charleston on the south and east, by the city of Hanahan to the north and east, to the northeast by the city of Goose Creek, Ladson to the north, and the town of Summerville to the northwest. The Ashley River makes up a good portion of the southwest border while the Cooper River forms the southeastern border.
History
Artwork by Conrad Wide Chapman
E.P. Burton Lumber Company was the first industry started in what was an unincorporated part of Charleston County that later became part of the North Charleston city area. However, from the 17th century until the civil war, rice and indigo were cultivated within the plantations in this area.
The Charleston business and community leaders deemed the area as a place of "Industry, military, and other business sites." And after agreements were established between the federal government and local city leaders, the Charleston Naval Shipyard was opened in 1901.
North Charleston was incorporated on June 12th of 1972 and at the time consisted of a few established areas such as Russelldale, Ferndale, Morningside, Liberty Park, Palmetto Heights, Singing Pines, Dewey Hill, Liberty Homes, and John C. Calhoun Homes neighborhoods. By December of that year, North Charleston had become the fourth largest city in the state after establishing its public services, opening its first city park, and annexing the Naval Base, Air Force Base, and Charleston International Airport.
Economy
North Charleston's unemployed are currently around 5.5% of its population which falls slightly lower than the national average of 6%. Its job market growth is predicted to be around 34.3% over the next 10 years also coming in better than the national average of 33.5%
The 8.6% sales tax rate is almost 1.5% more than the national average of 7.3% while its income tax rate of 7% is noticeably higher than the national average of 4.6%
The average income of a resident of North Charleston is listed at $19,820 a year while the median household income is $39,446 falling below the national average of $53,482 a year.
Manufacturing, retail, construction, healthcare, and hospitality are some of the biggest industries of employment by population in the area with Boeing, Bosch, and Volvo being some of the largest.
Weather
The greater North Charleston area enjoys an average of 230 days of sunshine each year with the most pleasant months being October, April, and May. July is the hottest month in the area with average highs reaching just into the 90s. The most humid months of the year are June, July, and August. North Charleston averages almost 50 inches of rain per year but not quite an inch of snow with the coolest temperatures averaging in the high 30s.
Check out North Charleston, South Carolina's current weather
Schools
North Charleston has a wide selection of schools to choose from. Pre-k through high school, there are both public and private options to choose from which includes schools that are part of the Dorchester District II system.
Elementary Schools
A.C. Corcoran Elementary
Edmund A. Burns Elementary
Chicora Elementary
Matilda Dunston Primary
W.B. Goodwin Elementary
Malcolm C. Hursey Elementary
Hunley Park Elementary
Ladson Elementary
Lambs Elementary
Mary Ford Elementary
Midland Park Primary
North Charleston Elementary
North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary
Pepperhill Elementary
Pinehurst Elementary
Eagle Nest Elementary
Fort Dorchester Elementary
Oakbrook Elementary
Joseph Pye Elementary
Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary
Meeting Street Elementary at Brentwood
Middle Schools
Daniel Jenkins Creative Learning Center
Military Magnet Academy
Morningside Middle
Northwoods Middle
Jerry Zucker Middle School of Science
Oakbrook Middle
River Oaks Middle
High Schools
Academic Magnet High School
Greg Mathis Charter High School
North Charleston High School
R.B. Stall High School
Charleston County School of the Arts
Palmetto Scholars Academy
Fort Dorchester High School
Northside Christian School
Cathedral Academy
Arts and Culture
Although North Charleston is well-known for its retail and industrial features, that doesn't mean the area is devoid of its share of creative arts.
Located in the old Naval Base, the H.L. Hunley Museum features the famous Civil War-era submarine of the same name, recovered from the ocean floor on August 8, 2000. The submarine is undergoing restoration and examination, but you can still find plenty of artifacts that have been discovered on display as well as excellent information about the submarine's history.
Located near the Charleston International Airport, the grouping of The Performing Arts Center, North Charleston Coliseum and Charleston Area Convention Center make up an entertainment mecca that serves the entire region with sports, broadway shows, musicals, and major musical acts just to name a few. Of course, North Charleston is mere minutes away from the holy city of Downtown Charleston providing even more choices for dining, art, music, and more.
Military
Photo By: Senior Airman Bailee Darbasie
Joint Base Charleston consists of over 20,877 acres in Charleston and Berkeley counties and supports 53 Military Commands and Federal Agencies.
Over 79,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, DOD civilians, dependents, and retirees are supported by the base.
The former Charleston Naval Base supports Joint Base Charleston with a Federal complex on 231 acres that houses government and military tenants. It also serves as the homeport for six Military Sealift Command ships, Coast Guard National Security Cutters, NOAA research ships, as well as, the Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy and Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers.
Dining
North Charleston has a wide array of dining options to choose from, whether you're looking for a brewery to relax or a great lunch or dinner. The area has it all.
The Grit Counter
The Grit Counter has a few locations to choose from with the original being in Mount Pleasant, but whichever one you choose, you won't be disappointed by their great selection of sandwiches, seafood, and of course amazing grits. (5-star rating from Yelp)
Jackrabbit Filly
Photo via JackRabbitFilly.com
Sporting a wonderful dining area, Jackrabbit Filly offers a "Family-Style" dining experience with their New Chinese American cuisine. From the Karaage to rice bowls to Sunday Dim Sum brunch, you really can't go wrong. (4.5-star rating from Yelp)
MOMO Riverfront Park
Located in the hip Park Circle within Riverfront Park, MOMO offers two dining experiences with Bar MOMO and the River Room. The cuisine features great seafood, meats, and more with dashes of southern, Italian, and French influences. (4.5-star rating from Yelp)
The Junction Kitchen & Provisions
Also located in the Park Circle area, this spot features both a restaurant and a grocery. Dining options are breakfast, lunch, and grab-and-go options. Tons of beverages, kids' meals, and grab-and-go options like whole tomato pies make this a popular destination. (4.5-star rating from Yelp)
Nigel's Good Food
Nigel's offers some fantastic southern soul food options and new takes on classics as well. Here you can grab a pork chop sandwich, fried green tomatoes, or amazing "Meat and Three" options. (4.5-star rating from Yelp)
Shopping
Of course, North Charleston is known as home to the Tanger Outlets which are prevalent up and down the east coast and farther, but the area also has plenty of local shopping to choose from. The list below offers plenty of choices to pick up a great gift for someone or something special for your home.
Tanger Outlets
Tanger Outlets in North Charleston features 79 outlet stores from brand names such as Vera Bradley, Under Armour, Nike, and more.
Northwoods Mall
This mall showcases over 100 shops including Victoria's Secret, Belk, Bath & Body Works, and a food court with something for everyone.
Black Octopus Mercantile
Image via blackoctopusmerch.com
Black Octopus invites you on their website to "Catch the surf shop vibes without the surfboard!". This locally-owned shop Offers a mix of surf and shore-inspired clothing, stickers, and gifts.
The Station Park Circle
The Station features vendor booths selling everything from antiques to reclaimed designs and hand-crafted gifts for a truly unique selection of gifts.
Pluff Mud Mercantile
This unique store offers a curated selection of items ranging from hand-crafted, local, mainstream, and one of a kind.
Outdoor Activities
Due to its geographic location, North Charleston has a great selection of outdoor activities to consider. Whether you're outside the area or in the heart of North Charleston, there are options for every outdoor lover.
Riverfront Park
Whether you're headed to the area for a meal at MOMO or just to get outside, Riverfront Park along the Cooper River is open year-round to the public. With an open meadow and performance pavilion right on the water, this is a great place for a picnic and a stroll.
Frankie's Fun Park
Located on Ashley Phosphate Road, Frankie's features both indoor and outdoor activities to keep everyone busy. This chain's North Charleston location offers Mini Golf, Go-Karting, batting cages, a rock wall, and more. Frankie's does charge fees for certain activities and there are special park admissions after 10 pm for adults.
Wannamaker County Park
Designed for family and group use, Wannamaker park comprises over 1,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands. There are several open meadows, miles of paved trails, a dog park, disc golf, and a seasonal waterpark.
Plan a Visit To North Charleston Soon
North Charleston's southern charm is always on full display whenever you visit so make sure you plan a trip soon. Be sure to get in touch if you're looking for additional insider tips or additional information about the area, too.
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