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2026 begins with lots of positive, wide-ranging news for Charleston that relates to awards, designations and rankings, education, the environment and history, health care, industry, and (virtual) travel and transportation. Be sure to read to the end to learn of a great new virtual travel tool and follow the links where you see bold blue font for more information on the topics of most interest to you.

Let’s start with recent awards, designations and rankings!  The Credit One Charleston Open (formerly the Family Circle Cup) just won a prestigious award for the fourth consecutive year, taking home the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year, which is voted on by the tennis players themselves. Summ...

Good news continues for the Lowcountry as we near the end of 2025 and set our sights on 2026! This month we feature local news relating to fine dining, aviation (yes, again!), healthcare and housing. Be sure to follow the links provided where you see bold blue font to find out more.

In the area of fine dining, we are thrilled to share the news that three area restaurants have each earned a Michelin star. They are Malagón Mercado y Taperia, Vern's, and Wild Common. The winners were announced along with the launch of Michelin’s new American South guide covering seven states at a ceremony in Greenville in early November. Twelve of the 228 restaurants listed in the guide are located in C...

Downsizing can feel overwhelming. After decades of accumulating possessions, memories, and a lifetime's worth of belongings, the thought of moving to a smaller home often brings a mix of emotions—from anxiety and sadness to relief and excitement about a new chapter. It's an emotional attachment to a lifetime of memories. It's feeling overwhelmed by decades of belongings. And for many seniors, physical limitations may help to make the process exhausting.

If you're considering downsizing, or helping a loved one through this transition, know that you're not alone. The stress you're feeling is completely normal, and there are practical ways to make this journey more manageable and even m...

Here are some key current market trends for single-family detached homes (SFD) in the Charleston, SC Metro Area, which reveal a continued return to a more typical market.

3,370 SFD homes sold in Q3 in the Charleston MLS, 5.9% higher than the number sold in 2024 Q3.

???? Our market is still moving!

The median number of Days on Market (DOM) for listings was 33 days, 32% longer than in 2024 Q3. 

???? Homes are taking longer to sell, although still selling reasonably fast. 

Listings with no price reductions attracted a contract in a median duration of 7 days.  Those that needed price reductions took 76 days.

????  Homes that needed a price reduction to attract an offer stayed ...

Good news continues for the Lowcountry as we enter the holiday season! Read on to learn about local news relating this month to communications and technology, manufacturing, building and construction, redevelopment and conservation. Be sure to follow the links provided where you see bold blue font to find out more.

The biggest news this month comes from the communications and technology sector! Google has announced its commitment to invest a further $9 billion in the SC Lowcountry by 2027. Yes, that’s a “b” for “billion” over the next two years! The funds will go to expanding its Berkeley County campus and constructing two new campuses in Dorchester County in order to boost its data cent...

October in the Lowcountry is full of festivals, theater performances, sports and more! Read on and then follow the link at the end for the full calendar and details.

For festivals, there’s the MOJA Arts Festival (until the 5th), Latin American Festival (5th), Riverfront Revival Music Festival (10th-11th), Oktoberfest Charleston (11th), 38th annual Children’s Day Festival (19th), and Charleston Beer Fest (25th). To celebrate the arrival of fall and Halloween, check out the Goose Creek Fall Festival (4th), Halloween in the Swamp at Cypress Gardens (16th-18th), Hollywood’s Fall Family Festival, the Festival at Kiawah River and North Charleston’s Harvest Festival (all on the 18th), Moncks ...

The good news continues into fall for the Charleston area!  Read on to find out about local news relating to affordable housing, aerospace and aviation, new medical facilities, Angel Oak Preserve and Miss America’s Teen 2026 winner. To learn more, just follow the links provided where you see bold blue font.

Affordable housing is on the agenda for the Tri-County region with the September launch of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s $50 million Charleston Workforce Housing Fund, formed by a coalition of public and private entities and managed by Ascent Housing. Its goal is to preserve the affordability of 1,000 apartments through 20-year deed restrictions for workers earning ...

Charleston in the News - September 2025

It’s always a pleasure to share lots of good news about Charleston!  This month we feature notable local award winners and rankings, area development activity, company expansions and restarts, and the latest SC Aquarium turtle release.  Be sure to follow the links provided where you see bold blue text to read more about topics of most interest to you!

We have a mix of recent local award winners and rankings to report!  MUSC remained SC’s top hospital for the 11th year in a row and is in the top 13% nationally according to US News and World Report.  The Dewberry hotel was recognized as the Best Independent Hotel in the World in Virtuoso’s Global ...

8953 Planters Row Ln, Summerville, SC

Are you searching for the perfect blend of Lowcountry charm and modern convenience? Look no further than this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home nestled in the heart of Summerville's prestigious Wescott Plantation community.

8953 Planters Row Lane
Summerville, SC

MLS# 25023642 - Residential

MOVE-IN READY WITH NEW ROOF SHINGLES, NEW RANGE & FRESH PAINT! Dorchester II schools, low HOA fees and no flood insurance required! Discover Charleston charm at its finest in this beautifully maintained, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in desirable Wescott Plantation. Lowcountry style features classic full front porches and an open-concept main floor ...

• 2757 Merwether Lane, Mt. Pleasant
• 3BR/2.5BA Traditional on nearly 1 acre!
• Home of championship Brickyard Barracudas swim team
• Minutes to award-winning schools & beaches

✨ Brand new deck overlooking 0.83-acre private wooded backyard!

2757 Merwether Lane
Mount Pleasant, SC

MLS# 25021237 - Residential

Inviting, family home on nearly an acre (0.83 acres) in highly desirable Mt. Pleasant school district! Located on a quiet street in Brickyard Plantation, this beautiful home radiates warmth and features 3-bedrooms, 2.5-baths, a study/office, formal dining room AND a large, brand new deck overlooking the idyllic, fenced backyard surrounded by woods. No flood insurance requ...

Among the reasons:

• Greater affordability and better control over monthly expenses through a lease instead of mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance
• Readily available services from on-site management,...

CHARLESTON IN THE NEWS - AUGUST 2025 EDITION

We’re happy to share the following local news with you this month that relates to aviation, entertainment, manufacturing and industry, and defense. Use the links provided (in bold blue font) to access more information about any items of particular interest to you. Enjoy the read!

On the aviation front… 

Charleston International Airport (CHS) broke ground in mid-July on its $105 million West Gates Expansion project which will add more than 40,000 sq ft of new passenger space - four new gates, large holding areas, almost 4,000 sq ft of food, beverage and retail space, and new traveler amenities for an enhanced traveler experience - PLUS 23,0...

After decades of hard work, you've earned the right to live life on your own terms. If you're considering retirement in South Carolina, this beautifully maintained single-story home in Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay offers everything you need to embrace your golden years with style, comfort, and peace of mind.

Finally, a Home That Works for You
Gone are the days of climbing stairs, endless yard work, and home maintenance headaches. This thoughtfully designed single-story home with 2 bedroom suites, 2.5 bathrooms, and a dedicated office represents the freedom you've been working toward your entire life. No yard work, no stairs, low maintenance, no stress—just the freedom to live fully a...

Summer is the perfect time for a fresh start, and this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in The Farm at Wescott offers everything you need to embrace the season in style. Located in the highly sought-after Dorchester II school district, this traditional home combines modern amenities with timeless charm in one of Summerville's most desirable neighborhoods.

Welcome Home to Tranquil Living
Picture yourself relaxing on the welcoming covered front porch, sipping your morning coffee while watching the neighborhood come to life. The real magic happens in the backyard, where your private, fully-fenced oasis awaits. The screened-in porch provides the perfect spot for bug-free ...

Multi-generational living is on the rise.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 17% of homebuyers purchase a home to share with parents, adult children, or extended family. That’s the highest share ever recorded by NAR (see graph below):

And what’s behind the increase? Affordability. NAR explains:

“In 2024, a notable 36% of homebuyers cited “cost savings” as the primary reason for purchasing a multigenerational home—a significant increase from just 15% in 2015.”

In the past, caregiving was the leading motivator – especially for those looking to support aging parents. And while that’s still important, affordability is now the #1 motivator. And with current mark...

This month we bring you news from across the Lowcountry relating to the hospitality, aviation, medical, housing and online retail sectors. Follow the links provided where you see bold blue font for more details about the topics that interest you. Happy reading!

Four Seasons’ first SC hotel will be built on Meeting Street - on the site of the former Days Inn motel -  in Historic Downtown Charleston. The luxury property will feature an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, dining, retail and event space as well as 139 hotel rooms and 36 private and fully-serviced residences priced from $5 million. The expected completion is for 2028.

Breeze Airways launched its new nonstop service between Ch...

Fear of a recession is back in the headlines.

And if you’re thinking about buying or selling sometime soon, that may leave you wondering if you should reconsider the timing of your move.

A recent survey by John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) shows 68% of people are delaying plans to buy or sell due to economic uncertainty.

But it may not be for the reason you think. Not everyone is holding off because they’re worried. Some buyers are waiting because they’re hopeful. According to Realtor.com:

“In 2025Q1, 3 in 10 (29.8% of) surveyed homebuyers said a recession would make them at least somewhat more likely to purchase a home . . . This reflects ...

Here’s something you need to know. The housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may not sound like it, this shift is actually a good thing.

It’s what you should expect. It’s just that our expectations have been skewed by the intense seller’s market over the past few years.

But what you need to remember is: there’s still plenty of opportunity to be had if you’re thinking about selling – whether that’s next month or next year. You just need to stay up to date on what’s happening in the market, and have a strategy that matches the moment. Here's your update.

1. Inventory’s Up. Buyer Power Is Coming Back

According to the latest data, the numbe...

We hope your summer is off to a great start! This month, we bring you news about records set and milestones achieved in the Charleston area in the aviation, automotive, tourism and spelling bee sectors. Please follow the links where you see bold blue font for further information about any of the topics of particular interest to you. 

Boeing's largest ever order has just been placed, with Qatar Airways planning to purchase up to 210 widebody jets, including the largest order for 787 Dreamliners made in North Charleston. According to Qatar Airways’ CEO, this is the airline’s largest ever order as well, making it “a critical next step… as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most effic...

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don't know about one of its core benefits.

According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may be able to buy a home with no down payment with a VA loan (see visual below):

That means 7 out of every 10 Veterans could be missing out on a key homebuying advantage.

That’s why it’s so important for Veterans, and anyone who cares about a Veteran, to be aware of this program.

As Veterans United explains, VA home loans:

“. . . come with a list of big-time benefits, including $0 down ...