Charleston is nice. I lived there for four years. I'd actually argue that upstate sc is a better draw. It's chraper. The cities up there are more welcoming and have tons of available work. Plus it's closer to the Asheville.
I found out after living in charleston that we weren't beach and boat people, so all extra time was spent in the upstate. Wages will be less in chskreston as will taxes, but your services will be as well. Be careful what place you buy as small differences in schools make huge differences in property values.
Living in a tourist town has its perks. The food is amazing. The people are generally nice. I did live there at the height of the go back to Ohio nuttery http://m.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/ohioans-have-invaded-the-lowcountry-and-some-folks-wish-they-would-leave/Content?oid=1946300
I'm back in the Midwest because, despite the weather, the opportunites afforded my family are 2nd to none. Plentiful playgrounds, tons of museums, cheap soccer, cheap taxes(compared to Seattle), cheap houses, nice people. I didn't receive much of a raise coming here but received a hell of an upgrade in lifestyle. I've lived in basically every part of the us except the southwest and mountainous interior. I liked here and New England best. Both felt like home.
