Living in Charleston

A City That Shapes the MUSC Experience

Living in Charleston is about more than geography — it's about belonging to a city and an institution that are deeply intertwined. At MUSC, the environment where you live matters. Here, Charleston's vibrancy fuels discovery, its calm restores balance, and its community spirit ensures that everyone feels welcome.

Charleston earned the distinction of being named Travel + Leisure's #1 U.S. City for 12 years in a row, a legacy that speaks to its unmatched charm and livability. Even as rankings shift, Charleston continues to be recognized nationally as one of America's premier cities. Yet the true measure of Charleston's greatness is not only in the awards but in how it empowers those at MUSC to thrive, innovate, and create lasting impact.

Where Tradition Fuels Innovation

Founded in 1670, Charleston is often described as a "living museum." Its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and centuries-old gardens provide a sense of continuity, while modern enterprises, thriving healthcare, and cutting-edge research signal progress. This blend of tradition and forward-thinking reflects MUSC's own role: an institution grounded in history yet boldly creating the future.

On our downtown campus, this integration is unmistakable. A walk across MUSC is also a walk through Charleston — where teaching, research, clinical practice, and cultural experiences exist side by side with the city's historic beauty. Here, faculty, postdoctoral scholars, residents, fellows, and students all find that place and purpose align to cultivate brilliance.

Art, Flavor, and Community

Charleston thrives on creativity and celebration. Each spring, the Spoleto Festival USA transforms the city with world-class performances. The Charleston Wine + Food Festival and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition bring the community together around culture, cuisine, and conservation. Annual traditions like the Cooper River Bridge Run and Credit One Charleston Open highlight Charleston's energy and spirit of excellence.

Equally renowned is Charleston's culinary scene, where James Beard Award-winning chefs and nationally recognized restaurants define the city's reputation. Whether enjoying fresh seafood at the harbor, brunch on Sullivan's Island, or a new café downtown, food becomes a shared experience that connects community and culture.

From Stadium Lights to Concert Nights

Charleston is a city of movement and connection. Whether cheering on the Charleston RiverDogs baseball team, the Charleston Battery soccer team, or the South Carolina Stingrays hockey team, attending a concert at the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center, or playing a round of golf on a nationally recognized course, opportunities for recreation abound. For many, these moments of joy outside the classroom or hospital are what fuel creativity and resilience within them.

Well-being by the Coast

Charleston's coastal setting naturally complements the demanding pace of healthcare and higher education. Within minutes of MUSC, you can find respite on the beaches of Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, or Sullivan's Island. Weekends might include kayaking at Shem Creek, cycling the Cooper River Bridge, or taking a weekend trip to explore the islands of Edisto and Kiawah.

The mild climate, with average highs near 75°F, makes outdoor life accessible year-round. From sunrise runs to sunset walks, Charleston invites balance — the kind that sustains ambition and supports well-being.

Community That Feels Like Home

Charleston is known for its hospitality, but for those who come here to study, teach, research, or practice, it's more than polite manners — it's a welcoming place to call home. Conversations happen on porches, friendships form in coffee shops, and neighbors readily become part of your story.

At MUSC, this spirit extends into our classrooms, research labs, and clinical settings. Charleston and MUSC together foster an environment where ideas flourish, collaboration thrives, and people feel both supported and inspired.

Finding Your Place

Every neighborhood in Charleston tells its own story. The downtown peninsula offers walkability and historic character, while Mount Pleasant and James Island provide family-friendly communities. West Ashley, Daniel Island, and surrounding suburbs balance convenience with coastal beauty. MUSC students, residents, fellows, and postdoctoral scholars often choose to live off campus in neighborhoods that match their lifestyle, whether that means a modern apartment close to campus, a historic rental downtown, or a coastal retreat just a short drive away. Wherever you choose, Charleston offers more than a place to live — it provides a place to belong.

Explore Off-Campus Housing

Living Well, Leading Forward

To live in Charleston while being part of MUSC is to experience a balance few places can offer. It's a city that restores you after a demanding day, inspires you to think differently, and reminds you of the impact you can have when history and innovation meet.

Charleston is not just a backdrop to the MUSC journey. It's a collaborator — a place where ambition meets opportunity, and where well-being and brilliance are cultivated together.