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Charleston Where History Lives
It is no Secret that Charleston's charm is a driving force in attracting visitors. Culturally vibrant, Charleston nurtures theater, dance, music, and visual arts, showcased each spring during the internationally acclaimed Spoleto Festival and the Southeastern Wildlife Festival. Now the secret is out that Charleston is also one of the most desirable place to live in the United States.
Charleston's rich blend of culture, economic activity, environmental beauty and historic tapestry makes it one of the most distinguished areas in the nation. Blending the charm and beauty of historic Charleston with active commercial, medical and industrial development, the Charleston area offers great flexibility not only for businesses but also a wide variety of lifestyle for workforce and family. From a plentiful supply of skilled labor, to a transportation network that provides excellent access to the global marketplace, the Charleston area is committed to preserving the past while creating a vision for the future.
The region's current population of more than a half-million is predicted to grow to 638,000 by 2010 - a 15% increase. Although, the Charleston area is growing by leaps and bounds, it still manages to amintain a down-home, welcoming feel. Credit for this robust growth goes to the region's attractive quality of life and its pro-business environment.
In addition to the area's desirable lifestyle amenities, four key assets are helping to shape the region's economic base:
Charleston's numerous advantages have not gone unnoticed. The Partners for Livable Communities, a Washington, DC based, non-profit foundation, included Charleston in its top ten "most livable places" in the United States. The Kiplinger Letter cited the Charleston area as an up and coming preferred site for business start-ups and relocations in such high-tech fields as military R&D and biotechnology.
Located about halfway between Washington D.C. and Miami the Greater Charleston Area is strategically located for global commerce. Its position on the east coast allows for easy access to Europe and other global destinations. An integrated network of rail and highway systems allows shipments to reach most domestic markets within 48 hours. About one-fifth of the U.S. population resides within a 500 mile (800 km) radius of the Charleston region.
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