Living & Nursing in Charleston, South Carolina

Rich History Makes Charleston Inviting

Charming. No other word better defines beautiful, historical Charleston. Perhaps because of its antebellum architecture or the old plantation grounds and historic mansions, this city exudes romanticism.

The Charleston area offers an abundance of year-round outdoor activities. The area’s beaches are superb – a playground for all water sports, sunbathing, shelling, fishing or quiet moonlight strolls.

Whether it’s world-class tennis at the Family Circle Cup, hiking in the Francis Marion National Forest or boating on the Intercoastal Waterway, the region has it all.

The Lowcountry is a mecca of museums, fine arts and performing arts festivals, antique shops, churches, beach resorts and attractions for any age or interest. Fortresses from both the Civil War and Revolutionary War are open to the public. Sightseeing boats access Fort Sumter; Fort Moultrie is reachable on foot; and the ruins of Fort Dorchester are easily explored by the moderately adventurous.

In addition, a wide variety of cultural events such as concerts, ballet, theater and opera performances, art and museum exhibitions take place throughout the year.

ECONOMIC STABILITY

Charleston has distinct economic advantages owing to its cargo port on the Atlantic Ocean, a large military presence, and its location in the Southeast as a hub for tourism, medical industry, and manufacturing.

Since January 1995, the Charleston region has recorded more than $5 billion in new capital investment to the region. The increased new and expanding business activity, combined with growth among the region’s main economic sectors is providing expanding job opportunities for both residents and newcomers.

DIVERSE LIVING

The Charleston region offers virtually any type of housing at all price levels. From single-family homes and apartments to antebellum mansions and beachfront resorts, this blend of lifestyle options is one of the many things that make living in the region so unique.

A necklace of Sea Islands extends along Charleston’s eastern and western reaches, offering wide white beaches and sparkling ocean views. Each one has its own special charm for you to enjoy as a resident or a day visit.

Small town warmth and big city attractions—both are abundant in the towns of Folly Beach and Summerville. Folly Beach is a surfing, sunning headquarters best known as “The Edge of America.” Summerville to the near north has a nostalgic, walkable downtown, year-round activities and plenty of places to dine, lodge and play.

In Charleston’s Historic District, centuries-old buildings have as many tales as the people who live and work in them. Charleston’s“Museum Mile” is a one mile stretch of six museums, nine historic landmarks, and a dozen historic places of worship within walking distance of one another. In fact, Charleston has been nicknamed “The Holy

City” because of the hundreds of lovingly-preserved houses of worship extending from the colonial and antebellum periods that grace the Historic District’s narrow streets and where church bells toll every hour.

MEDICAL INDUSTRY

Approximately 13,400 people are employed in the region’s 15 major hospitals and medical facilities, and an estimated 24,300 are employed in the area’s medical industry overall. The largest concentration of the region’s health care industry surrounds the Medical University of South Carolina, located on 50+ acres in downtown Charleston.

Six Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) colleges and patient care facilities provide both educational resources and superb health care facilities to the region. MUSC facilities and medical staff are nationally recognized in such areas as cardiology, cancer and pediatrics.

The second largest medical industry presence, Roper/St. Francis Healthcare, operates Roper and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospitals, plus other smaller branches and affiliate facilities throughout the area. Roper is an esteemed recipient of the nationwide NOVA Award, the annual accolade given by the American Hospital Association to member healthcare systems for outstanding community service in their local areas. Roper/St. Francis is also recognized among the Top 100 Integrated Health Networks in the nation.

FIND YOUR PLACE

Charleston has all of the perks of a big city lifestyle with the comforts of small-town living. With pleasant temperatures and year-round activities for both indoor and outdoor leisure and exemplary medical facilities to research and grow in, consider your future living and nursing in Charleston, South Carolina!

Information and photos for this article courtesy of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.charlestoncvb.com.

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Charleston Fun Facts

• Charleston was founded in 1670 and is the oldest city in the Carolinas and Georgia.

• In January 2008, Charleston was named “Favorite Southern City” by readers of the magazine Southern Living.

• The first prescription drug store in the U.S. began in 1780 in Charleston.

• The Poinsettia was introduced to America in 1833 by Joel Poinsett of Charleston after he brought it from Mexico where he served as U.S. Ambassador.

• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church is where George Washington worshipped in pew #43 in 1791.

Major Medical institutions

Medical University of South Carolina 843-792-2300

Roper Hospital  843-724-2000

Trident Medical Center  843-797-7000

bon Secours / St. Francis Hospital  843-402-1000

East Cooper Regional Medical Center  843-881-0100

Climate: temperate to subtropical

Average Daily Temperature:

HIGH: 75.3 degrees F

LOW: 54.2 degrees F

Avg Annual Rainfall: 51.59 inches