PCS to Joint Base Charleston: What Military Families Should Know

I’m originally from New Hampshire, so Charleston felt like a different world when I first moved there. I lived in the Lowcountry before I ever met my husband, but when he was stationed at Joint Base Charleston, the city I already loved became part of our military story too. Living here as a military family has its own rhythm — from navigating hurricane season to choosing neighborhoods that don’t make your commute a nightmare.

Charleston is equal parts charming and challenging. It’s historic, it’s beautiful, it’s full of incredible food and fun, and it’s also humid, pricey in spots, and yes, traffic will test your patience. But if you lean into it, you’ll leave with more good memories than headaches.

Where to Live Near Joint Base Charleston

Traffic will shape your experience here, so let’s start there. I-26 has a way of swallowing up time, and the wrong neighborhood can turn a 20-minute drive into an hour. Choosing where to live isn’t just about the house, it’s about your daily sanity.

• North Charleston: Close to base, with a mix of older and newer neighborhoods. The Park Circle area has a great vibe — breweries, restaurants, festivals, and a real sense of community. If you’re a foodie or into craft beer, this spot will be your happy place.

• Summerville: This is where I lived, and it’s still one of my favorites. A little farther from base, but you get bigger yards and that small-town historic charm. The downtown has adorable shops and a strong farmers market. Summerville and the surrounding towns are also expanding fast, which means good resale value on homes and new restaurants and stores popping up all the time.

• Goose Creek & Hanahan: Both are popular with military families because they’re more affordable, close to the Weapons Station, and have lots of newer developments. You’ll see plenty of uniforms at the grocery store here.

• West Ashley: A solid option if you want to be closer to downtown without paying Mount Pleasant prices. Established neighborhoods, big oak trees, and quick access to the city.

• Mount Pleasant: Beautiful homes, highly rated schools, and just over the bridge from downtown. The tradeoff? Price. Expect Mount Pleasant to eat up your BAH.

• Daniel Island: Very polished, family-oriented, full of parks and trails, with a community feel that’s hard to beat. Also very expensive.

No matter where you end up, remember: resale value matters here. The outer towns like Summerville are booming, and that growth makes them a smart investment even if you know you’ll PCS again.

Things to Do in Charleston

Charleston is one of those rare duty stations where you live in a place people travel to for vacation. There’s no shortage of things to do — you’ll probably leave with a list of “we never got around to it” places.

Beaches

The beaches alone could fill your weekends:

• Folly Beach: Funky and laid back. Perfect if you like surf shops, casual food, and a more relaxed crowd.

• Isle of Palms: Family-friendly and polished, with plenty of amenities.

• Sullivan’s Island: Calmer, quieter, and a favorite if you just want to sit back and enjoy the view.

Kid-Friendly Favorites

• South Carolina Aquarium: Right on the harbor, the perfect size for kids — not overwhelming, but full of exhibits.

• Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: An absolute lifesaver on rainy or hot days. Play-based, interactive, and fun for younger kids.

• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Trails, gardens, animals, and a mix of history and nature.

• Charleston County Parks: From playgrounds to waterparks, they’ve got family outings covered.

Historic Charleston

• Downtown: Rainbow Row, the Battery, King Street shopping, and historic homes that make you feel like you’re walking through time.

• Ghost Tours: Charleston has a haunted side, and the walking tours are equal parts spooky and fun. Even if you don’t buy into the ghost stories, the history is fascinating.

• Farmers Markets: The downtown Charleston market is iconic, but don’t sleep on Summerville’s market for a smaller-town feel.

Events

• Charleston Restaurant Week: Twice a year, restaurants offer special menus at great prices. It’s the best way to try high-end places without blowing your budget.

• Spoleto Festival USA: A world-class arts festival that brings music, theater, and performances to the city.

• Holiday Festivals: Charleston goes big on parades, light displays, and seasonal events.

Food & Breweries

Charleston’s food scene is famous for a reason. Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, oysters, and endless seafood spots will keep your list growing. Breweries are everywhere — not just in Park Circle — and most are family-friendly with outdoor seating, food trucks, and room for kids to run around. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending a Saturday afternoon at a brewery with the kids playing tag nearby.

Family Life

This is where Charleston really shines for military families.

Base Life

Joint Base Charleston has gyms, pools, rec programs, and plenty of events. Seasonal festivals, 5Ks, and kid-focused activities make it easier to meet people and get plugged into the community.

Local Life

Off base, Charleston is filled with family-friendly activities. Downtown’s Waterfront Park, with its famous pineapple fountain, is a must. You’ll also find playgrounds tucked into neighborhoods everywhere.

Breweries here double as family hangouts. It’s totally normal to see strollers parked next to picnic tables on a Saturday. Magnolia Plantation and Audubon Swamp Garden are perfect weekend trips — kids get fresh air, parents get a little history and scenery.

And for parents expecting new additions? I had two of my three kids at the Charleston Birth Place. I loved it — it felt personal, calm, and empowering — but there are also plenty of excellent hospitals in the area for families who prefer that option.

Cost of Living

Here’s the truth: Charleston isn’t cheap. Housing near downtown, Mount Pleasant, or Daniel Island will eat up your BAH fast. Summerville, Goose Creek, and Hanahan are more affordable, but you’ll trade that for longer commutes.

Groceries and restaurants are typical for a metro area, though the seafood and farmers markets can tempt you into splurging. Utilities spike in the summer thanks to the humidity, but winters are mild and easy on the budget.

Schools and Homeschooling

Public schools vary depending on the area. Mount Pleasant schools are among the strongest, which is one reason housing costs are so high there. Summerville and Goose Creek have solid options too, especially as the communities expand and new schools are built.

If you homeschool, Charleston is a great place to do it. There are active co-ops, rec center classes, and tons of museums and attractions that host homeschool days. The flexibility here is incredible — one week you’re doing science at the aquarium, the next week you’re doing history downtown, and the week after that you’re walking trails at a plantation.

The Charleston Reality

Charleston is stunning. The food, the history, the beaches, the sunsets — it’s all unforgettable. But living here as a military family comes with a few realities:

• Hurricane season is real. We evacuated every year we lived here. It became part of our normal routine.

• Traffic will wear on you. I-26 can eat entire chunks of your day.

• Cost of living is higher than you think. Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island are pricey, and even affordable towns are creeping up as the area expands.

That said, Charleston is one of those duty stations that gets under your skin in the best way. You’ll spend mornings at farmers markets, afternoons at the beach, and evenings eating meals that will spoil you for other places. Even with the challenges, you’ll look back and realize this PCS gave you memories you’ll keep forever.

Written by Sydney O’Brien. Connect with me on Instagram @sydneyobrien.co or at sydneyobrien.biz.