North Central - Charleston, SC Area Guide

North Central has been a part of Charleston’s downtown since homes were first built there in the early 1900s. North Central’s population has shifted over the years to include more young families and professionals. Only a mile away from the neighborhood, you can immerse yourself in Charleston’s history at America’s First Museum, the Charleston Museum, which first opened in 1773. Take in a play at the Woolfe Street Playhouse, a local theater company featuring regular showings of dramatic, comedic and musical plays, also just a mile away. To get into the action, visit DanceFX, a full-service dance studio offering lessons of all types from ballet to hip hop to jazz. The neighborhood does not feature any annual events, but you won’t want to miss the annual world-renowned events of downtown Charleston such as Spoleto USA held in May and the Food and Wine Festival in March.

North Central’s residents enjoy being only a short two-mile drive or ride to the center of downtown Charleston and all it has to offer in the way of restaurants, bars and theaters. However, the neighborhood itself can lay claim to a couple of Charleston’s coolest places, Moe’s Crosstown Tavern and the Rutledge Cab Co..

Earning the title “Best Pub Food in Town” for eight years running by Charleston’s City Paper readers, Moe’s hits the spot every time. Locals seem to love the BLT burger served with a fried green tomato, bacon, mozzarella, pesto and mixed greens. Hanging out in this neighborhood tavern, you see it has earned the right to be called an institution. With loads of TVs and a cozy atmosphere, locals always head to Moe’s to watch the big game.

While it does not have the history of Moe’s, the Rutledge Cab Co. wins big points for uniqueness, being an old filling station converted to a restaurant-bar. Locals love the blackened-fish tacos served with peach chutney, shredded lettuce and an avocado-cilantro cream sauce and the build-your-own-burger, served any way you like. Some say you will want to add the table top cilantro Panama hot sauce to the tacos for a little more spice and interest. The two popular spots in North Central, Moe’s and the Rutledge Cab Co., sit at opposite ends of the neighborhood, with Moe’s being at the south end and The Cab Co. being at the north so wherever you live in North Central, you will be near one of these hot spots.

Nightlife in North Central features a variety of sports bars and pubs in the Park Circle area, and for a special treat visit the Frothy Beard Brewing Company, open for tastings of their hand-crafted brews Wednesday through Friday nights.

Most of North Central’s residents make the short drive to neighborhood establishments or down into center-city. Parking in the neighborhood is relatively easy, but if you are visiting, be aware that some spots are for residents only. On the weekends, you may find cabs passing through on the main roads, Rutledge Avenue or King Street, but it’s always best to call ahead so you’re not waiting for a pick-up. Uber is also an option, serving all of Charleston including North Central. If you prefer to take the bus, you can catch a ride on Charleston’s public bus system, CARTA, for only $1.75/one way. As for biking, the main roads running through the neighborhood, Rutledge Avenue and King Street, are busy and narrow, making it difficult for bikers. If you want to bike, it’s best to pull out the cruiser and stick to the neighborhood’s quiet side streets. If you move to the area, getting in and out of Charleston from your pad will be a breeze as Charleston’s Interstate, Highway 26, runs along the eastern edge of the neighborhood.

Hampton Park, a 63-acre expanse and one of the city’s largest parks, sits right next door to the North Central neighborhood. The park features paved trails, softball fields, a playground, lovely gardens, picnic tables and free Wi-Fi. Free of charge, the park attracts joggers and walkers alike. Events happen all the time at Hampton Park. From running races to a July 4th parade and carnival to the Grand Illumination in December, there is always something going on at the park

Generally speaking, the cost of living in North Central runs lower than in many other parts of the city. While rental data for the neighborhood is limited, it is likely comparable to the adjacent East Central neighborhood, which averages $1,100 a month for a one-bedroom rental. Charleston’s gas prices consistently run about 30 cents lower than the national average, with prices in the North Central area being even 10 cents lower than that. You pay about the same for food and drink at restaurants and bars throughout the City, including in North Central, with the price for a pint of craft beer running between $5 and $6. And, you can always catch a ride on CARTA, Charleston’s public bus system, for only $3.50, round trip.

Shop until you drop in Charleston's famed shopping district, King Street. The stores on King Street range from big-chain and affordable, such as Forever 21, H&M and Rack Room Shoes, to high-end local stores such as Bob Ellis Shoes and the Finicky Filly. In between, you find Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and the Gap.

One favorite King Street store that calls North Central home is the Vinyl Countdown, a trendy shop with a wide selection of new and used records at rock-bottom prices. Music posters and vintage decor create a nostalgic atmosphere, and the knowledgeable staff are ready to help you explore any genre. Be sure to check out the sales table for some great deals on your favorite artists.

The Bi-Lo grocery store, a full-service grocer a mile away, serves residents well. But if you prefer, visit upscale grocer Harris Teeter only two miles away. Stroll up King Street on weekends from April to November and patronize the Charleston Farmer's Market, which Travel and Leisure Magazine ranked as one of the top 10 farmer's markets in the nation. The market sets up at Marion Square Park in the heart of the City. As if that is not enough, the city provides free Wi-Fi at the park and surrounding areas.