[gjm120]

Born and grew up in Charleston but moved away some time ago. I've always gone back often regardless of where I have lived. Each area has its own feel and what has been said in this thread so far is pretty much correct. Housing is expensive or cheap depending on from where you are relocating. Historic district houses carry the additional burden of having to get BAR (Board of Architectural Review) approval on anything that is visible from the street.

Don't under emphasize your commute. My perspective on the traffic there is that it is more frustrating than Houston. Part of this is because I lived there before it grew so much and remember when it was more laid back. Other part is traffic is a real problem b/c expanding roads is so difficult (always a waterway or marsh or something historic to be reckoned with).