Safety & Healthcare

Choosing the right community often starts with safety and peace of mind. Across the Charleston region, residents benefit from coordinated public safety services, engaged local governments, and neighborhoods known for strong community connection.

If low crime is high on your list, Charleston crime statistics prove that our suburban and rural areas set the standard for the region. Consider:

• Mount Pleasant (Charleston County) – consistently a top pick and ranked in SafeWise’s Top 10 safest cities in South Carolina.
• West Ashley (Charleston County) – established neighborhoods with convenient access to downtown Charleston
• James Island (Charleston County) – residential character with proximity to parks and beaches
• Moncks Corner (Berkeley County) – small-town pace with room to spread out in a growing residential neighborhood
• Summerville (spans Dorchester and Berkeley Counties) – family-oriented neighborhoods with strong community amenities
• St. George (Dorchester County) – rural charm and close-knit community atmosphere

Safety perceptions can vary by neighborhood, and prospective residents should review local crime data and community resources when evaluating where to live. No matter where you settle, the Charleston region offers a high quality of life that thousands of new residents choose every year.

Hurricane season is part of coastal life, but in the Charleston region, preparedness is built into the community. Local and state agencies make preparedness straightforward, with clear guidance, practical resources, and support for residents who need extra support.

At the state level, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division publishes an annual Hurricane Guide you can download online, and it’s also available in print at convenient locations across the region. If you or a loved one relies on powered medical equipment, SCEMD also shares information on the S.C. Department of Public Health’s Medical Equipment Power Shelters (MEPS), which provide generator power and specialized accommodations during emergencies.

Each Tri-County area also maintains easy-to-use online preparedness hubs:

• Dorchester County: readiness tips, storm timelines, alerts, and planning guidance (including evacuation-route planning).
• Charleston County: hurricane guidance plus shelter information and what to bring if shelters open.
• Berkeley County: emergency management resources, including a county hurricane guide and notification tools.

With a vision for building strong communities, the Charleston region puts practical tools in residents’ hands so they feel well-informed and proactively supported.

Healthcare is one of the Charleston region’s biggest quality-of-life advantages. Nationally recognized hospital systems serve the Lowcountry, along with specialty centers that bring advanced care close to home. In fact, we’re home to 3 of the top 5 hospitals in the state (Medical University of South Carolina, Roper St. Francis Health, and Trident Medical Center).

From the research-driven innovation of MUSC — which ranks among the top 13% of hospitals nationally — to the award-winning community network of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the region is supported by more than 3,500 physicians and tens of thousands of other healthcare professionals. Veterans and active-duty families have added layers of support through the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Naval Health Clinic Charleston.

Depth matters, too. East Cooper Medical Center has earned more Gold Seals from The Joint Commission than any other South Carolina hospital (eight in total). Meanwhile, the Trident Health System (HCA) operates a 445-bed network across five area facilities, including two acute-care hospitals and multiple freestanding emergency departments, extending access across Charleston and Summerville.