How Caitlyn C's It

On August 21, 2023, I moved from Stillwater, Minnesota, to Charleston, South Carolina, without ever having stepped foot here.

It’s now January 2024 and a place I was so wary from at the start has become somewhere I brag about. Here’s why:

Aside from the obvious, an incredible food scene, amazing beaches, world renowned shopping strip and beautiful homes, Charleston is such a unique, funny and warm city to live in.

People here never grow up and in a way it’s refreshing

Some girls complain about the dating scene in Charleston since a lot of guys act like they’re still in college… that I cannot speak on. But one positive way of looking at this “Peter Pan” type of behavior is that people in Charleston know how to have fun.

Chucktown residents are no stranger to a drink, love to meet new people and dance like no one’s watching. It’s something I’ve come to love about the nightlife – and everyday life – here.

Something to note for the ladies, there are TONS of 20-something year old girls moving to Charleston. There are so many girls groups to join so you don’t have to feel alone. I’ve made most of my friends through these groups and the best part about Charleston is that its so small, you are bound to find out you have mutuals with almost anyone you meet!

pastel wonderlands everywhere you go

Just the other day I was on a solo walk and noticed how “European” everything felt. People were strolling the streets with coffees, deep in conversation and the buildings hung over me, with years and years of history that keep them standing.

Rainbow Row, Philadelphia Alley and in many nooks and crannies throughout Charleston are all adorned with the charm and a pastel glow of an old, beautiful city. It’s a city meant to be photographed.

Southern charm reminds me of midwestern pleasantries

I was worried about moving somewhere I’ve never been because as a Minnesotan I’ve gotten so accustom to kindness and random conversations. In Charleston, that is amplified by 10.

People don’t even honk, it’s insane. I am always greeted with warm smiles in stores, older people compliment my shoes or ask me where I got the jar of jam I’m holding and southern accents are like a warm cup of soup on a chilly day. The entire city is overflowing with kindness that it’s almost impossible to be in a bad mood for too long.

food, coffee, booze and shopping

If you want to save money, do not come here.

But, like they say, money comes and goes, but experiences are forever. The food, bars, coffee shops and shopping here is unparalleled and I do not take it for granted. Almost every weekend I’ve gotten to try a new bar or restaurant and I still have a list of over 100 spots I have yet to try.

A lot of it comes a cost, but if you look hard enough there are some incredible gems that won’t break the bank like spots in West Ashley or James Island.

Charleston might not be my forever home, but as someone fresh out of college, it has become a home to me and given me a sense of warmth, familiarity and comfort during this tough transitional period.

If you can’t move here, I’d strongly recommend coming for a weekend visit sometime in the spring or summer. Only have a few days to come? I’d say to make sure you hit King Street, stroll along one of the beaches (my favorite is Sullivan’s Island), eat at either Lewis BBQ or Le Farfalle (but again, there are literally hundreds of places to eat, drink and chill), try a High Rise (wink, wink) and drive over the Ravenel Bridge (in the right direction ofc, iykyk).

If you want more trip recommendations or to chat about what it’s like to live in this incredible southern city, DM me on Instagram @caitlyngarrity. I love to talk (as we all know)!