The Best East Coast City To Call Home In 2025

The best East Coast city, according to Travel + Leisure, beat out the competition from major players like Boston and New York City. Factors such as climate, cost of living, and a city's vibe vary greatly up and down the coast, making the best city calculation a mix of scientific and subjective. With all things considered, the magazine reported that real estate experts determined Charleston, South Carolina, as the best city to call home on the East Coast in 2025. The winner's walkability, friendly residents, and vibrant shopping and dining scene put it at the top of the list. The waterfront city, with a population of more than 150,000 people, ranked higher than cities like Newport, Rhode Island; Greenwich, Connecticut; and Bethesda, Maryland.

Charleston is South Carolina's largest city. With its cobblestone streets trod by horse-drawn carriages, palmetto palm trees, and historic homes, the city projects an air of southern charm — laid back and accessible. But it's not stuck in the past. Award-winning young chefs add southern elements to contemporary American cooking, and the renowned Spoleto Festival presents hundreds of musical, theatrical, and dance performances, some with modern reinterpretations of the classics, every year. The population is educated, homes continue to rise in value, and unemployment is low. Trendy areas and family-friendly neighborhoods coexist in Charleston, South Carolina. 

One of the drawbacks of being named a best city is the potential for an influx of people moving there and increasing the cost of housing. In August 2025, the median sale price of a house was $635,000, though homes in the downtown historic district can cost more than $1 million. Experts say the amount of money you should be paying for housing shouldn't exceed 28% of your income. That figure is doable in Charleston for making median income for the area (about $83,000 a year), even if you have trouble deciding if renting or buying a home is better.

The cost of living in Charleston for 2024 was 2% lower than the national average, though other cost of living indicators like utilities and groceries were higher than the national average. Those costs are balanced by lower taxes, cheaper gasoline, and lower health care costs. If you have kids, about 75% of the children in Charleston County public schools are proficient in math and reading, and there are numerous private schools. Plus, the College of Charleston offers undergraduate and advanced degrees.

With a subtropical climate, Charleston has mild winters and hot summers. There are four public pools to help beat the heat, plus the Atlantic Ocean beaches are a short drive away. Daily life in Charleston might include a stop at a farmers market, buying a local's latest at an independent bookshop, or perusing the offerings in the Charleston Brewery District. History lovers can take the ferry to Fort Sumter, where the American Civil War began, and Fort Moultrie. Plus, almost every religious denomination is represented by the city's more than 400 churches. There is something for everyone in this beautiful city.