Living in Harleston Village in Charleston, SC

by Ashley Melton

About Harleston Village

Satellite image of Harleston Village in Downtown Charleston

Living in Harleston Village seems to be just about perfect for those Charleston residents you ask, but there's a lot more to this quaint area than meets the eye.

John Harleston inherited the land that's now known as Harleston Village back in the late 1600s. The area was kept as a large tract of land for well over a hundred years until streets were added in 1770 and officially became known as Harleston Village.

The Harleston family was known to be active in local politics and also bred horses as a pastime. Even though the area began its growth with the addition of roads, additional homes didn't show up for around another 100 years.

These days, this cozy area is known by locals as a place to get away from the crush of tourists. Here you can steal away onto the side streets for a bite to eat or do some shopping at any one of the many corner shops lining the streets.

Bordered by MUSC, College of Charleston, Charleston Harbor, and Broad Street this tree and the sidewalk-lined neighborhood is a prime downtown location in the peninsula area of historic downtown Charleston.

The area is very bike, dog and pedestrian-friendly, so it holds one of the highest walkability ratings in the area. The high walkability rating is a trade-off for its lack of street parking, however.

Colonial Lake, which is located at the heart of the neighborhood offers a relaxing space to walk or sit by the water. Residents in this neighborhood can easily walk to the local businesses, medical offices, dining, and school to attend the College of Charleston located within its borders.

Schools

Harleston Village is zoned for the Charleston public schools system, but there are also great private schools nearby. Higher education options include the College of Charleston and MUSC or the Medical University of the South.

Charleston Day School

A K-8th grade private school located on Archdale Street, this school was founded in 1937. The school serves around 255 students and keeps a 15 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio.

Mason Preparatory School

Mason is another K-8th private school with a 10 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio serving 305 students. 68% of the faculty hold advanced degrees and their focus is on "...education of the whole child" to prepare the students for secondary education.

Memminger Elementary School

The "Mighty Mariners" of Memminger participate in a unique learning environment that focuses on three initiatives: the International Baccalaureate Program, Social Emotional Learning, and Personalized Learning.

Allegro Charter School of Music

This charter school focuses on producing inspired thinkers and creative members of society through the study and performance of music. Students in grades 6-12 are prepared for creative work using music and strong academic programs.

Simmons Pinckney Middle School

This public middle school serves 264 students in grades 6-8 offering around a 16 to 1 student/teacher ratio.

Burke High School

This public high school offers a core curriculum to its students as well as CTE programs such as building construction, culinary arts, digital art & design, health science, and engineering. Dual credit, advanced placement, and college preparatory courses are also offered.

Dining

Harleston Village enjoys many dining establishments within walking distance from your doorstep in the neighborhood. Here are a few of my favorites:

La Farfalle

Amazing Italian fare is located on Beaufain Street with a lovely little courtyard.

queen street grocery in harleston village sc

photo courtesy: Queen Street Grocery

Queen Street Grocery

Open 7 days a week and offering crepes, sandwiches, salad, local craft beer, and more, this Queen Street mainstay has been a presence in one form or another for a hundred years. A great place to put together a picnic to take to Colonial Lake!

Basic Kitchen

Basic Kitchen is anything but basic... other than basically wanting you to stuff your face with the delicious menu items they prepare with local produce and inventive preparations.

Outdoors

Colonial Lake in Harleston Village

Due to its proximity to Charleston Harbor, residents have 24/7 to one of the most famous waterways on the east coast for fishing, boating, paddle boarding, and more. For serious boaters, the nearby marina offers a location for your watercraft.

Additionally, Colonial Lake Park offers an idyllic setting for jogging, biking, or a leisurely stroll and the adjacent Moultrie Playground has public tennis courts and other attractions.