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Joint Base Charleston is a U.S. military facility located in North Charleston, South Carolina. It’s under the jurisdiction of the Air Force's 628th Air Base Wing. It serves as a civil-military airport and a combination of Charleston Air Force Base with Naval Support Activity Charleston. This air force base also shares runways with Charleston International Airport while also reserving runways for the exclusive use of the U.S. Air force. The service members that come to work on this base need reliable and safe housing, especially if they have families, so Joint Base Charleston works hard to make sure military families can relocate here smoothly. Here are the best family neighborhoods near Joint Base Charleston.

More on the History of Joint Base Charleston

Joint Base Charleston was established in 2005. It was put into place after recommendations were made by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. The law put in place the consolidation of a variety of military installations. The new base combined numerous military bases in the area into one organization.

The Joint Base Charleston location is a large establishment. It provides support for 67 military commands and federal agencies. In total, it takes up about 20,877 acres of land. The base is also one of the largest employers in the area. There are 79,000 people who serve there, including Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Coast Guardsman, as well as civilians who work and serve the Department of Defense as well as their dependents.

Located on the base is the Federal Complex is the largest installment. It was once the Charleston Naval Base, but today services 17 different components of the U.S. military and government. It is home to the Read Reserve Force Ships, as well as several Coast Guard cutters and research ships.

Living in Charleston

Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in South Carolina that is still full of old-world grandeur. Antique buildings, cobblestone roads, and walkable streets are its prime characteristics. World-class restaurants are nestled throughout its historic district that has over 300 years of history. If you love history and southern glamour, you will love this beautiful military town that is fertile ground for the arts, food scene, and music. Whether you want to explore the area’s natural beauty, museums, or many scenic paths, it’s difficult to get bored in Charleston.

Downtown Charleston

Exploring Charleston itself is an exciting opportunity to learn about the country’s storied history, enjoy incredible food, and enjoy the outdoors. Take a look at some of the things to do in Downtown Charleston.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

One of the most recognizable components of Downtown Charleston is Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, a home built in 1681. The property is noted for its rows of evenly spaced oak trees, which were planted on the estate in 1743. The property is available for tours and often hosts various events. It is also the only plantation in the South Carolina Lowcountry area that provides live presentations of Gullah culture, which is a unique culture that was adopted by African slaves. There’s also a 40-minute tractor tour that takes guests around the 738 acres of property at the plantation.

Go Fishing

Downtown Charlestown’s location makes it the best location for those who want to fish. Just off the coastline, there are numerous fishing charters you can book to take you out into the water to explore. It’s common to catch flounder, redfish, ladyfish, and speckled sea trout right off the coast.

Gibbes Museum of Art

Located in the heart of the city is the Gibbes Museum of Art, which is home to a large collection of American heritage art. Much of it tells the story of Charlestown, but there are also quite modern exhibits here as well. For those who want to experience true Charleston charm and culture, the art museum is one of the best ways to do so.

Explore Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Another of the famed plantations in the area is Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. It is the ideal location to visit for those who enjoy gardens, as it has been designated as an International Garden of Excellence. The gardens are lavish and were first established in 1676. It’s considered the oldest garden in the country and has been preserved as close to its original state as possible.

Take a Boat Ride

Exploring Charleston Harbor is a fantastic way to see the city and the beautiful waterfront community here. There are numerous charters available throughout the area. Many of them run consistently throughout the day during good weather. Boat rides will provide a tour of the entire harbor and often only take about 30 minutes.

Check Out the Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is a must-see location for anyone that enjoys animals. There are over 5,000 animals on display in numerous exhibits. With a strong conservation focus, there are often educational programs available at the aquarium as well. It’s also located just right outside the historic portion of Charleston Harbor.

Visit Old City Market

Old City Market is a fantastic place to find something interesting. Numerous vendors are available throughout the open air market. Most of the vendors here focus on artisan productions, including jewelry, woven baskets, clothing, and handcrafted items. There are some vendors that sell bakery and produce during the season.

Where to Stay When Visiting the City

For those who plan to visit Downtown Charleston, a large number of hotels are available in the downtown area and nearby. This includes historic inns, very modern, full-service hotels, luxury hotels, and a few bed and breakfasts.

To experience the Southern charm and history of this city, consider one of the historic inns. The John Rutledge House Inn is a fantastic example of this. It’s in a home built in 1763 by John Rutledge, a prominent American historical figure who signed the U.S. Constitution. Stunning in its Victorian style, the location is right in the heart of the city. The Planters Inn is another well-recommended location. It is a boutique hotel that is quite modern and beautiful. The building dates to 1844.

Those seeking out a luxury hotel experience may find The Spectator Hotel to be a prominent choice. This luxurious hotel offers gourmet breakfast, concierge services, and well-appointed rooms. The Wentworth Mansion is an exceptional property within one of the most impressive mansions in the state. There are 21 rooms available for booking, and they tend to book quickly. All have fireplaces, large bathrooms, and plush amenities.

In addition to these options, there are traditional hotels here, as well as a few campgrounds located just outside the main area of the city. Consider Church Street Inn, right in the downtown area, and Emeline, a historic district property that’s newer.

Top Picks: On Base Housing

Joint Base Housing

When you’re a military family, you reap the benefit of getting assistance with your move. You don’t have to look far for the best housing either. Located on the base, Joint Base Charleston (JBC) Family Housing is a family-friendly neighborhood that is open to active duty service members, veterans, retirees, DOD employees, and other service branches. Hunt Military Communities, a leader in national real estate services, manages Joint Base Housing.

Hunt is fully dedicated to helping military families move too, so call the office at (864) 768-3300 as soon as you know you need to move. This organization does its utmost to offer competitive pricing and flexibility that military families need. If you need flexible payment plans, such as no up-front rent costs or security deposits, they offer this option for Active Duty Members.

Hunley Park

This is another neighborhood that is managed by Hunt Military communities. Hunley Park offers 2-4 bedroom floor plans with a one-car garage nestled in a family-friendly community with desirable amenities. The same pricing, lease flexibility, and assistance that families enjoy with Joint Base Housing all apply to this community. Hunley Park’s homes offer these amenities, (which also apply to Joint Base Housing):

• 24-Hour Maintenance Available
• Most Major Appliances Included
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove/range
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
• Free Utilities
  • Electric
  • Water
  • Sewer
  • Trash
  • Pest control
  • Lawn care
  • Professional Landscaping
• Pet-friendly
• Air Conditioner
• 2-Car Garage
• Washer/dryer hookups
• Community Amenities:
  • Walkable paths
  • Parks
  • Tot Lots
  • Child Development Center

Also, there are plenty of nearby attractions outside the base including city parks. It’s a must to visit Charleston's most famous park — Marion Square, which hosts a farmers market during the summer and festivals throughout the year.

Off-Base Housing

If you prefer to live off base, there are quite a few desirable neighborhoods that are a short distance away from Joint Base Charleston.

Indigo Fields

This quiet neighborhood of well-kept single-family homes that include colonials and one-level living is the perfect place for military families. Prices range between the high 300s up to the 500s depending on the type of home. Many of the houses in Indigo Fields were built in the late 90s and early 2000s. It’s one of the closest new neighborhoods to Joint Base Charleston, which means they offer modern floor plans, more choices, and a higher chance of finding a property in move-in-ready condition.

Archdale

This is another well-kept neighborhood close to the base, and the houses are more affordable since they were built in the mid-1980s to 1990s. You can get more bang for your buck, which is good if you need more square footage for a larger family. Archdale is part of the up-and-coming North Charleston area that is known for more affordable but quality homes. If you don’t mind putting some elbow grease into some improvements, you can fix up an older home as you lie in it too.

Whitehall

If you want to live in an HOA with a robust amenity center and live close to the base, this community of single-family homes is for you. Prices range from the high 200’s and up. The houses are overall new as well, built from the 1990s to the present day. This community is convenient to local shopping and a short commute to the base, which makes family life easier. Since these homes are newer, you will also have a good chance of finding a move-in-ready home.

Storage Solutions Near Joint Base Charleston

Moving to a new city hardly involves perfect timing. If you need a place to store your belongings for a short time, storage rental units offer convenience and peace of mind. You can also choose to store some belongings that don’t fit in your new home for as long as you need to get rid of clutter.

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