Although South Carolina's population recently grew at a rate of 1.5% — faster than any other state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau — ConsumerAffairs says the Palmetto State is one of the worst states to move to due to its poor national rankings in safety (42nd), health care, education (37th), and quality of life (34th). South Carolina was just shy of the bottom 10 states, placing 39th overall.
The story has now been out for a few days, giving readers plenty of opportunity to agree, disagree or simply have some fun. One example: "PLEASE don't move here. It's simply TERRIBLE. Move to California instead." :)
Amusingly, rather than address why the state ranked so low in four major quality-of-life categories — safety, health care, education and overall quality of life — most readers who left comments mainly complained about the traffic. One might think higher-than-average violent crime rates would be upsetting, but apparently no more so than trying to get to Charleston International Airport from downtown on any weekday between 4 and 7 p.m.
And I guess it's just dandy if your ninth grader reads at a fifth-grade level, as long as you can get from U.S. Highway 17 to Isle of Palms in under a half-hour.
The entire world agrees that summers here are brutal, and it's no fun wondering whether the next hurricane will be another Hugo. But most people I know think the quality of life — especially in Charleston — is well above average.
There are folks who can afford rising housing, food and fuel costs or who have retired from "Yankeeland" to a place with lower taxes, no snow shoveling and nearby beaches. Yet there is much more to love about Charleston, which is why those low-ranking statistics seem to be of little concern.
In Charleston, "culture" usually means the city's blend of history, arts, food, African American and Gullah heritage, religious life, and everyday social customs that give the place its distinctive character.
In no particular order:
You can go out any night of the week and hear everything from symphony orchestras to reggae, hip-hop to cutting-edge rock 'n' roll, old-fashioned musical theater to chart-topping acts, and bands that have yet to gain fame and fortune. From Credit One Stadium to the Gaillard Center, from the Charleston Music Hall to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, from The Pour House to The Refinery, there is something for every taste. What other city in the nation has Spoleto?
Culture doesn't stop with music. The Charleston Literary Festival brings dozens of acclaimed writers to town, while the MOJA Arts Festival celebrates the many African American and Caribbean contributions to Western and world cultures.
Charleston's culture is rooted in its long history as a colonial port, Revolutionary War city and Civil War flashpoint, all of which continue to shape its identity today. Historic architecture, preserved antebellum buildings, cobblestone streets, and landmarks such as the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and Dock Street Theatre remain central to the city's identity.
African American and Gullah Geechee traditions are equally essential to what people mean when they talk about Charleston culture. Those influences are reflected in the city's food, language, storytelling, music and crafts, and are highlighted at places such as the International African American Museum and through Gullah tours and festivals.
Lowcountry cuisine is one of the most visible expressions of Charleston culture. Dishes such as shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, rice-based specialties and fresh seafood, along with the city's thriving fine-dining and wine scene, are as much cultural traditions as they are culinary ones.
Charleston's nickname, "The Holy City," comes from its many historic churches and longstanding religious diversity, both of which remain part of its cultural identity. Community events, hospitality and the city's reputation for friendliness also shape how people experience Charleston day to day.
Politically, Charleston is something of a little blue bubble in a deeply red state. Fortunately, its culture tends to lean more toward blue than red.