by Bryan Crabtree

For the tenth straight year, readers of Southern Living have named Charleston, South Carolina the “Best City in the South,” once again confirming what locals and visitors alike have known for years. The annual rankings, released as part of the magazine’s “Best of the South” awards, celebrate destinations that capture the spirit, culture, and lifestyle of the region. Charleston topped the list yet again, followed by Savannah, Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina, with Greenville, South Carolina also landing in the top ten.

The recognition highlights what has long made Charleston such a special place: its waterfront setting, preserved historic architecture, and one of the most celebrated food scenes in the country. From the cobblestone streets of the historic district to the views of Charleston Harbor and the Atlantic beyond, the city blends centuries of history with an active coastal lifestyle that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the South.

I was reminded of Charleston’s unique appeal recently while talking with a friend who has been spending time here from Europe. He travels extensively and has lived in multiple countries, so his perspective carries some weight. I asked him what he thought of Charleston compared with all the other places he had experienced.

His answer was immediate.

“Of all the places I’ve been, it’s my favorite.”

Naturally, I asked why.

He paused for a moment and said something that probably explains Charleston better than any marketing campaign ever could.

“The food, the beauty. It has everything you need. Not too small, not too big. Wonderful for watersports and the lifestyle around the water. Very few places have all of that. Yes, traffic is bad, but that’s just part of it.”

That observation captures something important about Charleston. The city has a balance that many places struggle to achieve. Larger cities may offer world-class amenities but can feel overwhelming. Smaller coastal towns might provide scenery and charm but lack the cultural energy or economic opportunity people are looking for.

Charleston sits comfortably in between.

It offers a vibrant downtown filled with history, architecture, and nationally recognized restaurants, while still maintaining access to beaches, marshes, and waterways that define the Lowcountry lifestyle. Within a short drive you can be paddleboarding through tidal creeks, sailing across the harbor, fishing in the estuaries, or simply enjoying the view from one of the city’s waterfront parks.

That connection to the water is part of Charleston’s identity. Life here revolves around the harbor, the rivers, and the Atlantic coast. Boating, fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are not just weekend activities—they are part of everyday life for many residents.

At the same time, Charleston’s historic character gives the city a sense of authenticity that visitors instantly recognize. Walking through the historic district means passing centuries-old homes, church steeples rising above the skyline, and streets that tell the story of one of America’s most significant colonial ports. The preservation of that history has helped Charleston maintain its distinctive personality even as the region has grown.

Of course, Charleston’s success has also brought challenges. Population growth across the region has increased traffic and placed pressure on infrastructure. Yet those issues exist largely because so many people want to live here or visit. The same qualities that make Charleston attractive to travelers are drawing new residents and investment into the region every year.

Awards like Southern Living’s annual rankings reflect that continued appeal. For a decade now, readers across the country have consistently placed Charleston at the top of their list of southern destinations.

And when someone who has traveled across Europe and beyond says Charleston is their favorite place in the world, it becomes clear that the city’s reputation is not just hype.

It is the result of a rare combination of beauty, history, culture, food, and coastal lifestyle that few places anywhere can match.