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17 South Apartments in Charleston: What to Know Before You Move

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

17 South is a downtown Charleston apartment complex with studios and one-bedroom units in the historic district

17 South Apartments is located at 17 South Street in Charleston's downtown core, steps from the waterfront and the Historic District. The building offers studio and one-bedroom floor plans in a converted historic structure. Units feature exposed brick, high ceilings, and large windows typical of Charleston's adaptive reuse developments.

The location puts you within walking distance of King Street shops, restaurants along the waterfront, and cultural venues including the Gibbes Museum of Art and the Dock Street Theatre. Parking is available but limited, which matters if you own a car—the neighborhood is walkable enough that many residents rely on foot traffic and the CARTA bus system instead.

Key Takeaways

  • 17 South sits in downtown Charleston's Historic District, making it walkable to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions but also subject to historic district design guidelines and parking constraints.
  • The building houses studios and one-bedroom apartments in a renovated historic structure with period details like exposed brick and high ceilings.
  • Parking is limited and may require an additional fee, so confirm availability and cost before signing a lease if you own a vehicle.
  • Downtown location means higher rent than suburban Charleston apartments, but you save on transportation costs and have immediate access to nightlife and dining.
  • The Historic District has noise from foot traffic, especially on weekends, and some streets close for events—ask about which units face quieter sides of the building.

What the neighborhood offers within walking distance

King Street, two blocks away, holds most of Charleston's retail and dining. You can walk to lunch at Bowens Island, a casual seafood spot, or to Husk for upscale Lowcountry cooking. The City Market area, three blocks north, hosts the farmers market on Saturday mornings and hosts live music and street performers year-round.

Cultural institutions nearby include the Gibbes Museum, the Dock Street Theatre (home to the Footlight Players), and the Aiken-Rhett House, a preserved antebellum mansion open for tours. The waterfront park is a five-minute walk, offering green space and views of the harbor. If you work downtown or attend the College of Charleston, the commute is short enough that many residents skip owning a car entirely.

Parking and transportation reality

Parking at 17 South is limited. The building may offer assigned spots, a waiting list, or street parking only—confirm the exact arrangement and any monthly fee when you contact the leasing office. Downtown Charleston has metered street parking that fills quickly during business hours and events.

If you rely on a car, budget for parking costs and plan for the possibility of street parking several blocks away. The CARTA bus system serves downtown with routes to the airport, medical centers, and surrounding neighborhoods. Many residents use bikes or e-scooters for trips beyond walking distance. If you work outside downtown, ask current residents how they handle commuting before you commit to the location.

Historic District rules and what they mean for residents

17 South sits within Charleston's Historic District, which means the building exterior and common areas follow design guidelines set by the Architectural Review Board. This protects the neighborhood's character but also means the building cannot make major exterior changes without approval. For residents, this typically does not affect your lease or daily life, but it does explain why the building maintains its historic appearance.

The Historic District also hosts frequent events—street festivals, parades, holiday celebrations—that can close nearby streets and bring crowds. Check the city's events calendar before signing a lease, especially if you value quiet weekends. Some units face busier streets than others; ask the leasing office which side of the building is quieter and whether you can tour a unit on the floor you are considering.

Rent, utilities, and what to budget

Rent for studios and one-bedroom units at 17 South is higher than suburban Charleston apartments because of the downtown location and historic building status. Exact prices change based on floor plan, floor level, and lease term, so contact the leasing office directly for current rates. Most downtown apartments do not include utilities, so budget separately for electricity, water, and internet.

If parking is included in your rent, confirm it in writing. If it is not, add the monthly parking fee to your total housing cost. Some residents find the walkability saves money on gas and car maintenance, offsetting higher rent. Others find the trade-off not worth it. Calculate your actual monthly cost—rent plus parking plus utilities—and compare it to apartments in neighborhoods where you would need a car.

How to contact 17 South and what to ask

Call the leasing office directly or visit in person at 17 South Street to schedule a tour. Ask about current availability, lease terms, and move-in costs. Request to see a unit on the floor and side of the building you are considering, since noise and light vary significantly in a downtown location.

Confirm parking arrangements in writing before you sign—whether spots are included, the monthly cost if separate, and whether a waiting list exists. Ask about pet policies if you have animals, and about noise policies and quiet hours. Request contact information for current residents if possible, or read reviews on apartment listing sites to understand what living there actually feels like on a weeknight and weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 17 South a good fit if I work outside downtown?

It depends on your commute distance and whether you own a car. If your workplace is more than 20 minutes away by car, the downtown location may not save you money once you factor in parking and rent. If you work downtown or can use CARTA buses, the location is convenient. Ask current residents about their commute before deciding.

Can I have a dog or cat at 17 South?

Pet policies vary by lease. Contact the leasing office to confirm whether pets are allowed, what size or breed restrictions apply, and whether a pet deposit or monthly pet fee is required. Some downtown apartments have strict policies because of shared walls and limited outdoor space.

What is the noise level like on weekends?

Downtown Charleston is lively on Friday and Saturday nights, especially near King Street and the waterfront. If you are sensitive to noise, ask for a unit facing a quieter street or the back of the building. Visit the neighborhood on a Friday or Saturday evening to hear it yourself before you commit to a lease.

Do I need a car to live at 17 South?

No, but it depends on your lifestyle. The neighborhood is walkable to restaurants, shops, and cultural venues. CARTA buses connect downtown to other parts of the city. Many residents bike or use e-scooters for longer trips. If you work downtown or are comfortable with public transit, you can live car-free. If you need a car for work or frequent trips outside downtown, factor parking costs into your budget.

What is the lease term, and can I break it early?

Lease terms typically range from 6 to 12 months, but terms vary. Ask the leasing office about the current lease options and what penalties apply if you need to break the lease early. Some apartments offer month-to-month leases at a higher monthly rate if flexibility matters to you.