What to Know About Arium St Ives in Charleston

Arium St Ives is a mixed-income apartment community in Charleston's upper peninsula

Arium St Ives is located on St Ives Avenue in Charleston and offers rental apartments designed for residents across different income levels. The community includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, with some units reserved for households earning below the area median income. The property is managed by Arium, a real estate company that operates residential communities across the Southeast.

The location sits near downtown Charleston but outside the most congested neighborhoods, giving residents access to the city's cultural attractions while maintaining some distance from peak traffic areas. The community is walkable to local shops and restaurants, and several bus routes serve the area through the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA).

Key Takeaways

• Arium St Ives offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with a mix of market-rate and income-restricted units.
• Some units are reserved for households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income, though availability varies.
• The property includes amenities such as a fitness center, community spaces, and parking, though specific offerings should be confirmed directly with management.
• Rent amounts depend on unit size and income level, and you can contact the leasing office for current pricing and floor plan details.

Income-Restricted Units and Affordability

A portion of Arium St Ives' units are designated as affordable housing, meaning they are rented to households meeting income limits set by the property or local housing programs. These units typically serve families earning around 60 percent of the area median income, though the exact threshold can shift based on household size and current program guidelines. Income-restricted units usually rent for less than market rate, making them a lower-cost option within the same community.

To learn whether you may be within the income range for these units, you can contact the leasing office directly with your household income and size. The staff can tell you which floor plans are currently available at the income-restricted rate and what documentation you would need to provide. Income verification typically requires recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer.

Floor Plans and Unit Types

Arium St Ives offers one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. Each floor plan varies in square footage and layout, and both market-rate and income-restricted versions may be available depending on current occupancy. The property website or leasing office can show you floor plans, photos, and which sizes are currently available.

Units typically include features such as kitchens with appliances, climate control, and in-unit or community laundry options, though specific amenities vary by floor plan. Some units may have balconies or patios. You can request a tour of a model unit or completed apartment to see the finishes and layout before deciding.

Amenities and Community Features

Arium St Ives includes shared amenities designed for residents' use. These commonly include a fitness center, community room or lounge, and parking areas. Some communities operated by Arium also offer pet-friendly policies, though breed and size restrictions may apply. Specific amenities and their hours of operation are best confirmed by calling the leasing office or visiting in person.

The property is situated in an area with nearby parks, shops, and dining options. Public transportation via CARTA bus routes provides connections to downtown Charleston and other neighborhoods. The location is also within reasonable distance of medical facilities, grocery stores, and schools.

How to Contact Arium St Ives

The leasing office is the best starting point for information about current availability, pricing, floor plans, and the income-restriction process. You can visit in person during business hours, call to ask questions, or request information online through the property website. Staff can walk you through what documents you would need and answer questions about lease terms, move-in costs, and pet policies.

When you contact the office, have your household income and size ready so they can quickly tell you which units may be available to you. If you are interested in an income-restricted unit, ask about the timeline for the income verification process and when you might be able to move in.

Parking and Transportation

Arium St Ives provides parking for residents, though the number of spaces per unit and any associated fees vary by lease agreement. Some leases include parking; others charge an additional monthly fee. Ask the leasing office about parking availability and cost when you inquire about rent.

The property is served by CARTA bus routes, which connect to downtown Charleston, the Medical District, and other neighborhoods. If you rely on public transit, you can check CARTA's website or app to see which routes stop near the community and their schedules. The location is also bikeable to some nearby destinations, and the area has sidewalks for walking.

Lease Terms and Move-In Costs

Standard lease terms at apartment communities are typically 12 months, though some properties offer shorter or longer options. Move-in costs usually include first month's rent, a security deposit, and sometimes an application fee. The amount of the security deposit is often equal to one month's rent, though this can vary. Some properties waive or reduce application fees during promotional periods.

Income-restricted units may have different lease terms or move-in requirements than market-rate units. Ask the leasing office to explain all costs upfront so you know the total amount needed to move in. If you have questions about lease terms or fees, the office can provide a sample lease or written explanation before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my income qualifies for an income-restricted unit?

Contact the leasing office with your household size and gross monthly or annual income. They will tell you whether you fall within the income limit for available units. Income limits are based on area median income and vary by household size, so a family of four may have a different limit than a single person.

What documents do I need to show to prove my income?

Most properties ask for recent pay stubs (usually the last two months), a copy of your most recent tax return, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your position and salary. If you receive benefits, Social Security, or other income, bring documentation for those as well. The leasing office can tell you exactly what they need before you apply.

Can I get a tour of the apartments before I decide?

Yes. You can call the leasing office to schedule a tour of a model unit or an available apartment. Tours are usually offered during business hours and take about 15 to 30 minutes. Seeing the space in person helps you decide whether the floor plan and finishes meet your needs.

Are pets allowed at Arium St Ives?

Many Arium communities allow pets, but policies vary by property. Some have breed or size restrictions, and pet rent or deposits may apply. Call the leasing office to ask about their current pet policy and any associated fees.

What is the lease application process?

After you decide on a unit, you complete a lease application, which typically includes a background check and income verification. The office will explain the process and timeline when you apply. Approval usually takes a few business days to a week, depending on how quickly you provide required documents.