The Mason Apartments in Charleston: What to Know Before You Move

The Mason is a mid-rise residential building in downtown Charleston with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units

The Mason sits at 70 Folly Street in Charleston's historic district, a few blocks from the waterfront and walking distance to King Street shops and restaurants. The building itself is a modern structure that fits into Charleston's architectural character without mimicking it—a deliberate choice in a neighborhood where new construction draws strong opinions.

Units range from studios to two-bedroom layouts. The building includes amenities like a fitness center, a rooftop deck, and ground-floor retail space. Parking is available but limited, which matters if you drive regularly; street parking in this neighborhood fills quickly, especially during tourist season and weekends.

Rent varies by unit size, floor level, and lease term. The building does not offer income-based pricing, so costs reflect market rates for downtown Charleston. If you are considering The Mason, compare it against other downtown options like The Vendue or buildings in nearby neighborhoods like Wagener Terrace or the Eastside, where rents may be lower.

Key Takeaways

• The Mason is located on Folly Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of King Street and the waterfront.
• The building offers studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units with amenities including a fitness center and rooftop deck.
• Parking is limited and street parking in the historic district fills quickly, so confirm parking options before signing a lease.
• Rent reflects downtown Charleston market rates; you should compare pricing and lease terms with other buildings in the area.
• The neighborhood is walkable but busy, especially during tourist season, so consider whether the activity level matches your lifestyle.

What the neighborhood is actually like

Folly Street sits in the heart of downtown, which means constant foot traffic, restaurants and bars nearby, and easy access to cultural venues like the Gibbes Museum and the Dock Street Theatre. It also means noise, especially on weekends and during the spring and fall tourist seasons. If you work from home or value quiet evenings, this location may not suit you.

The historic district has narrow streets, limited parking, and strict rules about exterior modifications—you cannot paint your door a non-approved color or hang a sign without approval from the Architectural Review Board. These rules apply to the building itself, not to individual units, but they shape the neighborhood's character and can affect things like maintenance timelines.

Summer heat and humidity are intense in downtown Charleston. The building's air conditioning and proximity to water help, but expect higher cooling costs than you would pay in neighborhoods farther inland. Winter is mild, and the waterfront location means occasional flooding during king tides and heavy rain—a real consideration if you are on a lower floor.

Lease terms and what to expect

Most downtown Charleston apartments, including The Mason, use standard 12-month leases, though shorter or longer terms may be negotiable depending on the building's occupancy. Leases typically require a security deposit equal to one month's rent, proof of income (usually 30 times the monthly rent), and a background check. Some buildings also require renters insurance, which is inexpensive and protects your belongings.

Read the lease carefully for pet policies, guest policies, and noise restrictions. Downtown buildings often have stricter rules about overnight guests and parties than suburban complexes do. Utility costs are usually your responsibility; ask the leasing office what previous tenants have paid for electricity and water, since these vary widely depending on how you use air conditioning and heat.

Move-in and move-out can be complicated in the historic district. Parking for a moving truck is difficult, and the building may require advance notice and specific time windows. Ask about this before you commit—moving costs can spike if you need to hire a professional to navigate the narrow streets and limited access.

Transportation and getting around

The Mason's downtown location means you can walk to restaurants, shops, and some workplaces. The CARTA bus system runs routes through downtown, and the free DASH shuttle connects downtown to the Eastside and other neighborhoods. If you work on the peninsula or in the historic district, you may not need a car at all.

If you do drive, factor in parking costs. The building offers limited on-site parking, and street parking requires a permit from the city. Permit parking in the historic district is competitive, and spots fill quickly. Some residents pay for private parking at a nearby lot, which adds $100 to $200 per month to housing costs. Before signing a lease, confirm exactly what parking The Mason includes and what additional costs apply.

Biking is practical in downtown Charleston, though the historic district's narrow streets and heavy tourist traffic require confidence. The city has been adding bike lanes, and several routes connect downtown to neighborhoods like Wagener Terrace and the Eastside.

Cost of living in this location

Downtown Charleston is the most expensive neighborhood in the city. Rent at The Mason reflects that premium. Groceries, dining, and entertainment are pricier here than in neighborhoods like Summerville or Goose Creek. A coffee downtown costs more than the same coffee in the Eastside. These small differences add up over a year.

Utilities tend to run higher in downtown buildings because of air conditioning demands in summer and the age of some building systems. Ask the leasing office for utility cost estimates, and budget accordingly. Internet and phone service are widely available and competitively priced.

If you work downtown or spend most of your time in the historic district, the convenience may justify the cost. If you work elsewhere or prefer quieter neighborhoods, you might save money and improve your quality of life by renting in a different area and commuting in.

Amenities and what is included

The Mason includes a fitness center, which saves you a gym membership if you use it regularly. The rooftop deck offers views of downtown and the harbor, and it is a common gathering space for residents. Ground-floor retail space means there may be shops or restaurants in the building itself, though tenants change over time.

The building likely includes climate control, modern appliances, and in-unit laundry or access to a laundry facility—confirm these details when you tour. Some downtown buildings have concierge services or package rooms; ask whether The Mason offers these conveniences.

Amenities are nice but should not be the deciding factor. A building with excellent amenities you do not use is just more expensive rent. Prioritize location, lease terms, and whether the neighborhood matches how you actually live.

How to visit and what questions to ask

Schedule a tour during the time of day you would typically be home—if you work nights and sleep during the day, tour in the afternoon to hear what noise levels are like. Walk around the neighborhood at different times: weekday morning, weekday evening, and weekend. This gives you a realistic sense of activity and noise.

When you tour, ask about lease renewal rates, maintenance response times, and what utilities are included. Ask whether the building allows subletting if your plans change. Ask about the parking situation in detail: how many spaces come with your unit, what the wait list is for additional spaces, and what the monthly cost is. Ask about guest policies and noise restrictions.

Request contact information for current residents if possible, or read online reviews on Google and Apartments.com, keeping in mind that reviews skew toward people with strong opinions—very satisfied or very frustrated. A building with mixed reviews is often more honest than one with only five-star ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Mason a good choice if I have a car?

It depends on how often you drive. If you work downtown or rarely leave the peninsula, you may not need a car and can save money by not having one. If you commute to the suburbs or drive regularly, parking costs and the difficulty of finding street parking make downtown expensive. Calculate your actual parking costs before deciding.

What is the noise level like at night?

Downtown Charleston is active, especially Thursday through Saturday nights. Restaurants and bars stay open late, and foot traffic continues into the evening. If you are sensitive to noise or work early mornings, tour the building at night to hear what you would actually experience. Higher floors may be quieter than ground-level units.

Can I break my lease early if I need to move?

Most leases include an early termination fee, typically equal to one or two months' rent. Some buildings allow subletting, which lets you find another tenant to take over your lease. Ask about both options before you sign, and understand the exact cost and process if your plans change.

What happens during hurricane season?

Charleston is in a hurricane zone, and downtown is vulnerable to storm surge and flooding. The Mason is a modern building with structural standards for the area, but lower floors are at higher risk during severe weather. Ask the building about its emergency procedures, backup power, and whether flood insurance is required or recommended for renters.

Is downtown Charleston walkable for groceries and daily needs?

Yes, but with caveats. Harris Teeter and Food Lion have downtown locations, and specialty shops and restaurants are plentiful. However, prices are higher than in suburban grocery stores, and selection is smaller. Many downtown residents shop elsewhere and use downtown stores for convenience items only.