Charleston, South Carolina: Where Faith and Civil Society Flourish
By Lillian Ferrell
Southern beaches, sunny skies, amazing eats, and pastel porches—Charleston, South Carolina is a haven for Americans of all ages to relax and indulge in the comforts of Southern hospitality. Yet, one characteristic makes Charleston stand out from other charming cities across the U.S: the array of churches on nearly every corner brings faith to the forefront for visitors and residents alike.
Charleston has been coined “The Holy City” due to its grand total of over 400 churches, making it the city with one of the largest concentrations of churches in the United States. The steeples of Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish places of worship dot the skyline of the city, demonstrating that religious tolerance and freedom are celebrated in Charleston. Some of Charleston’s historic churches date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and have stood the test of time with frequent attendees every Sunday.
However, the faith-centered culture of Charleston is more than an appealing asset to the city’s daily life. Charleston’s thriving faith-life has undoubtedly contributed to the safety of the city and the happiness of all who have the pleasure of living there. It is no coincidence that Charleston’s crime rate is significantly lower than the national average for cities of a similar size, and that it is one of the safest major cities in the state. In 2024 alone, Charleston saw a 10.7% decrease in overall crime, with a 5.7% decrease in violent crime. Furthermore, Charleston is ranked 20th for best well-being of residents, 9th for highest income, and has been ranked one of the happiest cities in the United States based on depression rates, income growth, and leisure time.
In Southern Living’s 2024 ranking, Charleston was notably named the top “happiest” city in the South, for the eighth year in a row. As a native West Coast resident, I was struck by the abundance of churches combined with the warm kindness of South Carolinians when I visited Charleston. In almost every coffee shop, restaurant, or shop I went to, I was greeted with bright smiles and genuine conversation that went beyond anything I was used to in my hometown. People stopped to ask how I was doing, if I was enjoying my visit, or even to give me recommendations on places I simply could not miss on my trip.
Everyone around me seemed to take the Biblical commandment to “love your neighbor” seriously in every interaction they had, making it impossible to leave. I also noticed the unique way that the city appealed to nearly every age group. Families, young, single Americans, college students, and retired couples all found a shared love for the charm and comfort Charleston provides, derived from Biblical beliefs and strong Christian values. Never before had I been to a city where anyone of any age group was able to enjoy themselves and was openly brought into the magnetic culture of South Carolina.
Being such an incredible place to live, it is no surprise that Charleston’s population grew 5.7% between 2020 and 2023, and has only been climbing in recent years. One of the top reasons people listed for moving to South Carolina was for a “lifestyle change”, drawing upon a lifestyle centered on practicing and living out faith of various denominations. While the city has everything from an amazing food scene to boundless, sandy beaches, I am convinced that the appeal of the city is created by the presence of Christian values surrounding all aspects of city-life, which makes everyone instantaneously feel welcome whether they are a believer or not.
In the polarizing political climate we live in today, Charleston is a breath of fresh air where Americans can slow down and reflect upon what really matters—faith, family, and true freedom to practice what we each believe in. If I gleaned anything from my visit, it is that what you value and how you put such values into practice matters in building a healthy community for Americans of all ages and religious backgrounds. It’s no wonder that the beautiful cities of our country from coast to coast have gradually lost residents fleeing instability and crime.
The faith crisis in our country and the degradation of the cities that have historically made America great are not independent of each other. It is undeniable that the presence of a strong faith culture and a high quality of life go hand in hand. It’s up to Americans today and future generations to follow the example of “The Holy City” to bring back what it means to be a citizen of our spectacular country, bringing faith back to the center of American culture.