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French Quarter Charleston SC Real Estate

Life in the French Quarter 

The French Quarter is a small neighborhood located in the historic district of the Charleston Peninsula.  Known for its charming cobblestone streets, like Chalmers Street, architecture in this borough boasts colorful gardens and courtyards, historic alleys, and relaxing piazzas.  

History

Named the French Quarter in 1873, the borough is home to historic buildings like St. Philips Episcopal Church, the French Hugenot Church, and the Dock Street Theatre.  The name “French Quarter” was derived when preservation efforts began to protect warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block, largely occupied by French Merchants.  Life in the borough was thriving long before it was officially named, though, as the Dock Street Theatre was opened in 1736 as the first building in America designed solely for theatrical use.

Location

Bordered by Broad Street, Meeting Street, and the Cooper River, the French Quarter is a fascinating nook of downtown Charleston.  Often regarded as downtown Charleston’s cultural and artistic haven, the French Quarter is the setting for year round Art Walks, due to the area’s high concentration of art galleries, also boasting some of Charleston’s finest dining establishments.


Education

The neighborhood is zoned for Charleston’s metro public school system, and within just a few miles there are a number of independent elementary, middle, and high schools.  Notables include Ashley Hall, a k-12 college preparatory school for girls, and Porter Gaud, a k-12 college preparatory school for both girls and boys.

Amenities

Because the French Quarter is a public area of downtown Charleston, there is no HOA fee.  The public amenities include Waterfront Park, which offers green space, pebbled sidewalks, and spectacular fountains, right along the Cooper River.  The borough’s corridor along East Bay Street is lined with restaurants, businesses, and shops, a perfect place to indulge in Charleston’s famous cuisine.

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