NY First Responder Relocation Guide: Moving from New York to Charleston, SC

by Christopher DeKanchuk

If you're a current or retired FDNY, NYPD, EMT, Correction Officer, or Dispatcher, this guide was built specifically for you. My name is Chris DeKanchuk. I spent over 20 years with the FDNY (Engine 285 / Ladder 142) before relocating my family to Mt Pleasant, South Carolina.

I understand the stress, mandatory overtime, high cost of living, and pressure that come with the job. Leaving New York isn’t easy, but moving to Charleston was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

This guide will show you:

What life is like in Charleston
How taxes and the cost of living compare
Best neighborhoods for first responder families
Realistic home prices
How your pension goes further in South Carolina
Schools, lifestyle, safety, and more

If you ever want help or have questions, I’m just one message away.

Why First Responders Are Moving South

New York first responders are relocating to Charleston for five main reasons:

1️⃣ Lower Cost of Living

Lower property and income taxes
Affordable housing, utilities, insurance, food, and gas

2️⃣ Better Work–Life Balance

No forced overtime
Shorter commutes
Mild winters

3️⃣ Family-Friendly Communities

Safe neighborhoods with strong schools
Kids play outside
Neighbors know each other

4️⃣ Climate & Lifestyle

Beaches, boating, fishing, and outdoor living year-round

5️⃣ NO Bridge Tolls — Ever https://www.charleston-sc.gov/

In New York, you're used to paying:

Verrazzano Bridge
RFK/Triborough
Throgs Neck
Whitestone
Brooklyn Bridge parking fees
Tunnel tolls

In Charleston, South Carolina, there are: NO tolls. No bridge fees. No tunnel charges. Your daily and monthly commuting costs drop instantly.

6️⃣Your Pension Goes Farther

NY pensions stretch dramatically further in SC

Cost Comparison: New York vs Charleston

🏡 New York — Average Home Prices (2025)

Area (NY)	Average Home Price
Long Island	$650k–$850k
Queens	$650k–$750k

🏡 South Carolina — Average Home Prices (2025)

Area (SC)	Average Home Price
Charleston	$500k–$650k
Summerville	$350k–$500k

PROPERTY TAXES

🧾 New York — Average Annual Property Taxes

Area (NY)	Avg. Annual Taxes
Long Island	$12,000–$18,000+
NYC	$6,000–$15,000+

🧾 South Carolina — Average Annual Property Taxes

Area (SC)	Avg. Annual Taxes
Charleston County	$2,000–$4,500
Berkeley / Dorchester	$1,500–$3,500

State Income Tax

📉 New York State Income Tax

Category	Tax Rate
Most first responders	6%–8.8%

📉 South Carolina State Income Tax

Category	Tax Rate
First $3,200	0%
General rate range	0%–6%
Pension & retirement income	Major deductions

Best Neighborhoods for First Responders

Mt Pleasant: Top-rated schools, 10 min to beach, family-friendly, safe
Summerville: Best value, new construction, great schools, thriving first responder community
Johns Island: More land, privacy, growing developments
West Ashley / James Island: Close to downtown, affordable, convenient

Schools & Safety

Charleston has strong schools across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. Neighborhoods like Mt Pleasant, Nexton, Park West, Carolina Park, Carnes Crossroads, and Oyster Point rank especially high.

Safety is excellent, with a strong police and fire presence, low crime rates, and active community support for first responders.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN CHARLESTON (Local Favorites)

Charleston is a top food destination in the U.S. Here are the must-try spots:

Seafood & Lowcountry Cuisine

Hank’s Seafood — classic Charleston seafood
167 Raw — oysters + lobster rolls
Fleet Landing — waterfront dining

Southern Comfort Food

Husk — famous Southern flavors
Poogan’s Porch — biscuits & fried chicken

Casual Favorites

Home Team BBQ — ribs & wings
Lewis Barbecue — Texas-style brisket

Mt Pleasant Favorites

NICO — French seafood
Red Drum — American & Southwestern fusion

Food is a HUGE part of Charleston lifestyle, and you’ll never run out of places to explore.

HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CARE IN CHARLESTON

Charleston is known for having one of the strongest medical networks in the Southeast.

Top Hospitals Include:

MUSC Health (Medical University of South Carolina)
- Nationally ranked
- Level I trauma center
- World-class emergency care
Roper St. Francis Hospital
- Multiple branches
- Excellent heart, stroke, and emergency services
Trident Medical Center
- North area trauma and emergency services
East Cooper Medical Center
- Convenient for residents of Mt Pleasant

Many first responders appreciate having dependable emergency care and specialists close by, without the crowds and long wait times of New York hospitals.

The Homebuying Process for NY First Responders

Discuss what you want (Zoom or call)
Custom neighborhood list built for your family
Virtual tours via FaceTime
Visit top picks in person
Handle offer, inspections, and closing
Help integrate into the community (schools, sports, utilities)

Charleston offers a slower pace, a cleaner environment, friendly neighbors, beach mornings, and time back with your family. For first responders, it’s truly a better quality of life.