Awards & Rankings

Charleston metro ranked #12 for venture capital “first fundings” in 2014 by population and deal concentration

The top 20 metros (by total number of deals) accounted for 70% of all first venture fundings nationwide in 2014. There were 17 first funding deals made in the Charleston region, or three times higher than the United States per-capita level. Continue reading

Charleston ranked #7 for Where the Jobs Will Be in 2015

With a net employment outlook of 21%, Charleston tied for #7 alongside Austin, El Paso, San Jose and Seattle on the Forbes list for Where The Jobs Will Be in 2015. More than 18,000 U.S. employers in the top 100 metro areas were surveyed. Continue reading

#8 large-sized U.S. metro for economic development & job growth

Area Development produces a snapshot of 379 MSAs across America that are poised to capitalize on the new potential for economic growth as the United States leaves the recession behind. Continue reading

Charleston‬ metro ranked #18 for advanced industries employment

The Charleston metro ranked #18 with 34,230 (10.5% share) employees in advanced industries in 2013. Advanced industries range from automotive and aerospace manufacturing to energy activities to digital services like computer system design and software. Continue reading

#9 U.S. Metro for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Charleston ranks 9th among top U.S. metros for high FDI intensity, with foreign-owned firms offering 7.2% of jobs, compared to 5% for the U.S. The report shows a sizable jump in foreign investment and employment in the Charleston region over time. Continue reading

Charleston ranked Best Cities for Jobs 2014

Charleston ranked in the midsize category for three areas including #9 Best Cities for Information Jobs; #14 Best Cities for Manufacturing Jobs; #17 Best Cities for Job Growth. The report uses five measures of growth to rank all 398 metro areas. Continue reading

#5 large-size U.S. metro for prime workforce

Charleston ranked #5 among large U.S. metros for helping businesses fulfill their needs for highly trained labor pools. Continue reading

#2 America’s Most exciting mid-size cities

Charleston posted high numbers for young residents (35% between age 18 to 34), live music, activity options, and non-chain dining selections including FIG and Slightly North of Broad. Continue reading
Outside Magazine - Best Towns 2017

Charleston ranked #12 Greatest Places to Live in America

Outside Magazine used factors like number of outfitters, miles of trails, and number of bike shops as well as unemployment rates, median incomes, and an editors’-choice variable to determine a place’s livability. Continue reading

Charleston #1 Travel Destination in the United States

Charleston was voted the Top Small City in the U.S. for the fifth year in a row, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Reader’s Choice survey. Continue reading
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