Job growth is a key factor in the economic health of a city, a region, and the nation. Economic health and growth help to give birth to more businesses, generate more employment, and provide the jobs necessary to support a growing population. In Charleston, the job market is predicted over the next ten years to grow 35.9 percent, compared to the U.S. average of 33.5 percent. And, on the flip side, Charleston’s unemployment rate last year was 2.6 percent, below the U.S. average of 3.7 percent. So, healthy job growth is an attractive and important feature of the Charleston, SC area.
What Industries are Strong in Charleston?
Job growth and economic drivers in Charleston include:
- Tourism and hospitality, including restaurants, lodging, parks, transportation, and travel. The tourism industry contributes over 20 percent of sales each year in the Greater Charleston Metro. The Charleston International Airport supports the thriving tourism and travel industry. Charleston has been consistently rated for six years as the best U.S City by Travel + Leisure Magazine based on the many attractive features of the area.
- Boeing is a major factor in the city’s aerospace sector with six Boeing facilities and business units. Other manufacturing companies also contributing significantly include auto manufacturers Volvo and Mercedes-Benz.
- Health Services. Charleston hosts great facilities including the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Roper St. Francis, and other concentrations of health care talent.
- Charleston’s nickname, “Silicon Harbor” reflects a steadily growing marketplace of technology companies and employee expertise. Charleston is the home of over 250 technology companies and features the Charleston Digital Corridor, an initiative created more than ten years ago to attract and nurture technology workers in the area.
- Charleston has Navy and Air Force commands attached to Joint Base Charleston and it hosts the Naval Information Warfare Centers.
- Charleston is the ninth-largest U. S. Container port as measured by Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), and it continues its steady volume growth.
Grants will Expand the Ridgeville Commerce Park
Recently the South Carolina Ports Authority was given a $21.68 million BUILD grant from the U.S Department of Agriculture to fund development at the Ridgeville Commerce Park. This grant will be used for both on and off-site developments at the port-owned Ridgeville Commerce Park. The grant will assist in the development of a 3-million square-foot Walmart distribution center and space for other future tenants on the site. The development will include a two-mile industrial access road, a 20-acre truck chassis, an empty container storage yard, and other highway access improvements. These developments will leverage the continued growth of South Carolina’s global trade and economy and will offer significant job growth. Walmart’s portion of this development is projected to add 1,000 full-time jobs.
Why is Charleston So Attractive for Job Growth?
Simply put, Charleston is a great place to live and work. It offers:
- One of the friendliest cities in the U.S.
- A deep and appealing historical haven.
- Very enjoyable weather.
- Great public and private educational offerings.
- Remarkable outside features for sports and recreation including beautiful parks, golf courses, and water adventures.
- Great places to eat and be entertained.
Seek Expert Real Estate Services for Your Perfect Relocation
Every business needs a great facility. Caldwell Commercial Real Estate Services is your trusted partner for commercial real estate in Charleston, SC. Our commercial realtors and property managers have a combined 80 years of experience so you can rest easy knowing that your commercial real estate needs will be met with results and superior satisfaction.
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