Slide 1 of 6,

North Charleston is often tagged as the ugly cousin of South Carolina’s major port city. They could not be more different, with crime rates higher in the former and historic landmarks concentrated in the latter. But North Charleston is experiencing a makeover that is raising its profile. In 2010, the city received an award for municipal excellence from the National League of Cities, a municipal advocacy group. The Park Circle has in particular been recognized as an especially attractive spot; last year, This Old House Magazine named it one of the country’s “Best Old-House Neighborhoods.” Meanwhile, new restaurants and other businesses have converged on East Montague Avenue, a few blocks away from the revitalized circle.

— JORDAN MICHAEL SMITH