Neighborhood Spotlight: Radcliffeborough

The residential neighborhood of Radcliffeborough is bordered on the north by Morris Street, on the south by Calhoun Street, on the west by the MUSC medical district, and on the east by a four-block stretch of Upper King Street lined with flourishing restaurants, cafes, and eateries.

A walk along those four short blocks of King Street would take you by some of Charleston’s top foodie establishments. Starting on King Street at the corner of Morris, you’d pass by The Darling Oyster Bar, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts, Republic Ice Cream and Custard, Virginia’s on King, and Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer.

The distinguished Francis Marion Hotel anchors the southeast corner of Radcliffeborough. If you ate your way down King Street, you’d surely need to rest yourself in the Francis Marion’s well-appointed lobby.

And if you lived in Radcliffeborough, no residential address in the neighborhood would be more than a few blocks from King Street.

Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Highlights

This small neighborhood is home to no less than five churches and one synagogue, each one of them Charleston landmarks known for their distinctive architecture, long histories, and active congregations. The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul at 126 Coming Street is a columned building in the Neo-Gothic style.

Corinthian-style columns grace the facade of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church located at 16 Thomas Street and Old Bethel United Methodist Church at 222 Calhoun Street. Old Bethel United Methodist Church is the third oldest surviving church building in Charleston, dating to its founding in 1797. 

Completed in 1893, Central Baptist Church is known as the first church in Charleston founded and built entirely by African Americans. Built in the Carpenter Gothic style, the church features hand-painted murals depicting scenes from the New Testament and its iconic “Jesus Saves” message on its bell tower.

Saint Patrick Catholic Church at 134 Philip Street has a history that dates to 1837 when its congregation celebrated their first Mass.

Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue is the oldest Orthodox synagogue in the South with roots dating back to 1852. 

Historic residential architecture in Radcliffborough ranges from antebellum-era mansions to post-Civil War-era cottages owned by free people of color.

Radcliffeborough residents include medical professionals from MUSC and professors and staff from the nearby College of Charleston. The neighborhood is quiet, walkable, and bikeable. Rutledge Avenue on its west side offers convenient access to the Septima Clark Parkway and Interstate 26.