Morgan and Dawson Mitchell decided to leave the cold behind and move to Charleston, South Carolina, after spending a year in Wyoming.
Originally from Mississippi, the couple sought warmth, Southern charm, and better career opportunities, especially for Morgan in Charleston’s thriving wedding and events industry.
However, they quickly discovered that Charleston wasn’t the right fit for them.
One of the main challenges was the high cost of living. The Mitchells struggled to find affordable housing, with median rent at $2,800, far above their budget.
They eventually sublet an apartment for $1,850 per month but found it unsustainable. Along with high living expenses, they faced long commutes and frustrating traffic.
Morgan, for example, spent 45 minutes each way to her job, even though it was just eight miles away.
The couple also hoped Charleston would help them reconnect with Southern culture, but they felt the city lacked the Southern charm they had anticipated.
After trying to settle down by putting an offer on a house which fell through they realized that staying in Charleston wasn’t financially viable. Their rent increased to $2,250 per month, and they couldn’t find a better alternative within their budget.
In August 2023, the Mitchells moved back to Starkville, Mississippi, where they found a more affordable apartment for $1,350 a month.
They both transitioned to new jobs, with Morgan becoming a social media manager and Dawson working remotely as a loan originator.
While they look back fondly on their time in Charleston, they feel Mississippi offers them more financial stability and opportunities to save and invest in real estate.
Reflecting on their experience, Morgan said, We had to try it for ourselves to know it wasn’t the right place.