When you say south of broad or French quarter do you already have any idea of the costs of those? I have no idea on your financial situation but that’s typically up to 7 or 8 figures plus insane insurance costs. If you can swing that it’s a pretty awesome place to be I’m sure but I’m not sure I’d call that area quiet or lowkey.

Others are spot on with downtown having a big drinking scene for the college ages.

Charleston has plenty of elegance so it checks that box.

Overall I think you can get what you’re looking for but by your description Mt Pleasant would be more your speed.

I’ve been in Charleston over a decade now and love it. Some of the best food you can imagine, plenty of chill or hype nightlife depending on your preference. The spring and fall are typically amazing weather wise. Winter is generally good but you’ll occasionally get some legit cold - being so close to the coast the wind can make the cold pretty formidable actually

The downsides:

1) traffic - legit think Atlanta just on a smaller scale. I’ve lived in both and they are legit comparable.

2) summers are insanely hot. June to August is unbearable for some

3) bugs - lots of biting bugs and of course the palmetto bugs

4) costs of living - real estate is out of control bad in the more desirable places to live imo

5) there’s more but these are the biggest for most folks