Charleston SC: Big Investments & Job Anchors

Big Investments & Jobs Coming to Charleston Metro: What It Means for Growth & Real Estate

Here are the standout, high-impact projects announced recently that can shift the economic trajectory of the Charleston–Berkeley–Dorchester region:

1. Google – $9 Billion Investment (Statewide, with Berkeley & Dorchester Focus)

Google announced a two-year, $9 billion capital commitment in South Carolina, aimed at expanding its Berkeley County data center footprint and building new cloud/AI infrastructure campuses in Dorchester County. 

• • The announcement suggests expansion of existing data center operations and further land development in Berkeley and Dorchester. 

  • Local officials note that tax revenues and workforce programs are expected to benefit. 

This is one of the largest economic commitments in recent memory for the region’s tech infrastructure.

2. Keel Shipyard Expansion — $67M, 170 New Jobs

A defense/manufacturing firm based locally, Keel, is investing $67 million at its Yonges Island shipyard (Meggett, Charleston County) to build a new prep & paint facility that supports U.S. Navy submarine and aircraft carrier components. 

• • The expansion is expected to generate 170 new jobs in Charleston County. 

  • It represents a meaningful reinforcement of Charleston’s role in defense manufacturing and ship system supply chains. 

3. Eaton Aerospace Expansion — $46M, 50 New Jobs

Global industrial / power systems firm Eaton has committed $46 million to expand its operations in Charleston County. 

• • The expansion will support 50 new aerospace manufacturing jobs, focused on hydraulic pumps/motors.

  • The facility is slated to come online in 2028, with state incentives backing the move.

4. MUSC’s Health Innovation Venture Funds — $30M

While not a conventional “factory” announcement, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has launched two new venture funds totaling $30 million intended to accelerate health & biotech startups in the region. 

• • These funds help seed innovation, attract biotech/health tech firms, and strengthen Charleston’s role in life sciences.

  • Over time, successful startups could lead to spinouts, job creation, and facility growth in the metro area.

5. Alita (AI-Health Tech) Establishing in Mount Pleasant

A more modest but strategically symbolic move: Alita, an AI-focused healthcare tech firm, is establishing operations in Charleston County (Mount Pleasant), bringing 17 new jobs. 

• • While smaller in scale, this reinforces the tech / digital health narrative for the region.

  • Alita’s presence helps bolster the diversity of sectors in the area’s economy. 

Economic & Regional Impact: The Big Picture

1. Catalyst projects build confidence
   Projects of this scale change investor and developer perception. When Google makes a multibillion-dollar bet, others (data center companies, AI firms, cloud/infrastructure players) pay attention. When defense manufacturing continues to grow locally, suppliers move closer, reducing logistics friction.

2. Talent magnet & retention
   New job creation in tech infrastructure, defense, and aerospace draws technical talent, engineers, project leads, and tradespeople. That can slow brain drain and attract relocation. It also increases the baseline for wages, which can raise consumer demand (housing, retail, services).

3. Multiplier / supplier spillover
   These large firms need local services (engineering, logistics, fabrication, maintenance, utilities). The supply chain expansion has knock-on effects even in supporting industries.

4. Infrastructure load & public investment demand
   More facilities, more workers, more traffic. Local governments will need to step up utilities, road capacity, broadband, and permitting agility. Expect municipal and county budgets to realign for infrastructure upgrades.

5. Tax base & public services
   Real property, equipment, and corporate investments expand the tax base, which could yield more revenue for schools, roads, and amenities—if governance keeps pace with growth.

What Charleston’s Growth Means for Homebuyers and Sellers

Charleston’s next wave of economic expansion isn’t just about corporate investment — it’s about the lives, communities, and neighborhoods that will evolve around it. When billions of dollars flow into a metro region, real estate almost always follows.

For Homebuyers

If you’ve been considering a move to the Charleston area, this new round of investment brings opportunity on multiple fronts:

• • More long-term stability and job diversity — The combination of Google’s tech infrastructure, Keel’s defense manufacturing, and Eaton’s aerospace expansion means new, high-paying careers across multiple sectors. That stability translates to stronger communities and consistent demand for housing.

  • Rising desirability and potential appreciation — Areas near major employment centers (North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek, Summerville, and parts of Dorchester) are likely to experience steady price growth as demand builds. Buying earlier in these zones could mean long-term upside as infrastructure and amenities expand.

  • Greater housing variety on the horizon — Developers are expected to accelerate projects that include smaller-lot single-family homes, townhomes, and mixed-use neighborhoods designed for professionals and families alike. More inventory choices may arrive just as job growth peaks, offering better fits for lifestyle and budget.

  • A competitive but rewarding market — As new hires and relocating professionals enter the area, competition could rise in well-located neighborhoods. Working with a clear budget, strong pre-approval, and local insight will help buyers secure homes before broader price adjustments occur.

For Home Sellers

If you already own property in the Charleston, Berkeley, or Dorchester areas, this economic cycle could enhance your position in the market:

• • Higher buyer demand — Job creation historically drives housing demand, especially within a 20–30 minute commute of new employment hubs. Listings near North Charleston, Ladson, and Summerville are likely to attract attention as companies begin hiring and contractors move in.

  • Strengthened property values — Increased wages and population inflow tend to support price appreciation over time. Homes in stable, established neighborhoods may see renewed buyer interest, even as new construction expands on the outskirts.

  • An opportunity to time your sale strategically — Selling during an upswing in demand can mean more showings and stronger offers. As the market shifts from rate-driven hesitation to opportunity-driven moves, sellers positioned early may capture premium pricing.

  • Renovation and upgrade potential — As buyers look for modern, move-in-ready homes near job centers, sellers who invest in cosmetic updates and energy efficiency may see higher returns.

Conclusion: A Region on the Rise

The Charleston metro is entering a defining decade — one where technology, defense, and manufacturing growth converge to create both economic momentum and lifestyle opportunity. With Google investing billions in AI infrastructure, Keel expanding its shipyard capabilities, and Eaton deepening aerospace production, the region’s foundation for sustainable prosperity is being built right now.

For residents, that means more than just headlines — it means better jobs, stronger schools, improving infrastructure, and thriving communities from Park Circle to Summerville to Mount Pleasant. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or simply put down deeper roots, Charleston’s growth story is one worth being part of.

By: Dustin Guthrie, Realtor