Charleston is a great place. I was there for a month with work this time last year and enjoyed every moment of it. Lots of things to see and do. With the medical college right near downtown there is a very diverse group of people there and seems like alot to do for a 19 year old. Check out
City-Data.com Forum: Relocation, Moving, Local City Discussions
But to answer your question I moved from Ohio to Charlotte, NC 5 yrs ago. I didn't know a single person in the city besides my ex that I moved with. Long story short we ended up breaking up a yr after we moved and yes it was hard not knowing anyone in the city but I met people through work. I would do it all over again if I had to. Moving was the best thing to happen to me so far, I have changed and grown as a person tremendously and I love every moment of it. At the time of my moving I too felt like it was just time for me to move away and I also felt that is was "now or never". Yes I miss my family especially when I can't get home for the holidays but I found a great friend and I spend the holidays with her family. So it has all worked out for the greater good.