Among other uses of the former submarine base, the Naval Consolidated Brig is there, as is the Navy's Nuclear Power School.

To the east and north is the city of Goose Creek, as well as unincorporated portions of Berkeley County.

CSX Transportation has a main north-south track that runs along Hanahan's west city limit.

It does have quite a number of major warehouses in the northeast and southeast portions of the city, most of whose business is tied directly to the Port of Charleston, aeronautics, logistics and the defense industries.

Hanahan's proximity to rail and major roadways make it an ideal place for cargo warehousing.

[8] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 20,325 people, 8,891 households, and 6,031 families residing in the city.

The mayor and council members, though paid a small salary, are not full-time, but are citizens with other jobs.

During the Cold War, the Naval Base (1902–1996) became the third largest U.S. homeport serving over 80 ships and submarines.

In addition, the Charleston Naval Shipyard repaired frigates, destroyers, cruisers, sub tenders, and submarines.

During this period, the Weapons Station was the Atlantic Fleet's load out base for all nuclear ballistic missile submarines.

At the 1996 closure of the Station's Polaris Missile Facility Atlantic (POMFLANT), over 2,500 nuclear warheads and their UGM-27 Polaris, UGM-73 Poseidon, and UGM-96 Trident I delivery missiles (SLBM) were stored and maintained, guarded by a U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Company.

Today, Joint Base Charleston, encompassing over 20,877 acres and supporting 53 Military Commands and Federal Agencies, provides service to over 79,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, DOD civilians, dependents, and retirees.

With several neighborhoods that have tidal water behind them,[16] Hanahan has direct access to the Cooper River and the Charleston Harbor.

The Reservoir contains a wide range of fish species and hosts several tournaments per year.

Opened in 2013, the Hanahan Amphitheater[18] is an outdoor community theater that hosts city run events, movies in the park and concerts.