Flooring Question in downtown Charleston, SC?

[Patrick Bross]

Hey BP,

I am in the process of ripping out the old carpet in one unit of my downtown Charleston, SC duplex. I am looking to replace with a hard flooring. My original thought was simply a wood-look laminate. I spoke with a neighbor recently and he said that idea could turn out to be a nightmare down the road with these older Charleston homes (mine was built in 1930). He warned about the gaps, peaking, and other problems sometimes associated with floating laminate flooring. 

• Does anyone have experience installing laminate flooring in older homes (like those in Charleston) and would be willing to share insight? 
• Would you suggest re-carpetting, wood, tile, other?

I appreciate all your feedback, guidance, and pointers!