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So, you’re thinking about moving to South Carolina? Congratulations! This beautiful state offers a lot, from stunning beaches to charming small towns. But with so many great options, it can be tough to decide where to call home. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best places to live in South Carolina. From bustling cities to serene mountain towns, there’s something for everyone on this list. So take a look and see if one of these places is the perfect fit.
1. Spartanburg
Spartanburg offers a perfect combination of outdoor adventure and urban amenities in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This small city boasts an impressive arts scene, a historic downtown district, and easy access to natural attractions like Lake Blalock and Croft State Park.
And with top-rated schools and a low cost of living, it’s no surprise that Spartanburg consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in South Carolina. So if you’re looking for a vibrant and affordable city with easy access to nature, look no further than Spartanburg. You won’t be disappointed.
If you plan to shift to this vibrant city, contact the Best Realtor In Spartanburg to find the place you’re looking for.
Spartanburg is also home to one of the top BMW manufacturing facilities in the world, making it a great place for those in the automotive industry. So rev up your engines and check out all Spartanburg’s offers.
2. Myrtle Beach
The median home value in Myrtle Beach is $198,600, and the median rent is $1,175. The market has seen a recent increase in demand, with homes receiving an average of 3 offers and selling above list price. Myrtle Beach also offers a variety of housing options, from beachfront condos to single-family homes and everything in between. Overall, the Myrtle Beach real estate market is a strong investment opportunity with plenty of affordable options.
It is also known for its beautiful beaches, and thriving tourism industry, this city in South Carolina offers plenty of opportunities for both work and play. In addition to its bustling beachfront, Myrtle Beach also boasts a strong job market, affordable housing options, and a high quality of life.
Some popular neighbourhoods in Myrtle Beach include the historic district of The Market Common, the family-friendly Carolina Forest area, and the luxurious Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. Whether you’re looking for a bustling beach town or a quiet community, Myrtle Beach has something for everyone.
If you want to settle in South Carolina, consider making your home in Myrtle Beach. With its gorgeous beaches, strong economy, and high quality of life, it’s easy to see why this city is one of the best places to live in the state.
3. Charleston:
Charleston’s real estate market has seen steady growth, with a 6.4% increase in home values over the past year and a projected 1.8% increase in the next year. The median home value is currently $510,922, with rental prices at a median of $1,748 per month.
It’s no surprise that Charleston tops the list of the best places to live in South Carolina. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and thriving culinary and arts scenes, Charleston always has something new to explore.
The real estate market is rising, with a low vacancy rate and increasing rents and home values. Charleston also boasts a strong job market and low cost of living compared to national averages.
Whether you’re looking for a historic downtown home or a waterfront property, Charleston has it all. So pack your bags and move to the charming city of Charleston, one of the best places to live in South Carolina.
Overall, Charleston offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities, making it one of the top places to live in South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home, investment property, or a place to settle down permanently, Charleston has something for everyone.
4. Greenville
Greenville is known for its vibrant downtown, rich history, and thriving economy.
Located in the Upstate region of South Carolina, Greenville consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the state thanks to its low cost of living, low crime rate, and the strong job market.
The real estate market in Greenville is on the rise, with a steady increase in median home values over the past few years. The average sale price for a single-family home in Greenville is $268,463, with a strong rental market for single-family and multi-family properties.
Greenville’s downtown area boasts numerous restaurants, cafes, and small businesses, as well as the popular Liberty Bridge and Falls Park on the Reedy. The city also offers easy access to outdoor activities in nearby mountains and lakes, along with top-rated schools and healthcare facilities. Overall, Greenville is great for families, young professionals, and retirees to call home.
One popular neighbourhood in Greenville is the North Main area, known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to downtown. The Augusta Road area also offers a mix of older homes and new developments, highly rated schools and easy access to major highways.
Overall, Greenville offers a combination of strong economic growth and quality of life, making it a desirable place to live in South Carolina.
5. Columbia
Columbia, the state capital, is one of the top cities for liveability in South Carolina. It boasts a strong job market, affordable housing options, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. One of the highlights of Columbia’s real estate market is its affordability compared to national averages. The median home value in Columbia is $275,350, significantly lower than the national median home value of $300,000. Rent prices in Columbia are also below the national average at a median of $935 per month compared to the national median rent price of $1,469.
The state capital offers a mix of southern charm and big city amenities. The downtown area has seen revitalization in recent years, with new restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. There are also plenty of green spaces, including the Riverfront Park on the banks of the Congaree River and the Columbia Canal and Trail. The nearby neighbourhoods of Shandon, Forest Acres, and Earlewood offer a range of housing options, from historic homes to new developments.
It is also a short drive to the beaches of the South Carolina coast and the mountains in North Carolina. Whether you’re looking for an urban or suburban lifestyle, Columbia has options for everyone.
Regarding growth potential, Columbia’s real estate market is expected to continue to perform well, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.3% over the next year. Some of the best neighbourhoods in Columbia for buying a home include Forest Acres, Shandon, and Lexington Heights. These areas have low crime rates near top schools, parks, and shopping centres.
Overall, Columbia offers a strong real estate market for both buying and renting, with affordable options and potential for growth. It is also a highly desirable place to live, with its robust job market, diverse cultural offerings, and outdoor activities like hiking at Congaree National Park. Columbia should definitely be on your list if you’re looking for an affordable and livable city in South Carolina.
6. Sullivans Island
Located just off the coast of Charleston, Sullivans Island offers residents a peaceful island lifestyle with easy access to the bustling city. With its beautiful beaches, strong community, and low crime rate, it’s no wonder Sullivans Island consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in South Carolina.
Sullivans Island is a small but thriving community with a population of just over 2,100 residents. The island offers all the amenities, including top-rated schools, local shops and restaurants, and numerous outdoor activities. Residents enjoy frequent community events and gatherings, making it easy to feel at home in this tight-knit community.
Along with its charming small-town atmosphere, Sullivans Island boasts a low crime rate and excellent public safety. With a median home price of $ 449,5000, the island is also known for its beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents.
If you’re looking for a laid-back island lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of a big city, Sullivans Island is a perfect choice.
7. Clemson
The small college town offers residents a strong sense of community, plenty of outdoor activities, and access to top-notch education and healthcare.
The housing market in Clemson is strong, with both low vacancy rates and steady increases in home values. Residents also enjoy a low cost of living and plenty of employment opportunities at the university and nearby businesses.
In addition to its thriving commercial district, Clemson offers residents access to Lake Hartwell for fishing, boating, and other water sports. The city also has numerous parks, hiking trails, and a bustling art scene with events and performances at the Brooks Center for Performing Arts.
Clemson has something to offer everyone, whether you’re a college student, young professional, or retired individual. It’s one of the best places to live in South Carolina and a great place to call home.
With a median home price of $322,000, Clemson may not be the most affordable option in South Carolina. However, its low crime rates and high quality of life make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to settle down in an active and thriving community.
Conclusion
After analyzing various factors such as cost of living, job opportunities, crime rates, and amenities, it is clear that a few of the best places to live in South Carolina are Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville.
These cities offer a combination of a low cost of living, diverse job opportunities, low crime rates, and various entertainment and dining options. However, it is important to note that each city offers a unique atmosphere and culture, so individuals should thoroughly research and visit the cities before deciding. The best place to live in South Carolina depends on personal preferences and priorities.
When you plan to buy a house in South Carolina, list all the reliable Real Estate Agents In South Carolina.
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FAQs
What is the best part of South Carolina to live in? ›
Charleston
There is also a vibrant nightlife for college students, young professionals and the like. Charleston is also one of the best places to live in South Carolina near the beach. Some of its best beaches include Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island.
1. Union. The cheapest place to live in South Carolina is Union. This city is known for its manufacturing industry, which produces goods such as roller bearings, felt, cordage, metal forgings, woven goods, and textile fibers.
What is the safest area in South Carolina? ›- Fort Mill.
- Bluffton.
- Mount Pleasant.
- Tega Cay.
- Hanahan.
- Port Royal.
- Mauldin.
- Goose Creek.
- Edgefield.
- Bluffton.
- Walhalla.
- Fort Mill.
- Mount Pleasant.
- Isle of Palms.
- Hanahan.
- Tega Cay.
...
You can read their full study here.
- Mount Pleasant, SC. ...
- Seabrook Island, SC. ...
- Fort Mill, SC. ...
- Tega Cay, SC. ...
- Isle of Palms, SC. ...
- Briarcliffe Acres, SC. ...
- Sullivan's Island, SC.
With great weather year-round, rich history, and spectacular seafood, the South Carolina Coast is the ideal choice for your next move. Only 30 miles outside of historic downtown Charleston, the communities of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are some of the best places to live in SC.
What is the safest place to retire in South Carolina? ›- Summerville - Coastal region.
- Isle of Palms - Coastal region.
- Georgetown - Coastal region.
- North Charleston - Coastal region.
- Hanahan - Coastal region.
- Greenville - Mountains region.
- Travelers Rest - Mountains region.
- West Columbia - Midlands region.
Choosing between Florida and South Carolina
Both states offer an excellent quality of life, so it really boils down to personal preference. Florida is the place for you if you're looking for year-round warm weather. If you prefer a slower pace and charming Southern hospitality, South Carolina may be a better fit.
Moving to South Carolina is a great opportunity to embrace the low-key Southern lifestyle and explore a diverse state with a rich history, fantastic food and scenery that will take your breath away. Its low real estate prices and property taxes make it a destination to not just visit but to live and possibly retire.
What is the most popular part of South Carolina? ›
1. Charleston. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the South, Charleston is a historic port city packed with antebellum architecture.
What are the prettiest towns in South Carolina? ›- 8 Mount Pleasant.
- 7 McClellanville.
- 6 Aiken.
- 5 Hilton Head Island.
- 4 Georgetown.
- 3 Bluffton.
- 2 York.
- 1 Beaufort.
So which South Carolina city is considered to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the country? Ranking No. 6 overall, Sumter is the fastest-growing city in South Carolina and one of the fastest-growing in America. From 2016 to 2021, the population of Sumter's metropolitan area grew 26.4% from 107,396 to 135,782.
Is it better to live in NC or SC? ›You can't go wrong for the most part when it comes to comparing the weather between North and South Carolina. They are both mild, comfortable places to live. Since South Carolina is closer to the equator, it has a bit warmer temperatures than North Carolina and is likely more ideal for going to the beach year-round.
Is it better to live in Georgia or South Carolina? ›Georgia may be the better choice if you're looking for a more affordable cost of living, a great place to retire, or an urban lifestyle. However, if you're looking for a state with more room to spread out, waterfront living, and low property taxes, then South Carolina may be the better choice.
Is north or south Myrtle safer? ›South Myrtle Beach is generally not as safe as North Myrtle Beach and is the most dangerous area of the beach. So stick to North Myrtle Beach when you visit. You'll find plenty of things to do there, and you won't miss South Myrtle Beach at all.
Is North or South Carolina safer? ›Crime Rates
Even so, North Carolina's overall crime rate of 26.87 sits roughly 20% below South Carolina's, making it the safer option.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Parade Magazine has named Charleston one of the healthiest cities in America! The latest issue, released on Sunday, featured a “Live here and live to 100” list of American cities excelling in health and wellness.
Where is the best place to live with clean air and water? ›- Hawaii. #1 in Air and Water Quality. ...
- Massachusetts. #2 in Air and Water Quality. ...
- North Dakota. #3 in Air and Water Quality. ...
- Virginia. #4 in Air and Water Quality. ...
- Florida. #5 in Air and Water Quality. ...
- Nebraska. #6 in Air and Water Quality. ...
- New York. #7 in Air and Water Quality. ...
- Rhode Island. #8 in Air and Water Quality.
Of the 236 towns in the state with available data, Blackville ranks as the poorest. The typical Blackville household earns just $19,583 a year, 66.4% less than the statewide median household income.
Where is the most expensive place to live in SC? ›
In the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton area, 54% of people spend more than 35% of their income on rent, making it the 10th most expensive city in the nation. In the Florence metro area, 48% of people spend more than 35% of their income on rent, making it the 49th most expensive city in the nation.
Where do the rich people live in SC? ›| Rank | City | County |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kiawah Island | Charleston County |
| 2 | Sullivan's Island | Charleston County |
| 3 | Isle of Palms | Charleston County |
| 4 | Briarcliffe Acres | Horry County |
Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Charleston are three of the best coastal towns in South Carolina for newcomers and area natives alike. Once you have decided on a location, let Pam Harrington Exclusives guide you to a Lowcountry home that you'll love.
What is the cheapest beach to live at in South Carolina? ›Myrtle Beach is actually the only South Carolina destination on Realtor.com's list of affordable beach house destinations, which you can find here.
What is the number one beach in South Carolina? ›Dubbed the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is easily the most well-known beach destination in South Carolina.
Where do most seniors live in South Carolina? ›Myrtle Beach is a gorgeous South Carolina coastal town and a major tourist and retirement destination. In fact, it has the highest percentage of residents 60+ years old of any city on this list — 35%, more than one in three!
At what age do you stop paying taxes in SC? ›South Carolina taxpayers ages 65 and older do not need to file a state income tax return. In addition, Social Security benefits are not taxed by the state of South Carolina. Overall, Kiplinger rates South Carolina as a state tax-friendly state for retirees.
Why not to retire in South Carolina? ›South Carolina essentially doesn't have top tier health care offerings compared to other states, which can obviously be a major issue for retirees. Health care isn't bad or overtly difficult to access, but it does lag behind some of the more common retirement destinations in the U.S.
Which Carolina is better for retirement? ›South Carolina Is Tax-Friendlier to Retirees Than North Carolina. My colleagues on Kiplinger.com maintain the incredible Retiree Tax Map -- a state-by-state guide to taxes on retirement income, state sales taxes, property tax breaks for seniors, estate taxes, and more.
Are SC taxes high? ›South Carolina has a 6.00 percent state sales tax rate, a max local sales tax rate of 3.00 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.44 percent. South Carolina's tax system ranks 31st overall on our 2022 State Business Tax Climate Index.
Do people over 65 pay property taxes in SC? ›
If you have resided in South Carolina as your permanent home and legal residence for a full calendar year (January 1-December 31) and you are 65 years or older, legally blind, or permanently and totally disabled, you are eligible for a Homestead Exemption of $50,000 from the value of your home for tax purposes.
What are the top 3 reasons why people should move to South Carolina? ›- Affordability. It's no secret that the further south you go in the United States, the less expensive housing becomes. ...
- Diverse Nature. ...
- Variety of Seasons. ...
- Increased Job Market. ...
- Incredible Food. ...
- Southern Hospitality. ...
- Proximity To Family.
South Carolina is home to two favorite places for people to start calling home in 2022, reports find. The Myrtle Beach area ranks No. 7 and the Charleston area No. 10 on a list of U.S. regions that attracted new residents last year, according to the self-service moving company U-Haul.
Why are people moving to SC? ›Many people like to come south for the weather, cheaper cost of living, and the laid-back atmosphere. The study is part of a yearly report by United Van Lines, in fact, this is the 46th annual National Movers Study the company has conducted.
What part of South Carolina has the best climate? ›To top it off, Fort Mill also ranked No. 1 in weather, with a low average summer temperature of 76 degrees and an air quality score of 41.
Is it cheaper to live in SC or FL? ›Cost of living
Looking at those numbers, South Carolina is more affordable than Florida in every category but health care. However, it also has a smaller population and less land mass.