I will be going over some of the different regions, beach towns, the larger Lakes in the State, including Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, and more! It features a huge workout area, indoor rock climbing wall, basketball courts, and even instructor-led classes. There are also miles of beaches and coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern border of the state, giving you tons of opportunities to enjoy the warm summers and mild winters that make South Carolina so famous. or in one of the local bars throughout the year. If youre considering moving to Charleston and want to browse homes for sale or for rent in the area, you can visit my website at GarrisonCharleston.com. This area of the State will also have colder winters than the coastline. Best Places to Live in South Carolina Near the Beach. Some popular things to visit in Columbia are the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, South Carolina State Museum, Congaree National Park, and the South Carolina State House. Clemson spans from Pickens County over into Anderson County and is home to the prestigious Clemson University. Influential employers in the area include BMW, Lockheed, General Electric and IBM. Greenville has several colleges in the greater Greenville area, including Bob Jones University, Furman University, and Clemson University, which is about a 40 minute drive from Greenville. If that is not enough, Myrtle Beach also has its own international airport, making it very convenient for frequent travelers. The University of South Carolina is also nearby in Columbia. Charleston is indeed one of the best places to live and settle down in South Carolina with a population of around 135,257 people. There is also a ton of fun stuff to do in the entire Grand Strand Region, including some of the best golf in the area, the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, boating and fishing, one of the tallest Ferris wheelsin the country, and much more. It is about 34% more expensive than the national average. One of South Carolinas best small towns is likely Clemson. Median Home Price. While Columbia doesn't offer the picturesque landscapes of other metro areas on the list, the relatively low cost of living may be the reason why the city's population grew by 2.9% between 2016 and 2021 due to net migration, according to the U.S . We appreciate that finding all that information in one place can be quite a challenge so we have risen to the occasion and created our list of the 15 best places to live in South Carolina, taking into account all the facts, figures and statistics that are important to you! Charleston is also one of the best places to live in South Carolina near the beach. Living here lets you enjoy modern amenities like easy access to an international airport or the beach. Thankfully, the local area isnt as commercialized and its easy to relax. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. None of the information on this website is guaranteed to be accurate, and any information that is important to you (Square footage, location, tax information, school district, bedrooms, bathrooms, anything else that is important to you, etc) should be verified by a professional. Another big selling point for the city is the cooler mountain like weather. Columbias relatively low cost of living, especially for a state capital, makes it quite an attractive place to live. If you do want to live near the coast in South Carolina, you are going to be more affected by Hurricanes than the areas that are inland. South Carolinas most significant economic hub and tourism area is Charleston. Thanks for watching my video. South Carolina has been one of the most popular States in the Country to relocate to in recent years, and in this video, I am going to go over some of the areas people have been moving to. Asheville. The towns in South Carolina truly defy the idea that the United States of America is a 'new country' - some of the settlements here date back well into the 18th century. Talking about jobs, what other factors do we need to take into consideration when seeking a new home? With thanks to the small and vigilant community, there is next to no crime in Tega Cay which offers residents new and old sufficient peace of mind. Rent in Greenville is phenomenally affordable, averaging $765 a month. Meanwhile, nature lovers will benefit from Greenvilles ideal location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are no Mountains in this area, it is flat, so if you want to live near the Mountains, you will need to move to a different part of South Carolina. As South Carolina's top city in gross retail sales, North Charleston is a favorite shopping destination. Lexington residents are also just 2 hours from the coast, making it easy to enjoy a day trip to the beach. At the same time, you can enjoy the enticing historical charm of the Carolina Lowcountry. It offers small town charm with easy access to the big city, as Charleston is just a 45 minute drive south, while Columbia is about 1 and a half hours northwest. Outsiders have taken notice as these positive attributes have made Mauldin one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. First on the list is Asheville, North Carolina. There are also a lot of beachtowns that are not gated and have public beaches, including Folly Beach near Charleston, Edisto Beach, part of Isle of Palms, and Sullivans Island. If you are in the Charlotte or Rock Hill area during the Holliday Season, make sure to check out a town nearby in North Carolina, called McAdenville, also known as Christmas Town USA. Housing Market in Little Mountain. After all our research, we have found Charleston to be the best place to live in South Carolina. Corowinds Amusement Parkis located near Rock Hill, and has multiple rollercoasters and rides, and is a great place to take the family. It has been growing in popularity recently, especially among young professionals and families. So it's no wonder so many nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs come to spend their golden years here. The Upstate region of South Carolina does have a small section the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains. For example, the city has a rich history and is filled with museums and art centers. The best part about this small town is its affordability. 55.2" 36. If youre the type of person that enjoys seasonal changes, and want to see a little bit of snow, the northern part of the State in the upstate or midland regions may be for you. Tega Cay is a great choice for families looking for a safe area with a great school system. Brevard at No. The areas primary employment industries are healthcare, logistics and manufacturing. Being close to mountains, lakes and adventure trails means that there is so much to explore from a base in Lexington, thats on top of being just two hours drive from the coast. Admittedly, this is a tourist town with approximately 12 to 20 million visitors per year seeking to enjoy the various restaurants, boardwalk attractions and 60 miles of beachfront access. Columbia, the state capital, is one of the top cities for liveability in South Carolina. Some of its best beaches include Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Sullivans Island. Big companies such as Michelin and GE have established a large presence in Greenville and the city continues to attract new businesses. In terms of public schooling, Charleston is the place to be, 68 schools in the district and with several offering a Montessori style of learning, parents get offered a broad range of options for their youngsters. #1 Best Places to Live in South Carolina.. Forest Acres. There is water everywhere here; Charleston has multiple rivers and tidal creeks nearby that are great for fishing and crabbing, it has Charleston Harbor, where first shots of the civil war were fired at Fort Sumter, and the Atlantic Ocean. Lake Marion is the Largest Lake in South Carolina, and is surrounded by a lot of small towns. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. I do love the winters in Charleston; you can even go golfing or go to the beach during the winter months; I just dont want to be here in July in August. It made US News & World Reports Cheapest Places to Live list, coming in at #25. Hilton Head Islands high standard of living comes with its high cost of living. Have you ever been to the, The Red Horse Inn, 45 Winstons Chase Ct, Landrum, SC 29356, USA, What better way is there to feel more connected to our beloved mountains than by climbing one? With only 2,000 people living in this idyllic spot you best prepare yourself to read the median home value here. Cabins, hiking, and lots of great landscapeswith gorgeous foliage in the . Our ratings take into consideration the city size, crime rate, unemployment rate and cost of living. If youre looking for a small town with an abundance of culture, then look no further than this charming community located in the northern part of the state. Asheville is located between the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes for scenic views while strolling through the town . No list of America's best mountain towns would be complete without renowned ski (and aprs ski) destination Aspen, Colorado. the 3rd best city to retire in South Carolina. Meanwhile, the town itself offers many things to do. Greenville, South Carolina. Forty Acre Rock Preserve actually spans 2, 267 acres, however, the rock itself is really only 14 acres. But, it is more than just a tourist town. This Lake is a little over 12000 acres, with about 325 miles of shoreline. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 48. 11. , which houses a 500+ seat theater and a historical center. The metro area is South Carolinas second-largest and is home to the University of South Carolina and the Fort Jackson army base. No matter where youre from in the Palmetto State youve probably found yourself hearing the mountains calling your name from time to time. The falls sit amid 40,000-acres of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness. This state once thrived on agriculture and natural resources but in more modern times there is a big industry for steel and machinery production, meaning jobs are in no short supply. As I mentioned earlier, Charleston is in an area known as the Low Country; It is flat with no mountains, and is prone to flooding. The best part about Spartanburg is its affordability. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Additionally, there are many green areas around the city, including Myrtle Beach State Park and the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, which is a 55,000 acre wetlands and forest. To top it all off, there is a strong focus on education and Fort Mills school system has been consistently rated as one of the best in the state, earning an A+ rating from Areavibes. SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 10.2%. Clemson is a picturesque college town of 13,900 people that sits near the northwestern border of the state, close to North Carolina and Georgia. Learn more about this, A short trail leading from the parking lot at the visitors center at this state park leads to an overlook dishing up extraordinary views of the valley below and mountains near and afar. In fact, the tallest mountain in South Carolina is Sassafras Mountain, residing approximately 3,500 feet above sea level. The 7,565 acre Lake Jocassee is another one of the best lakes in South Carolina. From the Sandburg home, it's an idyllic one-and-a-half-mile trek to the top of Big Glassy Mountain . The economy has also been experiencing a boom, with several large corporations setting up offices in or around the area, such as BMW and Dennys. The average home here costs just $124,700, not only this but there is great value for money in Irmo too. Residents here can visit its historic downtown with a main street that offers a handful of locally-owned boutiques and restaurants. Although the median household income is a punchy six-figures there remains a diversity within the residence, both in terms of ethnicity and economic background. Nathanael Hovee/EyeEm/Getty Images. If you combine that with the strong sense of community that has been cultivated here, it is easy to see why Rock Hill is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. And later, I will share my top pick among these five. But, Greenvilles expansion doesnt mean it has lost its small town charm. Lying just east of Tega Cay is the next suburb of Charlotte to feature on our list, Fort Mill. In fact, it has maintained its nickname of, The Lowcountrys Hometown for over 100 years. Check Rates: Official Site. 8 Pros and Cons of Living in Pueblo Colorado, 8 Best Small Towns in Florida to Raise a Family in 2023 Safe & Great Schools, The 12 Most Liberal Cities in Florida in 2023, Why is Seattle so Expensive in 2023? Five Forks can be found deep in Greenville County, just a short drive away from Greenville itself. The State is separated into four regions, and there are pros and cons of living in each of these locations. One of the towns biggest draws is a housing market that is still pretty affordable. More than 100 feet of cascading water descend across various rock formations at the zenith of this short 1.5-mile hike. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Median Home Price: $215,000. Ooh and aah your way across this 13 mile jaunt from just north of the Town of Walhalla to the North Carolina state line. The region features a unique blend of historic preservation and new Spartanburg is known for its beautiful scenery and rich past. Location: Check on Google Maps. In addition to higher education, other employment sectors include Adidas America and the automotive industry. From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. Greenville is a very nice city with a rcharming and walkable downtown, and a beautiful 32 acre green space and park, located at Falls Park on the Reedy. This area is known as the Tri-County area, and includes Charleston County, Berkeley County, and Dorchester County. Dont forget about the mountain region, too, giving you wonderful options for hiking and biking. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve (Kershaw, SC) Lewis. Rock Hill is the largest city in York County and you can enjoy a lower cost of living and reasonable state taxes. Columbia has a large downtown area with some of the tallest skyscrapers in the South Carolina. I will be making a video about all of the beach towns in South Carolina soon, so make sure to subscribe to my channel if youd like to see that. Without a doubt, Travelers Rest is one of the coolest small towns in America. Pros and Cons: + Relaxed atmosphere. Back to South Carolinas picture perfect coast, we go. One of the highlights of Columbia's real estate market is its affordability compared to national averages. It is well-known for its beautiful scenery and proximity to the mountains. Get more stories delivered right to your email. South Carolina has of miles of beaches, many things to do, golf courses everywhere, beatuful antebellum homes, mild year round weather, and is a great place to live. to enjoy the benefits of living in the south. Something went wrong. All information provided on this website is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. Along the Coast, there is the Atlantic Ocean and many Rivers and Tidal Creeks, but we also have a few Large Lakes in the State. Forest Acres is a good all rounder in terms of cost of living, access to public schooling and diversity of residents too. If youre considering relocating to South Carolina, but are not sure where you want to live, this video is for you. (Clemson, Easley) Expand. In fact, Rock Hill is only about a 30 minute drive to Charlotte, North Carolina, which is one of my favorite cities to visit. 1. 2. The area includes Northwoods Mall, which includes more than 120 stores, and Tanger Outlets, where shoppers can find designer items at discounted prices. best place for a secluded beach front romantic getaway for 2 4 replies; Which Beach on Outer Banks 4 replies; Virginia Beach vs. North Carolina coast 3 replies; Swimming over Memorial Day - Wilmington beach area 2 replies; Least crowded, best deal 2 replies; Best NC Beach for family w/ little kids? Charleston. The University of South Carolina is also located right in the middle of the community, giving the city a youthful energy with the buzz of a college town, especially when the USC Gamecocks are in town. Average Annual Salary: $44,830. From the Oscar Wigginton Overlook you'll have breathtaking views of Lake Jocassee. This, Pumpkintown Mountain Opry, 3414 SC-11, Pickens, SC 29671, USA. Along with the Hurricanes, heat and humidty, and other cons of living here, I still think that it is one of the nicest Cities to live in the Country. Flower Mound, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, has the 11th-lowest violent crime rate and 26th-lowest property crime rate, and it ranks 23rd in income . There are also several state parks in the area to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains and youre only four hours from the beach. However, the summers can get quite toasty as its the hottest place in the state. The city itself offers a small town feel, but actually has lots to offer. On average, Greenville will get colder weather during the winter months than the coastal cities. There are also many city parks and outdoor activities to enjoy at any time of the year. It's a good time to buy in Little Mountain. Geographically, it is located right on Lake Murray, giving residents easy access to boating and fishing, while it is also just a short drive away from the mountains. 4 Cause & Effect Reasons (Explained). That has catapulted Moncks Corner towards becoming, South Carolinas 4th fastest growing town over the last five years. There is no place quite like Charleston. Spartanburg is a small city of 37,000 people in the north part of South Carolina. Homes here are lavish and elegant, every property can boast its mansion status proudly. The revitalized downtown is home to many gourmet restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries. Most of the area around the lake is surrounded by woods and there is little development. Mike Kalasnik from Fort Mill, USA / Wikimedia, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA). On the other side of the State, Greenville South Carolina is located in the Upstate region, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. North Carolina has a population of roughly 10.5 million people. Its $1,110,000! And, if you're in the mood for camping, you'll discover that Devil's Fork State Park has one of the, Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA, The Red Horse Inn, located in Landrum, offers rooms in their main house or, you can stay in one of the charming six cottages on the property. Being a city you have access to all the social opportunities you could wish for, youre never too far from a hipster bar, trendy workout class or art exhibition to keep your mind ticking over. Most people who live in South Carolina are either Clemson Tiger Fans, or GameCock Fans, and it is a very big event for the State when they play eachother. What more could you want? 2. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. Murphy Riverwalk and Canoe Trail. 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