This state of 5.2 million people saw an increase of 1.2% in 2020, which made itthe 6th fastest growing state in America. We have discussed suburbs of this thriving city already and although coming in 15th on our list, Greenville is certainly worthy of its place here. May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Mauldin, while July and January are the least comfortable months. US News & World Reports Cheapest Places to Live list. One of the highlights of Columbia's real estate market is its affordability compared to national averages. Located in northwestern South Carolina, Greenville is about halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte. This refuge has miles of nature trails, rivers, and swamps. 80 on the overall Best Places to Live list for 2022-2023. What are some of your favorite destinations in the South Carolina mountains? The Upstate region of South Carolina does have a small section the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains. Lake Marion is the Largest Lake in South Carolina, and is surrounded by a lot of small towns. Mauldin is just 15 minutes from Greenville, yet this city of 25,000 residents has developed its own identity, offering a great blend of safe and affordable living along with great schools and easy access to nature. Rock Hill is a nice option for people who want to move to a more inland city in South Carolina, but still have large cities nearby. 2. One of the towns biggest draws is a housing market that is still pretty affordable. Keep in mind, the citys crime rate is above average and you may consider other cities on this list with a similar population to easily find a quiet neighborhood. There is the beautiful and walkable downtown district that is home to many top restaurants and bars. 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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. The overall cost of living is almost 30% higher than the rest of the US. Our list includes both large cities and small towns to make sure that there is something for everyone, including young professionals looking for a new job, families who want a safe and quiet community, and retirees who want to enjoy the best years of their life with a high standard of living. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 48. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Much like with Forest Acres, this home of 19,447 people identifies as its own town rather than as a suburb of Columbia. They are playgrounds for anybody with an eye for architecture and a heart ready for history. Fist up on our list of destinations where you can admire the South Carolina mountains is the Falling Waters Scenic Byway. Hilton Head Island is not just for tourists and vacationers. Summerville is a thriving and affordable suburb approximately 30 minutes outside Charleston. The cost of living in Clemson is 1% below the national average, which makes it a pretty good deal considering the high standard of living that it offers. It is about 34% more expensive than the national average. 27 homes $189,000 - $899,900. 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. Columbia, South Carolina, is a traditionally Southern town with a modern twist. With Dollywood just next door, you'll never be at a loss for entertainment. 1. Home Affordability Calculator. So it's worth visiting simply for the scenery alone. Cameron Creek (Home Value Range: $150,000 to $450,000+) Offering a mixture of ranch-style and two-story homes and townhouses, Cameron Creek has options available for every size family and budget. Residents here can visit its historic downtown with a main street that offers a handful of locally-owned boutiques and restaurants. This would suggest that although at first glance Mount Pleasant seems a little exclusive, should you play your cards right and be sensible with your investments this really could be your next home. Tega Cay also offers numerous leisure activities around town, with golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, baseball and soccer fields, and miles of walking trails scattered across the town. Home Affordability Calculator, How To Get A Business License In South Carolina, Guide To Down Payment Assistance Programs. 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. Related: South Carolina Income Tax Calculator. 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! The metro areas we chose are spread across the Palmetto State and can be excellent places to call home for couples or families. Tega Cay is a great choice for families looking for a safe area with a great school system. So if youre looking for skyscrapers, this area isnt for you. Breakdown by City & Salary Levels, Is Pueblo, Colorado a Good Place to Live? A lot of the people that contact me about moving to South Carolina, want to live near the beach, or at least within a reasonable driving distance to the beach. Or, they can take advantage of the towns easy access to the outdoors and go relax on Lake Moultrie, which is just 5 minutes from the center of town. 8,653. Murphy {pop. Read: The Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. ] Some of the Beaches in South Carolina draw in many more tourists than others, so if youre considering moving to a beachtown, you will need to decide what area is right for you. City: Mauldin. It is easy to understand why South Carolina has been attracting so many new residents. 1. Hilton Head Island. Located within 25 minutes of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, SC and Savannah, GA, Hampton Lake offers a relaxed way of life centered around a 165-acre freshwater fishing and boating lake. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Myrtle Beach is one of the most affordable South Carolina coastal towns and it also has an encouraging job sector for year-round residents. But first, let's touch on each one. 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. Telluride, Colorado. 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. While its the largest city upstate, you can still enjoy the slower pace of a mid-size town. South Carolina is frequently cited as one of the Southeast's best places to live or retire, and with good reason. Five Forks can be found deep in Greenville County, just a short drive away from Greenville itself. County: Greenville County. Its not too far from Columbia, Myrtle Beach or Charleston which offer more benefits for residents but can also have higher housing costs. The state also has a reasonable cost of living, making it an affordable place for working professionals and retirees. Tennessee. It has recently become the biggest city in South Carolina and is the crown jewel of the state. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. The median home price in Little Mountain is $244,600. the 3rd best city to retire in South Carolina. Go for it. Whether you prefer an exclusive lakefront golf resort near the Blue Ridge Mountains, love the historic charm of Charleston, or dream of lazing in Lowcountry style on Pawleys Island, the state's diverse cities and regions cater to a variety of lifestyles and interests. Greenville is also within about a 2 1/2 hour driving distance from several large cities, including Atlanta Georgia, Charlotte North Carolina, Columbia South Carolina, Asheville North Carolina, and Augusta Georgia, where the Masters Golf tournament is played.. Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist location in the Peedee region of South Carolina, and offers and offers a 1.2 mile beachfront boardwalk, multiple golf courses, several tall buildings and skyscrapers, restaurants, mini-golf, and plenty of fun things to do with the family. Being such an exclusive, high priced area the resident population is far from diverse. Pigeon Forge, one of Tennessee's favorite towns, is a longtime favorite spot for vacationers, but it's also a great spot to retire. There is so much stuff to do in Myrtle Beach, but this city also gets a lot tourists every year. In fact, it has maintained its nickname of The Lowcountrys Hometown for over 100 years. 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. Housing Market in Little Mountain. South Carolina. The public schools rank well in the state, and Greenville is one of South Carolina's most affordable cities to live. At Devils Fork State Park you can also opt to just sit along the shore and gawk all day long if you want. Even if you do not live directly in a beachtown, you can live within a very short drive to the beach, in locations like Johns Island, James Island, Mount Pleasant, and many other areas along the coast. The home value here is $179,000 on average and looking at whats available on the market right now youd surely get change from that investment. In reality, it is all these factors, and a few more, that we think about when searching for a new abode. 4 Cause & Effect Reasons (Explained). There seems to be a Mount Pleasant wherever you go in the world, South Carolinas Mount Pleasant is arguably the most pleasant though. You would think that being so close to the waters edge that house prices would be sky high; youd be wrong! There are many locally-owned stores and a small town feel, but also with enough big city amenities, with large chains like Walmart, The Home Depot, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A all present within the city limits. Although renting is an option in Tega Cay were inclined to back the masses here and say that buying is best; only 7% live in rented accommodation and rent averages upwards of $1,300 a month. If youre planning on moving here, you need to decide if you want to live close to one of the many beaches, Lakes, the mountains, one of the large Cities, or a more rural location. So, what is there to do around the city? Thankfully, the local area isnt as commercialized and its easy to relax. 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. to enjoy the benefits of living in the south. The best part about Spartanburg is its affordability. Fort Mill also features a cute downtown area with many locally-owned shops, bars, and restaurants lining its historic Main Street. Its not only students who will be happy to hear about Clemsons low rent value, falling at an average of $785 a month. There are also many city parks and outdoor activities to enjoy at any time of the year. They are a great place to live if youd like to own a lakefront property within driving distance to Charleston. Charleston is known for its amazing architecture, great food, southern charm, historic plantations and gardens, and has multiple beaches nearby, as close to about 20 minutes from the Downtown. The cute little restaurant dishes up some signature sandwiches and the ice cream shop scoops up plenty of friendly smiles to go with your dessert. Sullivan's Island. Living in Charleston SC- 10 Pros and Cons, 17 Best Cities to Live near Charleston, SC, Homes for Sale in Downtown Charleston, SC, 55+ Active Adult Communities in Charleston, SC. In fact, it has maintained its nickname of, The Lowcountrys Hometown for over 100 years. 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. Please try again later. Zip Codes: 29662. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Brevard at No. 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. Talking about jobs, what other factors do we need to take into consideration when seeking a new home? Clark Hills lake is not far from Augusta Georgia and Aiken South Carolina. Featured Review: Current Resident says Forest Acres is a great neighborhood to live in especially with kids from elementary to high school ages.You are close to the best schools in Columbia, plenty of parks are nearby, and there is an.. Before we go over each City, let me give you a brief description about South Carolina. Clemson and 10. This Lake is a little over 12000 acres, with about 325 miles of shoreline. It's also one of the best places to view the park's elk herd. If access to healthcare is your top concern, Columbia is one of the best areas 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. Lake Hartwell. While not the cheapest place to buy a home in South Carolina, Ninety Six offers a low cost of living, relaxed lifestyle, and great weather, making it a prime area to buy lakefront property. Cost of Living: -12.7% lower. And some of those peaks are pretty tall, too! Fort Mill saw a low, low violent crime rate of 2.7 in 2019 and 1.7 in 2020. This beautiful lake is owned and maintained by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and is one of the more popular man-made lakes in the state. 1. Location: Check on Google Maps. Sip oodles of great wine from the veranda with amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or enjoy the same views from your room or from the restaurant at the hotel. According to December 2021 data, homes in Anderson were selling for a median price of $225,000, up 6.8 percent compared to the previous year. South Carolinas capital city of Columbia sits in the state center and is roughly three hours from sandy beaches and less than two hours from the Upcountry. Big companies such as Michelin and GE have established a large presence in Greenville and the city continues to attract new businesses. Our team evaluated stats from many different databases to ensure that we covered all aspects of what makes a city great, including: We also cross-referenced our findings with the most recent ratings from large news sources such as US News & World Report, Wallethub, Niche.com, and Marketwatch. The best places to retire in South Carolina have plenty to offer from pristine lakes and mountains to historic sites that date back to the Revolutionary War. As South Carolina's top city in gross retail sales, North Charleston is a favorite shopping destination. Roxboro at No. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. 1. Spartanburg. This is a port city that was founded way back in 1670, making it one of the oldest in the country. Home Travel Guides United States South Carolina (SC) 15 Best Places to Live in South Carolina. Meanwhile, the town itself offers many things to do. - High cost of living. Schools: See Local Schools. Since the area is rich in these natural resources, the town has much to offer as a home base for wild wanderings. During his march, Shermans army followed a scorched earth policy. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region features a unique blend of historic preservation and new Spartanburg is known for its beautiful scenery and rich past. However, there still are a lot of surviving historic structures in columbia. If youre looking to live on the South Carolina side of Charlotte, Rock Hill is an excellent option as the major metroplex is only an hour away. Asheville. It is actually one of the best places to live in South Carolina as well. Retirees (and everyone for that matter) can also enjoy the easy access to many different beaches and parks in the area, too. During the later years in the Civil War, the Union General William Sherman marched with his army through Atlanta and to the Sea, and eventually through the Carolinas. Another big selling point for the city is the cooler mountain like weather. This is a fairly affordable area, for those with a humble double income. Lexington, South Carolina is a small, tight-knit community of 20,000 residents and is a suburb of Columbia that is only 20 minutes away from the state capital. Here are 11 perfect places to answer that call the next time you feel beckoned by those beautiful South Carolina mountains. Bioscience, logistics and marine are thriving industries as well. High Hampton Resort in Cashiers has recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and it continues to be one of the best luxury resorts in North Carolina. 25. On the other side of the State, Greenville South Carolina is located in the Upstate region, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. 1. South Carolinas most significant economic hub and tourism area is Charleston. 9. North Charleston is also an entertainment hot spot, with live shows . , while there are numerous new developments that are also being planned. $1,303 35. There are even some beaches that you can bring an RV, and camp right near the beach, including Hunting Island State Park near Beaufort and Port Royal, Edisto Beach State Park, and Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet. A diverse and family-friendly community awaits you in Lexington. For example, the city has a rich history and is filled with museums and art centers. Marion at No. 7 Best Cities and Areas to Living in South Carolina! Both of these Lakes are on the South Carolina and Georgia Border. 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 . Sullivans Island is connected to the mainland by Highway 703. This area is known as the Tri-County area, and includes Charleston County, Berkeley County, and Dorchester County. Being this low means that many tenants will find themselves being able to rent bigger, more modern homes than they would elsewhere in the state. Ellijay. Moving to SC. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. The State is separated into four regions, and there are pros and cons of living in each of these locations. Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. 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. But we had an evacuation because we were in the Cone of Uncertainty, which meant that there was a possibility that Charleston would be directly hit, so we had an evacuation. We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Last but certainly not least on our list of beautiful destinations in the South Carolina mountains, Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661, USA. Heres another perfect spot to get away in the mountains of South Carolina. Famous University. However, the summers can get quite toasty as its the hottest place in the state. Having said that, there is still plenty to do during the Summer; every where you go is going to have air coinditioning, and there is usually a cool breeze coming from the ocean and Charleston Harbor, so you can go to the beach or go boating, and many communities have a community pool, and summer is a great time to go swimming. Columbia is home to The University of South Carolina and the GameCocks college football team. the 2nd best place to live in South Carolina by US News and World Report. 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. Charlestons sense of community is also very strong and you can really feel the warmth of its southern hospitality. The cost of living in Clemson is 1% below the national average, Myrtle Beach is well-known as a hotspot for roughly 14 million vacationers, the city continues to attract new businesses. Find out more about this excellent, Hotel Domestique, 10 Rd of Vines, Travelers Rest, SC 29690, USA, Take a group tour of the winery, sit on the terrace and enjoy sweeping views of this 47 acre vineyard or have lunch in the cafe. Discover the nine best places to live in South CarolinaFort Mill, Lexington, Tega Cay, Clemson, Columbia, Greenville and more. During the Revolutionary War, people mined this mountain for iron ore to make cannonsand later, it may even have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. It traverses approximately 70 miles of up and down terrain affording magnificent mountain top views as well as some serious stream crossings. Greenville. In addition to higher education, other employment sectors include Adidas America and the automotive industry. Tropical beaches and sea islands, South Carolina lies in the southeast of the United States and has a whole host of darling towns and villages to explore. 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). There are small towns, and then there's Ridgeway small. Population: 20,315. Love South Carolina? Clemson and Pickens County can be considered an . 5. Myrtle beach is part of a 60 mile stretch of beaches and cities known as the Grand Strand area, which also includes North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Georgetown, and Pawleys Island. Forest Acres is a good all rounder in terms of cost of living, access to public schooling and diversity of residents too. Columbia is a very historic city in South Carolina, but a lot of the antebellum buildings are no longer there. There are numerous parks around the city as well. About 30 miles away in Greenville, home prices were up . There is nothing remotely wrong, or underperforming about schools in Blythewood, only that they miss out on the top spots. 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. You can also find some live music during the towns summer concert series or in one of the local bars throughout the year. Bluffton is one of the best places to live in South Carolina for families: youre close to the beach, the area has a low crime rate and you can avoid the flocks of tourists that typically go to Myrtle Beach or Charleston. Pros and Cons: + Relaxed atmosphere. Although there are just 8,000 residents living in York, the town offers a sizable downtown district with a walkable main street filled with locally-owned shops, delectable restaurants, and quaint cafes. South Carolina is an appealing place to live in the southeast as you can stay near the beach in the Lowcountry or enjoy the tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Upcountry. And it also has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation. Region. There are still some antebullum homes still standing in Columbia. Debuting in the #1 position of the safest city to live in South Carolina, Woodruff moved up 26 points from its position on the same list in 2020. It offers several amenities that typically belong in bigger cities thanks to being the home of Clemson University." 8 . We compared the various South Carolina metropolitan areas using data from several platforms to measure variable criteria for home affordability, healthy employment and population growth. That said, annual income is only just about the national average at $61,773 per year, this goes to show that being sensible with your salary is worthwhile. But, it does come at a price. Rock Hill is near the smaller towns on our list of Tega Cay and Fort Mill, but is quite a bit larger and thus offers more opportunities for its residents. Cabins, hiking, and lots of great landscapeswith gorgeous foliage in the . Most of the area around the lake is surrounded by woods and there is little development. That has catapulted Moncks Corner towards becoming, South Carolinas 4th fastest growing town over the last five years. It has been growing in popularity recently, especially among young professionals and families. On average, Greenville will get colder weather during the winter months than the coastal cities. And later, I will share my top pick among these five. More than 100 feet of cascading water descend across various rock formations at the zenith of this short 1.5-mile hike. For an investment of $134,900, you can move right into a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom spacious family home on Windbreak Crescent. There are Old Deep South plantations, former getaways for the well-to-do of yesteryear. Home value averages at $255,600 but with 127,694 people living here earning roughly $55,500 a year there is affordability hidden behind the pricey exterior. Lest we forget to mention that 58% of residents live in rented homes so there is no short supply of housing options here. Arkansas. Youre also less than an hour away from Greenville for additional economic and leisure amenities. If youre looking to enjoy the outdoors, a bike trail covers the entire town which passes through the iconic Falls Park on the Reedy in the downtown area. Population Size. Despite the rural feel, the house prices have remained affordable, but with only 2,400 people living here, desirable houses appear on the market once in a blue moon. Like Park City, Aspen has a little something for . Meanwhile, its crime is also low 52% below the national average.

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