Best Places to Live in South Carolina: 6 Areas to Consider When Planning Your Move

Interest in South Carolina living has amplified, with the state ranked the fastest-growing in the United States in 2023. Why the Palmetto State now? And could you live your best life in South Carolina? Hone in on a handful of areas in SC you should consider when you relocate here.

Why South Carolina

Areas in SC are attracting attention because of the southern state’s advantages:

• By the numbers, South Carolina has the country’s seventh-lowest effective real estate tax at 0.57%; sales tax ranges from 6% to 9%.

• Housing prices run under the national average.

• South Carolina’s climate is a comforting constant, with warm weather prevailing for about eight months. Snow happens, but it’s infrequent and melts fast. Say goodbye to snow shovels and icy roads and embrace a more relaxed lifestyle.

• The cost of living in South Carolina is 5.5% lower than the national average, stretching budgets further. In 2024, the average expenses totaled $46,220, including housing, groceries, and transportation.

• From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in the west to the shining white sands of the Atlantic Ocean beaches, you really can have it all when you live in South Carolina. The state takes enjoying the great outdoors to the next level, with 47 state parks covering over 80,000 acres of land.

South Carolina Weather

The climate here is generally warm and humid, with mild winters and hot summers, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. If you like the taste of cold winters, head to the Upstate region, where occasional snowfalls send the kids out sledding. Even Charleston gets a dusting of snow every few years–enough to enjoy it when it happens and never grow old of shoveling drifts after blizzards. Then you have the summer days, ideal for mornings on golf courses and afternoons by the swimming pool.

Cost of Living and Housing

One of the most appealing aspects of living in South Carolina is its relatively low cost of living. South Carolina’s low taxes further enhance its affordability, with a sales tax rate of 6% and a property tax rate of just 0.57%.

The median home value reached $294,000 in 2024. Even though it’s rising, it’s still low enough to make homeownership accessible for many.

The state’s real estate market is thriving, with new developments and communities springing up in fast-growing areas around the Charlotte metro and the coastal regions. And, even though prices are reasonable at the state level, certain pockets have strong demand and market appreciation–like Hilton Head Island and Mount Pleasant.

South Carolina has it all: beachfront properties, horse farms in the Foothills, cozy homes in charming small towns, rural homesteads, and a strong sense of community.

Job Market and Economy

Multiple industries drive South Carolina’s strong economy, with manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare at the forefront. Major companies like BMW, Volvo Cars, and Boeing have established significant operations, providing ample job opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Tourism annually attracts millions of visitors to popular destinations on the coast like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. Additionally, the state is seeing a rise in startups and small businesses, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors, further bolstering the job market.

Education

South Carolina has many excellent public and private schools, including renowned institutions like the University of South Carolina (USC) and Clemson University. The higher education scene includes a deep roster of private colleges, like The Citadel, a military college, and Furman University.

Find high-achieving public schools across the state–Fort Mill and Spartanburg are located in the Upstate, Mount Pleasant is in the Lowcountry, and others are in between.

Healthcare

On the healthcare front, South Carolina’s Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) stands at the forefront. Many medical research centers and institutes further support the state’s healthcare system. Other providers include the nonprofit Prisma Health network and Bon Secours. Residents do have access to high-quality medical care and cutting-edge treatments.

Community and Safety

Here, Southern hospitality is a way of life. People are warm and friendly across South Carolina. Newcomers are quickly made to feel at home. The historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively downtown areas of places like Charleston and Greenville add to the community vibes. Safety is a significant advantage, with lower crime rates than other states.

Putting all that together, where are some of the best places to live in South Carolina?

Charleston Metro

Travel + Leisure magazine named Charleston, South Carolina’s largest city, the Best City in the U.S. from 2016 to 2019. The city radiates Southern hospitality and charm at every turn of its historic streets and waterfront parks. Downtown awaits a feast of world-renowned restaurants that highlight southern and local cooking. Who could miss the delicious Lowcountry cuisine, like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes?

The 19th-century buildings are famous for their architecture. You can see them by carriage through the Antebellum district, on foot along the Charleston Harbor waterfront, or on the boat to Fort Sumter. All those attractions are near downtown. A thriving arts scene adds to the character, with museums and multi-day artistic festivals throughout the year. Indulge in designer shopping or browse historic farmer’s markets.

Charleston is the largest city in SC. The metro spills into surrounding quaint neighborhoods and islands packed with their own set of bars and restaurants, shopping, and historic attractions. Explore suburbs like Mount Pleasant, with its top-rated schools, or North Charleston, with its more affordable cost of living. Look to Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and Sullivan’s Island for beachfront living. Find quiet neighborhoods in the Lowcountry, like James Island, Johns Island, and Wadmalaw Island.

Columbia Metro

South Carolina’s capital city charms with classic Southern architecture. Within the city limits of Columbia, you’ll find overflowing history in the old building, the state houses, and grand museums. The historic buildings add to its character.

But this isn’t a sleepy capital city in the Carolina Sandhills. Columbia packs a punch of activity as the home of the University of South Carolina. That gives it a fun college-town vibe, especially in Five Points, where metro Columbians and the college crowd gather at bars, restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

For things to do, try South Carolina State Museum, EdVenture Children’s Museum, or a night at the Columbia Fireflies, the local minor league baseball team. Family fun continues at the nearby Riverbanks Zoo; the many parks give families a place to play. Tube the Saluda River in summer as it meanders through the downtown. Nearby Lake Murray is a favorite lakefront escape on those humid dog days.

The Columbia suburbs are prime real estate, including Forest Acres outside Fort Jackson and Seven Oaks. Other highly desirable areas are near Lexington and the Lake Murray area. Home buyers will find affordable neighborhoods with low costs of living. Because Columbia is a smaller city, commute times from the suburbs are as little as 15 minutes into downtown Columbia.

Spartanburg-Greenville-Clemson

Think of the Upstate South Carolina as a metro meets nature. The Spartanburg metro region has over 250,000 people who love what it has to offer.

In Spartanburg, the thriving economy means there are plentiful job opportunities. A strong manufacturing sector anchors the high-quality jobs found here. It also has some of South Carolina’s top-ranked school districts. Residents gain incredible access to outdoor recreation through local and nearby state parks, like Croft State Park.

Speaking of parks, neighboring Greenville’s beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy ranked among the Top 10 U.S. Parks. The 32 acres as a hub of Greenville downtown. The showpiece Liberty Bridge is the only single-sided, pedestrian-only suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It overlooks the breathtaking Reedy River Falls below. The park’s walking trails connect to Cleveland Park, with its amphitheaters, picnic tables, bike trails, tennis courts, softball fields, and the Greenville Zoo.

Downtown Greenville’s award-winning Main Street, runs from NOMA Square to the city’s west end. The charming, tree-lined hotspot is a hub of world-class restaurants, rooftop bars, art studios, boutiques, coffee shops and more. Greenville, SC, real estate continues to be in high demand as this area has become one of the most desired locations in the state.

Nearby Clemson is also a fun, walkable college town. Home to Clemson University, the sea of orange descends on the Tiger Valley Stadium during football season. The expansive Lake Hartwell beckons in summer with its calm waters and fishing spots. The lake shares borders with South Carolina and Georgia.

The Upstate’s appeal includes low living costs. Even though temperatures are cooler than the Lowcountry, the winters are still relatively mild.

Fort Mill and the Charlotte Metro

Fort Mill, in northern South Carolina, exemplifies small-town charm. Along with nearby Rock Hill, York, and Lancaster, it is one of the fastest-growing places in the state because of its easy access to the energy of the Charlotte metro area. Known for its excellent schools, friendly neighborhoods, and rich history, Fort Mill is a top choice for families and young professionals alike.

The town itself includes lots of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Anne Springs Close Greenway providing 2,100 acres of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. A world-class BMX facility draws more amateur and professional athletes. Nearby is the Carowinds amusement park with fast-flying rollercoasters. The local dining scene shines with Southern comfort food and globally inspired flavors, while the city’s breweries and rooftop bars are perfect for a night out.

Just minutes away, Charlotte brings big-city amenities within arm’s reach. The Queen City is a haven for culture and entertainment. Attractions include the Mint Museum, NASCAR Hall of Fame, and professional sports teams like the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets.

Living in Fort Mill means dealing with rapid growth, and housing market prices have been on the rise, but there’s a lot of real estate to explore with a local agent.

The Grand Strand

The 60 miles of pristine coastline stretching from Little River south into Georgetown is endearingly called South Carolina’s Grand Strand. Find along the endless sands popular communities like North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Pawleys Island. The South Carolina beaches have long lured vacationers, and many stay for the laidback coastal lifestyle.

There is so much family fun across the Grand Strand, from the beach and beyond. Because of the challenging and varied layout of courses, South Carolina’s Grand Strand is nicknamed the “Golf Capitol” and “Mini Golf Capitol of the World.” Its acclaimed resorts host PGA tournaments and championships.

Excitement in Myrtle Beach centers around the boardwalk. Visitors flock to Broadway at the Beach and The Market Common for dining options and entertainment. But for more residential neighborhoods, dip further south into Murrells Inlet. The Marshwalk is lined with popular waterfront seafood restaurants. The Brookgreen Gardens is lined with beautiful live oaks and blooms at Huntington Beach State Park.

But there’s so much more to see and do if the Grand Strand is your backyard. Explore classically southern hamlets across Horry County, including Conway and Socastee. The options in living are just a few of the many reasons the Grand Strand towns are among the most sought-after areas to relocate in South Carolina.

Hilton Head Island & the Lowcountry

Island life is the way of life for locals and visitors flocking to live in South Carolina. Surrounded by 12 miles of beaches, the island is ranked #1 in the U.S. and #2 globally for coastal living. Besides the pristine oceanfront, amenities pack the island. It has over 250 restaurants, including some world-class fine dining. Events like the Seafood Festival and Beaufort Water Festival draw thousands every year for their chill vibes and delicious dining. Another draw for Hilton Head: its on-island 24 golf courses and the additional 40 in greater Beaufort County. The famous Sea Pines Resort hosts an annual PGA tourney.

Get to know the southernmost slice of land in South Carolina by bike, hike, or boat. Ditch the car and feel the relaxing sea breezes firsthand. Be charmed by historic Bluffton and Beaufort, where homes date to the 18th century. Tour historical Civil War attractions. Browse antique boutiques, coastal gift shops, and maritime museums that showcase the Lowcountry’s history.

Best Places in South Carolina

Take your time exploring South Carolina. There’s a lot to love about the Palmetto State, from its mild winters to its quiet outdoor areas. Its culture embraces unique artistic traditions, agricultural bounty, and southern hospitality. Even the largest cities still have lower cost of living and charming residential neighborhoods. Let a local real estate agent help you find the right place to live in South Carolina, be won over by Southern lifestyle.

Updated January 2025