Best Places to Buy Condos in South Carolina

Condo living provides residents with several advantages. You don’t have to worry about yard work or exterior maintenance. That’s all taken care of by the condo association. And, if you’re looking for a second home or investment property, condos can be a great option since they’re often easy to rent.

South Carolina has some fantastic towns for condo living. As you’ll see, many of the best places to find a dream condo are high-demand vacation destinations. You’ll find everything from studio-style one-bedroom condos to spacious penthouses with stunning views.

Based on the percentage of housing units that are condos in a particular city, these are your best places to buy a condo in South Carolina:

North Myrtle Beach

This beautiful community and beach town is a great place to find a condo. Around 24% of its housing stock is condos or apartments. Around 12,000 people live in this thriving community north of the more tourist-driven Myrtle Beach. The northern suburb’s local beaches have a reputation as family-friendly; one is even autism-friendly! 

Your options include condos right on the water or a bit further inland. Some are located in vacation resorts or are prime for vacation investment rentals. Among the North Myrtle Beach resorts are condo complexes with world-class golfing and tennis amenities at your fingertips. Best of all, you get it with fewer crowds and tourists.

The North Myrtle Beach July 2024 market had 134 townhomes or condos sold with an average price of $322,000 for the year-to-date. September listings ranged from $29,100 for a timeshare to $1.69 million for an oceanfront five-bedroom, five-bath condo in North Beach Towers.

Hilton Head Island

Another top pick for beach lovers, Hilton Head Island has no shortage of beautiful condos. Island living leads to many high-end properties, but you can also find more affordable options if you look around.

With 35,000 residents living on this barrier island, condo living is popular. In fact, over 17% of the housing units here are condos or apartments. It’s another option if you want a vacation condo or part-time living. You’ll have many options when finding the perfect place to call home.

The September 2024 market had 436 condo homes for sale, ranging from $2,500 for a two-bedroom timeshare to $3.1 million for an oceanfront condo with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. By July 2024, the median sale price of a condo or townhome was $525,000, up 1% for the year-to-date. These homes had an average time on the market of 70 days.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of South Carolina’s most popular vacation destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The city has miles of sandy beaches, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a wide range of world-class golfing nearby.

Myrtle Beach is an excellent choice if you’re looking for beachfront property for year-round living, a second home, or an investment condo property. Around 80,000 people live in Myrtle Beach, and condos or apartment-style units represent 11.7% of the housing stock. You’ll find plenty of affordable options and high-end properties with all the bells and whistles. Thirty-five condominium resorts have world-class amenities like championship golf, tennis, and dining. If you’re in the market for an investment condo or a place for a vacation condo, this could be a good city to check out.

The September 2024 Myrtle Beach condo market had 269 listings, ranging from $3,000 for a 900-square-foot timeshare to $2.19 million for an oceanfront unit in Vista Del Mar with 2,700 sq ft. Year-to-date average prices were $235,000, a 4.4% year-over-year increase.

Pawleys Island

What if you’re looking for something more laid-back than Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? This beautiful community of around 10,000 residents is located just south of Myrtle Beach and is about the quiet lifestyle. However, Pawleys Island doesn’t skimp on amenities. Several well-known golf courses are nearby. Find a charming shopping district on the island with boutique stores and delicious restaurants. And, of course, there are plenty of options for an oceanfront property.

The Pawleys Island July 2024 market had 24 condos or townhomes for sold. The year-to-date price was $350,000, up 6.1%. As of September 2024, the current condos for sale had prices from $29,000 to $1.3 million.

Folly Beach

This small island town is just south of Charleston and has a population of around 2,000. It’s a popular beach destination for locals and tourists alike.

Folly Beach is the perfect place to call home or to own a vacation property with miles of beaches, plenty of shops and restaurants, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a top east coast surfing destination and draws a lot of part-timers. Condos make up around 9% of the housing stock here, so you’ll have plenty of options.

The September 2024 market had 29 condos or townhomes. Homes for sale ranged from $439,000 for a marsh-view two-bedroom condo to $4.9 million for an oceanfront penthouse with stunning views and potential short-term rental opportunities.

Greenville

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville, SC, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. People come to play in the mountains, dive into a thriving arts scene, and enjoy quality dining. It’s home to many businesses and has a booming economy. As a result, this active community is a great place to buy a condo as an investment property or a place to call home.

Around 185,000 people call Greenville home, and about 7% of its available housing is condos or apartments.

The September 2024 Greenville condo market had 311 condos or townhomes ranging from $129,900 for a one-bedroom condo near downtown to a $3.25 million new construction condo with three bedrooms and stunning downtown views.

Columbia

The South Carolina capital, Columbia, is a bustling city with great affordability and much to do. Many businesses are centered here, as are important government institutions. Columbia is also home to the University of South Carolina. As a result, it’s a great place to buy a condo to cater to students, part-timers, or for you to live full-time. A central location simplifies travel around the state. It’s also family-friendly with all its museums and community activities. Given its lower prices but high demand, it could be the right city for an investment condo purchase.

Columbia has over 130,000 people, and about 6.7% of available housing units are condos or apartments. You’ll find plenty of options in this city, whether looking for an affordable starter condo or a luxurious penthouse. 

The September 2024 Columbia condo market had 45 condos or townhomes for sale. Prices ranged from $48,000 for a one-bedroom studio-style unit to $610,000 for a three-bedroom downtown townhouse with a prime location to USC and the Bull Street District.

Charleston

Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina and a popular destination for tourists and businesses. The historic district and food culture are two major draws. It has several universities, including a leading medical research university.

Charleston has plenty to offer its 150,000 residents. Being so large, you’ll find an active community. The schedule stays busy with special events. On top of that, there is plenty of shopping and dining options, parks, museums, and other attractions.

With nearly 6% of its housing units being condos or apartments, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home or to buy as an investment property in this city.

The September 2024 Charleston condo market had 230 condos or townhomes, ranging from $169,700 for a one-bedroom unit outside West Ashley to $4.6 million for a new construction townhome in the historic district. Charleston has some of the most choices, which is why it is a best place to buy a condo in South Carolina.

Port Royal

This town is located just south of Beaufort and has a population of around 3,500. With its historic charm, waterfront location, and amenities, it’s a popular destination for tourists and retirees alike. Its star as a place to live is growing, as it’s more affordable than Beaufort but still retains its southern character. As a bonus, the town has one of the lowest crime rates in South Carolina! Its coastal properties are on Port Royal Island, overlooking pristine salt marshes and Battery Creek.

Port Royal, South Carolina, is the perfect place to put down roots for those who prefer small-town living. Around 6% of its housing units are condos.

The September 2024 Port Royal condo market had 17 listings, from $224,900 for a three-bedroom townhome to $444,000 for a two-bedroom townhome in a gated waterfront community.

Isle of Palms

Enjoy island living east of Charleston with a small population of nearly 4,700. The South Carolina island is a popular tourist destination, partly for its beaches and world-class golfing resorts. Tom Fazio designed Wild Dunes Resort’s famous courses.

With its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and parks, the Isle of Palms is desirable. Its vacation nature also makes it a prime real estate market for a vacation home or investment property. About 6% of its housing units are condos or apartments.

The September 2024 Isle of Palms condo market had 29 condos or townhomes. The low end started at $575,000 for a two-bedroom poolview condo. For $2.69 million, gain an oceanfront view for a three-bedroom condo with 2,100 square feet.

South Carolina Condominiums

South Carolina’s excellent quality of life is starting to get around. Enjoy it best with easy condominium living. Whether you’re looking for an affordable starter condo, a vacation rental, or a luxurious penthouse, the Palmetto State has it. Enjoy South Carolina’s beautiful beaches, golf courses, and parks without worrying about maintenance and yard work.

The best place to buy a condo in South Carolina depends on your lifestyle needs. These chosen destination cities have housing options and lifestyle amenities sure to appeal to any buyer. Find a local real estate agent to help pinpoint the right neighborhood and condominium area for your needs.

FAQs

What is the average cost of condominium association fees?

Average condo fees vary widely. Each complex can have different amenities that change the cost. The need to keep a reserve budget for repairs or to pay for upcoming capital repairs can also influence the budget. The national average cost per month for all homeowner association fees in 2021 was $191. In 2022, one report placed Columbia’s average HOA fee at $153 per month.

Is South Carolina a good investment?

More people moved to South Carolina in 2023 by percentage growth. It has a mix of tourist and vacation destinations, like Myrtle Beach and Charleston, that need vacation condo rentals to meet demand. Its affordability also attracts retirees who are tired of Florida prices but want warm weather and beachfront property. The average condo sale price in 2023 was $462,890 for a Florida condo. The median sale price in South Carolina was $274,000.

How much rental income can I expect from an investment condo?

That depends on multiple factors. Your expenses–monthly mortgage payment, rental company fees, marketing, utilities–take away from any income. It also matters how often the property rents and for how much. Cash purchasers won’t have the mortgage to contend with, but you’ll still have property taxes and savings for insurance. Consult with your financial advisor and run all the numbers, from estimated monthly income to the operating expenses.