17 Things To Know Before Moving to South Carolina

Southern hospitality and South Carolina go together like…well, fresh brewed tea and sugar! The Palmetto State’s charms include some gorgeous coastlines, but did you know we also have majestic mountains and lakes? Or that it produces more peaches than its neighbor Georgia? It’s just one of many surprises not everyone knows about the nation’s third-fastest-growing state. Chances are you’re here because you’re curious and maybe considering moving to South Carolina.  We welcome you, but before you hit the road, take a sneak peek at the opportunities, culture, and attractions awaiting you.

1. South Carolina Has Beautiful Weather

If you’re coming from a state with freezing winter temperatures, put that snow shovel and rock salt down. Moving to South Carolina will bring a welcome change. According to US Climate Data, we have a mild climate, with an annual average high of around 75F and an average low of around 52F.

Forget the cold winters. Ours are mild, with average temperatures in the Lowcountry hovering around 50F. The mountains have more cold weather, averaging in the 30Fs, but those snow drifts will soon be a memory.

Now, new residents may find summers in the South a bit of a shock, especially towards the coast. Hot summers marry heat with humidity, bumping up those heat indexes and feel like temperatures. That humidity can stir up afternoon thunderstorms. And when the seasons change, an occasional hail event or tornado isn’t out of the question.

So expect a humid subtropical climate, where July and August are the hottest months. Average temperatures hover between 91 and 93F. The perfect conditions for enjoying South Carolina’s waterfront!

2. The Job Market Is Flourishing

You’re on the right track if you’re moving to SC for a better job. With the state’s unemployment rate at 3.2%, it has a lower rating than the rest of the country, which sits at 4%. In 2024, it was tenth nationally for overall job growth. Economic opportunities just keep expanding!

Find many job opportunities in the tourism, automotive, and aerospace industries. These are the state’s leading contributors to the local economy. However, more work is available in other prosperous industries like agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and call centers. Healthcare is another thriving sector in high demand throughout the state. Some of the top employers by size in South Carolina include ZF Group, Samsung, the University of South Carolina, Nucor, Bosch, Hilton, and Marriot.

3. Homes Are Affordable Here

Many people who move to South Carolina are pleased to find average home prices well under the national average rates. In May 2024, the median sale price of $385,700 fell 8% under the rest of the country. However, take into account that this will depend on the location. For example, homes in Charleston were listed at a median of $734,900, reflecting its higher cost of living. For the most part, though, houses are affordable, helping over 70% of residents achieve the American dream of homeownership.

If you plan to rent before buying the home of your dreams, a one-bedroom apartment carries a statewide average of around $1,300. Keep in mind prices will peak around May and August. If you do want to buy a house, get assistance from a real estate agent to get the right house for the right price.

4. South Carolina Has the Most Pristine Beaches

Myrtle Beach sits at the heart of the Grand Strand. Beautiful beaches stretch for 60 miles along the coastal region, luring locals and visitors with their white sands and plentiful attractions. Abundant shopping outlets, oceanfront hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and tourist attractions have lured people in for decades.

However, tourists aren’t the only ones flocking to Myrtle Beach. It’s a popular destination for retirees looking for a more affordable option compared to more expensive beachfront towns found in places like Florida.

Besides this destination, South Carolina has an incredible list of coastal towns to explore. Live a relaxable coastal lifestyle on Pawleys Island or Kiawah Island. Beachwalker Park on Kiawah has earned its place on Dr. Beach’s annual best beaches list. Check out the surfing at Folly Beach. Blend urban and coastal lifestyles at North Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head Island. Or, imagine living on an island with two championship golf courses, like the Isle of Palms. Whichever beachfront you land on, prepare for a relaxed lifestyle and endless sea breezes.

If you’re not a fan of salt water, there are plenty of bodies of water awaiting in South Carolina. Many creeks, swimming holes, and lakes increase what you can do around the waterfront. Spend a chill day kayaking through the marshes and creeks, or rev up the jet skis for speed on the lake. Ask a local where their favorite swimming holes and beaches are. Check out Lake Jocassee, Shem Creek, or Clark Sound.

5. South Carolina Is a Golfer’s Paradise

Fans of the game will love South Carolina living. With close to 100 golf courses over a 60-mile coastline stretch, Myrtle Beach, SC, is often called the “Golf Capital of the World.” Among them are a few of the country’s finest golf courses. Tourists flock here for the chance to play at some of the most well-known courses, like the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island or the Secession Golf Club in Beaufort. Enjoy casual play and tournaments on fairways that challenge your game in every way.

Besides the Grand Strand courses, Charleston contains some of the best Golden Age golf courses. The second oldest golf course is in Aiken at the Palmetto Golf Club.

6. South Carolina vs. Clemson Is the Most Epic Rivalry

The rivalry between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers started a long time ago. Historians trace it back to the 1880s when the tensions weren’t just about sport. Today, though, it’s all about football. Everyone in the state has a side. Dedicated fans look forward to the tailgate, an event thousands of fans attend every year. It can be just as fun and exciting as the game.

7. The Birthplace of Sweet Tea

Few things are as southern as sweet tea, and we have South Carolina to thank. The nationally recognized birthplace of sweet tea is in Summerville outside Charleston. Do not mistake this as tea with sugar added to it. Proper southern sweet tea is boiled sugared water with tea leaves added to it, and then poured over ice. In this state, anything unsweetened isn’t part of their afternoon tea. However, no one knows how to make sweet tea better than Summerville.

8. Best Places To Live in South Carolina

Who will win the top spot for city rankings in South Carolina is a serious competition. While people new to the state may think that Charleston is the capital city, it’s not. It is, however, one of the fastest-growing cities. The real state capital, Columbia, is moving closer to the top spot. It continues to grow with each year thanks to its affordability and growing job opportunities. See what’s appealing about these South Carolina cities

Greenville

This isn’t just a great place to live in the state, but one of the best in the nation. As its name suggests, Greenville, South Carolina, appeals to the outdoor enthusiast. Hike over the weekend or camp during the holidays in the Blue Ridge foothills. But what you’ll find in town is just as appealing. Parks anchor a revitalized downtown that has art galleries, farm-to-table dining, and eclectic independent stores. A thriving economy includes name-brand manufacturers like GE and Michelin. Being in the Upstate, residents enjoy more mild weather all year round. All these perks come with an affordable living.

Five Forks

According to recent research, Five Forks is one of the best places to reside anywhere in the state. This Greenville suburb still has small-town charm, but it’s growing as interest in Greenville County expands. Like its neighbor, locals benefit from mild temperatures and clean living. Forget the air pollution and noise when you live in this part of the Upstate.

Additionally, this city has a strong-performing school system compared to most of South Carolina. Being between Simpsonville and Greenville, locals have more jobs within a reasonable commuting distance.

Spartanburg

Historic Spartanburg benefits from incredible employment opportunities for a town of its size. Find international companies like BMW, Adidas, Michelin, and more. Education levels in Spartanburg are also high. On the weekends, enjoy riding bikes around the city to the downtown breweries or the Barnet Park amphitheater for a summer concert. Its social calendar stays packed with music events, art walks, and a Victorian holiday festival. It’s also an Upstate town.

Aiken

Home to a University of South Carolina campus, Aiken has a young look and feel that everyone can enjoy. If you want an equestrian lifestyle, Aiken is one of the nation’s best towns in which to live your dream. The city is known for its horse racing events. The Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and museum are central to its identity.

Part of the Augusta, Georgia, region, it is one of the two largest cities of the Central Savannah River Basin. Aiken’s education system features some of the state’s best schools. There’s also a low crime rate, which adds to its appeal for families with children.

Columbia

As the capital of South Carolina, Columbia offers plenty of employment opportunities and an excellent education system. Feel an energetic spirit thanks to The University of South Carolina, with the flagship campus based here.

Experience local hospitality in the downtown area, where the streets are filled with restaurants and bars. As the state capital, it also holds multiple cultural attractions like the state’s Natural History Museum and the Museum of Art. Family-friendly attractions include the Riverwalk Zoos, a children’s museum, and an entertainment arena.

Even though it’s the epicenter of state government, Columbia’s still small enough not to feel crowded. Skip traffic congestion but without losing access to well-paying jobs and outdoor activities.

Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island, with its 12 miles of beaches, is recognized as one of the best family beaches in America. Like many other areas along coastal South Carolina, Hilton Head has seen enormous growth through the years. People are attracted to the laid-back lifestyle, pristine beaches, and world-class golf. Even though it’s highly developed, locals made efforts to conserve natural habitats. Between the island and the mainland, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh is home to deer, alligators, and birds.

One of the most iconic and most photographed structures in Hilton Head is the Harbour Town Lighthouse. The Harbour Town Golf Links hosts the RBC Heritage, this PGA Tour tournament has been played annually since 1969 and is currently placed the week after The Masters.

Hilton Head Island is the most southern beach in South Carolina. Savannah, GA, and Beaufort, SC, are a 45-minute car ride from Hilton Head.

Charleston

If you’re looking for Southern hospitality, then Charleston, South Carolina, is the place to be. Those new to the city will find warm and welcoming locals. The culture here is unparalleled, with delicious food that defines South Carolina cuisine. Charleston also holds great events every year, like the long-running Spoleto Festival and Charleston Food + Wine Festival. Its classic architecture is famous, as are those waterfront views of the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.

Myrtle Beach

As mentioned above, Myrtle Beach is one of the more prominent tourist destinations in South Carolina. It has become known as the prime vacation spot for both residents and visitors, making it a popular area for those looking for an affordable alternative to Florida. There are plenty of things to enjoy in Myrtle Beach, with plenty of bars and restaurants along the streets.

9. The Barbecue Is Top Notch

Do you love slow-smoked meat? You need to make your way to South Carolina, pronto! Make the most with a tasting experience on the South Carolina barbecue trail. It features more than 200 restaurants. Compare all the various barbecue offerings and sauces.

But you can’t enjoy barbecue without barbecue sauce. The folks here have their own recipe for barbecue sauce, which is naturally among some of the best-tasting in the world.  South Carolina is known to have various kinds of BBQ sauces, with the most famous being their mustard-based BBQ sauces. There’s no better way to enjoy your meat platter than having it smothered in delicious BBQ sauce.

10. You Might See a Gator or Two

Instead of the usual “Don’t feed the birds” signs, South Carolina has its own version. It reads, “Don’t feed the gators.” It reminds us that we shouldn’t wander around where they roam — unless we want to be their lunch! Thanks to the state’s warm temperatures and rich wetlands, the Lowcountry is an ideal place for alligators to live. Be sure to take care when exploring new areas. Alligator mating season is in the late spring and is the time of year they are more aggressive and vocal.

11. South Carolina Is Rich in Public Areas

Our state has an impressive collection of National Monuments, National Parks, National Historic Sites, and other protected lands. Important places in the Palmetto State are just protected by the federal government. The parks owned by South Carolina total up to 80,000 acres of protected lands. These vital habitats range from the Blue Ridge Mountains down to the coast. Some of this land protects the state’s vital wilderness, while others are designated for recreation, cultural, or historic interest.

12. Food Here Is Delicious

“Southern food is gross,” said no one ever. Southern cuisine is usually defined through the food traditions of various regions such as Appalachian, Tidewater, Lowcountry, Creole, Cajun, and Floribbean cultures. There are plenty of places where you can taste southern food, each with its own specialties. However, there are many staples that you must try if you’re planning to stay in South Carolina for good, such as fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, homemade sticky buns, duck confit hash, chicken bog/perlot, and potato hash with melted cheese. And while you’re at it, add some hush puppies to your fish fry and some green tomatoes!

Lowcountry cooking involves a lot of seafood, reflecting the access to abundant fishing and harvesting grounds. Shrimp, oysters, and fish pair with food traditions rooted in West Africa, with rice, sweet potatoes, peanuts, okra and other vegetables.

13. South Carolina Is Home to the Citadel

One of the six Senior Military Colleges in the country, the Citadel is in Charleston, South Carolina. It ranks among the best colleges in the South, with one out of every three cadets opting for military service after graduation. Established in 1842, the Citadel has 18 academic departments divided between five schools, offering 31 majors and over 50 minors.

Their military program consists of cadets pursuing a bachelor’s degree while living on campus. Their non-military programs include 25 graduate degrees with over 15 concentrations.

14. South Carolina Has Beautiful Gardens

With nicknames like “Flowertown” and famous Azalea festivals, locals know how to cultivate the land. These landscapes are some of the most stunning. One such example in Charleston, SC, is the Magnolia Plantation. The grounds are home to some of the state’s most quintessential Southern gardens. Over in Murrells Inlet, find Brookgreen Gardens, an impressive over 9,000 acres of cultivated and natural landscapes. In upstate South Carolina, make your way to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens to see native and exotic gardens. It’s on Clemson University’s campus, and its pathways meander around streams, ponds, and woodlands.

15. The Taxes Are Reasonable

Moving to South Carolina comes with plenty of benefits, with low taxes as one of them. The state doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. Seniors also enjoy a generous retirement income deduction for state income taxes. Furthermore, South Carolina doesn’t charge estate or inheritance taxes. Everyone can appreciate having some of the lowest property taxes anywhere in the country.

16. One of the Highest Tree Canopies

At the Congaree National Park, you’ll see the country’s biggest and last forest of old-growth bottomland hardwood. This national park is the home of some of the tallest trees on the East Coast. This is one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies left in nature. This park covers 26,546 acres and has many unique and gorgeous flora and fauna that horticulturists will surely appreciate!

17. South Carolinians Celebrate With a Bang

No one can deny that South Carolina is the place to be on the Fourth of July. Apart from the great fireworks displays in their parks and beaches, a lot of people love to put on a private fireworks show. Setting off fireworks is legal, so don’t be surprised to see South Carolinians going big during their fireworks shows.

Moving to South Carolina

There’s so much in the Palmetto State to appreciate. Come benefit from our slower pace but high quality of life. Here, we savor the good things: culture, food, nature, and family.  Have more questions about the low-key southern lifestyle in South Carolina? Connect with a local real estate expert who can highlight the best of South Carolina living.