Are you looking for the perfect place to live in beautiful South Carolina? If so, you’re in luck! This beautiful state has no shortage of stunning cities and towns offering plenty of opportunities for living the good life. From bustling metropolises with all the amenities of a big city, to charming small towns with a close-knit community atmosphere, South Carolina has something for everyone.
Join ViewCation as we explore the best places to love in South Carolina.
Fort Mill
Fort Mill is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the best of both the urban and rural aspects of South Carolina. It’s conveniently located just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, and west of Rock Hill, South Carolina, providing easy access to attractions such as parks, trails, and open spaces for outdoor recreation. Fort Mill is a fantastic location to pursue your financial objectives due to its high salaries, cheap cost of living, and affordable housing costs. You might even want to consider raising your family there because the community is so calm. It also offers fun family activities, like the Anne Close Springs Greenway and Fort Mill History Museum. You can head to local parks or the Catawba River for fishing and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re looking for an active lifestyle or just some peace and quiet, Fort Mill has it all. With great amenities like these readily available within the community, it’s no surprise that so many people have chosen to make Fort Mill their home.
Charleston
Numerous magazines have ranked Charleston, South Carolina’s oldest and largest city, as being among the best cities to live in the country. It is known as “The Holy City” for its numerous ornate churches spread throughout downtown and its peninsula. It is also South Carolina’s most significant economic hub and tourism area. About 813,000 people live in the greater Charleston metro region, which has Joint Base Charleston and Boeing among its noteworthy companies. Additionally, there is a thriving nightlife for young professionals, college students, and others. For outdoor activities such as golfing or fishing, you can explore many of Charleston’s nearby islands, like Folly Beach or Kiawah Island. Despite having an average home value of $255,600 and 127,694 residents earning about $55,500 annually, affordability remains present despite the area’s expensive appearance. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing life by the ocean or want to experience true Southern hospitality, Charleston has something special for everyone.
Lexington
Lexington, South Carolina is an amazing place to make your home. It is becoming increasingly well-liked and a top choice for families and young professionals looking for a home. It has a small-town vibe that offers plenty of amenities found in larger towns, such as award-winning schools, affordable housing options, and a world-class performing arts center. Art lovers can explore the numerous art galleries and museums spread throughout the town, while outdoor enthusiasts can take part in activities such as golfing, kayaking, and hiking trails. This is a fairly affordable area, for those with a humble double income. The home value here is $179,000 on average and looking at what’s available on the market right now you’d surely get change from that investment.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is the ideal location for those seeking a variety of activities and opportunities to explore. From its stunning beaches to the bustling nightlife, no matter what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for, there’s something here for everyone. For couples, families, and even solo travelers, Myrtle Beach has world-class seafood restaurants, golf courses, amusement parks, and more. It is one of the most affordable South Carolina coastal towns with a median home price of $384,950. It also has an encouraging job sector for year-round residents, capping the unemployment rate at 4.1% of the 37,100 estimated inhabitants. Some of the biggest industries represented here include aerospace, healthcare, and technology.
Camden
Camden, located in the north-central region of South Carolina, is a great place to live for those seeking a slower pace and charming small-town vibes. This historic city is renowned for its many parks, such as the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site which offers visitors the rare opportunity to explore revolutionary battles, gardens, and monuments that have been intact for centuries. If the historical charm of this town isn’t enough to convince you to relocate there, it’s conveniently situated only 20 minutes from Columbia, the state’s capital and an less than 2 hours from Charlotte, North Carolina. With its striking history and community spirit, Camden offers residents a laid-back lifestyle that provides an ideal getaway from the hectic nature of big cities.
Five Forks
Five Forks, South Carolina is a truly spectacular place to live. It has something for everyone, from commuters looking for easy access to major roads and highways, to families looking for an abundance of parks, trails and recreational activities. The town also offers great schools, high-end shopping centers, delicious dining options and beautiful residential areas with lush landscaping and well-maintained homes. There are many positive aspects to living in a town perched on a rocky outcrop, and for the 16,398 people who call this place home, it truly has everything they could want. The average yearly household income is $115,050. Given this, the median home value at $264,200 is not really a problem because the local community is doing pretty well for itself.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is a picturesque coastal town located just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. With its close proximity to downtown Charleston, Sullivan’s Island provides easy access to all the benefits of city life while still offering the peace and serenity of island living. On the island itself, you can find plenty to do outdoors including fishing, boating, sunbathing, and kayaking. With only 2,000 people living in this idyllic spot, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the median home value sits at $745,000.
The public school system in Sullivan’s Island is the sixth-best in the state, and it’s a very secure area to live. Additionally, if you prefer the idea of playing the tourist in your own town, you’ll appreciate discovering Sullivan’s distinct history and touring locations like Fort Moultrie and the Charleston Light. Not to be missed are the stunning sunsets that make this island town even more special.
Tega Cay
Tega Cay, South Carolina is a picturesque small town situated on the banks of Lake Wylie. Boasting a population of just over 10,000 residents, Tega Cay is a perfect place to find peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Located within close proximity to Charlotte, North Carolina and Fort Mill; it offers employment prospects in the tech and energy sectors. Additionally, its citizens are renowned for their strong sense of community spirit; so if you’re looking for an ideal spot to form cherished friendships then look no further than Tega Cay.Even though the typical household income is in the six figures, there is still a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds represented there. Outdoor enthusiasts would love this city as it has multiple parks, a top-notch golf club and a large boat marina.
Clemson
Living in Clemson, South Carolina is truly a magical experience. You will be surrounded by stunning natural beauty with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance and endless outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, and camping. From museums and historical sites to performing arts venues and botanical gardens, Clemson boasts attractions outside its nationally recognized football program, including historical sites, museums, theaters, and botanical gardens. As a thriving college town, Clemson is home to Clemson University, which has an excellent campus overlooking Lake Hartwell. Here, residents enjoy a strong sense of togetherness and community that embraces students and locals alike. With its close proximity to major cities such as Charlotte NC, Atlanta GA, and Greenville SC you’ll get the best of both worlds – small-town charm with easy access to metropolitan amenities. Clemson, South Carolina, has a cost of living that is roughly equivalent to the national average; but, if you’re relocating from a state with a high taxable income, South Carolina will be a welcome change for you — and not just in terms of the tax rate.
Columbia
Columbia is an amazing and sought-after destination in South Carolina, offering a unique mix of Southern charm, rich history, vibrant culture, and endless entertainment options. Columbia boasts the second-largest population in the state with around 130,000 residents. Approximately 130,000 people call Columbia, South Carolina, home, making it the state’s second-most populous city. Additionally, the living costs there is roughly 6% less than the national average, which makes it a desirable choice for people seeking a larger city atmosphere at a competitive price. The median annual income in the city is $47,416 while the median home price stands at $303,900, ranking it among the most affordable places in South Carolina.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the many historical sites like the State House and Calhoun Mansion, enjoying the exciting nightlife, or attending shows at the Township Auditorium – there’s something for everyone here. With its excellent parks system, great school systems and universities like University of South Carolina, you’ll find Columbia
In summary, South Carolina has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking mountain views, continual sunshine, and warmth, or a vibrant city with plenty of entertainment options, you can find it all in the Palmetto State. With numerous cities and towns to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect place to call home. South Carolina is truly a beautiful state full of amazing places to live and discover.