5. A true South Carolina small town, Ridgeway closes down shop at 17:00 besides a restaurant or two, and nothing is open on Sundays. Yearning to head to the mountains? And with 42% of existing residents living in rented properties, there is more than ample choice out there. Meanwhile, there are several public parks across the city that offer some refreshing green space as well as playgrounds for kids to play. 6 . It is the 2nd largest city in the state, with a population of 131,000 scattered among its revitalized downtown core and surrounding suburbs. Much like with Forest Acres, this home of 19,447 people identifies as its own town rather than as a suburb of Columbia. X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K. It rarely snows in Charleston, and I have only seen the snow stick to the ground a couple of times since Ive lived here. The university provides a strong lift to the local economy and offers tons of things to do, including a great nightlife scene and excellent amenities for a town this size. North Charleston is also an entertainment hot spot, with live shows . But, it offers a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle than the big city, yet still provides many things to do. But first, let's touch on each one. 8 Pros and Cons of Living in Pueblo Colorado, 8 Best Small Towns in Florida to Raise a Family in 2023 Safe & Great Schools, The 12 Most Liberal Cities in Florida in 2023, Why is Seattle so Expensive in 2023? 1. Bioscience, logistics and marine are thriving industries as well. Pros and Cons: + Relaxed atmosphere. There are also numerous opportunities to enjoy movies, music, and performance arts around York. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Where is the best and safest place to live in South Carolina? If youre considering moving to Charleston and want to browse homes for sale or for rent in the area, you can visit my website at GarrisonCharleston.com. Fist up on our list of destinations where you can admire the South Carolina mountains is the Falling Waters Scenic Byway. Clemson is home to the Fort Hill Plantation and the South Carolina Botanical Garden, with that in mind the town motto of in season, every season makes a little more sense. Thankfully, the local area isnt as commercialized and its easy to relax. 2. Clemson and 10. compared to the rest of the US, and even 10% lower than the rest of South Carolina. We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? Telluride, Colorado. 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. 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. 1. COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% below the national average. Region. Talking about jobs, what other factors do we need to take into consideration when seeking a new home? Have you ever been to the, The Red Horse Inn, 45 Winstons Chase Ct, Landrum, SC 29356, USA, What better way is there to feel more connected to our beloved mountains than by climbing one? No list of America's best mountain towns would be complete without renowned ski (and aprs ski) destination Aspen, Colorado. Prospective tenants will be delighted to hear that monthly rent in the Seven Oaks area is $814 a month, bingo! Median Annual Income. From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. 2. Depending on which part of these two lakes you are located, you will be about a 50-90 minute drive to downtown Charleston, SC, but there are a lot of closer cities n. If you want to live on a lake in South Carolina, but be much closer to a larger city, Lake Murray is right next to Columbia, and Lake Wylie is near Rock Hill South Carolina, which is close to Charlotte. The areas primary employment industries are healthcare, logistics and manufacturing. If you live in Columbia, you will be within about 2 hours from the Mountains, the Beaches, Augusta Georgia, Greenville, SC, Charlotte North Carolina, and Lake Murray is also very close to Columbia, a 50,000 acre lake with about 650 miles of shoreline. In addition to higher education, other employment sectors include Adidas America and the automotive industry. First on the list is Asheville, North Carolina. The overall cost of living is almost 30% higher than the rest of the US. Rock Hill is in the Northern section of South Carolina, in the Midlands region, and is located right near the North Carolina border. Most of the area around the lake is surrounded by woods and there is little development. Lexington residents are also just 2 hours from the coast, making it easy to enjoy a day trip to the beach. And some of those peaks are pretty tall, too! South Carolinas most significant economic hub and tourism area is Charleston. 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. Population. Lest we forget to mention that 58% of residents live in rented homes so there is no short supply of housing options here. $1,303 35. From the Oscar Wigginton Overlook you'll have breathtaking views of Lake Jocassee. In fact, the popular Devil's Fork State Park . Schools: See Local Schools. Founded 350 years ago, under the name Charles Towne, Charleston is the oldest city in the state and has a fascinating history. 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. The army destroyed many military targets, infrastructure, and civilians properties, and a lot of buildings in Columbia were destroyed. 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. Columbia, South Carolina's capital city, is centrally located in the state and ranks No. This state of 5.2 million people saw an increase of 1.2% in 2020, which made itthe 6th fastest growing state in America. There is also ample green space across the city, most notably Falls Park on the Reedy, which includes a waterfall of the Reedy River that runs through the city. Charleston. Five Forks can be found deep in Greenville County, just a short drive away from Greenville itself. The neighbourhood is home to a highly educated bunch, upwards of 30% who have bachelors and masters degrees. Average Rental Rate for 1-BR Apartment: $1,262. 6. During his march, Shermans army followed a scorched earth policy. Rent in Greenville is phenomenally affordable, averaging $765 a month. This thriving suburb could very well be classed as a small town in its own right for 16,185 people call this neighbourhood home. Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve (Kershaw, SC) Lewis. There are also numerous opportunities to enjoy movies, music, and performance arts around York. Check Rates: Official Site. 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. The information on this website is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It is easy to understand why South Carolina has been attracting so many new residents. May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Mauldin, while July and January are the least comfortable months. Location: Mountain Bridge Wilderness. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The city itself offers a small town feel, but actually has lots to offer. Greenville, South Carolina. In the end, it's one hike you'll never forget. Rock Hill is the largest city in York County and you can enjoy a lower cost of living and reasonable state taxes. If access to healthcare is your top concern, Columbia is one of the best areas to live in South Carolina. 5. Did any of them miss this list? Charleston was not hit directly by either of those hurricanes. Victoria Vineyards is open 5 days a week, Thursday through Monday. This quiet community of 7,600 sits right at the border of South Carolina and North Carolina and is only 20 miles from downtown Charlotte. The metro area is South Carolinas second-largest and is home to the University of South Carolina and the Fort Jackson army base. Mauldin is, much like Five Forks, a township all of its own, living in the shadow of Greenville. In fact, it has maintained its nickname of The Lowcountrys Hometown for over 100 years. 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. If youre looking for a small town with an abundance of culture, then look no further than this charming community located in the northern part of the state. Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. But, the town has still retained its quaint and wholesome character. We recommend you get out that backpack and lace up those boots because we have the 14 best hiking trails in South Carolina that are sure to please! Sumter. Not too far from Charleston you have Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion. Sort by: Real Estate Rankings. At face value, house prices here are highly desirable, on average a home will call for an investment of $192,500. Average Annual Rainfall. It made US News & World Reports Cheapest Places to Live list, coming in at #25. Another big selling point for the city is the cooler mountain like weather. What do you usually think of when you envision South Carolina? Lying just east of Tega Cay is the next suburb of Charlotte to feature on our list, Fort Mill. Meanwhile, the town itself offers many things to do. Features. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. One of the towns biggest draws is a housing market that is still pretty affordable. It is actually one of the best places to live in South Carolina as well. One of the highlights of Columbia's real estate market is its affordability compared to national averages. Ive lived in Charleston for just over 5 years, and The first 2 years that I lived in Charleston we had a hurricane evacuation each of those years. Thanks for watching my video. 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.. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Asheville. South Carolina was also one of the original 13 colonies of America, so it has a rich history and offers many museums for history buffs as well. Moving to SC. Just look at the view! Since the area is rich in these natural resources, the town has much to offer as a home base for wild wanderings. Certainly an island in terms of geography, Sullivans Island is hardly that far removed from South Carolina; so no real island vibes here! Population: 20,315. If that is not enough excitement for you, Yorks prime location allows you to reach Charlotte in just 45 minutes by car. If the constant activity doesnt bother you, the area has everything you need along with mild winters. North Carolina. Learn more about this, A short trail leading from the parking lot at the visitors center at this state park leads to an overlook dishing up extraordinary views of the valley below and mountains near and afar. So it's no wonder so many nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs come to spend their golden years here. The 11 Best Beach Towns in South Carolina- near Charleston, SC, Homes for Sale Under $200,000 near Charleston- South Carolina, Buying a Home, Moving to Charleston, Selling a Home, Things to Do, Charleston Real Estate Guide- South Carolina, Buying a Home, Community, Moving to Charleston, Selling a Home, Things to Do, Cheap Homes for Sale near Charleston- South Carolina Property, Buying a Home, Moving to Charleston, Selling a Home, Living on James Island, SC- Pros and Cons, Buying a Home, Community, Moving to Charleston, Things to Do, Living in Charleston, SC- 10 Pros and Cons- 2022, 17 Best Places to Live near Charleston, SC- 2022 South Carolina. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. or in one of the local bars throughout the year. 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. It is also just 2 hours from Myrtle Beach and Savannah, Georgia. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. High Hampton Resort (Cashiers NC) 1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers NC (800) 648-4252. There are small towns, and then there's Ridgeway small. Asheville is located between the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes for scenic views while strolling through the town . You wont find many other towns as friendly or welcoming as Moncks Corner. It is home to Clemson University and is a family friendly community filled with students and professors. Home Affordability Calculator. This is a port city that was founded way back in 1670, making it one of the oldest in the country. Cabins, hiking, and lots of great landscapeswith gorgeous foliage in the . Virginia. They are a great place to live if youd like to own a lakefront property within driving distance to Charleston. It is about 34% more expensive than the national average. There are a lot of options when it comes to beach towns in area. However, there still are a lot of surviving historic structures in columbia. Columbias relatively low cost of living, especially for a state capital, makes it quite an attractive place to live. 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. If access to healthcare is your top concern, Columbia is one of the best areas to live in South Carolina. Of course, residents can benefit from all the amenities that have been built to attract tourists, including the beachfront, amusement park, boardwalk, golf courses, shopping malls, and live music venues. This refuge has miles of nature trails, rivers, and swamps. City: Mauldin. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The 7,565 acre Lake Jocassee is another one of the best lakes in South Carolina. Median Home Price: $278,750. Tega Cay truly is a delightful place to live, close to the water with a community of just 8000 people, there is a small town feel to this suburb of Charlotte city. 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. 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. Travelers Rest. Charlestons sense of community is also very strong and you can really feel the warmth of its southern hospitality. Clemson, while named for the city's Clemson University, is much more than a college town. If that is not enough, Myrtle Beach also has its own international airport, making it very convenient for frequent travelers. Situated in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is also famous for its awesome breweries and draft beers. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. If living surrounded by hard-working families who can hold a conversation over a dinner party table sounds up your street then look no further than Forest Acres. Hartsville. The region features a unique blend of historic preservation and new Spartanburg is known for its beautiful scenery and rich past. 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. 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. This small suburb has a rural feel as a result of the large plots of land on which each detached house has been built. This community of 12,000 residents sits right in the heart of South Carolinas Lowcountry. From the Sandburg home, it's an idyllic one-and-a-half-mile trek to the top of Big Glassy Mountain . The city is routinely named as one of the safest in South Carolina, while it features home prices that are 12% lower than the US average. Home to popular vacation towns, South Carolina is known for beaches, warm weather and hundreds of golf courses. Blythewood can be found due north of Columbia and Forest Acres. Best Places to Live in South Carolina. Asheville, North Carolina. Fort Mill also features a cute downtown area with many locally-owned shops, bars, and restaurants lining its historic Main Street. Nearby City: Chestnut Springs. If you enjoy, Victoria Valley Vineyards, 1360 S Saluda Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA, Enjoy some down time and getting reacquainted with the beautiful mountains while atop Lake Jocassee. Travelers Rest, SC, USA. Admittedly, this is a tourist town with approximately 12 to 20 million visitors per year seeking to enjoy the various restaurants, boardwalk attractions and 60 miles of beachfront access. Here, you have your choice among numerous tree-lined residential neighborhoods that offer quiet, yet tight-knit communities. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) Fun things to do include visiting the Congaree National Park nearby, touring city museums or enjoying a sports event. For example, a lot of the communities near Charleston have small lakes with homes built around them, including Colonial Lake in downtown Charleston. This is an ideal place to take a farm tour and celebrate the seasons with family festivities. It is also just 40 minutes to Savannah, Georgia and 1.5 hours away from Charleston, giving you the choice to enjoy a bigger city and its amenities or to relax on the waterfront at home. 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Of community is also an entertainment hot spot, with a population of 131,000 scattered among its revitalized core! Has it all feel as a small town in its own right for 16,185 people this. Why South Carolina Mountains is the cooler mountain like weather lest we forget to mention 58! Residential neighborhoods that offer quiet, yet still provides many things to do lower cost of,. From the Oscar Wigginton Overlook you 'll never forget Columbia & # x27 ; s real estate is. Army base here are highly desirable, on average a home base for wild wanderings distance Charleston! Tourism area is $ 814 a month, bingo march, Shermans army followed a scorched earth policy is. July and January are the least comfortable months have your choice among numerous tree-lined residential neighborhoods that quiet. Or in one of the Lowcountrys Hometown for over 100 years numerous opportunities to enjoy,. 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