Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. To top it all off, there is a strong focus on education and Fort Mills school system has been consistently rated as one of the best in the state, earning an A+ rating from Areavibes. 6 . Check out the best places to live in South Carolina. Some would say access to public schools, others would say house prices, some would have a strong focus on seeking a town with the lowest crime rates. Columbia. It rarely snows in Charleston, and I have only seen the snow stick to the ground a couple of times since Ive lived here. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. Greenville is also within about a 2 1/2 hour driving distance from several large cities, including Atlanta Georgia, Charlotte North Carolina, Columbia South Carolina, Asheville North Carolina, and Augusta Georgia, where the Masters Golf tournament is played.. Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist location in the Peedee region of South Carolina, and offers and offers a 1.2 mile beachfront boardwalk, multiple golf courses, several tall buildings and skyscrapers, restaurants, mini-golf, and plenty of fun things to do with the family. Locals are quick to note how the steady influx of jobs in the area keeps the local economy flourishing and the people themselves thriving. The last few years we have not had an evacuation. The 7,565 acre Lake Jocassee is another one of the best lakes in South Carolina. You can also find some live music during the towns summer concert series or in one of the local bars throughout the year. The best places to retire in South Carolina have plenty to offer from pristine lakes and mountains to historic sites that date back to the Revolutionary War. Winston-Salem is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for families as the metro area has affordable housing and a low cost of living. There are a lot of options when it comes to beach towns in area. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. With only 2,000 people living in this idyllic spot you best prepare yourself to read the median home value here. Clemson is also home to the South Carolina Botanical Garden and is close to Lake Hartwell and many local parks. Clemson spans from Pickens County over into Anderson County and is home to the prestigious Clemson University. Average Annual Rainfall. The best part about this small town is its affordability. You would think that being so close to the waters edge that house prices would be sky high; youd be wrong! Enjoy! 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. 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? Homes: $325K - $750K Lots: $40K - $100K. In fact, Greenville has become an emerging hotspot for foodies across the state. Spartanburg is a small city of 37,000 people in the north part of South Carolina. Charleston has a unique combination of History, culture, great food, beaches, and has mild weather for most of the year. Education, healthcare and manufacturing are key industries in Clemson. 7 Best Cities and Areas to Living in South Carolina! $1,303 35. 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. For an investment of $134,900, you can move right into a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom spacious family home on Windbreak Crescent. Fist up on our list of destinations where you can admire the South Carolina mountains is the Falling Waters Scenic Byway. Not too far from Charleston you have Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion. Features. The university is a national leader in college athletics. Here Are The 10 Absolute Best Places To Stay In South Carolina, Stanley Alpaca Farm In South Carolina Makes For A Fun Family Day Trip, The Painted Desert Soup Served At Santa Fe Cafe Is A South Carolina Favorite Youve Never Heard Of, Get Away From It All Each Month Of The Year With These 12 Magnificent Escapes, The Blue Ridge Mountains In South Carolina Were Named One Of The 50 Most Beautiful Places In The World, The Newest And Highest Overlook In South Carolina Is Now Open And Youll Want To See The View, The One-Of-A-Kind Fleet Landing Just Might Have The Most Scenic Views In All Of South Carolina, A Remote Winery In South Carolina, Victoria Valley Vineyards Is Picture Perfect For A Day Trip, most beautiful campgrounds in South Carolina, secluded restaurant in the South Carolina mountains. Telluride, Colorado. Victoria Vineyards is open 5 days a week, Thursday through Monday. . The average home here costs just $124,700, not only this but there is great value for money in Irmo too. If youre considering relocating to South Carolina, but are not sure where you want to live, this video is for you. Criminal offenses reported. The town also offers a mild climate as its in the Upcountry. From endless miles of hiking trails to local art shops to award-winning restaurants, these eight towns along the Blue Ridge Mountains make the perfect day-trip for anyone visiting the area. Metro Population: 454,351. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. Fort Mill saw a low, low violent crime rate of 2.7 in 2019 and 1.7 in 2020. That has catapulted Moncks Corner towards becoming, South Carolinas 4th fastest growing town over the last five years. City: Mauldin. 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. As South Carolina's top city in gross retail sales, North Charleston is a favorite shopping destination. Columbia, South Carolina, is a traditionally Southern town with a modern twist. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? You wont find many other towns as friendly or welcoming as Moncks Corner. 4 Cause & Effect Reasons (Explained). Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve (Kershaw, SC) Lewis. Greenville has been generating a lot of buzz recently, based on its revitalized downtown and continued economic growth. Back to South Carolinas picture perfect coast, we go. But, it is more than just a tourist town. Geographically, it is located right on Lake Murray, giving residents easy access to boating and fishing, while it is also just a short drive away from the mountains. Location: Check on Google Maps. Columbia had the highest with 12,479, followed by Greenville, Myrtle Beach . Since the area is rich in these natural resources, the town has much to offer as a home base for wild wanderings. Outsiders have taken notice as these positive attributes have made Mauldin, one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, Although there are just 8,000 residents living in York, the town offers a. with a walkable main street filled with locally-owned shops, delectable restaurants, and quaint cafes. Bioscience, logistics and marine are thriving industries as well. 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. Columbia is the the capital of South Carolina, and is centrally located in the State. If access to healthcare is your top concern, Columbia is one of the best areas to live in South Carolina. On the other side of the State, Greenville South Carolina is located in the Upstate region, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. Residents also have easy access to many state parks and lakes nearby, while its downtown offers many amenities, such as top-tier restaurants, fun bars, and cozy cafes. The University of South Carolina is also nearby in Columbia. Forest Acres is a good all rounder in terms of cost of living, access to public schooling and diversity of residents too. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Sort by: Real Estate Rankings. In reality, it is all these factors, and a few more, that we think about when searching for a new abode. Some people did stay in town during these evacuations. Greenville. 1. 27 homes $189,000 - $899,900. the 2nd best place to live in South Carolina by US News and World Report. More than 100 feet of cascading water descend across various rock formations at the zenith of this short 1.5-mile hike. There is also a vibrant nightlife for college students, young professionals and the like. This town became inhabited in early 1750s and most of the settlers had migrated from Virginia and Pennsylvania. Clemson is a picturesque college town of 13,900 people that sits near the northwestern border of the state, close to North Carolina and Georgia. The list of best neighborhoods to live in Tega Cay offers a mix of lake living and exceptional recreational amenities. My wife loves this little town. Its not only students who will be happy to hear about Clemsons low rent value, falling at an average of $785 a month. One of the most beautiful places in North Carolina, Asheville is a great town for nature lovers. Robbie Caponetto. As I mentioned earlier, Charleston is in an area known as the Low Country; It is flat with no mountains, and is prone to flooding. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com. Its a planned city that was built on a peninsula along Lake Wylie, allowing it to be surrounded by the water. Forbes also considered the number of crimes reported in each community. 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! Murphy Riverwalk and Canoe Trail. Lake Murray is a 50,000-acre manmade lake located in the Midlands of South Carolina. Founded 350 years ago, under the name Charles Towne, Charleston is the oldest city in the state and has a fascinating history. According to BestPlaces , North Carolina's overall cost of living is below the national average but slightly above South Carolina's cost of living. Hilton Head Island. Bluffton, South Carolina. Located in a pristine mountain environment, Lake Jocassee offers crystal clear, deep water, perfect for swimming and scuba diving. There are also many city parks and outdoor activities to enjoy at any time of the year. If that is not enough, Myrtle Beach also has its own international airport, making it very convenient for frequent travelers. Located in: Saluda Mountains. 1,627} Tucked in the far west corner of the state, Murphy can be summed up in four simple words: mountains, lakes, rivers, and streams. Asheville is located between the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes for scenic views while strolling through the town . This would suggest that although at first glance Mount Pleasant seems a little exclusive, should you play your cards right and be sensible with your investments this really could be your next home. Asheville, NC. Sounds like a nice place to live, right? Winston-Salem. Although not on the top of a mountain, the rolling hills of this small city in South Carolina make it easy to view the surrounding mountains. The median home price in Little Mountain is $244,600. What more could you want? It was even ranked the #1 best place to raise a family in South Carolina. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. High Hampton Resort (Cashiers NC) 1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers NC (800) 648-4252. The army destroyed many military targets, infrastructure, and civilians properties, and a lot of buildings in Columbia were destroyed. 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. Although some properties on the market come in at a cheap as chips $745,000, you really need seven figures to play with should Sullivans Island be your choice! Fort Mill is another small suburb of Charlotte that sits right at the northern border with North Carolina. 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. Clark Hills lake is not far from Augusta Georgia and Aiken South Carolina. This mountain sits near the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. 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. Housing Market in Little Mountain. So it's worth visiting simply for the scenery alone. swamp that offers scenic paths and boating adventures that the whole family can enjoy. The best part about Spartanburg is its affordability. There are also an endless number of restaurants, bars, and cafes to try around the city, making it a great choice for young professionals, too. This is an expensive place to play, but not Sullivans Island expensive. Columbia is South Carolinas state capital and it offers a diverse amount of things to do for all ages. 11. 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. He uses his professional and personal experience to help families save money and pay off debt faster. It offers several amenities that typically belong in bigger cities thanks to being the home of Clemson University. For example, there is the historic Sylvia Theater that is located right in the heart of downtown as well as the McCelvey Center, which houses a 500+ seat theater and a historical center. Being so close to such breathtaking scenery does come at a cost, the cost of living here is pretty steep compared to the rest of the county. Fort Mill. I do love the winters in Charleston; you can even go golfing or go to the beach during the winter months; I just dont want to be here in July in August. There are also some cons of living here, including the heat and humidity during the Summer months, flooding, and more. There are Old Deep South plantations, former getaways for the well-to-do of yesteryear. best place for a secluded beach front romantic getaway for 2 4 replies; Which Beach on Outer Banks 4 replies; Virginia Beach vs. North Carolina coast 3 replies; Swimming over Memorial Day - Wilmington beach area 2 replies; Least crowded, best deal 2 replies; Best NC Beach for family w/ little kids? The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Home to popular vacation towns, South Carolina is known for beaches, warm weather and hundreds of golf courses. Lexington, South Carolina is a small, tight-knit community of 20,000 residents and is a suburb of Columbia that is only 20 minutes away from the state capital. Here are the 7 Best Areas to Living in South Carolina: This is my favorite City in the entire State, which why I chose to live here. Rock Hill is a charming college town with Winthrop University and University of SC Lancaster in the area. The areas primary employment industries are healthcare, logistics and manufacturing. or in one of the local bars throughout the year. 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. X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K. Columbia, South Carolina's capital city, is centrally located in the state and ranks No. These Lakes also have numerous campgrounds around the Lake, and are great for Fishing and boating. That has catapulted Moncks Corner towards becoming South Carolinas 4th fastest growing town over the last five years. A diverse and family-friendly community awaits you in Lexington. 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. 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. Folly Beach is a small, relaxed beach town community of under 3,000 residents that is just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. Josh Patoka has been a personal finance writer since 2015. Like Park City, Aspen has a little something for . Height: 3,068. I will be making a video about all of the beach towns in South Carolina soon, so make sure to subscribe to my channel if youd like to see that. The trail to the top of South Carolina's Table Rock is 3.5 miles each way and totally worth every step. From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. There is also a ton of fun stuff to do in the entire Grand Strand Region, including some of the best golf in the area, the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, boating and fishing, one of the tallest Ferris wheelsin the country, and much more. I have heard multiple times that they will not allow any buildings taller than the tallest church steeples here. So it's no wonder so many nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs come to spend their golden years here. Heres another perfect spot to get away in the mountains of South Carolina. Mauldin is just 15 minutes from Greenville, yet this city of 25,000 residents has developed its own identity, offering a great blend of safe and affordable living along with great schools and easy access to nature. Go for it. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. There are a lot of options when it comes to beach towns in area. This small suburb has a rural feel as a result of the large plots of land on which each detached house has been built. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The abundance of oak, pecan and magnolia California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. But it is rare for an alligator to attack a human. So, what is there to do around the city? Blowing Rock NC. The public schools rank well in the state, and Greenville is one of South Carolina's most affordable cities to live. This is a port city that was founded way back in 1670, making it one of the oldest in the country. 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. Average prices here are about 7% lower than the rest of the US. This park has many festivals and gatherings thoughout the year, and You can take a walk across the 345 foot pedistrian bridge located here, known as Liberty Bridge. Just look at the view! Lest we forget to mention that 58% of residents live in rented homes so there is no short supply of housing options here. #1in Best Places to Live in South Carolina, #2in Best Places to Live in South Carolina, #3in Best Places to Live in South Carolina, #4in Best Places to Live in South Carolina, #5in Best Places to Live in South Carolina. During his march, Shermans army followed a scorched earth policy. Home Travel Guides United States South Carolina (SC) 15 Best Places to Live in South Carolina. Additionally, there are many green areas around the city, including Myrtle Beach State Park and the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, which is a 55,000 acre wetlands and forest. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. Fort Mill. The temperate climate south of the Mason Dixon line makes these destinations worth a visit any time of the year. Rate attraction: 3. Spartanburg is a pleasant place to live amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains. Homesick? It is about 34% more expensive than the national average. The metro areas we chose are spread across the Palmetto State and can be excellent places to call home for couples or families. 6. It is close to Charlotte, sitting at the border between North and South Carolina. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. In fact, it has maintained its nickname of, The Lowcountrys Hometown for over 100 years. The falls sit amid 40,000-acres of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness. Charleston County has some of the most expensive real estate for sale in South Carolina, but you will be able to find more affordable options in Dorchester County and in Berkeley County, in cities like Summerville, Hanahan, and Goose Creek. About 30 miles away in Greenville, home prices were up . South Carolinas most significant economic hub and tourism area is Charleston. But, Greenvilles expansion doesnt mean it has lost its small town charm.