The Palmetto State is ready to welcome you with open arms and a smile. In true Southern hospitality, the residents of South Carolina are proud of their state and are happy to share it with you. But it is more than the people that make South Carolina a great place to live.
It combines culture, climate, attractions, amenities, lifestyle, community, healthcare, and education to make South Carolina a great place to live. So, is South Carolina a good place to live?
With so many factors involved, the decision can be subjective. Explore this beautiful southern state and decide for yourself if it is an ideal place for you to live.
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Cultural Richness
South Carolina has a rich cultural history. As one of the original 13 colonies, you can explore America’s history in places like Charleston, with its many museums and historical buildings. There are 1,400 listings on the National Register of Historic Places.
The people of South Carolina have not lost the Southern charm the state is famous for. Sunday family meals Gullah culture, quilting, Bluegrass, and gospel music are all appreciated as a part of the culture.
There is a strong sense of community among the residents. Throughout the year, annual festivals and events celebrate South Carolina culture.
While there are plenty of amenities and conveniences in the cities, this isn’t always the case in the more rural areas. So, while you can dig deep into the cultural history of South Carolina, you may have to accept some concessions when traveling outside the cities.
Natural Beauty
The beauty of nature abounds in South Carolina. It also varies significantly, depending on where you are in the state. Head to Lowcountry, and you will experience the coastal region of South Carolina.
This area consists of marshlands, beaches, and sea-level landscapes. Its hallmark is the larger-than-life oaks draped in Spanish moss.
While in the Lowcountry, head to Charleston to visit the Angel Oak on Johns Island. This majestic tree is between 300 and 400 years old, with branches reaching 65 feet into the sky and a circumference of 25.5 feet.
Head towards Georgia, and you can make your way down the Chattooga River. It offers thrilling whitewater rafting experiences with Class IV and V rapids.
Just south of Columbia, you will find Congaree National Park. Trees in this protected land can be up to 300 years old and over 150 feet high.
South Carolina’s greatest vulnerability is hurricanes. These powerful storms can cause significant damage. However, the state and its residents are proactive about making the necessary repairs and improvements to return the state to its beautiful self.
For a completely different experience, the Jocass Gorges at the northernmost tip of the state will take you into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you will find 43,000 acres of mountainous trails with hidden waterfalls.
Climate and Weather
The weather is one of the most significant pros of living in South Carolina. The state generally has a subtropical climate. This means hot summers and mild winters.
However, the northwestern part of the state can experience cold winters, especially in the mountain areas where the elevation reaches above 600 feet.
Rain is also common, with the state getting between 40 and 80 inches yearly. However, you can expect to enjoy about 216 sunny days per year.
South Carolina is a four-season state, making it possible to enjoy various activities throughout the year. Spring typically occurs between March and May, arriving earlier on the coast than in the mountains. Temperatures usually start in the 60s and end in the 80s by the end of spring.
Summer is from June through September. Expect daytime temperatures in the summer to reach the 90s with high humidity.
Fall is from September through November. It is the perfect time to drive around and look at the changing red, yellow, and orange leaf colors. Fall brings a much-needed reprieve, with temperatures beginning to drop to the 50s and 60s.
Winter stretches from December to February and sometimes into March. The northern and mountainous areas of the state see cold and snow. Temperatures in the mountains can range between 26 and 40 degrees during winter, depending on your elevation.
In contrast, the low country by the coast sees temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees with no snow.
One of the most significant weather drawbacks is the threat of hurricanes, mainly in the coastal regions. The state has experienced 263 recorded hurricanes since 1852.
South Carolina Attractions and Tourism
Tourism is a big industry in South Carolina, with 208 million Americans living within a two-day drive of the state. There is something for everyone, from the Lowcountry beaches to the Blue Ridge mountains.
Greenville welcomed seven million visitors in 2022, with 68% being from out of state. Greenville is one of the most popular destinations.
Its location at the foot of the Blue Ridge and urban feel make it appealing for outdoor adventure vacations that aren’t too rustic. Tourists visit the area to explore the many parks by hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, and camping.
Charleston is another popular tourist destination, with the tourism industry generating $12.8 billion in 2022. The city offers visitors Southern charm and a booming restaurant scene. Enjoy the waterfront views as you stroll along streets lined with colorful historic homes.
Finally, Myrtle Beach is a vacation and resort town catering to the crowds looking to soak up the sun. In addition to the boardwalk and beaches, vacationers can enjoy shopping, world-class golfing, watersports, art, history, and many other adventures.
The drawback of tourism is the number of crowds. High season can get crowded with people enjoying everything the state offers.
Lifestyle Amenities
South Carolina residents enjoy a thriving culinary scene. Charleston is known for being home to some of the best restaurants in the country. Talented chefs create culinary delights using fresh, local ingredients.
Thanks to the expansive coastline, the seafood quality is impressive. You can delight your taste buds with creative fusion dishes or elevated culinary experiences.
The food scene changes slightly when you travel upstate. Fine wines and craft cocktails get traded for craft breweries and moonshine. Elegant fusion cuisine gets traded for authentic Carolina barbeque and wholesome southern cooking.
South Carolina is also a golfer’s paradise. There are 355 golf courses in the state. The most famous are the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort and Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head Island. However, many others are designed by the world’s most renowned golf course designers.
One drawback of living in South Carolina is the limited public transportation, which means you’ll have to rely heavily on your vehicle.
Community and Lifestyle
The best places to live in South Carolina include Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Hilton Head Island. These cities offer the perfect mix of modern living with historical influence. You will find various housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments.
Southern hospitality runs deep through South Carolina. Because of this, you will find a welcoming community almost anywhere you go. In the urban areas, this community gets experienced in the neighborhoods.
Residents routinely enjoy coming together at spring, summer, and fall community events. Farmers’ markets are popular places to shop from local vendors and purchase locally-grown produce.
Countless community events and festivals happen in communities across the state and throughout the year.
While South Carolina generally has decent diversity, this can vary from one area to another. The rural areas tend to lack diversity, a legacy from darker times in US history.
However, this is slowly changing as more people move to the state. The affordability of living outside of the urban areas is bringing diversity to rural and smaller communities.
Charleston Wine & Food Festival
One of the state’s most famous festivals is the Charleston Wine and Food Festival. This prestigious event, which occurs annually in March, brings together the finest flavors from the city’s most talented chefs.
Attendees can create their own experience by visiting snack shacks, dining at foodie kitchens, or participating in foodie experiences. Several food trucks also participate. For beverages, there is a beer garden, cork yard, rose garden, toppling town, and zero-proof garden.
When you’ve had your fill, stroll through the many vendor stalls and do some shopping. There is the farm fresh market, a curated market of growers. The artisan market features 40 talented craftsmen sharing their wares.
The book nook is perfect for those who love a good read with their wine. Finally, the CHSWF merch tent lets you bring some of the festival home.
Economic Opportunities
South Carolina has a population of over 5 million people. There are more than 460,000 businesses. The industries that employ the most people include technology, manufacturing, and real estate.
With a robust real estate industry, selling your home during a recession can still be profitable. The employment market in South Carolina is growing. Companies find the state to be favorable to small businesses and company growth.
Business growth and expansion mean more available positions. Plenty of employment opportunities mean there is potential for career growth when living in South Carolina.
However, despite a growing economy, income levels can vary significantly across the state. The state’s average household income in 2022 was $88,488. Urban areas tend to have significantly higher income rates than rural areas.
Education and Healthcare
South Carolina offers top-tier healthcare options. The MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston has been ranked the number-one hospital in the state for nine consecutive years. High-quality medical care facilities are easily found in the cities.
Finding the same level of care can be more challenging in the rural areas.
Education quality can vary in South Carolina. Plenty of high-quality private and charter schools exist in the affluent urban areas. Students at these schools consistently achieve top testing scores.
Educational quality can vary in rural areas with more limited options.
There are also several nationally recognized universities and colleges. Most notably, there is the University of South Carolina and Clemson University.
South Carolina Cost of Living
South Carolina’s cost of living is lower than the national average, making it more affordable than other states. This affordability makes it popular with retirees looking to maximize their buying power. Fuel prices in South Carolina are lower than the national average.
Retirees also don’t have to pay taxes on their Social Security and can deduct up to $10,000 of their retirement income. Taxes are also relatively low for homeowners with lower-than-average property taxes.
Rental housing can also be more affordable than the national average. However, rental housing costs vary significantly between the urban and rural areas.
Statistics
South Carolina’s population is growing steadily. This controlled growth allows the state to expand with the population and represents stability within the state, supporting a consistent job market, economy, and housing market.
The steady influx of people and consistent economy stabilize South Carolina. So, despite a recession in the United States, homeowners can see consistent increases in their home values.
However, similar to how everything varies across the state, the rate of incoming new residents, job market, and real estate varies across the state. Urban areas tend to have higher rates because they are in greater demand. Rural areas tend to lag because there is less opportunity and development.
Is South Carolina a Good Place to Live?
For many, the answer to “Is South Carolina a good place to live?” is yes. The state’s rich history, vibrant culture, and strong sense of community make it welcoming and diverse. Its subtropical climate is enjoyable throughout the year, with just enough seasonal change.
South Carolina offers an enviable lifestyle with plenty of attractions, activities, and amenities throughout the state. The varied topography means there is something for everyone, from beaches to mountains.
However, these benefits mean nothing if they are not desirable to you. When considering what state to live in,
If you think South Carolina could be right for you, your next step is to sell your current home and look for a new one in the Palmetto State. Using a service like iBuyer.com can make the process simple and quick.
Find out the value of your home and start planning your new life in this beautiful southern state.
