Best Places To Live In South Carolina In 2024 (2024)

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

South Carolina is an appealing place to live in the southeast as you can stay near the beach in the Lowcountry or enjoy the tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Upcountry.

The state also has a reasonable cost of living, making it an affordable place for working professionals and retirees.

If you’re wondering where the best places to live in South Carolina are, this guide should make it easier to find your ideal place. We analyzed cities by pulling recent data on key lifestyle factors such as the area’s median home price, personal income per capita, and the unemployment and crime rate.

10. Sumter

Population

42,976

Median home price

$263,950

Estimated monthly expenses

$5,724

Average income

$40,760

Unemployment rate

4.00%

Community wellness score

43/100

Criminal offenses reported

3,741

Sumter is very affordable and conveniently located near the center of the state. It’s not too far from Columbia, Myrtle Beach or Charleston which offer more benefits for residents but can also have higher housing costs.

The city has several employment avenues ranging from advanced manufacturing, aviation, data centers, food processing and medical devices. Shaw Air Force Base is also an anchor of the community.

Keep in mind, the city’s crime rate is above average and you may consider other cities on this list with a similar population to easily find a quiet neighborhood.

9. Clemson

Population

17,986

Median home price

$295,000

Estimated monthly expenses

$5,941

Average income

$46,075

Unemployment rate

3.10%

Community wellness score

50/100

Criminal offenses reported

854

One of South Carolina’s best small towns is likely Clemson. It offers several amenities that typically belong in bigger cities thanks to being the home of Clemson University.

The university is a national leader in college athletics. Residents can also see many performance art productions on campus and explore the South Carolina Botanical Gardens.

Education, healthcare and manufacturing are key industries in Clemson. The town also offers a mild climate as it’s in the Upcountry.

8. Spartanburg

Population

38,401

Median home price

$306,175

Estimated monthly expenses

$5,681

Average income

$42,841

Unemployment rate

3.20%

Community wellness score

51/100

Criminal offenses reported

5,641

Spartanburg is a pleasant place to live amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Sparkle City” is home to seven colleges and universities while being an opportune place to raise a family.

In addition to higher education, other employment sectors include Adidas America and the automotive industry. You’re also less than an hour away from Greenville for additional economic and leisure amenities.

7. Bluffton

Population

31,191

Median home price

$499,000

Estimated monthly expenses

$7,091

Average income

$85,844

Unemployment rate

3.00%

Community wellness score

62/100

Criminal offenses reported

830

Bluffton is one of the best places to live in South Carolina for families: you’re close to the beach, the area has a low crime rate and you can avoid the flocks of tourists that typically go to Myrtle Beach or Charleston.

However, Hilton Head Island, which is just across the bridge, is a popular beach getaway and retirement community. Thankfully, the local area isn’t as commercialized and it’s easy to relax.

The city is located on the inland May River and you can be to one of Hilton Head Island’s beaches within 30 minutes. It’s also possible to get to Savannah, Georgia within 45 minutes for leisure, work or flying from a commercial airport.

Like most of the South Carolina Lowcountry, tourism is an economic boon and the target industries in Bluffton include healthcare and aerospace.

6. Rock Hill

Population

74,102

Median home price

$350,000

Estimated monthly expenses

$6,606

Average income

$51,874

Unemployment rate

3.60%

Community wellness score

56/100

Criminal offenses reported

1,122

If you’re looking to live on the South Carolina side of Charlotte, Rock Hill is an excellent option as the major metroplex is only an hour away. Rock Hill is the largest city in York County and you can enjoy a lower cost of living and reasonable state taxes. There are also many city parks and outdoor activities to enjoy at any time of the year.

The area’s primary employment industries are healthcare, logistics and manufacturing. The city also has a technology incubator and several business parks.

Related: South Carolina Income Tax Calculator

5. Summerville

Population

51,216

Median home price

$380,900

Estimated monthly expenses

$6,626

Average income

$60,271

Unemployment rate

2.80%

Community wellness score

55/100

Criminal offenses reported

4,680

Summerville is a thriving and affordable suburb approximately 30 minutes outside Charleston. While this neighboring city is within commuting distance, local employers include Google, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Bioscience, logistics and marine are thriving industries as well.

Living here lets you enjoy modern amenities like easy access to an international airport or the beach. At the same time, you can enjoy the enticing historical charm of the Carolina Lowcountry.

4. Columbia

Population

137,541

Median home price

$318,182

Estimated monthly expenses

$6,347

Average income

$47,416

Unemployment rate

3.10%

Community wellness score

57/100

Criminal offenses reported

12,479

South Carolina’s capital city of Columbia sits in the state center and is roughly three hours from sandy beaches and less than two hours from the Upcountry. Fun things to do include visiting the Congaree National Park nearby, touring city museums or enjoying a sports event.

The metro area is South Carolina’s second-largest and is home to the University of South Carolina and the Fort Jackson army base. Insurance, software and biotechnology are pivotal industries in Columbia.

However, the summers can get quite toasty as it’s the hottest place in the state.

3. Greenville

Population

72,095

Median home price

$349,550

Estimated monthly expenses

$6,108

Average income

$58,259

Unemployment rate

2.90%

Community wellness score

56/100

Criminal offenses reported

8,653

The Greenville metro area is one of the best places to live in upstate South Carolina as it has a promising job market, plenty of outdoor activities and a family-friendly atmosphere. While it’s the largest city upstate, you can still enjoy the slower pace of a mid-size town.

If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, a bike trail covers the entire town which passes through the iconic Falls Park on the Reedy in the downtown area. There are also several state parks in the area to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains and you’re only four hours from the beach.

Influential employers in the area include BMW, Lockheed, General Electric and IBM. The city also has an affordable cost of living.

Related: 10 Most Affordable Cities To Buy A Home

2. Myrtle Beach

Population

37,100

Median home price

$384,950

Estimated monthly expenses

$5,843

Average income

$43,378

Unemployment rate

4.10%

Community wellness score

53/100

Criminal offenses reported

8,517

Myrtle Beach is one of the most affordable South Carolina coastal towns and it also has an encouraging job sector for year-round residents. Some of the most influential industries here include aerospace, healthcare and technology.

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. If the constant activity doesn’t bother you, the area has everything you need along with mild winters.

Related: How Much House Can I Afford? Home Affordability Calculator

1. Charleston

Population

151,612

Median home price

$527,000

Estimated monthly expenses

$6,779

Average income

$72,071

Unemployment rate

2.80%

Community wellness score

64/100

Criminal offenses reported

8,468

South Carolina’s most significant economic hub and tourism area is Charleston. The greater Charleston metro area has approximately 813,000 residents and its notable employers include Boeing and Joint Base Charleston.

Nicknamed the “Holy City” for its many church steeples dating back to the 1700s, this coastal city offers numerous walking tours and museums. There is also a vibrant nightlife for college students, young professionals and the like.

Charleston is also one of the best places to live in South Carolina near the beach. Some of its best beaches include Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island.

Related: How To Get A Business License In South Carolina

Our Methodology

We compared the various South Carolina metropolitan areas using data from several platforms to measure variable criteria for home affordability, healthy employment and population growth.

The metro areas we chose are spread across the Palmetto State and can be excellent places to call home for couples or families. The Lowcountry and Upcountry areas provide many economic opportunities but offer different climates and outdoor activities.

Our ratings take into consideration the city size, crime rate, unemployment rate and cost of living. Community amenities such as outdoor activities, public transit and healthcare access also play a factor.

The comparison criteria and corresponding sources include:

Faster, easier mortgage lending

Check your rates today with Better Mortgage.

Best Places To Live In South Carolina In 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What part of South Carolina is the best to live in? ›

Greenville is the best city to move to in South Carolina, offering top medical access and affordable housing options for renters and buyers. Notable cities Charleston (No. 21) and Hilton Head Island (No.

What is the most livable city in South Carolina? ›

Charleston has done it again. It's listed on Liveability's best 100 places to live in the United States, the only South Carolina city on the list. But this list is like no other. Most offer a blurb about the advantages of the city.

Where are people moving in South Carolina? ›

Along with Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, North Carolina, six other cities in the Carolinas made the top 20 list for 2024, showing that South Carolina and North Carolina are becoming hot destinations. Top areas include Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Where is the most affordable place to retire in South Carolina? ›

Spartanburg is one of the best places to retire in South Carolina. It is a beautiful city with a lot to offer retirees. There are plenty of activities to keep retirees busy, including golf, tennis, and hiking. The cost of living is also very affordable, which makes it a great place to retire on a budget.

What is the safest place in South Carolina to live? ›

The Top 10 Safest Cities in South Carolina
  • Mount Pleasant.
  • Port Royal.
  • Tega Cay.
  • Mauldin.
  • Bluffton.
  • Fort Mill.
  • Hanahan.
  • Central.

What is the nicest town in South Carolina? ›

8 Charming Small Towns in South Carolina — From the Mountains to the Beach
  • Sullivan's Island. Anne McQuary/Courtesy of Discover South Carolina. ...
  • Georgetown. Courtesy of Discover South Carolina. ...
  • Edisto Beach. Jon Bilous/Getty Images. ...
  • Kiawah Island. Courtesy of Discover South Carolina. ...
  • Newberry. ...
  • Beaufort.
Feb 7, 2024

What is the #1 state people are moving to? ›

Top states people are moving to
StateOverall increase
Florida86.1%
Illinois78.3%
Texas76.8%
North Carolina74.2%
1 more row
Apr 23, 2024

What are the pros and cons of living in SC? ›

7 Pros and Cons of Living in South Carolina
  • Pro: Get Used to Year-Round Warm Climates. ...
  • Pro: South Carolinians Love the Outdoors. ...
  • Pro: Southern Hospitality's Here to Stay. ...
  • Pro: Charleston's Leading the Way in Tech Startups. ...
  • Con: South Carolina Is Famous for Its Hurricanes. ...
  • Con: The Traffic is Awful. ...
  • Con: Alligators!
Apr 29, 2024

Where do most seniors live in South Carolina? ›

South Carolina offers a variety of great places to retire, each with its own unique charm and attractions. The most popular retirement destinations include the coastal cities of Charleston and Myrtle Beach; the historic seaside town of Beaufort, and the mountain town of Greenville SC.

How much do you need to retire comfortably in South Carolina? ›

For a full 30 years of retirement, a person living in the state would need a minimum of $989,658 — for 25 years, the total cost is a minimum of $823,890, the study adds. Retirement costs in South Carolina may seem like a lot to many, but they're just a fraction of what you'd need to spend in many other states.

Is it better to retire to NC or SC? ›

In the retirement destination showdown, South Carolina emerges as the top pick. With its lower taxes, lower cost of living and affordable housing options, and abundant cultural and recreational offerings, it's an unbeatable choice for retirees.

What is the cheapest beach to live at in South Carolina? ›

Myrtle Beach, SC. For the ultimate in affordability, look no further than Myrtle Beach, the least expensive beach town in South Carolina. With a median home price of $305,000 and an average rent of $1,599, Myrtle Beach offers unbeatable value for those dreaming of coastal living.

Is it a good idea to move to South Carolina? ›

South Carolina is a good place to live if you're looking to save money. As of 2023, living in South Carolina costs 6% less than the national average. Expect to pay less on housing, transport, and healthcare, although utilities and groceries tend to hover around or slightly above the national average.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in South Carolina? ›

According to the Living Wage Calculator, a single person in South Carolina needs to earn approximately $16.73 per hour, or $34,806 annually, to meet their basic needs. For a family of four with one adult working, the living wage increases to $36.52 per hour or $75,964 annually.

Is South Carolina cheaper to live than Florida? ›

Benefits of Moving from Florida to South Carolina

First, let's consider the financial aspect. South Carolina offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to Florida. The cost of living index for South Carolina is 89.3, marginally less than Florida's 103.1.

What is the friendliest place in South Carolina? ›

After looking at all the responses, Charleston came out on top. "What more can we say about Charleston except that there's a reason it's been voted as your favorite city in our annual South's Best poll for more years in a row than we can count on one hand," McCay wrote.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 6011

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.