Best Places To Live In South Carolina In 2023 (2023)

FAQs

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

Charleston

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.

1. Union. The cheapest place to live in South Carolina is Union. This city is known for its manufacturing industry, which produces goods such as roller bearings, felt, cordage, metal forgings, woven goods, and textile fibers.

North Myrtle Beach is the safest city in South Carolina, according to our Safety Index.

Kiawah and Seabrook Island are two of the best small towns in South Carolina. These gated beach communities offer the small town feel with exclusive amenities, just 20 miles from Charleston's city center.

So which South Carolina city is considered to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the country? Ranking No. 6 overall, Sumter is the fastest-growing city in South Carolina and one of the fastest-growing in America. From 2016 to 2021, the population of Sumter's metropolitan area grew 26.4% from 107,396 to 135,782.

South Carolina has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, making it a great place to raise a family. The major cities in SC have many job opportunities and low unemployment rates. South Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the country.

What part of South Carolina has the best climate? ›

To top it off, Fort Mill also ranked No. 1 in weather, with a low average summer temperature of 76 degrees and an air quality score of 41.

Georgia may be the better choice if you're looking for a more affordable cost of living, a great place to retire, or an urban lifestyle. However, if you're looking for a state with more room to spread out, waterfront living, and low property taxes, then South Carolina may be the better choice.

You can't go wrong for the most part when it comes to comparing the weather between North and South Carolina. They are both mild, comfortable places to live. Since South Carolina is closer to the equator, it has a bit warmer temperatures than North Carolina and is likely more ideal for going to the beach year-round.

With great weather year-round, rich history, and spectacular seafood, the South Carolina Coast is the ideal choice for your next move. Only 30 miles outside of historic downtown Charleston, the communities of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are some of the best places to live in SC.

Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Charleston are three of the best coastal towns in South Carolina for newcomers and area natives alike.

South-Carolina Housing Market Overview

In January 2023, home prices in South-Carolina were up 9.0% compared to last year, selling for a median price. On average, the number of homes sold was down 28.6% year over year and there were 4,127 homes sold in January this year, down 5,781 homes sold in January last year.

South Carolina is home to two favorite places for people to start calling home in 2022, reports find. The Myrtle Beach area ranks No. 7 and the Charleston area No. 10 on a list of U.S. regions that attracted new residents last year, according to the self-service moving company U-Haul.

It might not be the best time to buy a house in South Carolina right now. Listing prices and mortgage rates in the state are very high, making it difficult to find a good deal.

What is the most popular part of South Carolina? ›

1. Charleston. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the South, Charleston is a historic port city packed with antebellum architecture.

Luckily, both South Carolina and Florida are considered to be very tax-friendly states. In fact, Florida has no state income tax, no taxes on Social Security, and no inheritance or estate taxes. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, there are also no taxes on Social Security and income deductions are available for retirees.

South Carolina Is Tax-Friendlier to Retirees Than North Carolina. My colleagues on Kiplinger.com maintain the incredible Retiree Tax Map -- a state-by-state guide to taxes on retirement income, state sales taxes, property tax breaks for seniors, estate taxes, and more.

Known as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Walhalla is situated in the northwestern section of the state. Founded in 1850 by German immigrants, the name Walhalla, came from the Norse mythology which means “The Garden of the Gods".

DeWitt, Jr. The Town of Hampton - Hampton County's county seat and most populated town - has now been ranked as the municipality with the largest population decline in South Carolina, and two other H.C.

Choosing between Florida and South Carolina

Both states offer an excellent quality of life, so it really boils down to personal preference. Florida is the place for you if you're looking for year-round warm weather. If you prefer a slower pace and charming Southern hospitality, South Carolina may be a better fit.

Myrtle Beach is a gorgeous South Carolina coastal town and a major tourist and retirement destination. In fact, it has the highest percentage of residents 60+ years old of any city on this list — 35%, more than one in three!

At what age do you stop paying taxes in SC? ›

The Homestead Exemption is a complete exemption of taxes on the first $50,000 in Fair Market Value of your Legal Residence for homeowners over age 65, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind.

South Carolina essentially doesn't have top tier health care offerings compared to other states, which can obviously be a major issue for retirees. Health care isn't bad or overtly difficult to access, but it does lag behind some of the more common retirement destinations in the U.S.

South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers throughout most of the State. But, an exception does occur in the Blue Ridge Mountains, as outlier pockets of an Oceanic Climate do exist.

Of the two states, NC is actually bigger than SC, but SC is closer to the equator, giving it a warmer climate. With its warmer weather, South Carolina has a better year-round beach scene. White sand beaches are plentiful in both states, but SC has more communities near the coast.

And to be in the top 5% of income earners in South Carolina, households need to make at least $204,826 per year. The state's current median household income stands at $56,227 annually, the report says. To determine the income needed to be classified as rich in each state, 24/7 Wall St.

Here are some other statistics that combined to make Kiawah Island Number 1. Here's what Stacker had to say about the richest town in South Carolina: "Kiawah Island, a barrier island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most exclusive spots in the nation.

'" So what is the most remote spot in South Carolina? According to the list, the most "middle of nowhere" location in the Palmetto State is Cane Island just off the Santee Costal Reserve. Located just west of the coast, it takes about 2 hours and 47 minutes to get to the nearest city.

Where is the nicest weather in South Carolina? ›

Charleston has the best weather in South Carolina. It's sunny most of the year, and the winter season doesn't have much snow. Like the rest of South Carolina, July is the hottest month in Charleston, with temperatures rising to 90 F. However, the cold months are pretty warm as the city has temperatures of 42 F- 60 F.

The survey found 31.8% of Americans moved to be closer to family and 32.5% moved for a new job or job transfer. In South Carolina, retirement was the biggest reason for moving to the Palmetto State (36.56%), followed by family (28.85%) and lifestyle (23.66%), the study showed.

South Carolina taxpayers ages 65 and older do not need to file a state income tax return. In addition, Social Security benefits are not taxed by the state of South Carolina. Overall, Kiplinger rates South Carolina as a state tax-friendly state for retirees.