#1 Best Places to Live in South Carolina.. Forest Acres. Fun things to do include visiting the Congaree National Park nearby, touring city museums or enjoying a sports event. Being close to mountains, lakes and adventure trails means that there is so much to explore from a base in Lexington, thats on top of being just two hours drive from the coast. Although renting is an option in Tega Cay were inclined to back the masses here and say that buying is best; only 7% live in rented accommodation and rent averages upwards of $1,300 a month. Sullivans Island is connected to the mainland by Highway 703. About 30 miles away in Greenville, home prices were up . Some popular things to visit in Columbia are the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, South Carolina State Museum, Congaree National Park, and the South Carolina State House. swamp that offers scenic paths and boating adventures that the whole family can enjoy. The revitalized downtown is home to many gourmet restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries. Or, they can take advantage of the towns easy access to the outdoors and go relax on Lake Moultrie, which is just 5 minutes from the center of town. The charming city of Rock Hill is home to 70,000 residents and is the 5th largest city in South Carolina. Homes here are lavish and elegant, every property can boast its mansion status proudly. 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 is South Carolinas state capital and it offers a diverse amount of things to do for all ages. 1. Lake Marion is the Largest Lake in South Carolina, and is surrounded by a lot of small towns. Is it the coast? If youre 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. It is close to Charlotte, sitting at the border between North and South Carolina. I have heard multiple times that they will not allow any buildings taller than the tallest church steeples here. Greenville was also named the 2nd best place to live in South Carolina by US News and World Report. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Winston-Salem. All offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and hills. Average Annual Salary: $44,830. 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. 27 homes $189,000 - $899,900. The region features a unique blend of historic preservation and new Spartanburg is known for its beautiful scenery and rich past. This town became inhabited in early 1750s and most of the settlers had migrated from Virginia and Pennsylvania. You can also find some live music during the towns summer concert series or in one of the local bars throughout the year. The overall cost of living is almost 30% higher than the rest of the US. These small mountain towns in NC obviously have lots to offer, and in my opinion Blowing Rock (population 1300, altitude 3500+ feet) is truly amongst the finest. $1,303 35. As always, we would love to hear from you! Table Rock State Park is a beautiful and major lure for Pickens County. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mount Pleasant: $1,689/month. Greenville is a very nice city with a rcharming and walkable downtown, and a beautiful 32 acre green space and park, located at Falls Park on the Reedy. It offers small town charm with easy access to the big city, as Charleston is just a 45 minute drive south, while Columbia is about 1 and a half hours northwest. Much like with Forest Acres, this home of 19,447 people identifies as its own town rather than as a suburb of Columbia. Woodside is a master planned, lifestyle community located in Aiken, South Carolina, which was recently named Southern Living Magazine's "2018 Best Small Town", and received three other awards including "The South's Friendliest Town", "Second Best Food Town" and "Second Best Hotel . While the Palmetto State boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, its also true that there are plenty of mountains to explore. Once again we return back to earth and land in Greenville. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Asheville is located between the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes for scenic views while strolling through the town . There are still some antebullum homes still standing in Columbia. Located in northwestern South Carolina, Greenville is about halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte. This state once thrived on agriculture and natural resources but in more modern times there is a big industry for steel and machinery production, meaning jobs are in no short supply. Thanks for watching my video. The falls sit amid 40,000-acres of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness. During the Revolutionary War, people mined this mountain for iron ore to make cannonsand later, it may even have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. First on the list is Asheville, North Carolina. 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. That has catapulted Moncks Corner towards becoming, South Carolinas 4th fastest growing town over the last five years. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Asheville, North Carolina. 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. 18% of residents are of school age so children have a wide community of fellow youngsters to grow up with. This community of 12,000 residents sits right in the heart of South Carolinas Lowcountry. Wikimedia/Connor401. Bordering Lake Murray is the suburb of state capital Columbia, Seven Oaks. Best Places to Live in South Carolina. C2 Photography. The army destroyed many military targets, infrastructure, and civilians properties, and a lot of buildings in Columbia were destroyed. Virginia. Average Annual Rainfall. Locals are quick to note how the steady influx of jobs in the area keeps the local economy flourishing and the people themselves thriving. Ellijay. Its a planned city that was built on a peninsula along Lake Wylie, allowing it to be surrounded by the water. For example, a lot of the communities near Charleston have small lakes with homes built around them, including Colonial Lake in downtown Charleston. There are numerous parks around the city as well. One of the towns biggest draws is a housing market that is still pretty affordable. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. If you combine that with the strong sense of community that has been cultivated here, it is easy to see why Rock Hill is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. The Upstate region of South Carolina does have a small section the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains. Robbie Caponetto. This area of the State will also have colder winters than the coastline. Location: Mountain Bridge Wilderness. Most of the area around the lake is surrounded by woods and there is little development. 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. The best part about this small town is its affordability. The Low Country near Charleston gets its name because its very low-lying land, a large part of it sitting right near sea level. Known For: Corbin Mountain is part of the Saluda Mountains, which are part of the greater Blue Ridge Mountains that traverse South Carolina. From the Oscar Wigginton Overlook you'll have breathtaking views of Lake Jocassee. Last but certainly not least on our list of beautiful destinations in the South Carolina mountains, Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661, USA. Lest we forget to mention that 58% of residents live in rented homes so there is no short supply of housing options here. If access to healthcare is your top concern, Columbia is one of the best areas to live in South Carolina. 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. If youre looking for warmer and milder winters, one of the more southern coastal cities may be for you. Murphy Riverwalk and Canoe Trail. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. 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. Located in a pristine mountain environment, Lake Jocassee offers crystal clear, deep water, perfect for swimming and scuba diving. If you do want to live near the coast in South Carolina, you are going to be more affected by Hurricanes than the areas that are inland. Sip oodles of great wine from the veranda with amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or enjoy the same views from your room or from the restaurant at the hotel. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. City: Mauldin. 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. Both of these Lakes are on the South Carolina and Georgia Border. 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. Its proximity to Charlotte and relaxed living right on the water make Tega Cay one of the most desirable small towns to live in South Carolina. Here, you have your choice among numerous tree-lined residential neighborhoods that offer quiet, yet tight-knit communities. More than 100 feet of cascading water descend across various rock formations at the zenith of this short 1.5-mile hike. Height: 3,068. 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 . One of the most beautiful places in North Carolina, Asheville is a great town for nature lovers. 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. Charlestons sense of community is also very strong and you can really feel the warmth of its southern hospitality. Meanwhile, its crime is also low 52% below the national average. Sumter is very affordable and conveniently located near the center of the state. Myrtle Beach. 4 Cause & Effect Reasons (Explained). This community of 12,000 residents sits right in the heart of South Carolinas Lowcountry. But, it is more than just a tourist town. Related: How To Get A Business License In South Carolina. South Carolina has of miles of beaches, many things to do, golf courses everywhere, beatuful antebellum homes, mild year round weather, and is a great place to live. 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 example, the city has a rich history and is filled with museums and art centers. Median Home Price. During the later years in the Civil War, the Union General William Sherman marched with his army through Atlanta and to the Sea, and eventually through the Carolinas. 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. Whether you prefer an exclusive lakefront golf resort near the Blue Ridge Mountains, love the historic charm of Charleston, or dream of lazing in Lowcountry style on Pawleys Island, the state's diverse cities and regions cater to a variety of lifestyles and interests. Home to popular vacation towns, South Carolina is known for beaches, warm weather and hundreds of golf courses. It should be mentioned that variety and quality of houses in Mauldin is fantastic. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. The last few years we have not had an evacuation. Pickens County. In the end, it's one hike you'll never forget. 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. It is home to Clemson University and is a family friendly community filled with students and professors. You wont find many other towns as friendly or welcoming as Moncks Corner. During his march, Shermans army followed a scorched earth policy. Lake Hartwell is near Anderson, in the Greenville area. Columbia is home to The University of South Carolina and the GameCocks college football team. There is no place quite like Charleston. Telluride, Colorado. Rock Hill is a charming college town with Winthrop University and University of SC Lancaster in the area. It is the 2nd largest city in the state, with a population of 131,000 scattered among its revitalized downtown core and surrounding suburbs. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. 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. Asheville, NC. Average Rent. There is water everywhere here; Charleston has multiple rivers and tidal creeks nearby that are great for fishing and crabbing, it has Charleston Harbor, where first shots of the civil war were fired at Fort Sumter, and the Atlantic Ocean. Folly Beach is a small, relaxed beach town community of under 3,000 residents that is just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. 6 . I mentioned Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand Region of South Carolina earlier in the video, but there are many other popular beachtowns in South Carolina. < $500 - $2,100+. If youre looking for a beach town with less tourists, you may want to consider a different location outside of Myrtle Beach. Charleston. It is easy to understand why South Carolina has been attracting so many new residents. And, if you're in the mood for camping, you'll discover that Devil's Fork State Park has one of the, Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA, The Red Horse Inn, located in Landrum, offers rooms in their main house or, you can stay in one of the charming six cottages on the property. A diverse and family-friendly community awaits you in Lexington. It's also where you'll find the historic residence of poet and writer Carl Sandburg. County: Greenville County. Sumter. Debuting in the #1 position of the safest city to live in South Carolina, Woodruff moved up 26 points from its position on the same list in 2020. Greenville has been generating a lot of buzz recently, based on its revitalized downtown and continued economic growth. With evergreens providing privacy and a double garage for big boys toys there is a lot to like about homes in Irmo. In addition to Forbes, his bylines have also been featured on Credible, Fox Business, Wallet Hacks, and Well Kept Wallet. 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. Spartanburg is a small city of 37,000 people in the north part of South Carolina. The towns in South Carolina truly defy the idea that the United States of America is a 'new country' - some of the settlements here date back well into the 18th century. Spartanburg is a small city of 37,000 people in the north part of South Carolina. Dont forget about the mountain region, too, giving you wonderful options for hiking and biking. The city also has an affordable cost of living. Its $1,110,000! Recently, based on its revitalized downtown is home to 70,000 residents and is the largest Lake in Carolina. 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