Best Places to Live in South Carolina

Thinking about calling South Carolina home? We don’t blame you. With its sunny beaches, green golf courses and charming towns, the Palmetto State has a little something for everyone.

So, what makes South Carolina such a draw? For starters, you’ll find mild weather year-round, low property taxes and a relatively affordable cost of living—especially compared to other coastal states. Add in a business-friendly climate, beautiful scenery and Southern hospitality, and you have a strong contender for your next home base.

But let’s be honest—not every city fits every lifestyle. That’s why we’re breaking down some of the best places to live in South Carolina. We’ll cover things like home prices, the job market and fun stuff to do so you can figure out what you need and want in a new city.

So, grab some boiled peanuts, settle in, and get reading!

Columbia

Smack in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia is the state capital—and yes, it’s got big-city energy with a Southern twist. With tons of neighborhoods to choose from, it’s worth exploring to find your right fit. (Locals swear by spots like Forest Acres, Irmo, Seven Oaks and Blythewood.)

Want to get a feel for the city? Head to Five Points—Columbia’s go-to hangout spot with restaurants and coffee shops. You’ll often find college students from the University of South Carolina fueling up on caffeine at Drip (arguably one of the best coffee shops in town). Bonus points if you catch a Gamecocks game or visit the Riverbanks Zoo.

When it comes to planting roots, homeownership is a little more doable here than in other big cities—and job opportunities in health care, education and government services mean your mortgage doesn’t have to be a lifelong relationship.

Just outside of Columbia, Lexington is a nice retreat for those wanting to escape the big-city buzz. It’s got affordable homes, low living costs and high-salary jobs. Plus, it’s only minutes away from Lake Murray, where locals take their boats out, swim and let their kids and dogs run wild.

^{*Median monthly rent refers to two-bedroom apartments.}

Rock Hill

Ready to move near the White House? (No, not that one—we’re talking about the 19th-century White Home in downtown Rock Hill!) As the state’s fifth largest city, Rock Hill offers a blend of historic charm and quirky appeal. And when the weekend rolls around, locals trade downtown strolls for river floats and kayak trips along the Catawba River.

Career-wise, Rock Hill holds its own. It’s home to 3D Systems—a major player in 3D printing and scanning—and many locals enjoy a short commute to Fortune 500 companies in nearby Charlotte, North Carolina.

Just a few miles up the road, you’ll find Fort Mill—a smaller but mighty city that’s earned a top spot on many “best places to live” lists. Families love the top-rated public schools, and outdoor enthusiasts can roam the 2,100-acre Anne Springs Close Greenway. Like Rock Hill, it’s close enough to Charlotte for convenience but far enough to dodge the traffic. With high incomes, reasonable home prices and a low cost of living, Rock Hill and Fort Mill are great places to reach your financial goals.

Clemson

For our next city, let’s head to the Appalachian Mountains. Tucked in the southwest corner of South Carolina near the Georgia border, Clemson is home to—you guessed it—Clemson University. (Go Tigers!)

This small college town offers some of the cheapest rent and lowest cost of living on our countdown. Thanks to its affordability and higher-education opportunities (Southern Wesleyan University is also here), Clemson is a magnet for young adults. The universities fuel lots of job opportunities—not just in education, but also in construction and development as the schools continue to grow.

Looking for something to do? You can always cheer on the Tigers at Death Valley (that’s the nickname for Clemson’s Memorial Stadium). And if sports aren’t your thing, there’s no shortage of scenic spots—like the South Carolina Botanical Garden, Old Stone Church or Lake Hartwell.

Greenville

About 45 minutes from Clemson, you’ll find Greenville—a favorite among locals who want to be close to the action without the college-town culture.

Compared to other South Carolina cities, Greenville runs in the middle of the pack for—well, almost everything. It’s medium-sized with reasonable salaries and fairly low housing prices. Plus, several Fortune 500 companies—such as Michelin, 3M and General Electric—have planted roots here, offering solid job options without the big-city price tag.

As for fun, Greenville has just about any kind of outdoor adventure you could want. Zip-lining? Check. Scenic walks? Definitely—don’t miss Falls Park on the Reedy. Want to tear up the track in a performance car? They’ve got a class for that too. And if you’ve got kids in tow, there’s always the zoo, a children’s museum and even a planetarium to keep everyone entertained.

Florence

If you’re looking to stretch your dollars and maybe snag a little land while you’re at it, check out Florence. It’s known for being more affordable than South Carolina’s larger cities—and with a low state tax burden, your budget will breathe a little easier here.

One of Florence’s biggest perks is its central location. Whether you’re a beach bum or a mountain hiker, both are just a couple hours away. The climate’s pretty great too, with four mild seasons that make it easy to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Golf is a local favorite, and The Country Club of South Carolina has even hosted a few PGA tournaments.

Job-wise, McLeod Regional Medical Center is a major employer in this area. Prefer factory floors over hospital walls? Florence also houses big names like General Electric and Honda, so there’s a solid mix of career options.

Quick sidenote: Yes, Florence has a higher crime rate, but most of it is concentrated downtown—pretty typical for a city this size. The area offers many safe, family-friendly neighborhoods that are attractive to young families and first-time home buyers.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach may be a vacation hot spot, but for residents, it’s tough to make a living there. Because the area is so tourist-driven, most jobs are in hospitality—and unfortunately, those often come with lower paychecks. That makes it tough for families to save for a down payment or comfortably afford their mortgage.

That said, retirees love it here—and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking to spend your golden years by the ocean, Myrtle Beach delivers. There are tons of 55+ communities, plenty of recreational activities and a lively social scene. Not to mention, the area offers plenty of quality health care facilities.

Because Myrtle Beach is known for its party scene, crime runs a bit high here, but most incidents are nonviolent. That’s why many locals prefer to live just outside the city limits, where things are a little quieter.

Charleston

Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S.—and it’s got the cobblestone streets and historic homes to prove it. It’s grown quite a bit over the years, earning the title of largest (and priciest) city on our list. So if you’re heading to Charleston, be sure to plan your housing budget wisely.

The city’s catchphrase is “history loves company,” and honestly, we get it. You can spend a romantic evening at Middleton Place, a former plantation-turned-upscale inn, or take a stroll down Rainbow Row, a street of beautifully painted Georgian homes. And don’t forget to snap a pic at the Pineapple Fountain—Charleston’s unofficial welcome sign.

Job seekers will find plenty to love here too. From tourism and education to manufacturing and aerospace engineering, Charleston has a diverse job market. In fact, Boeing has a major plant based in town.

Just across the harbor, you’ll find Mount Pleasant. While home prices are still steep in this suburb, higher household incomes help soften the blow. Families flock to the area for its top-rated public schools and low crime rate. History lovers will also appreciate spots like Fort Sumter, where the first shot of the Civil War rang out.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island may be known as a favorite vacation destination, but you might be wondering—can a weekend getaway turn into your everyday life? We say absolutely! Sure, you’ll have to get used to the ebb and flow of tourists, but don’t let that deter you. After all, those visitors are a big reason the island’s economy stays strong.

With over 100 miles of bicycle trails, 24 golf courses and 12 miles of Atlantic coastline, you can lounge on the beach and play outdoors to your heart’s content. And once you’re a local, you’ll probably discover one of those “secret spots” the tourists haven’t found yet. When you need a change of scenery, you can explore Hilton Head’s many restaurants and shops.

Now, paradise doesn’t come cheap. Housing is pricey here, so if buying a home isn’t in the cards just yet, you’ll want to figure out how much rent you can afford before you move. The good news? The job market is solid, with plenty of opportunities in the hospitality, construction and service industries.

Ready to Move to South Carolina?

Making a move is exciting—but before you start packing, you’ll need to find an expert real estate agent to help you pick the perfect home in your new city.

We recommend working with a RamseyTrusted^® agent. These pros can help locate the best place to live in South Carolina for you. From finding a family-friendly neighborhood to closing on your new house, they’ll walk you through the process from start to finish.

Ready to get started? Connect with a RamseyTrusted agent today!