Lying on the banks of Lake Murray in Lexington County we find Irmo, a northwestern suburb of state capital Columbia. This quiet community of 7,600 sits right at the border of South Carolina and North Carolina and is only 20 miles from downtown Charlotte. Mauldin is, much like Five Forks, a township all of its own, living in the shadow of Greenville. #1 Best Places to Live in South Carolina.. Forest Acres. This park has many festivals and gatherings thoughout the year, and You can take a walk across the 345 foot pedistrian bridge located here, known as Liberty Bridge. 1. South Carolina has plenty of waterfalls, and the Fall Creeks Falls are the cream of the crop. 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. Housing Market in Little Mountain. Lying just east of Tega Cay is the next suburb of Charlotte to feature on our list, Fort Mill. There's a lot to love about this picture-perfect, Table Rock Trail, West Virginia 26287, USA, This novel attraction is located on SC-11 in the middle of seemingly nowhere in the mountains of South Carolina. Like most of the South Carolina Lowcountry, tourism is an economic boon and the target industries in Bluffton include healthcare and aerospace. The best part about Spartanburg is its affordability. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. Columbia has a large downtown area with some of the tallest skyscrapers in the South Carolina. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Sullivan's Island. Love South Carolina? For more information on how we rank, read theBest Places to Live methodology. Sitting right on the shores of the Atlantic, its prime location allows for easy access to some of the best beaches on the eastern shores. Being such an exclusive, high priced area the resident population is far from diverse. It is the 2nd largest city in the state, with a population of 131,000 scattered among its revitalized downtown core and surrounding suburbs. Cabins, hiking, and lots of great landscapeswith gorgeous foliage in the . The cost of living in Clemson is 1% below the national average, which makes it a pretty good deal considering the high standard of living that it offers. While not the cheapest place to buy a home in South Carolina, Ninety Six offers a low cost of living, relaxed lifestyle, and great weather, making it a prime area to buy lakefront property. US News & World Reports Cheapest Places to Live list. Bioscience, logistics and marine are thriving industries as well. Nathanael Hovee/EyeEm/Getty Images. 9. Living here lets you enjoy modern amenities like easy access to an international airport or the beach. It's also where you'll find the historic residence of poet and writer Carl Sandburg. 55.2" 36. 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. The comparison criteria and corresponding sources include: Check your rates today with Better Mortgage. It is home to Clemson University and is a family friendly community filled with students and professors. Columbia, the state capital, is one of the top cities for liveability in South Carolina. In fact, Greenville has become an emerging hotspot for foodies across the state. If that is not enough, Myrtle Beach also has its own international airport, making it very convenient for frequent travelers. < $500 - $2,100+. In reality, it is all these factors, and a few more, that we think about when searching for a new abode. the 2nd best place to live in South Carolina by US News and World Report. 6 . While this neighboring city is within commuting distance, local employers include Google, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Features. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is 4% cheaper than the national average, while housing costs are 11% lower. There are also numerous opportunities to enjoy movies, music, and performance arts around York. I have heard multiple times that they will not allow any buildings taller than the tallest church steeples here. South Carolinas 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. Keep in mind, the citys crime rate is above average and you may consider other cities on this list with a similar population to easily find a quiet neighborhood. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. 5. Heres another perfect spot to get away in the mountains of South Carolina. If the constant activity doesnt bother you, the area has everything you need along with mild winters. It is well-known for its beautiful scenery and proximity to the mountains. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. The city also has a technology incubator and several business parks. Myrtle Beach is well-known as a hotspot for roughly 14 million vacationers and beachgoers each year. 10 replies; September Vacation - North or . Columbia. There is nothing remotely wrong, or underperforming about schools in Blythewood, only that they miss out on the top spots. Charleston is indeed one of the best places to live and settle down in South Carolina with a population of around 135,257 people. However, Hilton Head Island, which is just across the bridge, is a popular beach getaway and retirement community. If youre considering moving to Charleston and want to browse homes for sale or for rent in the area, you can visit my website at GarrisonCharleston.com. Residents also have easy access to many state parks and lakes nearby, while its downtown offers many amenities, such as top-tier restaurants, fun bars, and cozy cafes. Find out more about this excellent, Hotel Domestique, 10 Rd of Vines, Travelers Rest, SC 29690, USA, Take a group tour of the winery, sit on the terrace and enjoy sweeping views of this 47 acre vineyard or have lunch in the cafe. Get more stories delivered right to your email. It is also just 2 hours from Myrtle Beach and Savannah, Georgia. 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. There is no place quite like Charleston. 1,627} Tucked in the far west corner of the state, Murphy can be summed up in four simple words: mountains, lakes, rivers, and streams. I do love the winters in Charleston; you can even go golfing or go to the beach during the winter months; I just dont want to be here in July in August. Spartanburg, 9. A small community developed alongside a railroad stop in the South Carolina mountains, less than 1,000 people currently live here full time. Home Affordability Calculator, How To Get A Business License In South Carolina, Guide To Down Payment Assistance Programs. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. This is an expensive place to play, but not Sullivans Island expensive. If youre the type of person that enjoys seasonal changes, and want to see a little bit of snow, the northern part of the State in the upstate or midland regions may be for you. This Lake is a little over 12000 acres, with about 325 miles of shoreline. 11. We analyze millions of real estate transactions to compare agents near you. Clemson is home to the Fort Hill Plantation and the South Carolina Botanical Garden, with that in mind the town motto of 'in season, every season' makes a little more sense. Zip Codes: 29662. Should you have under $100k to play with, perhaps looking elsewhere should be advised, for although the average house price is under $200k the properties that come on the market are often upwards of $450K. They are playgrounds for anybody with an eye for architecture and a heart ready for history. Some of the most influential industries here include aerospace, healthcare and technology. Shaw Air Force Base is also an anchor of the community. South Carolina. The University of South Carolina is also located right in the middle of the community, giving the city a youthful energy with the buzz of a college town, especially when the USC Gamecocks are in town. The cost of living in Clemson is 1% below the national average, Myrtle Beach is well-known as a hotspot for roughly 14 million vacationers, the city continues to attract new businesses. In terms of schooling, for those who want their children to be able to boast that they attended the best schools in the state then stick to Charleston. Clemson: "One of South Carolina's best small towns is likely Clemson. The charming town was settled by Martin L. Banner in 1848, and incorporated in 1911. More than 100 feet of cascading water descend across various rock formations at the zenith of this short 1.5-mile hike. Criminal offenses reported. While there, visit nearby Mingus Mill - a grist mill dating back to 1886. Our team evaluated stats from many different databases to ensure that we covered all aspects of what makes a city great, including: We also cross-referenced our findings with the most recent ratings from large news sources such as US News & World Report, Wallethub, Niche.com, and Marketwatch. There are a few Lakes within driving distance from the Greenville area if you want to do some boating, inlcuding Lake Saluda, Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, and Lake Robinson. Fort Mill saw a low, low violent crime rate of 2.7 in 2019 and 1.7 in 2020. 3. The Innovation Quarter business . Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. There seems to be a Mount Pleasant wherever you go in the world, South Carolinas Mount Pleasant is arguably the most pleasant though. 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. Meanwhile, crime rates are very low, coming in at 46% lower than the national average. Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) Clemson and 10. 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. A recent upturn in interest from millennials has, in turn, created a real family oriented feel to the neighbourhood and sees Seven Oaks being regarded as one of the best suburbs to raise a family in South Carolina. In addition to higher education, other employment sectors include Adidas America and the automotive industry. There are still some antebullum homes still standing in Columbia. Charleston was not hit directly by either of those hurricanes. Charleston is a georgeous and historic City that is filled with antebellum homes that were built in the 17 and 1800s, and is often referred as a living museum. One of the towns biggest draws is a housing market that is still pretty affordable. It is surrounded by nature and offers tons of hiking and biking trails nearby. If youre looking for a beach town with less tourists, you may want to consider a different location outside of Myrtle Beach. Blowing Rock NC. #1in Best Places to Live in South Carolina, #2in Best Places to Live in South Carolina, #3in Best Places to Live in South Carolina, #4in Best Places to Live in South Carolina, #5in Best Places to Live in South Carolina. To top it all off, there is a strong focus on education and Fort Mills school system has been consistently rated as one of the best in the state, earning an A+ rating from Areavibes. Arkansas. The Low Country near Charleston gets its name because its very low-lying land, a large part of it sitting right near sea level. 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. This would suggest that although at first glance Mount Pleasant seems a little exclusive, should you play your cards right and be sensible with your investments this really could be your next home. Beachside living, mixed colonial and modern history, natural areas and water for outdoor enthusiasts, and great shopping and dining. In fact, the tallest mountain in South Carolina is Sassafras Mountain, residing approximately 3,500 feet above sea level. Spartanburg is a small city of 37,000 people in the north part of South Carolina. Residents can also see many performance art productions on campus and explore the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. Greenville. Home value averages at $255,600 but with 127,694 people living here earning roughly $55,500 a year there is affordability hidden behind the pricey exterior. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Mount Pleasant certainly ranks among the best communities in South Carolina. X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K. As I mentioned earlier, Charleston is in an area known as the Low Country; It is flat with no mountains, and is prone to flooding. 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. Where is the best and safest place to live in South Carolina? Lake Hartwell is near Anderson, in the Greenville area. It is about 34% more expensive than the national average. The median household income is $54,602, the median property value is about $172,000, and the homeownership rate is 65.2 percent. There are also several state parks in the area to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains and youre only four hours from the beach. , while there are numerous new developments that are also being planned. 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. The list of best neighborhoods to live in Tega Cay offers a mix of lake living and exceptional recreational amenities. Clemson spans from Pickens County over into Anderson County and is home to the prestigious Clemson University. Winston-Salem is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for families as the metro area has affordable housing and a low cost of living. 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. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mount Pleasant: $1,689/month. 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 . Read: The Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. ] Average Rental Rate for 1-BR Apartment: $1,262. Folly Beach is a small, relaxed beach town community of under 3,000 residents that is just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. Meanwhile, it offers a strong job market, good schools, and relatively low crime, making it a great blend for all residents. Charleston is also one of the best places to live in South Carolina near the beach. 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. Wild Dunes. Other large lakes in the State included Clark Hills Lake, Also known as Thurmond Lake, and Lake Hartwell. Greenville. 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 an endless number of restaurants, bars, and cafes to try around the city, making it a great choice for young professionals, too. Mentone, Alabama. Murphy {pop. 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. Hartsville. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Thankfully, the local area isnt as commercialized and its easy to relax. . However, this high standard of living does come at a price. Capital One Venture X Vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve, How To Find The Cheapest Travel Insurance, How Much House Can I Afford? The revitalized downtown is home to many gourmet restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries. You can also watch my video about the 5 best beaches near Charleston, and Ill put a link in the description below. Charleston is known for its amazing architecture, great food, southern charm, historic plantations and gardens, and has multiple beaches nearby, as close to about 20 minutes from the Downtown. Home to popular vacation towns, South Carolina is known for beaches, warm weather and hundreds of golf courses. Tega Cay also offers numerous leisure activities around town, with golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, baseball and soccer fields, and miles of walking trails scattered across the town. Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Asheville, North Carolina. R&A Orchards, Mountain Valley Farm, the Reece Apple House, and Hillcrest Orchards are all located here. to enjoy the benefits of living in the south. Sort by: Real Estate Rankings. Related: South Carolina Income Tax Calculator. Winston-Salem also ranks 28th out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. for its low rates of property crime, violent crime and murder, based on data from the Federal Bureau of . Home Travel Guides United States South Carolina (SC) 15 Best Places to Live in South Carolina. South Carolinas landscape is so diverse that in a matter of just over three hours you can go from ocean views at sea level to heavenly views while towering over the mountainous terrain to the northwest. You will receive your first email soon. Median Household Income: $63, 326. Suburb of Columbia, SC,. Mike Kalasnik from Fort Mill, USA / Wikimedia, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA). Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. On the banks of best places to live in south carolina mountains Murray in Lexington County we find Irmo, township. Education, other employment sectors include Adidas America and the target industries in Bluffton include healthcare and aerospace Lake in. Ll find the Cheapest Travel Insurance, How to find the Cheapest Travel Insurance How... The shadow of Greenville and retirement community Clemson and 10 beach town community of sits... 2Nd best place to play, but not Sullivans Island expensive Lake in. Technology incubator and several business parks the automotive industry foliage in the Greenville area have changed since the time publication... 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