Being a city you have access to all the social opportunities you could wish for, youre never too far from a hipster bar, trendy workout class or art exhibition to keep your mind ticking over. I am originally from Montana, and I definitely miss the Mountains, but there are also a lot of pros of living in the Low Country as well, that I will get to shortly. If you enjoy, Victoria Valley Vineyards, 1360 S Saluda Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA, Enjoy some down time and getting reacquainted with the beautiful mountains while atop Lake Jocassee. 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. It is well-known for its beautiful scenery and proximity to the mountains. Spartanburg is a pleasant place to live amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is about 34% more expensive than the national average. Bioscience, logistics and marine are thriving industries as well. There is a lot to be said for an outcrop town like this, home to 16,398 people there is all you could wish for in a home here. Residents can also see many performance art productions on campus and explore the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. This town became inhabited in early 1750s and most of the settlers had migrated from Virginia and Pennsylvania. 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 . Arkansas. North Charleston is also an entertainment hot spot, with live shows . The region features a unique blend of historic preservation and new Spartanburg is known for its beautiful scenery and rich past. The city itself is something special. So it's no wonder so many nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs come to spend their golden years here. Mauldin is just 15 minutes from Greenville, yet this city of 25,000 residents has developed its own identity, offering a great blend of safe and affordable living along with great schools and easy access to nature. With a mid-sized population of 24,300, youll be unsurprised to hear that there are 90 schools in this district. So if youre looking for skyscrapers, this area isnt for you. These Lakes also have numerous campgrounds around the Lake, and are great for Fishing and boating. No list of America's best mountain towns would be complete without renowned ski (and aprs ski) destination Aspen, Colorado. South Carolina has a lot of Waterfront property available. Within easy reach of the Isle of Palms and the Sullivans Island, there are countless opportunities to get outdoors and explore South Carolinas versatile landscapes. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. Greenville has been generating a lot of buzz recently, based on its revitalized downtown and continued economic growth. There is also a ton of fun stuff to do in the entire Grand Strand Region, including some of the best golf in the area, the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, boating and fishing, one of the tallest Ferris wheelsin the country, and much more. 5: York. If access to healthcare is your top concern, Columbia is one of the best areas to live in South Carolina. Once again we return back to earth and land in Greenville. The falls sit amid 40,000-acres of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness. One of the highlights of Columbia's real estate market is its affordability compared to national averages. If you want to enjoy the outdoors near Myrtle Beach, The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge is located near Myrtle Beach, and covers about 27000 acres. 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. Sullivan's Island. It made US News & World Reports Cheapest Places to Live list, coming in at #25. There are numerous colleges in the area, including the Citadel Military College, the Medical University of South Carolina, or MUSC, and one of the oldest and most beautiful colleges in the country, at the College of Charleston, established in 1770. There are no Mountains in this area, it is flat, so if you want to live near the Mountains, you will need to move to a different part of South Carolina. Median Home Value: $174,900. Weekend home on Sullivans Island we hear you jest. 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. Safest cities in south carolina 2022 - safest cities in south carolina 2022 It has the sixth-lowest violent crime rate of small cities and ranks in the top 25 in education and unemployment. 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 . 2. Sumter is very affordable and conveniently located near the center of the state. According to December 2021 data, homes in Anderson were selling for a median price of $225,000, up 6.8 percent compared to the previous year. Most of the area around the lake is surrounded by woods and there is little development. 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. So it's worth visiting simply for the scenery alone. Hilton Head Island is not just for tourists and vacationers. Charleston is also one of the best places to live in South Carolina near the beach. 1. Like most of the South Carolina Lowcountry, tourism is an economic boon and the target industries in Bluffton include healthcare and aerospace. Clemson spans from Pickens County over into Anderson County and is home to the prestigious Clemson University. An established lakefront sporting community in western South Carolina, buffered by 63,368 acres of national forest land and state parks and the 70,000 acre Lake Thurmond (Clarks Hill Lake). You can also watch my video about the 5 best beaches near Charleston, and Ill put a link in the description below. 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. The strong job market around Mount Pleasant and Charleston has attracted many young professionals, while the above-average school system makes it a good choice for families. 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. Famous University. It is the 2nd largest city in the state, with a population of 131,000 scattered among its revitalized downtown core and surrounding suburbs. Located in a pristine mountain environment, Lake Jocassee offers crystal clear, deep water, perfect for swimming and scuba diving. Retirees (and everyone for that matter) can also enjoy the easy access to many different beaches and parks in the area, too. SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 10.2%. Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers NFL team, the Charlotte Hornets NBA Team, and is a very city with beautiful skyscrapers. Check Rates: Official Site. The information on this website is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or up-to-date. The army destroyed many military targets, infrastructure, and civilians properties, and a lot of buildings in Columbia were destroyed. 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. 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. 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. Table Rock State Park is a beautiful and major lure for Pickens County. Metro Area: Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin Metro Area. Ooh and aah your way across this 13 mile jaunt from just north of the Town of Walhalla to the North Carolina state line. The metro area is South Carolinas second-largest and is home to the University of South Carolina and the Fort Jackson army base. North Carolina. 11. Average Annual Rainfall. If youre 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. 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. Winston-Salem. Median Home Price: $215,000. Blowing Rock NC. From the Sandburg home, it's an idyllic one-and-a-half-mile trek to the top of Big Glassy Mountain . Homes: $325K - $750K Lots: $40K - $100K. Virginia. Although some properties on the market come in at a cheap as chips $745,000, you really need seven figures to play with should Sullivans Island be your choice! Learn more about taking this breathtaking, Lake Jocassee Dam Road, Lake Jocassee Dam Rd, South Carolina, USA, This through hike is definitely for the more experienced of hikers among us. Influential employers in the area include BMW, Lockheed, General Electric and IBM. Despite having the largest population in all of South Carolina, Charleston exudes a charming, nostalgic feel thanks to its cobblestone streets and quaint, historical homes. Lest we forget to mention that 58% of residents live in rented homes so there is no short supply of housing options here. 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. However, Hilton Head Island, which is just across the bridge, is a popular beach getaway and retirement community. Its $1,110,000! Asheville is an artsy city that brews fantastic beer and is home to award-winning chefs, two of its traits making Asheville one of the best places to live in the U.S. Cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville draws in outdoor enthusiasts . The city is located on the inland May River and you can be to one of Hilton Head Islands beaches within 30 minutes. The areas primary employment industries are healthcare, logistics and manufacturing. The revitalized downtown is home to many gourmet restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries. Beachside living, mixed colonial and modern history, natural areas and water for outdoor enthusiasts, and great shopping and dining. There are also miles of beaches and coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern border of the state, giving you tons of opportunities to enjoy the warm summers and mild winters that make South Carolina so famous. There is also the renowned Cypress Gardens swamp that offers scenic paths and boating adventures that the whole family can enjoy. He uses his professional and personal experience to help families save money and pay off debt faster. Drive 2.7 miles via the Cooper River Bridge, and you're in Charleston. 10 replies; September Vacation - North or . The economy has also been experiencing a boom, with several large corporations setting up offices in or around the area, such as BMW and Dennys. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Location: Check on Google Maps. The best part about this small town is its affordability. We analyzed cities by pulling recent data on key lifestyle factors such as the areas median home price, personal income per capita, and the unemployment and crime rate. With that in mind, the median home value of $264,200 is no real issue, the community here is doing very well for themselves. 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. The last few years we have not had an evacuation. This is a port city that was founded way back in 1670, making it one of the oldest in the country. Weve looked through all the cities in South Carolina to find the 15 best places to live in South Carolina for 2023. Location: Mountain Bridge Wilderness. You will also be much further inland, and will not be as affected by hurricanes as some of the other places on this list, since the storms usually weaken rapidly once they hit land. 8 Pros and Cons of Living in Pueblo Colorado, 8 Best Small Towns in Florida to Raise a Family in 2023 Safe & Great Schools, The 12 Most Liberal Cities in Florida in 2023, Why is Seattle so Expensive in 2023? Rock Hill is also home to Winthrop University, which helps add to the cultural vibes of the city. 80 on the overall Best Places to Live list for 2022-2023. Travelers Rest/James Richardson. In terms of public schooling, Charleston is the place to be, 68 schools in the district and with several offering a Montessori style of learning, parents get offered a broad range of options for their youngsters. 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. TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly. 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. Lexington residents are also just 2 hours from the coast, making it easy to enjoy a day trip to the beach. A true South Carolina small town, Ridgeway closes down shop at 17:00 besides a restaurant or two, and nothing is open on Sundays. The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. Wild Dunes. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this eclectic city has a thriving art and music . Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Not too far from Charleston you have Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion. Cataloochee Valley is another great spot for elk viewing . Myrtle Beach is well-known as a hotspot for roughly 14 million vacationers and beachgoers each year. Greenville. The Innovation Quarter business . Population. Clemson, while named for the city's Clemson University, is much more than a college town. Columbia, South Carolina, is a traditionally Southern town with a modern twist. Fort Mill. Myrtle beach is part of a 60 mile stretch of beaches and cities known as the Grand Strand area, which also includes North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Georgetown, and Pawleys Island. That has catapulted Moncks Corner towards becoming, South Carolinas 4th fastest growing town over the last five years. Columbia is the the capital of South Carolina, and is centrally located in the State. The city also has a technology incubator and several business parks. Something went wrong. 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. But, it is more than just a tourist town. But, the town has still retained its quaint and wholesome character. This, Pumpkintown Mountain Opry, 3414 SC-11, Pickens, SC 29671, USA. It has been growing in popularity recently, especially among young professionals and families. 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. That said, annual income is only just about the national average at $61,773 per year, this goes to show that being sensible with your salary is worthwhile. There are several smaller lakes scattered throughout the area as well. Housing Market in Little Mountain. Average Rental Rate for 1-BR Apartment: $1,262. 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. High Hampton Resort (Cashiers NC) 1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers NC (800) 648-4252. CITY POPULATION: 131,674. You would think that being so close to the waters edge that house prices would be sky high; youd be wrong! This city offers a dense suburban feel and a variety of accommodation options to live peacefully. 10. One of the most beautiful places in North Carolina, Asheville is a great town for nature lovers. Located within 25 minutes of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, SC and Savannah, GA, Hampton Lake offers a relaxed way of life centered around a 165-acre freshwater fishing and boating lake. 1. Thank you! Home Affordability Calculator. #1 Best Places to Live in South Carolina.. Forest Acres. For more information on how we rank, read theBest Places to Live methodology. For example, there is the historic Sylvia Theater that is located right in the heart of downtown as well as the McCelvey Center, which houses a 500+ seat theater and a historical center. Fist up on our list of destinations where you can admire the South Carolina mountains is the Falling Waters Scenic Byway. But, it offers a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle than the big city, yet still provides many things to do. 9. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. or in one of the local bars throughout the year. Tega Cay is a great choice for families looking for a safe area with a great school system. Average prices here are about 7% lower than the rest of the US, while there are numerous new developments that are also being planned. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Flower Mound, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, has the 11th-lowest violent crime rate and 26th-lowest property crime rate, and it ranks 23rd in income . This Lake is a little over 12000 acres, with about 325 miles of shoreline. There are also numerous opportunities to enjoy movies, music, and performance arts around York. First on the list is Asheville, North Carolina. Yearning to head to the mountains? As South Carolina's top city in gross retail sales, North Charleston is a favorite shopping destination. Ellijay. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? Metro Population: 454,351. Situated in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is also famous for its awesome breweries and draft beers. In the end, it's one hike you'll never forget. 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. Lake Hartwell is near Anderson, in the Greenville area. Thank you in advance for your support! We have mutliple resort style gated and golf communities inlcuding: Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms, and Hourbour Town on Hilton Head Island. Median Annual Income. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Bordering Lake Murray is the suburb of state capital Columbia, Seven Oaks. Greenville was also named the 2nd best place to live in South Carolina by US News and World Report. 3. 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