best places to live in south carolina mountains
But first, let's touch on each one. 2. It offers many large cities and charming small towns with fun things to do at an affordable price. Another pricey option, Greenwood is one of the best towns to retire in South Carolina due to its scenic lake views. Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers NFL team, the Charlotte Hornets NBA Team, and is a very city with beautiful skyscrapers. Some of the most influential industries here include aerospace, healthcare and technology. 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. 2. Learn more about this, A short trail leading from the parking lot at the visitors center at this state park leads to an overlook dishing up extraordinary views of the valley below and mountains near and afar. We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. Columbia had the highest with 12,479, followed by Greenville, Myrtle Beach . 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. 3. From the Sandburg home, it's an idyllic one-and-a-half-mile trek to the top of Big Glassy Mountain . North Charleston is also an entertainment hot spot, with live shows . Heres another perfect spot to get away in the mountains of South Carolina. Population: 20,315. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. If youre looking for a beach town with less tourists, you may want to consider a different location outside of Myrtle Beach. Zip Codes: 29662. Founded 350 years ago, under the name Charles Towne, Charleston is the oldest city in the state and has a fascinating history. In fact, it has maintained its nickname of The Lowcountrys Hometown for over 100 years. Like many of Georgia's mountain towns, Ellijay offers both small town charm and plenty of things to do. Dont forget about the mountain region, too, giving you wonderful options for hiking and biking. While there, visit nearby Mingus Mill - a grist mill dating back to 1886. This compensation comes from two main sources. High Hampton Resort (Cashiers NC) 1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers NC (800) 648-4252. The university provides a strong lift to the local economy and offers tons of things to do, including a great nightlife scene and excellent amenities for a town this size. Myrtle Beach is one of the most affordable South Carolina coastal towns and it also has an encouraging job sector for year-round residents. What is the tallest mountain in South Carolina? R&A Orchards, Mountain Valley Farm, the Reece Apple House, and Hillcrest Orchards are all located here. We compared the various South Carolina metropolitan areas using data from several platforms to measure variable criteria for home affordability, healthy employment and population growth. Columbia is a very historic city in South Carolina, but a lot of the antebellum buildings are no longer there. The metro areas we chose are spread across the Palmetto State and can be excellent places to call home for couples or families. What do you usually think of when you envision South Carolina? 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. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. 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. 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 . The overall cost of living is almost 30% higher than the rest of the US. Bluffton, South Carolina. There is nothing remotely wrong, or underperforming about schools in Blythewood, only that they miss out on the top spots. 7 Best Cities and Areas to Living in South Carolina! Hartsville. 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 . South Carolina has been one of the most popular States in the Country to relocate to in recent years, and in this video, I am going to go over some of the areas people have been moving to. Meanwhile, there are several public parks across the city that offer some refreshing green space as well as playgrounds for kids to play. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. It is well-known for its beautiful scenery and proximity to the mountains. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. The metro area is South Carolinas second-largest and is home to the University of South Carolina and the Fort Jackson army base. X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K. 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. Here, you have your choice among numerous tree-lined residential neighborhoods that offer quiet, yet tight-knit communities. Charlestons sense of community is also very strong and you can really feel the warmth of its southern hospitality. Marion at No. 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. 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. I have heard multiple times that they will not allow any buildings taller than the tallest church steeples here. Greenville has been generating a lot of buzz recently, based on its revitalized downtown and continued economic growth. As always, we would love to hear from you! The Upstate region of South Carolina does have a small section the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains. Nathanael Hovee/EyeEm/Getty Images. Clemson spans from Pickens County over into Anderson County and is home to the prestigious Clemson University. 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. When you ask is South Carolina a good place to retire, towns like Columbia are why the answer is yes. Asheville, North Carolina. 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. It was even ranked the #1 best place to raise a family in South Carolina. Charleston has a unique combination of History, culture, great food, beaches, and has mild weather for most of the year. It made US News & World Reports Cheapest Places to Live list, coming in at #25. The city is located on the inland May River and you can be to one of Hilton Head Islands beaches within 30 minutes. Cataloochee Valley is another great spot for elk viewing . Thanks for watching my video. Yearning to head to the mountains? Its historic, tree-lined, cobblestone streets stir up feelings of nostalgia and wonder, while it blends in modern amenities such as a buzzing nightlife and award winning dining options all across the city. Spartanburg is a small city of 37,000 people in the north part of South Carolina. It boasts a strong job market, affordable housing options, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. With only 2,000 people living in this idyllic spot you best prepare yourself to read the median home value here. It is located right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing residents to access the beach all year round and take advantage of South Carolinas great weather. Columbia, South Carolina's capital city, is centrally located in the state and ranks No. Bordering Lake Murray is the suburb of state capital Columbia, Seven Oaks. One of the most beautiful places in North Carolina, Asheville is a great town for nature lovers. There are even some beaches that you can bring an RV, and camp right near the beach, including Hunting Island State Park near Beaufort and Port Royal, Edisto Beach State Park, and Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet. 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. This is the largest city in western North Carolina and is a must-visit for nature lovers. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. Metro Population: 454,351. Greenville was also named the 2nd best place to live in South Carolina by US News and World Report. About 30 miles away in Greenville, home prices were up . Its not too far from Columbia, Myrtle Beach or Charleston which offer more benefits for residents but can also have higher housing costs. Summerville is a thriving and affordable suburb approximately 30 minutes outside Charleston. 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. 1. Being so close to such breathtaking scenery does come at a cost, the cost of living here is pretty steep compared to the rest of the county. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Sort by: Real Estate Rankings. 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! Rate attraction: 3. Roxboro at No. Homes here are lavish and elegant, every property can boast its mansion status proudly. Big companies such as Michelin and GE have established a large presence in Greenville and the city continues to attract new businesses. 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. 1. Median Monthly Rent. Back to South Carolinas picture perfect coast, we go. 1. Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) Charleston was not hit directly by either of those hurricanes. Amenities include swimming, fitness, beaches, a spa, dining, community parks, trails, boardwalks and nature preserves. Virginia. Weekend home on Sullivans Island we hear you jest. Coming back down to earth with a cushty soft landing is the suburb of Forest Acres, a humble group of 10,545 people live here and the cost of living too has returned to earth and is near perfect for the average working family. Sumter. If youre planning on moving here, you need to decide if you want to live close to one of the many beaches, Lakes, the mountains, one of the large Cities, or a more rural location. Fort Mill is another small suburb of Charlotte that sits right at the northern border with North Carolina. Fist up on our list of destinations where you can admire the South Carolina mountains is the Falling Waters Scenic Byway. Shaw Air Force Base is also an anchor of the community. It has been growing in popularity recently, especially among young professionals and families. PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $30,461. The cute little restaurant dishes up some signature sandwiches and the ice cream shop scoops up plenty of friendly smiles to go with your dessert. For more information on how we rank, read theBest Places to Live methodology. Most people who live in South Carolina are either Clemson Tiger Fans, or GameCock Fans, and it is a very big event for the State when they play eachother. 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. Asheville, NC. For more constrained budgets there are properties for $145,000 with 3-bedrooms and fair sized gardens. For example, there is the, that is located right in the heart of downtown as well as the. Living in Charleston SC- 10 Pros and Cons, 17 Best Cities to Live near Charleston, SC, Homes for Sale in Downtown Charleston, SC, 55+ Active Adult Communities in Charleston, SC. Greenville. This is a fantastically affordable area to live and being so close to the city centre means that jobs are readily available. The city also has a technology incubator and several business parks. $1,303 35. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this eclectic city has a thriving art and music . You wont find many other towns as friendly or welcoming as Moncks Corner. Tropical beaches and sea islands, South Carolina lies in the southeast of the United States and has a whole host of darling towns and villages to explore. This community of 12,000 residents sits right in the heart of South Carolinas Lowcountry. Love South Carolina? $125,847 15. But we had an evacuation because we were in the Cone of Uncertainty, which meant that there was a possibility that Charleston would be directly hit, so we had an evacuation. Bioscience, logistics and marine are thriving industries as well. Murphy {pop. North Charleston. Columbia is South Carolinas state capital and it offers a diverse amount of things to do for all ages. If you live in Greenville, you will be about a 3 hour drive away from the Ocean, and the nearest beach, but you will be very close to the Mountains. If access to healthcare is your top concern, Columbia is one of the best areas to live in South Carolina. Features. 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. One of the towns biggest draws is a housing market that is still pretty affordable. 1. South Carolina has been gaining popularity recently. As South Carolina's top city in gross retail sales, North Charleston is a favorite shopping destination. City: Mauldin. If youre wondering where the best places to live in South Carolina are, this guide should make it easier to find your ideal place. He uses his professional and personal experience to help families save money and pay off debt faster. 1. 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. 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. From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. Greenville. Famous University. Columbia. 5. All information provided on this website is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. From endless miles of hiking trails to local art shops to award-winning restaurants, these eight towns along the Blue Ridge Mountains make the perfect day-trip for anyone visiting the area. , which houses a 500+ seat theater and a historical center. 25. There is also a vibrant nightlife for college students, young professionals and the like. Located in northwestern South Carolina, Greenville is about halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte. The Sullivans Island Lighthouse is, naturally, the neighbourhoods best-loved landmark but Fort Moultrie is a close contender too. 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. Suburb of Columbia, SC,. 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. 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. If the constant activity doesnt bother you, the area has everything you need along with mild winters. Fripp Island. best place for a secluded beach front romantic getaway for 2 4 replies; Which Beach on Outer Banks 4 replies; Virginia Beach vs. North Carolina coast 3 replies; Swimming over Memorial Day - Wilmington beach area 2 replies; Least crowded, best deal 2 replies; Best NC Beach for family w/ little kids? It is the 2nd largest city in the state, with a population of 131,000 scattered among its revitalized downtown core and surrounding suburbs. The city also has an affordable cost of living. And later, I will share my top pick among these five. It is close to Charlotte, sitting at the border between North and South Carolina. But, it offers a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle than the big city, yet still provides many things to do. We have discussed suburbs of this thriving city already and although coming in 15th on our list, Greenville is certainly worthy of its place here. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Region. Did any of them miss this list? South Carolina is frequently cited as one of the Southeast's best places to live or retire, and with good reason. No list of America's best mountain towns would be complete without renowned ski (and aprs ski) destination Aspen, Colorado. 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. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? Home Appreciation is up 6.7% in the last 12 months. Myrtle Beach is well-known as a hotspot for roughly 14 million vacationers and beachgoers each year. 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. Beachside living, mixed colonial and modern history, natural areas and water for outdoor enthusiasts, and great shopping and dining. 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. Its $1,110,000! Travelers Rest. Charleston is indeed one of the best places to live and settle down in South Carolina with a population of around 135,257 people. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mount Pleasant: $1,689/month. Sullivans Island is connected to the mainland by Highway 703. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly. The Lowcountry and Upcountry areas provide many economic opportunities but offer different climates and outdoor activities. 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. The university is a national leader in college athletics. One of the towns biggest draws is a housing market that is still pretty affordable. One of South Carolinas best small towns is likely Clemson. If you are in the Charlotte or Rock Hill area during the Holliday Season, make sure to check out a town nearby in North Carolina, called McAdenville, also known as Christmas Town USA. Columbia is home to The University of South Carolina and the GameCocks college football team. #1 Best Places to Live in South Carolina.. Forest Acres. Fort Mill saw a low, low violent crime rate of 2.7 in 2019 and 1.7 in 2020. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. 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. Average Rent. Columbia is the the capital of South Carolina, and is centrally located in the State. With a median home price just over $150,000, the average family can afford a nice home in just about any of its surburbs. The abundance of oak, pecan and magnolia California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. Clemson is also home to the South Carolina Botanical Garden and is close to Lake Hartwell and many local parks. So it's no wonder so many nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs come to spend their golden years here. Lake Hartwell. However, there still are a lot of surviving historic structures in columbia. The median household income is $54,602, the median property value is about $172,000, and the homeownership rate is 65.2 percent. Average Rental Rate for 1-BR Apartment: $1,262. First on the list is Asheville, North Carolina. Its also possible to get to Savannah, Georgia within 45 minutes for leisure, work or flying from a commercial airport. Meanwhile, nature lovers will benefit from Greenvilles ideal location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Related: How To Get A Business License In South Carolina. Pigeon Forge, one of Tennessee's favorite towns, is a longtime favorite spot for vacationers, but it's also a great spot to retire. Fort Mill. So if youre looking for skyscrapers, this area isnt for you. 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. Lying just east of Tega Cay is the next suburb of Charlotte to feature on our list, Fort Mill. 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. 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. 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. Homesick? Where is the best and safest place to live in South Carolina? Columbias relatively low cost of living, especially for a state capital, makes it quite an attractive place to live. A small community developed alongside a railroad stop in the South Carolina mountains, less than 1,000 people currently live here full time. Check Rates: Official Site. The temperate climate south of the Mason Dixon line makes these destinations worth a visit any time of the year. Wild Dunes. Spartanburg. We analyze millions of real estate transactions to compare agents near you. Lake Murray is a 50,000-acre manmade lake located in the Midlands of South Carolina. If that is not enough, Myrtle Beach also has its own international airport, making it very convenient for frequent travelers. Enjoy! 1. Asheville. Featured Review: Current Resident says Forest Acres is a great neighborhood to live in especially with kids from elementary to high school ages.You are close to the best schools in Columbia, plenty of parks are nearby, and there is an.. 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. We recommend you get out that backpack and lace up those boots because we have the 14 best hiking trails in South Carolina that are sure to please! That has catapulted Moncks Corner towards becoming South Carolinas 4th fastest growing town over the last five years. This is, compared with the rest of the country, quite an affluent area. The average home here costs just $124,700, not only this but there is great value for money in Irmo too. State: South Carolina. If you live in Rock Hill, You will not be near a beach, but the Mountains arent too far away. Rock Hill is also home to Winthrop University, which helps add to the cultural vibes of the city. With a mid-sized population of 24,300, youll be unsurprised to hear that there are 90 schools in this district. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. 4. Speaking of old there is a yesteryear charm to Charleston with its cobbled streets and antebellum houses painted pastel hues of yellow and grey. It is home to Clemson University and is a family friendly community filled with students and professors. Ive lived in Charleston for just over 5 years, and The first 2 years that I lived in Charleston we had a hurricane evacuation each of those years. Edisto Beach. Prospective tenants will be delighted to hear that monthly rent in the Seven Oaks area is $814 a month, bingo! Mauldin is, much like Five Forks, a township all of its own, living in the shadow of Greenville. 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. Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% below the national average. The information on this website is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve (Kershaw, SC) Lewis. The best part about this small town is its affordability. County: Greenville County. The state also has a reasonable cost of living, making it an affordable place for working professionals and retirees. The best part about Spartanburg is its affordability. 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). This Lake is a little over 12000 acres, with about 325 miles of shoreline.