The Getaway
Great Places to Live in South Carolina

The beautiful weather in South Carolina is one of the biggest enticements of moving to the state. The average temperature is 64-degrees Fahrenheit, and annual lows are rarely below 50. Property taxes in South Carolina are some of the lowest in the United States.

Despite these attractive factors, there are no major metropolitan areas in South Carolina. Cities in South Carolina bear little resemblance to northern cities such as New York City or Philadelphia. South Carolina's culture is very laid back. Individuals and families in northern states with a desire to relocate frequently find great places to live in South Carolina.

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01 South Carolina Facts

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  • The state is nicknamed the "Palmetto State"
  • The Palmetto is the state tree
  • The Carolina Wren is the state bird
  • The state song is "Carolina"
  • Top agricultural products include peanuts, tobacco, watermelon, turkeys, peaches, and cattle
  • The state has 103 school districts

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02 Hilton Head

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Hilton Head Island is a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking and bike trails crisscross the island and kayaking is a popular activity for tourists and locals. Hilton Head is a tourists attraction, so it is very busy and packed with people through the summer months. The island is very peaceful in winter and families enjoy the mild climate. The public schools consistently rate among the highest in the state, and there are a wide variety of private schools to choose from as well. The beaches are spectacular, and residents can enjoy swimming in the ocean or numerous large public pools.

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03 Charleston

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The sophisticated southern city of Charleston is famous for its rich history. It is also known as the Holy City. Charleston is full of educational opportunities including the College of Charleston, the Citadel, the Charleston Art Institute, and the Medical University of South Carolina. The crime rate is very low for an urban area, while there are museums and art galleries abound.

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04 Lexington

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Lexington is a suburb of Columbia and its neighborhoods are full of single-family homes. The population is made up of young professionals and families. Lexington public schools are the most highly rated in South Carolina. It is a very family-friendly town with several parks and children's centers. Residents have a choice of shopping at large retailers or a variety of independently-owned small businesses or shops.

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05 Greenville

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Downtown Greenville is filled with shops and diverse restaurants. It is a very popular area for festivals, and there is usually something happening all year round. Greenville has an urban center and a growing economy, while the ambiance changes to small-town charm in the suburbs. The Paris Mountain state park offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities, and the scenery all around Greenville is spectacular.

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06 Columbia

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South Carolina's capital, Columbia, is the largest city in the state and home to the University of South Carolina. Tourism isn't as prevalent in Columbia as in the coastal regions. Residents of Columbia enjoy the 170-acre Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, the South Carolina State Museum, Congaree National Park, and the Columbia Museum of Art. Columbia has a score of 98 on the cost of living index. This is slightly higher than the average in South Carolina but much lower than the national average.

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07 Spartanburg

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Spartanburg is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a part of South Carolina known as "The Upstate." Families can enjoy a variety of parks and outdoor activities. The 7,000-acre Croft State Park contains 12 miles of hiking, horse trails, a lake, and an equestrian center. Culture and art are also a large part of Spartanburg's attraction. It is home to the Chapman Cultural Center, which includes 17 art and science clubs, museums, and associations. The Hub-Bub, in downtown Spartanburg, is a gathering place for artists, musicians, and writers.

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08 Hanahan

Great Places to Live in South Carolina

Residents of Hanahan have access to fishing docks and free boat landings for those who enjoy fishing and water sports. Hanahan is very close to Charleston and other communities, so there are a wide variety of shops and restaurants. There are two distinct sections of Hanahan. One section consists of older architecture and large homes, while the other, larger section has more modern homes and a variety of shopping centers. The Otranto neighborhood offers homes on the waterfront, although this is the most expensive area of the city to live in.

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09 Rock Hill

Great Places to Live in South Carolina

Rock Hill is nicknamed "Football City USA" because it is the hometown of 21 NFL players. Rock Hill is packed with attractions and only a half-hour drive from Charlotte, but residents can still choose to purchase a piece of property and build a home. The city has heavily invested in outdoor recreation. Local residents can enjoy the 70-acre Manchester Meadows soccer park and a tennis center. The BMX Supercross track in Rock Hill is the only Olympic-caliber facility on the east coast., and the Catawba River is perfect for boating and kayaking.

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10 Forest Acres

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Forest Acres contains the most expensive real estate in South Carolina, although it still relatively inexpensive compared to the nation as a whole. Most of the workforce is employed in white-collar jobs and over half of adults have a four-year college degree. The community is rich in artists and designers as well as people working in tech. It is also one of the most diverse communities in South Carolina.

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