best places to live in south carolina mountains

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. State: South Carolina. In the end, it's one hike you'll never forget. 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. From the Sandburg home, it's an idyllic one-and-a-half-mile trek to the top of Big Glassy Mountain . Folly Beach is a small, relaxed beach town community of under 3,000 residents that is just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. 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. R&A Orchards, Mountain Valley Farm, the Reece Apple House, and Hillcrest Orchards are all located here. 18% of residents are of school age so children have a wide community of fellow youngsters to grow up with. Whatever you do, don't forget you've got nothing but time on your hands. It's also one of the best places to view the park's elk herd. 10 replies; September Vacation - North or . The city has several employment avenues ranging from advanced manufacturing, aviation, data centers, food processing and medical devices. Before we go over each City, let me give you a brief description about South Carolina. What are some of your favorite destinations in the South Carolina mountains? It would be incorrect to say that the Isle of Palms is the poor mans Sullivans Island as house prices here are still near the one million dollar mark and edging closer each day. Bluffton is one of the best places to live in South Carolina for families: youre close to the beach, the area has a low crime rate and you can avoid the flocks of tourists that typically go to Myrtle Beach or Charleston. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. You can watch my video about the pros and cons of living in Charleston for more information, and Ill put a link in the description below. Is it the coast? Last but certainly not least on our list of beautiful destinations in the South Carolina mountains, Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661, USA. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. 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 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. Average Annual Rainfall. As you learned in the article above, theres just no shortage of unique destinations within the South Carolina mountains. A lot of the people that contact me about moving to South Carolina, want to live near the beach, or at least within a reasonable driving distance to the beach. Best Places to Live in South Carolina Near the Beach. 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. It is home to Clemson University and is a family friendly community filled with students and professors. Greenville. The information on this website is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. 10. Some of the Beaches in South Carolina draw in many more tourists than others, so if youre considering moving to a beachtown, you will need to decide what area is right for you. What do you usually think of when you envision South Carolina? 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. This makes Lexington one of the best places to live in South Carolina if you love exploring nature! 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. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. It has recently become the biggest city in South Carolina and is the crown jewel of the state. 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. The abundance of oak, pecan and magnolia California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. 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. Here, you have your choice among numerous tree-lined residential neighborhoods that offer quiet, yet tight-knit communities. North Carolina. First on the list is Asheville, North Carolina. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mount Pleasant: $1,689/month. 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. 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. or in one of the local bars throughout the year. Rent in Greenville is phenomenally affordable, averaging $765 a month. 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. Murphy Riverwalk and Canoe Trail. Back to South Carolinas picture perfect coast, we go. The home value here is $179,000 on average and looking at whats available on the market right now youd surely get change from that investment. Discover the nine best places to live in South CarolinaFort Mill, Lexington, Tega Cay, Clemson, Columbia, Greenville and more. Sullivan's Island. This, Pumpkintown Mountain Opry, 3414 SC-11, Pickens, SC 29671, USA. Cameron Creek (Home Value Range: $150,000 to $450,000+) Offering a mixture of ranch-style and two-story homes and townhouses, Cameron Creek has options available for every size family and budget. If youre looking for warmer and milder winters, one of the more southern coastal cities may be for you. 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. 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. 11. There is also ample green space across the city, most notably Falls Park on the Reedy, which includes a waterfall of the Reedy River that runs through the city. About 30 miles away in Greenville, home prices were up . TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly. The charming town was settled by Martin L. Banner in 1848, and incorporated in 1911. Moving to SC. There are still some antebullum homes still standing in Columbia. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. It offers several amenities that typically belong in bigger cities thanks to being the home of Clemson University. Thank you in advance for your support! Community amenities such as outdoor activities, public transit and healthcare access also play a factor. Fort Mill. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Hilton Head Island is not just for tourists and vacationers. Median Annual Income. Columbias relatively low cost of living, especially for a state capital, makes it quite an attractive place to live. Charleston County has some of the most expensive real estate for sale in South Carolina, but you will be able to find more affordable options in Dorchester County and in Berkeley County, in cities like Summerville, Hanahan, and Goose Creek. , which houses a 500+ seat theater and a historical center. One of South Carolinas best small towns is likely Clemson. 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. Top Trending South Carolina Mountain Destinations 2019. by Joe Tennis, Angela Minor. If youre looking for a small town with an abundance of culture, then look no further than this charming community located in the northern part of the state. 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. Bordering Lake Murray is the suburb of state capital Columbia, Seven Oaks. Columbia is a very historic city in South Carolina, but a lot of the antebellum buildings are no longer there. Of course, residents can benefit from all the amenities that have been built to attract tourists, including the beachfront, amusement park, boardwalk, golf courses, shopping malls, and live music venues. 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. Please try again later. Love South Carolina? Telluride, Colorado. Marion at No. Lexington, South Carolina is a small, tight-knit community of 20,000 residents and is a suburb of Columbia that is only 20 minutes away from the state capital. The Innovation Quarter business . It was even ranked the #1 best place to raise a family in South Carolina. It is also just 2 hours from Myrtle Beach and Savannah, Georgia. The list of best neighborhoods to live in Tega Cay offers a mix of lake living and exceptional recreational amenities. 4. Located about 15 miles west of Blowing Rock and Boone, the town of Banner Elk is bordered by Beech Mountain to the north and Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain to the south. Fort Mill saw a low, low violent crime rate of 2.7 in 2019 and 1.7 in 2020. , while there are numerous new developments that are also being planned. Insurance, software and biotechnology are pivotal industries in Columbia. This is an ideal place to take a farm tour and celebrate the seasons with family festivities. 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. Rock Hill is near the smaller towns on our list of Tega Cay and Fort Mill, but is quite a bit larger and thus offers more opportunities for its residents. What more could you want? As South Carolina's top city in gross retail sales, North Charleston is a favorite shopping destination. The state also has a reasonable cost of living, making it an affordable place for working professionals and retirees. Travelers Rest/James Richardson. 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. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Greenville. The revitalized downtown is home to many gourmet restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries. Another pricey option, Greenwood is one of the best towns to retire in South Carolina due to its scenic lake views. Charleston is also one of the best places to live in South Carolina near the beach. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Located in: Saluda Mountains. Breakdown by City & Salary Levels, Is Pueblo, Colorado a Good Place to Live? The neighbourhood is home to a highly educated bunch, upwards of 30% who have bachelors and masters degrees. There is nothing remotely wrong, or underperforming about schools in Blythewood, only that they miss out on the top spots. Sumter is very affordable and conveniently located near the center of the state. Robbie Caponetto. 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. So, what is there to do around the city? + Low crime. It boasts a strong job market, affordable housing options, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. It features a huge workout area, indoor rock climbing wall, basketball courts, and even instructor-led classes. They are a great place to live if youd like to own a lakefront property within driving distance to Charleston. Beachside living, mixed colonial and modern history, natural areas and water for outdoor enthusiasts, and great shopping and dining. 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. And with 42% of existing residents living in rented properties, there is more than ample choice out there. 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. 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. The State is separated into four regions, and there are pros and cons of living in each of these locations. At face value, house prices here are highly desirable, on average a home will call for an investment of $192,500. 3. South Carolina has a lot of Waterfront property available. On the other side of the State, Greenville South Carolina is located in the Upstate region, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. In fact, Greenville has become an emerging hotspot for foodies across the state. It is, of course, celebrated for the unusual rock formation that is the town's namesake- a huge stone thrust over the Johns River. This compensation comes from two main sources. Home Affordability Calculator. North Carolina has a population of roughly 10.5 million people. Location: Check on Google Maps. There are also a lot of beachtowns that are not gated and have public beaches, including Folly Beach near Charleston, Edisto Beach, part of Isle of Palms, and Sullivans Island. There is no place quite like Charleston. The city itself offers a small town feel, but actually has lots to offer. There are several smaller lakes scattered throughout the area as well. Pros and Cons: + Relaxed atmosphere. Home Affordability Calculator, How To Get A Business License In South Carolina, Guide To Down Payment Assistance Programs. 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. 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. 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. 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. 1. You can also find some live music during the towns summer concert series or in one of the local bars throughout the year. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. For example, there is the, that is located right in the heart of downtown as well as the. 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. So it's no wonder so many nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs come to spend their golden years here. 5: York. COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% below the national average. 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? Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. There are also numerous opportunities to enjoy movies, music, and performance arts around York. Related: South Carolina Income Tax Calculator. For those with upwards of $300,000 Mauldin offers you that chance of invest in a charming 3-bedroom mansion style home with double garage to match. A diverse and family-friendly community awaits you in Lexington. Housing prices are roughly 30% lower here. Population Size. Sort by: Real Estate Rankings. It offers many large cities and charming small towns with fun things to do at an affordable price. 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. For those who can split rent two or even three ways, this area has near instant appeal. 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. the 3rd best city to retire in South Carolina. Columbia is South Carolinas state capital and it offers a diverse amount of things to do for all ages. Columbia has a large downtown area with some of the tallest skyscrapers in the South Carolina. Columbia. A yearly influx of new students keeps Clemson on its toes and in turn, creates a friendly, open and welcoming atmosphere about the town. Some of the most influential industries here include aerospace, healthcare and technology. The city is routinely named as one of the safest in South Carolina, while it features home prices that are 12% lower than the US average. 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. If youre wondering where the best places to live in South Carolina are, this guide should make it easier to find your ideal place. It is well-known for its beautiful scenery and proximity to the mountains. Forbes also considered the number of crimes reported in each community. Brevard at No. US News & World Reports Cheapest Places to Live list. 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. There are also numerous opportunities to enjoy movies, music, and performance arts around York. 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