South Carolina’s natural beauty, southern hospitality, festivals, activities, a thriving economy, and nearly perfect year-round weather make it one of the top five states for new residents.
With a population of just over five million people, SC is the 40th largest state and covers an area 260 miles long and 200 miles wide. North Carolina borders to the north, and Georgia is on the west. Along the east coast is the Atlantic Ocean and the SC Lowcountry.
The top reasons most Americans choose to relocate between states are new job opportunities, living closer to family, and retirement.
But why do 59% of Americans looking for a change choose South Carolina?
Clearly, the beauty of SC is not lost on others. They are drawn to the warmth of its climate, its abundance of natural green spaces, and the welcoming warmth of southern hospitality.
Making the right choice of moving to a new location such as South Carolina should consider the good and not so good aspects of a place, and we want to share those with you.
As with all choices we make, there are pros and cons.
Let’s first take a look at what is motivating your interest in living somewhere new.
Many of us reach a time in our lives where we start thinking about making some changes. Maybe the kids are grown and starting families of their own, or you’ve retired and want to explore ideas and projects you’ve had simmering in the background for years but haven’t had time for. Maybe you’re living in one of the wintery states up north and longing to hang up your snow shovel and bask in the sunshine year-round.
If you’re happy and fulfilled right where you are and envision the future as a healthy, productive one with you settled contentedly within it as it unfolds, consider yourself fortunate.
But some of us are itching for a change.
The pros of living in South Carolina
So let’s take a look at some of the best reasons – the pros – for relocating to South Carolina.
- You will love the friendly and welcoming southern hospitality.
- Gas taxes are low, which means the costs of transportation are the lowest in the US.
- There are many outdoor activities such as hiking, enjoying the beach, boating, and fishing.
- History comes alive for you when living in South Carolina. Almost every street has a story to tell, especially in Beaufort the second oldest city in SC.
- Property taxes are among the lowest in the country.
- South Carolina has a state income tax with some excellent tax deductions for resident retirees. The highest income tax rate in South Carolina is 7%. Retired persons under 65 can deduct up to $3,000 in retirement income from their state income tax bills.
- South Carolina has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, making it a great place to raise a family.
- The major cities in SC have many job opportunities and low unemployment rates.
- South Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the country. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast, the scenery is breathtaking.
- Wherever you go in SC, the atmosphere is warm and relaxed.
- The climate in South Carolina is generally better than most places in the United States. It’s warmer in the south and along the coast and a bit cooler in the Upstate.
- If you love the great outdoors, there are mountains, lakes, and beaches for you to explore in SC.
- Seafood feasting is a way of life in South Carolina. Shrimp boil, Frogmore Stew, and soft shell crabs may become your new favorite foods.
Let’s take a look at a few of these pros in greater detail.
1. Financial benefits
Suppose you have been wondering if selling your home will give you enough equity to buy a newer home at a better price in South Carolina and have some money left over. In many cases, the answer is “yes.”
South Carolina is in the top 10 lowest taxed states, so living here offers lower real estate taxes, sales tax, and personal income tax.
Also, the cost of living in South Carolina is not generally as high in a South Carolina small town, so groceries, entertainment venues, housewares, and restaurants cost less than in many other states.
Real estate statistics from 2020 are positive. The Annual Report of the South Carolina Housing Market compiled by South Carolina Realtors found closed sales increased 4% in 2019 to 91,140, while new listings increased 4% to 120,210. The overall median sale price rose 7.5% to $215,000, though the number of homes available for sale dropped by 3.9%.
2. Health Benefits – Air Quality
The American Lung Association report found that across the US, there was continued improvement in air quality. However, more than four in 10 Americans – 133.9 million – still live in states with unhealthy levels of either ozone or particle pollution, where their health is at risk.
South Carolina’s air quality is excellent. Since 2003, air pollution has decreased by 45% from 13.5 to 7.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter.
By comparison, states like California, Pennsylvania, and Texas continue to battle unhealthy pollution levels.
3. Mental Health Benefits
Being close to nature restores the human capacity for self-awareness and improves mental health. While large urban environments cultivate as much green space as possible, there is no substitute for living up close to nature.
South Carolina’s coastal regions offer fragrant ocean breezes, misty salt marshes, the soft drone of bees and dragonflies, and the twitter of nesting songbirds, all of which provide a soothing backdrop for residents of this beautiful state.
Lush green grasses, live oak trees, and flowering gardens fragrant with the scent of jasmine and roses lift the spirits.
4. Arts and Culture
South Carolina is rich in history and cultural diversity. With its film festivals, world-class restaurants, some of the best fresh seafood, dairy products and produce in the US, art galleries, concerts, theatres, historical monuments, award-winning universities and schools, and easily accessed quality health care, this beautiful state offers the best of what matters to your quality of life.
5. A variety of environments
Even if you’ve already chosen “The Palmetto State,” you can still opt to live on the coast or the Upstate.
The northwestern part of the state, known as the Upstate area sits along the I-85 corridor between the major cities of Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta, GA. This proximity gives residents easy access to everything in each town while allowing enough space to enjoy a slower pace of life in smaller cities and suburbs.
Coastal living continues to be a favorite choice, with new residents being drawn to charming seaside towns like Beaufort. Here they can enjoy fishing, boating, artisan markets, and soft ocean breezes every day.
6. Fantastic food!
There is something locally sourced and inviting to eat in every season. Foods such as fresh oysters, soft-shell crab, grits, shrimp, peaches, collards, and delicious barbecue are abundant and hugely popular.
The cons of living in South Carolina
And yes, for every list of “pros,” there is also a list of “cons.”
- Well y’all, you may just have to learn a whole new way to speak!
- Your barbecue will likely have mustard in the sauce.
- Your sweet-talk vocabulary will become as sweet as sweet tea.
- Fried Food. The good news is that it is everywhere. The bad news is – it’s delicious!
- South Carolina is home to some of the spookiest most haunted places.
- Late-night activities are scarce in the cities.
- It’s illegal to keep a horse in your bathtub or get a tattoo on your face or neck.
- Dangerously hot “Hot Sauces.”
- You may have to quit work and retire.
1. Well y’all, you may just have to learn a whole new way to speak!
Remember, it’s never “you guys” but “y’all.”
We’ll know you’re “not from around here” if you say “you guys.”
“Bless your heart” and “Take your sweet time” might seem like sympathetic phrases – but they’re not always. There’s a good dose of sarcasm in those sweet sounding phrases. But y’all will soon catch on.
Become a Southerner and enjoy the drawl.
2. Your barbecue will likely have mustard in the sauce.
If you’re used to a sweet, sticky, vinegar based sauce, get ready for a new flavour sensation. Especially if you relocate to the Lowcountry. Who knows? This mustard flavor may become one of your “pros.”
3. Your sweet-talk vocabulary will become as sweet as sweet tea.
Which by the way is extremely sweet. So get ready to have some sugar flying at you from people you hardly know with endearments like: punkin, darlin, baby cakes, honey bun, and sweetie pie. Once you’ve settled in, y’all are gonna love it, sugah.
4. Fried Food. The good news is that it is everywhere. The bad news is – it’s delicious!
Though you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dine on healthy nutritious food, you will find that SC natives love to fry everything. Chicken, hush puppies, green tomatoes, pickles, vegetables, and even Oreo cookies are deep-fried.
Scottish immigrants came to the South, where African slaves had already introduced a tradition of frying food. Over time, deep-frying became a common way of cooking chicken and other food. You may find it hard to avoid or even resist!
5. South Carolina is home to some of the spookiest most haunted places.
Haunted bridges, ghostly trains, a ship full of spirits, and even a haunted island are ready for you to explore If you dare. In a state so deeply steeped in history, it’s no surprise that abandoned mansions, cemeteries, and towns would harbor a spirit or two.
6. Late-night activities are scarce in the cities.
If you enjoy partying around town in the wee hours, you may find the relaxed pace in South Carolina a little dull for your liking. There are many clubs, restaurants, music venues, festivals, and special events, but folks generally go to bed early.
7. It’s illegal to keep a horse in your bathtub or get a tattoo on your face or neck.
Strange laws, but they are still on the books. Facial tattoos are heavily fined, but if you can fit a horse in your bathtub, you should probably keep that news to yourself.
8. Dangerously hot “Hot Sauces.”
It seems everyone in South Carolina has their favorite hot sauce condiment, but if you’re new to the state, make sure that you check the heat meter before you shake some hot sauce onto your meal. With names like Reaper, Meet Your Maker, and Larynx Lava, your taste buds might not survive even a drop!
9. You may have to quit work and retire.
Living in South Carolina is like being on vacation year-round. There are so many exciting things to do that you will not want to go to work. Ever.
Frequently asked Questions
Where Are The Best Places To Live In South Carolina?
The best places to live in South Carolina include Beaufort, Lady’s Island, Greenville, Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach, and others. Choices are based on the quality of schools, health care, and real estate.
How to Become a South Carolina Resident
To become a South Carolina resident, you will need to live in South Carolina for 12 consecutive months and change necessary documentation (driver’s license, vehicle registration, etc. to South Carolina) to establish residency. You must also maintain a South Carolina place of residence.
What Are Some Of The Coolest Things To Do In South Carolina?
The coolest things you can do in South Carolina are hard to list because there are so many! You could visit the Center for Birds of Prey, go on an Alligator Adventure, or tour the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel.
Is South Carolina a Good State to Live in or Retire to?
South Carolina is a good state to live in or retire to because its climate is mild, and the state is, overall, affordable. A survey by Retirement Living has ranked South Carolina as the #4 best state to retire to. South Carolina has a lower cost of living and some beautiful beaches that are warm practically year-round.
See South Carolina for Yourself – Book a Discovery Visit!
Whether you base your decision to relocate on a pros and cons list, or simply decide to go with your heart, you should visit a few places before taking the plunge. South Carolina offers beautiful planned communities that focus on health and wellness and are close to charming seaside towns like Beaufort.
Many happy people are living in South Carolina, and you could be one of them.
Ready to have a look for yourself? Contact us at 843.379.9095 and find out about booking a Discovery Visit.
Three days to explore Beaufort and Celadon, with two nights in your choice of one of three of Beaufort’s finest inns or hotels.
We can’t wait to show you around!
