So, you’ve narrowed your search to South Carolina for a place to call home. Known for its Southern hospitality, this state boasts an abundance of natural scenery with trees, lakes, mountains, and the ocean all at your doorstep. South Carolina is a great place to slow down and unwind in some safe cities (perhaps even retire!) since the living costs are below the national average. Hot summers and mild winters stay true to the city’s humid subtropical climate, so you can say goodbye to snow boots and hello to sunshine.
In this list, cities are ranked by lowest house price-to-income ratio, meaning you won’t have to part with a large chunk of your income to live comfortably.
So which city in this southeastern state is the best for you to call home?
7. Hilton Head
Number of hospitals: 8
Climate: 48 inches of rain per year, 0 inches of snow per year, 215 sunny days per year
Most popular suburbs: North Forest Beach, South Forest Beach, Sea Pines
Political climate: Leaning conservative
Fun things to do: Coligny Beach Park, Coastal Discovery Museum, Harbour Town Golf Links
Dog friendliness: 563 pet-friendly hotels
Officially called Hilton Head Island, the town is roughly 100 miles southwest of Charleston. This popular tourist destination is known for its white sandy beaches and world-class golf courses. If you’re looking to settle down in Hilton Head long-term, the town has an urban-suburban feel and highly rated public schools.
6. Charleston
Number of hospitals: 9
Climate: 52 inches of rain per year, 1 inch of snow per year, 218 sunny days per year
Most popular suburbs: Socastee, Murells Inlet, Forestbrook
Political climate: Somewhat conservative
Fun things to do: Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Duplin Winery, Myrtle Beach State Park
Dog friendliness: 190 pet-friendly hotels
Charleston, founded in 1670, is South Carolina’s oldest city. Here you can experience the rich unique culture, beautiful architecture, and diverse food options. It ranks #31 for best cities for young professionals and #23 for best places to retire in America. There are many top-rated public schools like Academic Magnet High School, Charleston School of the Arts, and Berkeley County Middle College High School. The city also consistently ranks in Travel + Leisure’s 25 best cities in the world, and in 2021, it captured the top spot for the ninth consecutive year! It’s one year away from a decade-long sweep.
5. Myrtle Beach
Number of hospitals: 9
Climate: 52 inches of rain per year, 1 inch of snow per year, 218 sunny days per year
Most popular suburbs: Socastee, Murells Inlet, Forestbrook
Political climate: Somewhat conservative
Fun things to do: Broadway at the Beach, Duplin Winery, Myrtle Beach State Park
Dog friendliness: 508 pet-friendly hotels
Attractive to both locals and tourists, Myrtle Beach offers endless entertainment options from beautiful beaches, helicopter rides, VR arcades, boat riding, parachuting, wax museums, car racing, and so much more! The coastal city is bathed in sunshine year-round, and people are friendly – Southern hospitality rings true. The top-ranked schools are Carolina Forest High School, St. James Elementary School, and Socastee High School, along with many blue-ribbon schools in the area.
4. Columbia
Number of hospitals: 11
Climate: 46 inches of rain per year, 1 inch of snow per year, 217 sunny days per year
Most popular suburbs: Ashwood Estates, Wren Creek, The Reserve at Ebenezer
Political climate: Strongly liberal
Fun things to do: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia Museum of Art, Congaree National Park
Dog friendliness: 67 pet-friendly hotels
With a population of around 133,000, Columbia is a growing town with plenty of beautiful parks and rivers to explore. Life is diverse and fast-paced. And despite the lay of the land, you can get across town in about 15 minutes. Housing is relatively affordable, with the median home value at $168,211, landing it 55 percent below the national median. The scalloped shoreline of the 50,000-acre Lake Murray is approximately 20 miles west, where you can boat, fish, hike, or simply relax.
3. Greenville-Spartanburg
Number of hospitals: 5
Climate: 52 inches of rain per year, 2 inches of snow per year, 221 sunny days per year
Most popular suburbs: Richmond Hills, Overbrook Historic District, Boiling Springs
Political climate: Somewhat liberal
Fun things to do: Greenville Zoo, Falls Park on the Reedy, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Dog friendliness: 90 pet-friendly hotels in Greenville, 16 pet-friendly hotels in Spartanburg
Greenville and Spartanburg are the major cities in the upstate region of South Carolina and are separated by 32 miles. Greenville, the westernmost city, is a perfect mix of small and big city living, with access to mountains, lakes, and beaches. The weather is idyllic year-round, giving residents a taste of every season. Families will love the excellent parks, attractions, and entertainment venues. As one of the economic centers of South Carolina, Greenville ranks number one for young professionals in South Carolina. Meanwhile, traveling in Spartanburg requires little commute time for this town of approximately 37,000. There are many family-friendly places to check out such as its revitalized downtown, Hollywild Animal Park, and Croft State Park.
2. Florence
Number of hospitals: 14
Climate: 45 inches of rain per year, 1 inch of snow per year, 211 sunny days per year
Most popular suburbs: Ashwood Estates, Wren Creek, The Reserve at Ebenezer
Political climate: Leaning liberal
Fun things to do: Florence County, Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall, Cottle Farms
Dog friendliness: 24 pet-friendly hotels
Named after the daughter of a prominent businessman and attorney William Wallace Harllee, Florence began as a railroad depot and inn in the late 1800s. Residents describe Florence as friendly and diverse with a strong sense of community. In addition to being family-friendly, Florence offers stress-free commutes and a top-notch healthcare system. First-time homebuyers will find it easy to enter the market, as the median home value is below the national figure, at $169,039.
1. Sumter
Number of hospitals: 16
Climate: 47 inches of rain per year, 1 inch of snow per year, 218 sunny days per year
Most popular suburbs: Millwood, Sumter West, Can Savannah
Political climate: Moderately liberal
Fun things to do: Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumpter Opera House, Sumpter County Museum
Dog friendliness: 8 pet-friendly hotels
With a population of 39,800, Sumpter is a small town with a big heart. It is considered one of the most diverse places to live in South Carolina and has a good mix of young professionals and retirees. The revitalized downtown offers first-rate restaurants and other popular attractions, such as museums, farmer’s markets, and theater productions. For families, there are many parks, playgrounds, and excellent public and private schools. Looking to take the kids to the beach in the summer? The palm trees and white sand of Surfside Beach are just a two-hour drive away.
Rakini Bergundy was born in a little surf town called Houhai in China and loves writing. She’s passionate about dogs, home renovations, and politics.
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