7 Best Places to Live in South Carolina

Travel Map IconSOUTH CAROLINA - South Carolina boasts many attractions for residents, from beaches and nature preserves to exciting jobs with reasonable living costs. Niche conducted extensive analysis on crime rates, public schools, and other factors to select the top places in South Carolina in 2023 where residents should live.


7 Best Places to Live in South Carolina

Where to Live in South Carolina

1. Myrtle Beach

South Carolina offers communities for every lifestyle and taste imaginable - whether that means looking for family-friendly living arrangements or retiring in style. From tropical beaches to scenic mountain ranges, find your ideal living situation here in one of South Carolina's premier places.

Charleston's historic downtown and signature sidewalks make it an attractive option for young professionals, while Hilton Head Island attracts retirees seeking comfort and low taxes. Camden also ranks highly as a place to reside, providing families with dedicated Gamecock fans with a tight-knit community in which to live.



2. Greenville

At the Blue Ridge Mountains base, Greenville provides all of the advantages associated with living in a large city without its associated price tag. Residents here appreciate its close-knit community atmosphere, vibrant business scene, and abundance of career opportunities that the area provides.

Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery stand out for its local flavor, sourcing ingredients within 150 miles of its location, creating a menu filled with flavor and sustainable options that makes eating and shopping here an experience to cherish! You'll surely leave satisfied!



3. Spartanburg

Spartanburg offers an exciting nightlife and bustling downtown culture filled with public art around every corner, making it the ideal location for young professionals, families, and retirees looking for an enjoyable home with ample job opportunities.

South Carolina cities and towns provide comforting communities that provide beachside escapes and vibrant retirement communities. You won't run out of things to do here!

4. Lake City

Lake City offers residents who seek both convenience and a rural ambiance a delightful blend. This town hosts numerous events year-round, from beer fests and art mural installations to holiday-related festivities and festive community gatherings. Residents include families with young children and single individuals who appreciate its charming small-town feel.

Riverbanks Zoo and Congaree National Park provide outdoor activities in this town of the Upstate region of South Carolina, while Google, Mercedes-Benz, insurance, software development and bioscience industries also flourish here. Located within three hours of sandy beaches and within reach of its state capital city of Columbia.



5. Clemson

Clemson is the ideal college town, boasting small-town charm and big-city amenities. Its family-friendly environment and low cost of living make this location attractive to both young families and retirees alike.

Residents in Shaw can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails. Furthermore, this region hosts Shaw Air Force Base which offers employment opportunities in areas like aviation, data centers and food processing.

6. Summerville

With its lush forests, fragrant flowers, and centuries of heritage, this charming inland city provides charming small-town living that many seek. Home to a family-friendly downtown area and a close-knit community of families, retirees, and working professionals.

Job opportunities in this city are driven by two institutions - the University of South Carolina and Shaw Air Force Base - while its economy relies heavily on aviation, data centers, insurance, and food processing industries.

Mid-sized towns like Camden offer an ideal solution for those seeking a respite from larger city living without giving up the amenities they desire. Camden boasts low crime rates, affordable housing costs, and plenty of outdoor recreational activities - making it one of the best places to live in South Carolina.

7. Columbia

South Carolina boasts tropical beaches, historic towns, and an attractive blend of city and country life, making this state an attractive home to residents from all backgrounds - with an excellent job market and low living costs for every individual and family.

Columbia lies in the center of South Carolina and boasts an enviable economy with top-ranked schools, an exciting arts scene, numerous museums, and historical tourist attractions - not to mention welcoming many young families that call Columbia home.

No matter if it's for work or family reasons, these RamseyTrusted real estate agents can be an invaluable resource in South Carolina. With extensive knowledge of this state and a process, they understand best from start to finish.