What To Expect After Moving To South Carolina
Is South Carolina a Good Place to Live? Let’s find out as I dive into the charm of this vibrant state and explore the pros and cons of living in South Carolina. When done, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision on whether South Carolina is the perfect place for you to call home.
Is South Carolina A Good Place To Live?
South Carolina offers an exceptional quality of life with good job opportunities, a mild winter climate, plus fun things to see and do. Whether you seek a peaceful place to retire or a pleasant living environment, South Carolina stands out as an excellent choice.
On the other hand, there’s more to living in South Carolina than this big-picture view. Thus, we dive deeper into the Palmetto State by examining the pros and cons.
Pros And Cons Of Living In South Carolina: Side By Side Comparison
| Living in S. Carolina Pros | Living in S. Carolina Cons |
| 1. Rich in history | 11. Rising cost of living |
| 2. Cultural activities | 12. Fast population growth |
| 3. Learning opportunities | 13. High income tax rates |
| 4. Southern hospitality | 14. Costly sales taxes |
| 5. Scenic beauty | 15. Hot, humid summers |
| 6. Outdoor recreation | 16. Hurricanes |
| 7. Tasty regional foods | 17. Tornados |
| 8. Mild winters | 18. Flooding |
| 9. Job opportunities | 19. Pesky insects |
| 10. Tax breaks for some | 20. Alligators |
Next, let’s uncover the unique aspects of South Carolina by exploring in detail each pro and con of residing in the state. And stick with me to the end, where I offer additional resources for planning your relocation to South Carolina
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Pros Of Living In South Carolina
1. You Will Be Entrenched In History When Living In South Carolina
South Carolina is full of history and home to many significant historical sites. For example, Fort Sumter was built to protect the coast from British invasion. The fort’s origins date back to the early 1800s.
South Carolina’s oldest city is Charleston. Residents and visitors love the Charleston Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. The city’s architecture dates back to the 18th century.
Several other historical points of interest include:
- Revolutionary War battlefields
- Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
- USS Yorktown Retired Aircraft Carrier
2. South Carolina Life Means Access To Cultural Activities
South Carolina has many art galleries and museums scattered throughout the state.
For example, the Greenville County Museum of Art has a permanent collection including hundreds of American art pieces. Rotating exhibits add to the variety.
However, don’t forget about other cultural options too, including:
- Concerts
- Community theatre groups
- Historical monuments
- Award-winning universities
3. There Are Learning Opportunities For All Ages After Moving To South Carolina
South Carolina residents aged 60 and over are eligible for free college tuition. Thus, seniors can attend the college of their choice at a significantly reduced cost.
The state has many excellent colleges and universities to choose from to advance your education or keep the kids close to home for college.
Notable schools for your consideration include:
- Clemson University, Clemson, SC
- The University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
- Furman University, Greenville, SC
4. South Carolina Oozes Warm Southern Hospitality
South Carolina residents are known for their southern hospitality.
First, people make you feel welcome and comfortable here. No matter if you are a new resident or a lifelong local.
Furthermore, the pace of life is slower. It is nothing like the major U.S. metropolitan areas where life runs fast, and the crime rates are higher.
So, be prepared to soak in the warmth and hospitality from one of the country’s most friendly and welcoming southern states.
5. Residents Enjoy South Carolina’s Scenic Beauty
South Carolina is a scenic state.
First, there are the barrier islands along the beautiful ocean shoreline.
Pristine beaches, including Folly Beach and Myrtle Beach, can be found with their sand and abundant sunshine. Plus many others.
Visit the quaint coastal towns such as Port Royal and Murrells Inlet. In these ocean-side villages, the ocean water laps up against the shore.
Head away from the coast to enjoy rolling hills, forests, and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state’s western region. You will discover rivers of crystal-clear waters and mountain streams making up this stunning landscape.
Finally, Lake Murray and Lake Marion are popular attractions in central South Carolina. They are located near Columbia, the state’s capital city.
6. Outdoor Recreation Options Are Outstanding In South Carolina
South Carolina offers an abundance of outdoor recreational activities.
First, the state has many miles of navigable waterways! It is the perfect place for boating, swimming, fishing, and other water sports.
Next, for land lovers, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails. And don’t forget the world-class golf courses. For example, Hilton Head Island is an amazing place for golfers to work on their game.
Finally, the state’s air quality is high, and the water quality is outstanding, too. After moving to South Carolina, the healthy environment is just another bonus for your outdoor experiences.
7. Living In South Carolina Means Good Access To Good Regional Foods
South Carolina’s food scene has plenty to offer. You will want to explore some of these regional favorites:
- Barbecue
- Carolina gold barbecue sauce
- She-Crab Soup
- Biscuits
- Seafood from the Atlantic
- Sweet Tea
- Cornbread
- Fresh peaches
Many South Carolina restaurants use hot sauces to liven up their dishes because long-time locals love it when the chef brings on the heat. Thus, watch out for the hot sauce if you have a sensitive pallet.
8. South Carolinians Enjoy Mild Winters And Nice Weather
South Carolina’s winters are mild. The winter weather makes the state a popular destination for retirees and anyone looking to escape the harsh temperatures up north.
The state’s spring and fall seasons are quite nice, too.
During spring, there is lush greenery. It is when everything comes to life for another growing season.
Also, the turning leaves of autumn are beautiful. They put on a brilliant color display from the middle of October into early November.
9. South Carolina’s Economy Produces Abundant Job Opportunities
South Carolina offers robust job opportunities, which is another reason it is an excellent place to live.
The unemployment rate runs consistently below the national average, and major players like BMW, Volvo, and Boeing contribute to a thriving job market. Despite a hiccup during the pandemic-induced recession, the state’s tourism-driven economy rebounded quickly.
In the upstate region, near Greenville, Michelin Tire’s North American headquarters and a strong presence in the aerospace and automotive industries create excellent manufacturing job prospects.
Finally, the state has several military bases, such as Shaw Air Force Base. The military operations provide further employment options for civilians and military personnel.
10. South Carolina Residents Enjoy Some Nice Tax Breaks
After moving to South Carolina, you will enjoy some tax breaks. Here is a summary of what you can expect.
Property Taxes: South Carolina has one of the country’s top 5 lowest average real estate tax rates (source: WalletHub). This is great news for homeowners looking to save a few bucks.
Gasoline Taxes: The state doesn’t gouge you at the pump with gas taxes since the per-gallon tax is well below the national average.
Taxes on retirees: You can make some pretty good money as a retiree in South Carolina and not have to share much of it with the government in taxes!
First, the state does not tax social security benefits. Second, seniors get a tax deduction for other types of retirement income. Finally, an additional earned income tax exemption is available.
Related article: Tax Benefits of Retiring in South Carolina
Okay. That concludes my top reasons for moving to South Carolina.
So, it’s time to switch gears.
Next, here are some bad things about living in South Carolina. For the moment, I’m sticking with how moving to the state will impact your wallet.
Cons Of Living In South Carolina
11. The Cost Of Living In South Carolina Can Be Expensive
Living in South Carolina has cost considerations, impacting its appeal as a nice place to live. However, your costs will heavily depend on where you live.
While the state boasts an affordable median home value roughly 15% below the national average, coastal areas like Charleston or Hilton Head can be 2 to 3 times more expensive. To maintain a budget-friendly lifestyle, explore inland options like Columbia or Greenville, where home prices are lower.
Additionally, essential goods and services in South Carolina sometimes come with higher price tags than national averages, making it crucial to budget wisely.
Finally, consider using the cashback app from Rakuten for everyday savings on your online purchases.
12. South Carolina’s Population Is Growing Rapidly
South Carolina has one of the fastest-growing populations of any state in the country on a percentage basis (Source: WCNC News).
The growth has increased demand for homes and other goods and services, putting further pressure on the price of living.
13. The State Has High State Income Tax Rates
South Carolina has a progressive income tax system. This is a fancy way of saying the more you make, the higher your state income tax rate will be
Once your income exceeds approximately $15,000, the state will take 6.4% of every extra dollar earned. This is a high tax rate compared to other states in the country.
For example, consider living in Tennessee, where residents pay zero state income tax. The same can be said for moving down to Florida.
14. South Carolina Living Means Costly Sales Taxes
South Carolina’s sales taxes will increase your everyday expenses.
Adding the state’s base sales tax rate and the additional percentage local municipalities tack on, residents face an average sales tax rate approaching 8%.
Okay. We are done with your money! Let’s move on to other bad things about living in South Carolina. And it’s time for everyone’s favorite topic: the weather.
15. It’s Hard To Beat The Summer Heat After Moving To South Carolina
South Carolina is in the south. So, it gets hot in this state during the summer.
First, summer temperatures routinely run in the 90s for most of July and August. Second, the air gets warm, moist, and heavy, pushing the humidity readings to uncomfortable levels.
To cope, some residents head to the beach or the mountains for a summer cool-down. In these places, you can feel the cooler air associated with the ocean breezes or the higher elevations in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Finally, if the summer temperatures aren’t bad enough, there is a lot of spring and summer pollen. The air quality causes discomfort for seasonal allergy sufferers.
16. Hurricanes Are Part Of Life In South Carolina
Coastal South Carolina is prone to hurricanes.
Consider Hurricane Hugo’s damage to Charleston in 1989. It was one of the worst hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S.
And more recently, Hurricane Florence made landfall near the border state of North Carolina in 2018.
Fortunately, 2022s Hurricane Ian spared the South Carolina coast while wreaking havoc in southwest Florida.
17. Tornado Risk Living In South Carolina
Tornadoes frequently touch down in South Carolina. The state gets hits with 10 twisters per year on average.
18. Rain And Flooding Are Part Of South Carolina Living
Many parts of South Carolina are prone to flooding since the state’s spring and summer thunderstorms often bring heavy rain.
The precipitation can lead to flash flooding, especially near rivers and streams.
After moving to the South Carolina region, hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding require an emergency preparedness plan. And remember to keep your insurance coverages up to date for your financial security.
19. Lots Of Bugs And Mosquitos Live In South Carolina
South Carolina’s warm, humid, wet weather is the perfect breeding ground for bugs and mosquitos. So, keep your bug-repellent handy to get the most pleasure from your outdoor plans.
20. Alligators Like Living In South Carolina
Alligators enjoy life in South Carolina, too!
These creatures have been part of the state’s ecosystem for many years. They can be found around swampy areas or bodies of water, for example, along the Congaree River near Columbia.
Fortunately, alligators typically aren’t aggressive to humans. Just don’t sneak up on one by accident. Or leave a small pet unattended where alligators might be present.
If you are aware of your surroundings and adequately prepared, the bugs and gators won’t negatively impact your South Carolina quality of life.
Okay. It’s time to wrap up the pros and cons of living in South Carolina. Please allow me to offer some parting thoughts and additional resources.
Living In South Carolina: Wrap-Up And Additional Resources
I hope this article has helped you better understand what it is like to live in South Carolina.
To give you a head start on finding your perfect place to live in The Palmetto State, here are links to articles about some of my favorite South Carolina cities and towns:
Charleston: Steeped in history, Charleston charms with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and Southern hospitality.
Clemson: Known for Clemson University and the vibrant college town atmosphere.
Florence: Positioned in the Pee Dee region, Florence is a hub for healthcare, education, and culture.
Greenville: Nestled in the Upstate region, Greenville has a vibrant downtown, picturesque parks, and a thriving arts scene.
Hilton Head: This coastal paradise is synonymous with luxury, golf, and relaxation.
Mount Pleasant: Just across the river from Charleston, Mount Pleasant boasts scenic waterfront views and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Spartanburg: A dynamic city in the Upstate, Spartanburg offers a diverse community and a growing economy with historic charm and modern amenities.
Summerville is a picturesque suburb of Charleston known for its historic homes and lush gardens.
On the other hand, if South Carolina doesn’t end up being your perfect place to live, broaden your relocation search with the articles below:
- All posts about the best places to live
- Living in South Carolina vs. N. Carolina
- Cross the SC border and live in Georgia
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.
