Is South Carolina a Good Place to Live? Unpacking the Pros and Cons

Is South Carolina a Good Place to Live? Unpacking the Pros and Cons

Yes, South Carolina can be a great place to live. 

South Carolina offers affordable living, warm weather, access to outdoor recreation, and a slower-paced lifestyle. From its beautiful coastline and historic cities to growing job markets and Southern food traditions, the state has a lot to offer. 

However, like anywhere, it comes with its challenges, including limited healthcare access in rural areas, transportation issues, and hurricane risks.

This guide is perfect for families, retirees, job seekers, students, and anyone considering a move to South Carolina. You'll get a clear look at the real pros and cons of life in the Palmetto State to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

What You'll Learn in this Guide

In this article, we will:

• Discuss what it’s like to live in South Carolina

• Cover the benefits, like affordable living, job opportunities, education, and outdoor activities

• Discover the challenges, including  healthcare access, transportation issues, and weather risks

Overview

Pros of Living in South Carolina

Here are the advantages of living in South Carolina.

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Cost of living

The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) ranks South Carolina as the 27th most affordable state in the country. It’s slightly cheaper to live in South Carolina than North Carolina. The cost of living index of South Carolina is 95.5, where 100 represents the national average. This indicates a lower cost of living compared to much of the United States.

Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2022) shows that the annual average cost of living in South Carolina is around $46,220. That equals roughly $3,851 per month, which covers everyday expenses such as housing, transportation, healthcare, and food.

Here is a table showing the breakdown of the cost of living in South Carolina.

Source: Social Finance - Cost of Living in South Carolina

Housing in major cities

Housing in South Carolina is generally more affordable than in many other parts of the U.S., making it a desirable choice for those seeking a new home. According to Zillow, the average home price in the state is $298,029. This low cost is attributed to factors such as low property taxes, a variety of homes available in cities and small towns, and the state's growing economy. Additionally, South Carolina’s landscape helps maintain steady and affordable housing demand for people with varying incomes.

Average home value in South Carolina

Here are the average prices of the cities and towns in South Carolina.

Source: Zillow - South Carolina Housing Market

Job market and economy

According to IBIS World's South Carolina State Economic Profile, the state's gross state product (GSP) reached $266.2 billion in 2024. This represents a 2.3 percent increase over the past five years. Approximately 2.34 million residents are employed across the state, with job growth averaging 1.6 percent annually. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that South Carolina had approximately 439,100 non-farm jobs as of 2024. The unemployment rate that year was 3.9 percent, compared to the US national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.

The largest industries by revenue include:

• Health & Medical Insurance – $20.9B

• New Car Dealers – $18.0B

• Hospitals – $14.4B

Other key sectors in South Carolina include manufacturing, retail trade, and real estate. The presence of strong industries contributes to making the state a hotspot of job opportunities, economic stability, and relatively affordable living conditions.

Education

Education is accessible in South Carolina. According to U.S. News & World Report, South Carolina has 82 school districts, 249 high schools, and over 253,000 students. Some of the top-ranked high schools in South Carolina include:

• Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston)

• Aiken Scholars Academy (Aiken)

• Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)

• Palmetto Scholars Academy (North Charleston)

• Spring Hill High School (Chapin)

Additionally, South Carolina is home to many well-known colleges and universities. Famous schools like Clemson University and the University of South Carolina have a long-standing sports rivalry. The state also has smaller liberal arts colleges and The Citadel, a public military school.

Some of the best universities and colleges in South Carolina include:

• Citadel Military College of South Carolina (The Citadel) (Charleston)

• Claflin University (Orangeburg)

• Clemson University (Clemson)

• College of Charleston (Charleston)

• Furman University (Greenville)

• Presbyterian College (Clinton)

• University of South Carolina (Columbia)

• University of South Carolina Upstate (Spartanburg)

• Wofford College (Spartanburg)

Rich history, culture, and lifestyle

English settlers arrived in South Carolina in 1670, and the state became part of the United States as the 8th state in 1788. It played a pivotal role in American history, with more than 200 battles during the American Revolution. People now know South Carolina for its rich history and popular tourist destinations. The state also celebrates its unique culture, especially the traditions of the Gullah community.

Tourism in South Carolina

The South Carolina Office of Tourism shares the fun happening all year with over 300 events and festivals. These include food, art, music, and cultural celebrations. Popular events are the South Carolina State Fair, Blue Crab Festival, Strawberry Festival, and the Mac Arnold Cornbread and Collard Greens Blues Festival. Each season brings something special, from seafood feasts by the coast to spring flower festivals.

Food

South Carolina, also known as the Palmetto State, is rich in Southern food traditions that reflect its culture and lifestyle. Classic dishes include:

• Barbecue: Pulled pork with four signature sauces: mustard, vinegar, light tomato, and heavy tomato.

• Carolina Gold Sauce: A mustard-based BBQ sauce with roots from German settlers.

• Chicken Bog: Rice cooked with tender chicken, sausage, and a variety of spices.

• Frogmore Stew: Also known as Lowcountry boil, a dish featuring a mix of shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage.

• Gullah Red Rice: A tomato-based rice dish with sausage, tied to African heritage.

• Hoppin’ John: A New Year’s favorite made with black-eyed peas, pork, and rice.

• Huguenot Torte: A sweet dessert of apples and pecans, similar to a crisp.

• Pimiento Cheese: A creamy Southern cheese spread, often served on bread or crackers.

• She-Crab Soup: A rich, creamy soup made with female blue crabs.

Outdoor activities and recreation

South Carolina is a beautiful state with diverse landscapes that offer an array of outdoor activities. You can enjoy a variety of places, from mountain hikes to sandy beaches. In South Carolina, there’s something for everyone to explore, whether you're in the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the Atlantic coast, or near one of the state’s scenic lakes and rivers.

Hiking and waterfalls in the Upstate:

• Caesars Head State Park: Overlooks the Blue Ridge Escarpment and is home to Raven Cliff Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the area.

• Jones Gap State Park: It features beautiful wooded trails and serene waterfalls in the wilderness region.

• Table Rock State Park: Climb to the summit for stunning views. Several trekking paths are available for different skill levels.

• Walhalla (Waterfall Capital): Discover Issaqueena Falls, Brasstown Falls, and Yellow Branch Falls.

Beaches and coastal scenery:

• Charleston & the Resort Islands: Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, or relaxing on the shore.

• Hilton Head Island: It’s great for cycling, paddle sports, and nature walks, because of its long stretches of shoreline

• Myrtle Beach: It has 60 miles of beachfront for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and boating. Visit its parks for trails, campsites, and fishing spots.

Lakes and rivers:

• Congaree National Park: This unique forested floodplain offers a variety of hiking and paddling activities. A top spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

• Lake Hartwell: It is a large body of water ideal for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. This lake is found near Anderson.

• Lake Murray: Located near the state’s capital, it's a go-to spot for water sports, picnicking, and lakeside outings.

• Lynch's River: This slow-moving river winds through peaceful forested areas and is ideal for a relaxing kayak trip.

• Saluda River: Great for tubing, paddling, and casting a line. It's a serene escape near Columbia.

Cons of Living in South Carolina

Here are the disadvantages of living in South Carolina.

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Healthcare accessibility

South Carolina struggles to provide equal access to healthcare, especially in rural areas. This is due to a lack of medical professionals, high costs, and the state’s decision not to expand Medicaid. Many rural counties have a shortage of doctors and limited facilities, forcing people to travel long distances or delay care. As a result, the state has a higher uninsured rate of nine percent in 2023 and worse health outcomes in rural communities.

However, efforts are underway to mitigate these accessibility issues:

• AccessHealth SC and Community Health Centers: Initiatives by the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) and local community health centers aim to broaden healthcare access for underserved populations.

• Department of Public Health Programs: The state's Department of Public Health implements statewide programs designed to reduce health disparities across various communities.

• Individual Coping Strategies: Beyond these systemic efforts, individuals can proactively manage their healthcare by:

• Utilizing telehealth services for remote medical consultations.

• Engaging in preventative care programs offered by the Department of Public Health.

• Actively seeking care at available community health centers.

• Advocating for policy changes and increased healthcare resources in their local areas.

Transportation

South Carolina faces significant transportation challenges, particularly with its roads and public transportation systems. More than half of the state’s roads need major repairs, and many bridges are in poor shape. The state has one of the highest traffic death rates in the U.S., especially on rural roads, which are far more dangerous than others. As the population and tourism grow, traffic increases, resulting in greater wear and tear on roads.

Public transit also has major issues. Many residents, particularly those in rural areas, struggle to access jobs, schools, or medical care by public transportation, such as buses. Some policies restrict access for seniors and low-income riders, particularly during peak hours.

Despite these issues, South Carolina has initiated efforts to improve its transportation network:

• Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP): A comprehensive 10-year plan dedicated to addressing the state's infrastructure needs, including the repair of roads, bridges, and the enhancement of public transit.

• SCDOT Collaboration: The South Carolina Department of Transportation actively partners with local planning organizations to ensure that transportation projects are aligned with the specific needs of both urban and rural communities across the state.

Pro Tip: Consider carpooling or vanpooling with neighbors or colleagues to reduce individual vehicle dependence and share transportation costs. Additionally, individuals can explore flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or adjusted hours, to avoid peak traffic congestion.

Hurricanes and tropical storms

From 1851 to 2023, South Carolina has experienced 44 tropical storms and hurricanes. The more intense hurricanes, known as Category 3 or higher, are less common but can cause significant damage. Some of the strongest storms in history include the Great Charleston Hurricane, Hurricane Hazel, Hurricane Gracie, and Hurricane Hugo. More recently, Hurricanes Matthew in 2016 and Florence in 2018 resulted in record flooding.

Hurricanes are occurring less frequently, but weaker storms are becoming more common. The primary dangers associated with these storms are storm surges. Elevated sea levels and heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal areas.

South Carolina has launched an online resource called the SCEMD South Carolina Hurricane Guide. This user-friendly website provides quick access to evacuation zones and safety tips. It's available on many devices and works with other tools from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD).

Final Thoughts: Is South Carolina Right for You?

Deciding to move to South Carolina is a personal decision that requires careful planning and preparation. This guide outlines the key advantages and challenges to help you make an informed decision and enjoy a smooth transition to life in the Palmetto State.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the downside to living in South Carolina?

South Carolina faces challenges like limited healthcare access in rural areas, poor road conditions, and risks from hurricanes and tropical storms.

What part of South Carolina is best to live in?

Popular areas include Greenville, known for its growing economy, Charleston, renowned for its charm and culture, and Columbia, recognized for its affordability and central location.

Is it better to live in North Carolina or South Carolina?

It depends on your priorities—South Carolina tends to have lower living costs and taxes, while North Carolina offers more public services and larger urban centers.

Does South Carolina get snow?

Yes, but snowfall is rare and usually light, mainly in the Upstate region near the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Disclaimer: This post is for general information and not financial advice. Consult a professional before making significant decisions.