South Carolina is a Southeastern state that, for many, is a dream place to live. If you love warm weather, white sand beaches, palm trees, and top-notch golfing, chances are you’re going to enjoy South Carolina. It is a smaller state than its neighbors to the North, with a mid-sized population of just over five million.
But while it may not have as many major cities as North Carolina, several wonderful areas within the state are incredible places to settle down. There are larger, more populated areas like Charleston and Rock Hill, and smaller towns like Lancaster, Aiken, and Walterboro, and everything in between.
In a state with so many incredible places to live, it’s hard to pick one. That’s why we’ve helped you by compiling some of the many top-notch areas to live in South Carolina.
East S.C
South Carolina’s eastern side is filled with incredible towns and cities. There are tourism hotspots like Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, small towns, and big cities. In the central-east of South Carolina, you can find Florence.
Florence is a city with 200,000 people in its metro area, and it offers the perfect blend of city/suburban living. Florence has tons of great outdoor recreational activities in the city, like kayaking in the nearby marshlands, a vibrant arts and museum scene, and top-notch restaurants serving South Carolina seafood.
Further east is Conway, a small city in the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. Conway is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina, and it commemorates the great history of the area with various museums and memorials. It is a classic Southern town with an old-school charm, and there are numerous nearby golf grounds and country clubs that make it a popular place to retire to.
Almost exactly due south of Florence is Goose Creek, just outside of Charleston. Goose Creek is a gorgeous little town of about 35,000 that has been featured on several different lists of the top towns to live in the country. Goose Creek has numerous natural areas surrounding it, including Cypress Gardens and Goose Creek Reservoir, where you can spot alligators year-round. It is a quiet and welcoming community with a quaint charm.
A short drive west of Goose Creek is Summerville, another town a short drive away from Charleston. It is a mid-sized community of just over 53,000, removed from the bigger crowds of Charleston. It is a tight-knit town with weekly farmer’s markets, a stunning town design with flowers blooming on every corner, and some delicious South Carolina Sweet Tea.
Central S.C
Central South Carolina is a significant region within the state. Removed from the coastline, there are more dense forests and marshlands in this area and numerous cities and towns widely considered great places to live.
If you’re looking to settle down in a picturesque, quiet South Carolina town, St. George makes for an appealing option. It is located in the south of the state, a drive west of Summersville. St. George is a small community of just over 2,000, a peaceful town with a thriving local community. There are delicious, classic Southern-style restaurants, numerous parks, and natural areas, and it is an extremely affordable area to buy a home.
Right in the center of South Carolina, you’ll find Lexington, a suburb of the bigger city Columbia. Lexington is a town with over 20,000 people, and it is growing quickly. This is because of its small-town charm and unique feel. It blends the city lifestyle with a quieter town feel, and there are many great family-friendly activities. There are great fishing areas, numerous museums, and a pond park perfect for family excursions.
Another great South Carolina town outside of Columbia is Camden. Camden is a small city that has something for everyone. It is South Carolina’s oldest inland city, and it has a rich history that you can learn all about in the town’s various museums and historic sites. It is also a great city for horse lovers out there, as it is home to the annual Carolina Cup, an important race, and the 60-acre South Carolina Equine Park.
South of Camden sits Santee, a beloved resort town along the Santee River Valley. Santee is the ideal destination for nature lovers and those that enjoy outdoor activities. It is well-known across the state for the boating and fishing experiences it provides, and it is also a major hotspot for golfers, with some premier golf courses. It sits on the shore of Lake Marion, South Carolina’s largest freshwater lake, and has an abundance of wildlife and incredible natural scenery.
