Are you looking forward to getting a fresh start in a different state? In this case, you should definitely consider moving to South Carolina! The Palmetto State is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Southern United States — especially among newly-retired people who are looking forward to enjoying a calm life in picturesque towns!
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- South Carolina is known for being one of the most beautiful states in the country — at the Palmetto State you’ll find amazing beaches, mountains, parks, and more!
- View of Downtown Columbia, the capital of South Carolina.
With one of the 30 best economies in the country, South Carolina has had significant job growth over the past few years — although the Palmetto State still has quite a few aspects that need improvement.
Are you considering relocating to South Carolina? Here is a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about this state!
Contents:
Pros & Cons
Living in South Carolina may feel like a blessing, but that doesn’t mean that this Southern state is perfect. On the contrary, the Palmetto State needs to improve in several aspects, including education, public health, safety, infrastructure, among others. Are you thinking of relocating to South Carolina? Here are 7 pros and 7 cons of moving to this state!
Pros
- Hospitality
- Living in the South automatically means that hospitality is one of the pros. Southern people are incredibly warm to new residents, and you’ll fit right in!
- Beauty
- South Carolina is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states in the country. Living in the Palmetto State means you’ll get to wake up to the sight of beautiful mountains or the amazing ocean, depending on where you move to!
- Weather
- Unlike states in the New England region, South Carolina is warm throughout the year, with hot summers and mild winters.
- Job opportunities
- Over the past years, South Carolina has witnessed job growth that is above the national average, especially thanks to multinational companies moving to South Carolina.
- Outdoor activities
- Mountains, parks, beaches, islands, amusement parks…do you like any of those? Well, if you relocate to South Carolina, you’ll get to experience all of those activities!
- Property taxes
- According to statistical reports, property taxes in South Carolina are lower than most states, and that contributes to this state having a median home price that is lower than the U.S. median home price.
- Rich history
- One of the first states to ratify the constitution and the very first state to secede from the Union, South Carolina has quite a lot of history to tell!
Cons
- Poverty rate
- Unfortunately, South Carolina’s poverty rate of 13,8% is above the national average of 12,3%. One of the consequences of this poverty is that it’s not unusual to find homeless people in most places of South Carolina.
- Natural disasters
- Moving to South Carolina means that you’ll have to be prepared in case a natural disaster occurs, considering that some areas of this state are more susceptible to having hurricanes and floods.
- Weather
- On the one hand, warm weather is quite comfy, as you won’t have to worry about freezing temperatures. On the other hand, if you’re into cold and lots of snow, living in South Carolina means you won’t get to experience that as much as you would in other states.
- Education
- South Carolina ranks at #44 when it comes to education. Higher education institutions and Pre-K-12 schools can be quite mediocre, which means you’ll have to do thorough research to find a good school for your children.
- Culture
- It is no secret that the Southern states are easily the most conservative states in the country — and South Carolina is no different. If you’re a person who has more progressive and liberal opinions, maybe moving to South Carolina is not ideal for you.
- Health care
- While it doesn’t have the worst health care system in the United States, South Carolina still ranks among the 20 worst states for health care — finding good hospitals can be especially bad in rural areas of the state.
- Infrastructure
- According to South Carolina residents, the Palmetto States still has to improve its infrastructure, especially when it comes to road quality and traffic management.
Fun Facts
- Angel Oak
- The Angel Oak Tree in Johns Island, South Carolina is believed to be one of the oldest trees in the country. It is estimated that Angel Oak is over 1,500 years old!
- Major league teams
- Are you a sports fan? We may have some bad news for you: South Carolina doesn’t have any major professional sports teams. However, there are major league teams that represent both Carolinas!
- Seceding from the Union
- Back in 1860, South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union, starting the series of events that led to the American Civil War.
- Home of James Brown
- No matter if you’re American or not, you’ve probably heard of James Brown before. This globally popular Soul artist was born in Barnwell, South Carolina, and lived in the state until was around 6 years old.
- Iodine State
- Prior to being known as The Palmetto State, South Carolina was actually known as the Iodine State because of the quantity of iodine that was found in the produce from this state.
- Slave port
- Back in the day, South Carolina was one of the most prolific slave ports in North America, exporting over 50,000 slaves between 1670 and 1715.
Funny State Laws
Once upon a time, American states had a bit of trouble dealing with delinquents. Back then there weren’t laws that applied for every misconduct, which is why most states ended up having to create some pretty unusual laws — and South Carolina is one of those states. Here are 5 funny laws in The Palmetto State:
- Horses and bathtubs?
- Do you have a horse? In that case, keep in mind that, when you move to South Carolina, it is illegal to bather your horse in a bathtub.
- No dancing.
- If you decide to move to Lancaster, South Carolina, you’ll not be allowed to dance in public because that’s illegal.
- Close your shop!
- Are you a business owner who’s thinking of relocating to South Carolina? Well, we must warn you that the law in SC states that shops cannot sell anything on Sundays, except light bulbs!
- A walking railroad?
- This is probably one of the weirdest laws in the country: if a town has more than 500 residents, a railroad is forbidden by the law of removing itself from the town. We wonder if railroads knew how to walk back in the day!
- No tattoos!
- Apparently, there’s a law in South Carolina that states that getting tattoos in this state is considered an offense!
Weather and Climate
As we’ve mentioned previously, the weather in South Carolina is quite warm. With a humid subtropical climate, The Palmetto State has hot summers and mild winters — although wintertime can get pretty cold depending on where you move to in South Carolina. In the summer, temperatures in this state vary between 66 °F and 90 °F. As to the winter, daily temperatures in South Carolina can go as low as 58 °F, while the nights can be as cold as 38 °F. According to meteorological reports, the best time to visit South Carolina is between the months of March and May or anytime between September and October. Because it doesn’t get too cold in South Carolina, there’s no worst time to visit this state!
Nature
South Carolina is home to quite a few natural attractions. You can visit mountains, rivers, lakes, parks, and beaches in this state. In other words, South Carolina can offer you pretty much anything you want in terms of nature — it’s no wonder why this state is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. If you’re thinking of moving to South Carolina, here are 5 places you can visit in The Palmetto State!
- Myrtle Beach
- Huntington Beach
- South Carolina Plantations
- Sassafras Mountain
- The Great Pee Dee River
Natural Disasters
When we move to a new location, it’s ideal that we know what the possible dangers of that region are. If we know that a state is more susceptible to suffering from certain natural disasters, we’ll get to be prepared for these disasters in case they do occur. If you’re moving to South Carolina, here are the natural disasters you should be prepared for:
- Thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Floods
- Wildfires
- Tornadoes
Moving Prices from Major Cities
- If you’re moving to South Carolina from a major city in the U.S., it’s essential that you get moving quotes from different moving companies
- Aerial view of Charleston, South Carolina
Who doesn’t appreciate saving money? One thing is for sure: we don’t want to spend our hard-earned money unless it’s absolutely necessary. You probably know that moving to a new locating can be quite pricey, especially depending on where you’re moving to and where you’re moving from. If you’re moving to South Carolina from a major city, here’s an estimate of how much you’ll spend:
- Moving from New York, NY to South Carolina: $2454 — $4091
- Moving from Austin, TX to South Carolina: $3117 — $5196
- Moving from Los Angeles, CA to South Carolina: $4775 — $7958
- Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to South Carolina: $4368 — $7280
- Moving from Seattle, WAto South Carolina: $5399 — $8998
- Moving from Madison, WI to South Carolina: $2854 — $4757
Housing / Real Estate
The median home price in South Carolina is below the national average by almost $60,000. A house in this state will cost you approximately $202,000, according to Zillow. However, if you move to more economically prestigious cities in South Carolina, you may have to spend as much as $700,000 on a house. While rent is more affordable in South Carolina than in other states, if you move to the capital, Columbia, you can spend as much as $1,100 monthly in rent. However, other cities, such as Centerville, have cheaper rents, at approximately $870.
Price of Living
The cost of living in South Carolina is seven percentage points below the national average, which means that it’s cheaper to live here than in most states. Are you curious to know how much you will spend monthly if you move to South Carolina? Here are the estimated costs of living in South Carolina for a family of 2 adults and 2 children!
Anderson (metro area)
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $740 |
| Food | $711 |
| Child Care | $730 |
| Transportation | $1,142 |
| Health Care | $1,376 |
| Other Necessities | $585 |
| Taxes | $696 |
| Monthly Total | $5,980 |
| Annual Total | $71,760 |
Charleston/North Charleston (metro area)
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $1,037 |
| Food | $807 |
| Child Care | $886 |
| Transportation | $1,161 |
| Health Care | $1,245 |
| Other Necessities | $744 |
| Taxes | $895 |
| Monthly Total | $6,774 |
| Annual Total | $81,291 |
Columbia (metro area)
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $891 |
| Food | $746 |
| Child Care | $805 |
| Transportation | $1,163 |
| Health Care | $1,297 |
| Other Necessities | $660 |
| Taxes | $790 |
| Monthly Total | $6,352 |
| Annual Total | $76,224 |
Myrtle Beach/North Myrtle Beach/Conway (metro area)
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $931 |
| Food | $749 |
| Child Care | $820 |
| Transportation | $1,087 |
| Health Care | $1,222 |
| Other Necessities | $678 |
| Taxes | $765 |
| Monthly Total | $6,250 |
| Annual Total | $75,004 |
Beaufort County (metro area)
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $1,056 |
| Food | $873 |
| Child Care | $900 |
| Transportation | $1,181 |
| Health Care | $1,236 |
| Other Necessities | $778 |
| Taxes | $942 |
| Monthly Total | $6,965 |
| Annual Total | $83,585 |
All estimates were calculated using the Family Budget Calculator provided by the EPI.
Demographics
The state of South Carolina is home to approximately 5,100,000 people, which means that there has been a growth in the population of 11,3% in 10 years. Out of these 5,1 million people, more than 51% are females and almost 22% are persons under 18 years old. The racial distribution of South Carolina’s population is the following:
- White (alone): 68,6%
- Black or African American (alone): 27,0%
- Hispanic or Latino: 6,0%
- Two or more races: 2,0%
- Asian (alone): 1,8%
Education
According to the magazine U.S. News & World Report, South Carolina ranks at #44 in terms of education, which means that the education system in this state is quite precarious. Less than 40% of South Carolina’s population attended college, and the high school graduation rate in this state is 81% or 4 percentage points below the national average. However, that doesn’t mean that all schools and colleges in South Carolina have poor quality. Here are the top educational institutions in the Palmetto State:
High schools
- Academic Magnet High School (Charleston)
- Greer Middle College Charter High School (Greenville)
- Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (Darlington)
- Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology (Horry)
- Fort Mill High School (York)
Colleges
- Clemson University (Clemson)
- University of South Carolina (Columbia)
- Furman University (Greenville)
- Wofford College (Spartanburg)
- Presbyterian College (Clinton)
Health Care and Medical Institutions
South Carolina is not necessarily the worst state for health care, but it is not one of the best either. Ranking at #34, this state has one of the most expensive health care costs in the region, thus it is not accessible to all. If you move to major cities in South Carolina, such as Charleston, it’s unlikely that you will have a hard time with health care. However, if you move to smaller rural areas, you’ll find that health care can be quite precarious. If you’re moving to this state, here are the 5 best hospitals in South Carolina:
- MUSC Health — University Medical Center (Charleston)
- Bon Secours St. Francis Health System — Greenville (Greenville)
- Spartanburg Medical Center (Spartanburg)
- McLeod Regional Medical Center (Florence)
- Grand Strand Regional Medical Center (Myrtle Beach)
Tourism / Attractions
While South Carolina may not have a lot to offer in terms of cultural events, this state will not let you down when it comes to tourism. There are more than enough places in South Carolina that will certainly please you, including museums, historic districts, beaches, and a bunch of outdoor activities. Here are 5 tourist attractions in South Carolina that you must visit!
- Broadway on the Beach
- Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens
- Charleston’s Historic District
- Hilton Head Island
- South Carolina State Museum
Top Cities
- Home to a little over 5,1 million people, South Carolina’s top cities include the capital of the state, Columbia, and the largest city in the state, Charleston!
- View of Greenville, South Carolina.
When we decide to move to a new state, it may become overwhelming trying to find the ideal city. If you’re considering moving to South Carolina, you need to keep in mind that smaller towns, while picturesque, may not offer enough opportunities or entertainment options for you. Are you a big-city type of person? Here are 4 top cities in South Carolina that may grab your interest:
- Charleston: The largest city in South Carolina, Charleston was once a major slave port. Nowadays, this city is home to multinational companies and offers quite a few jobs.
- Columbia: With a population of a little over 131,000 people, Columbia is the second-largest city in the Palmetto State, as well as being the capital of the state. It is also home to the University of South Carolina.
- Myrtle Beach: One of the most popular destinations in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is at the center of The Grand Strand and it is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Carolina.
- Greenville: The sixth-largest city in South Carolina, Greenville is home to some of the best hospitals, high schools, and colleges in the state.
Job Market
With an unemployment rate of 5.3, South Carolina has the 23rd-highest unemployment rate in the country, tied with Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia. Out of 5,1 million residents, only 2,2 million people are currently employed in the state of South Carolina. However, the Palmetto State’s job growth is above the national average, at 1,9% — this means that South Carolina’s job market is growing and it is attracting more workers. Here are the top hiring companies in South Carolina:
- Cryovac
- Michelin
- PruittHealth
- The InterTech Group
- Corestaff Services
If you’re moving to South Carolina, you can look for jobs here.
Economy
According to data, South Carolina was the 26th-largest economy in the United States in 2019, with a GDP of approximately $250 billion. The net migration in South Carolina is currently 1,1%, which is significantly above the national average of 0,2%, which indicates that more people are moving to this state in hopes of finding jobs. While the economy of the state relies heavily on farming/agriculture, other industries also contribute greatly to the economy of South Carolina, including:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Tourism
- Food Services
- Logistics
- Aerospace
Things to do
When we move to a new location, it’s natural to feel fascinated by everything around us — it’s all new to us, after all. If you’re moving to South Carolina, you’ll find that there’s plenty to do and to visit in this historically-rich state. Here are 8 things to do in South Carolina!
- Congaree National Park: There’s only one national park in South Carolina, and it’s this one. The Congaree National Park is not widely visited, which means you’ll get to connect with nature and will have peace and quiet!
- Middleton Place: The Middleton Place in Dorchester County is a plantation that had an important role during the antebellum history of the Palmetto State. This is a great destination if you’re interested in learning about the history of South Carolina.
- Broadway at the Beach: Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular destinations in South Carolina. At the heart of Myrtle Beach, you’ll find Broadway at the Beach, an entertainment complex that features shops, restaurants, and theaters.
- Brookgreen Gardens: If you’re interested in enjoying nature and hanging out outdoors, the Brookgreen Gardens is an ideal destination for you. This sculpture garden is also a wildlife preserve and has its own zoo.
- Hilton Head Island: This resort town is incredibly popular among tourists and features plenty of activities, including an iconic bike trail that will blow your mind!
- Charleston Culinary Tours: What is the point of living in the South if you’re not going to try the amazing cuisine of the region? If you move to South Carolina, you can’t miss the opportunity of going on a Charleston Culinary Tour and visiting the high-quality restaurants.
- Coligny Beach Park: South Carolina is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The Coligny Beach Park has outdoor showers and plenty of lounging options for visitors.
- Alligator Adventure: If you’re moving to South Carolina and you’re in the mood t9o do something adventurous, you must visit Alligator Adventure, one of the largest reptile zoos in the country. You can even see an alligator and other reptiles from up close!
Public Transport
One of the things you should worry about once you relocate to a new place is how you’ll get around town. If you’re moving to South Carolina, you’ll have plenty of public transportation options, especially if you move to larger cities. Here are 9 public transportation means you’ll find in South Carolina:
| TRANSPORTATION | FARES |
| CARTA | Fixed route one-way trip: $2.00 Express one-way trip: $3.50 |
| The Comet | One-way: $2.00 Commuter Express: $4.00 |
| Coast RTA | Fixed routes: $1.50 Express routes: $2.00 |
| My Ride — Rock Hill | Trips: Free of charge |
| Greenlink Transit | One-way trip: $1.50 Transfers: $0.50 |
| Palmetto Breeze Transit | One-way trip: $1.50 — $4.00 (varies based on the route) |
| SWRTA | One-way trip: $1.00 |
| SPARTA | One-way trip: $1.25 Students: $0.75 |
Crime and Safety
According to a report presented by the FBI, the national violent crime rate was 381 incidents per 100,000 people. South Carolina, on the other hand, has 488.3 incidents per every 100,000 people, more than one hundred incidents above the national average. With that, South Carolina is considered the 9th most dangerous state in the country. In addition to that, the Palmetto State’s incarceration rate is the 23rd highest in the United States, at 494/100,000 residents. These are the safest cities in South Carolina:
- Tega Cay
- Aiken
- Mauldin
- Bluffton
- Mount Pleasant
Acquire a new driver’s license in South Carolina
Moving to a new location is equally fun and bureaucratic. In addition to having to adjust to living in South Carolina, you’ll also have to transfer some of your documents to your new state, including your driver’s license. If you’re not sure how to proceed, here is what you have to do to acquire a new driver’s license in South Carolina!
- Organize your documents.
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of South Carolina residence
- Insurance information
- Your current valid driver’s license
- Set an appointment at the nearest DMV.
- Pass a vision test (In some cases, a written test and road test may be required).
- Pay the required fees.
Road Safety, Highways, and Routes
According to reports, South Carolina has the fifth-highest car accident rate in the United States. Over 20% of traffic incidents in this state were caused by speeding, and DUIs are the main cause for accident fatalities on the roads of South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is responsible for creating road safety programs and trying to reduce the number of fatal crashes in the state. These are the main highways and routes in South Carolina:
Interstate highways
- I-26
- I-95
- I-20
- I-85
- I-77
State routes
- SC 9
- SC 34
- SC 121
- SC 28
- SC 72
Museums
Given that South Carolina played essential roles in some of the most important events in American history, it’s safe to say that this state has quite a lot to tell. If you’re moving to the Palmetto State and you’re a history and art lover, here are 7 museums you must visit in South Carolina!
- South Carolina State Museum
- Columbia Museum of Art
- Coastal Discovery Museum
- Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
- South Carolina Military Museum
- Old Slave Mart Museum
- Gibbes Museum of Art
In the end, is moving to South Carolina worth it?
While South Carolina is not one of the best states to live in the United States, there are still some positive aspects to moving to the Palmetto State. For instance, both the cost of living in South Carolina and the median home price in this state are below the national average. In addition to that, South Carolina’s major cities have shown job growth above the national rate in the past couple of years — which means that you’re likely to find a job in this state. Moving to South Carolina is especially worth it if you work in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, tourism, or food services. The Palmetto State is also quite popular among those who are retiring, given that this state has some of the most beautiful beaches and natural attractions in the country!
How to Move to South Carolina
- Are you thinking of moving to South Carolina? Here are 10 tips to help you in the process of moving!
- Moving boxes ready for moving day
It’s time to make a decision: will you move to South Carolina? If you have decided that moving to this state is ideal for you, it’s time to start thinking of all the things you’ll have to do before, during, and after the moving process. Here are 10 tips to help you move to South Carolina!
- Plan ahead!
- Are you someone who takes pride in being spontaneous and carefree? While those are two admirable character traits, you’ll have to cast them aside during the moving process. If you want to save yourself the money, the time, and the headache, plan ahead of moving to South Carolina! Here’s a handy checklist to help you!
- Downsize.
- Getting rid of all the things that are unnecessary to your home may sound tiring and difficult. However, if you evoke the Marie Kondo who lives inside of you, you’ll manage! Keep in mind that downsizing is crucial to saving money during the moving process!
- Get moving quotes!
- Another step that is important to help you save money is to get moving quotes from different companies. Some movers will charge a lot more than others, that’s why this step is essential.
- Book movers.
- After you’re done getting moving quotes, you’ll probably find a mover that suits your needs and your budget — book them as soon as you can!
- Visit your new area!
- We understand that not everyone is able to do this, but visiting your new area is a great way of deciding if that location is ideal for you.
- Start packing!
- At this point, you’ve already visited your new area to make sure that it is ideal for you and you’ve already booked a mover. Now it’s time to start packing!
- Create Essentials box.
- The journey to getting to your new home can be quite long depending on where you’re moving to South Carolina from — either way, once you arrive at your new home, you’ll be feeling exhausted. That’s why we recommend that you create an Essentials box with all the essential items you’ll want to access as soon as you arrive.
- Say your farewells.
- This step is just a reminder that you need to set some time aside to say farewells to your colleagues, friends, and family members.
- Get some rest.
- Once all of the hard work is done, you’re ready to move. Don’t forget to get some rest before the big day — it’ll help you feel relaxed!
- Enjoy the move!
- Do we really need to say this? Moving to South Carolina will be an important and memorable moment of your life — try to enjoy this journey as much as you can!
Moving services to help you relocate to South Carolina
Do you have a bulky item that you’ll need to move to South Carolina? Are you relocating both your residence and your business to the Palmetto State? Are you unsure whether it’s possible to bring your hot tub with you? Don’t worry about any of that — here are 9 moving services to help you relocate to South Carolina!
- Furniture Transportation: When we think of moving, we usually picture a moving truck loaded with furniture. Furniture transportation is one of the most common moving services!
- Residential Movers: If you’re moving to South Carolina, you’ll need to hire the services of a residential mover — they’ll help you transport your items carefully!
- Piano Transportation: Are you worried that you won’t be able to move a piano to South Carolina? Well, we’re here to tell you that yes; it is possible to do that! Many moving companies offer piano transportation services.
- Art and Antique Movers: Do you collect art pieces and antiques? Did you know that there are movers that specialize in moving arts and antiques to South Carolina? Make sure to contact one of them!
- Hot Tub Movers: It can be quite pricey to move bulky items such as hot tubs. However, it is even more expensive to buy a new hot tub. If you’re moving, it’s certainly worth it contacting a mover about moving a hot tub to South Carolina!
- Pool Table Movers: Another bulky item that is worth it bringing with you is a pool table. If you have one of those, there are moving companies that will move a pool table to South Carolina at an affordable price!
- Office Movers: Remember that we mentioned that you can bring your business to the Palmetto State with you? You can move an office to South Carolina — all you have to do is contact the right moving company!
- Long Distance Movers: While some companies only offer moving services within specific cities or states, there are companies that offer long-distance moving services to help you relocate to South Carolina!
- Last-minute Movers: We mentioned that planning ahead is the key to a successful move to South Carolina. However, if you have to change all of your plans and move immediately, there are movers who will help you make a last-minute move to South Carolina!