5 Best Places to Live in South Carolina

November 21st, 2022 | by Tim Rawlings

Southern hospitality isn’t just a saying. In South Carolina, you’re sure to experience a warm welcome and friendly faces. With gas prices skyrocketing and gentrification taking full form, many people are looking for a place to call home that doesn’t break the bank. South Carolina is starting to look like a more and more tempting offer every day and contacting an SC home builder isn’t a bad idea either.

But now that the state is narrowed down, where exactly are the best places to live?

1. Columbia

The state capital and largest city in South Carolina, Columbia is known for its small town feel – this city offers a cozy and affordable life.

Calling to all my creatives, the art scene in Columbia is booming with public art, museums, and performance venues. The Columbia Museum of Art and the Nickelodeon Theater are two can’t-miss locations.

Because of this creative hustle and bustle, Columbia offers a city feels without the city consequences such as:

  • Pollution
  • Noise
  • Traffic
  • Tourists

If this sounds right up your alley, partner with an SC home builder today.

2. Lexington

Known for it’s top-rated schools, Lexington is the perfect place to raise a family.

This suburb also accomplished a low crime rate and plenty of places to enjoy the great outdoors. According to Citytistics:

  • Violent Crime Rate is 3 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average.
  • Property Crime Rate is 30 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average.

If you’re looking to start a family in a safe, cozy city, look no further – Lexington may just be the place for you – contact a SC home builder to start your suburban dream life.

3. Aiken

Aiken is a historic city located in western South Carolina. It’s home to the famous Aiken Training Track, a renowned horse training facility, as well as the Aiken Preparatory School.

Named “Best Small Town in the South” by Southern Living, this city offers a suburban feels, being a place where most people are home owners.

Their education isn’t too shabby either. According to Citytistics:

  • High School graduation and attainment rates in the area are less than most cities in the state.
  • College enrollment for the city is higher than state averages.
  • The student to teacher ratio is around 16 to 1 in the city.

If that’s not enough, their cost of living is pretty low too with an overall 86.3, less than the U.S average.

4. Greenville

Greenville is the largest city in the upstate region of South Carolina. It’s got it all: the beach, the mountains, city life. Whatever mood you’re in, that destination is just a drive away. Their downtown city life is bustling but so are their countless waterfalls and hiking trails.

With festivals year around, you’ll be sure to enjoy with whatever your interests are: art, golf, music and more.

This city is perfect for young adults or those nearing retirement. With a median age of 34, it’s the perfect place to start your life or enjoy your golden years. Consider Greenville for an affordable place to live with city perks.

5. Chapin

According to Niche, “Living in Chapin offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Chapin and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Chapin are highly rated.”

The real deal is their crime rate, according to Citytistics:

  • Violent Crime Rate is 1 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average.
  • Property Crime Rate is 31 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average.

And if that’s not convincing enough, check out this list by the Columbia Mom for 5 benefits Chapin offers including parks, food, and activities.

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