South Carolina - Real Estate
Move to South Carolina
From the sandy Low Country beaches to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Palmetto State has something for everyone. "Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places," reads the welcome sign as you enter the state of South Carolina, describing the great natural beauty, interesting history and plenty of true Southern Charm. The population of 4.5 million residents enjoy a high quality of life in South Carolina with miles of beautiful shoreline, quiet streets lined with Spanish moss covered oak trees, rich history and culture, endless recreational opportunities and strong agricultural and tourism industries. South Carolinas largest cities include Columbia, Charleston, Rock Hill, Greenville and Mount Pleasant.
South Carolinas housing market offers a variety of choices from historic plantation homes dating back to the Civil War era to luxury estate houses in beautiful island communities, cozy modern single-family homes surrounding the metropolitan cities to world-class retirement villages with beachfront views. South Carolina has an overall cost of living at 4% below the national average, and housing costs at 9% below the national average. The statewide median home value is $161,000 with housing prices fluctuating greatly from region to region. Columbia is South Carolina's state capital and its largest city, with 120,000 residents. The overall cost of living is 18% below the national average. Historic Charleston with its cobblestone streets, great lowcountry restaurants and Southern culture has an overall cost of living at 3% above the national average, and housing prices even higher. Nearby, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach Resorts feature beautifully landscaped communities with accommodations and amenities to fit every desire imaginable. Home prices in coastal areas of South Carolina may be benefiting from an influx of second home buyers. Some retirees, known as half-backers, are opting to relocate halfway back (mid way up the Atlantic seaboard) where home prices and insurance costs are often lower than in Florida markets. The median home value for Myrtle Beach is near $210,000, while condos have a median price of $175,500.
The states economy thrives largely on agriculture, the largest output from farms being cattle and dairy products, tobacco and soybeans. Columbia supports a diverse economy, acting as a regional banking center, a diversified manufacturing base and providing growth in high-tech industries and health care. However, it is the tourist industry that ranks as the highest source of income in the state. Considered one of the most popular vacation destinations in the US, popular spots like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island offer hundreds of top notch golf courses and many historic sites, including Fort Sumter National Monument (famous for being the place where the Civil War began) and world-class beach resorts.
South Carolina embraces the arts, theatre, museums and galleries. Additionally, the mild seasons, renowned seashores, world-class golf courses and the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect outdoor escape for enthusiasts of all kinds. Charleston, considered to be Americas most beautifully preserved architectural and historic treasure, is also a thriving city with festivals and special events happening year-round.
South Carolina is generally a very comfortable place to live, thanks to its humid climate. The summers are long and hot, and the winters are short and mild. Year-round pleasant weather is welcomed by South Carolinas residents as they enjoy long scenic drives to view autumn colors along the Blue Ridge Mountain ranges and summer retreats to some of the east coasts favorite vacation beaches.
To learn more about specific communities in South Carolina, request a Free Relocation Packet prepared by a HomeRoute Preferred local community expert. This exclusive guide will be customized to your specific home search and help you prepare for your upcoming move to South Carolina.
Information provided courtesy of HomeRoute.
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