Best Affordable Places to Live in South Carolina in 2024

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Spartanburg offers a wealth of arts and cultural amenities, as well as proximity to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Several colleges and universities are located in the area, and the city is known for its family-friendly vibe.

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Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, one of a cluster of islands just north of Hilton Head. Residents can take advantage of a slower pace of life while still being able to commute to larger cities such as Savannah and Charleston. You’ll find plenty of waterfront activities, restaurants, and historic buildings in the downtown area.

A former stagecoach stop, the Fountain Inn area is best known for historical buildings and a meandering waterfall in Cedar Falls Parks. The town’s proximity to Greenville and Columbia makes it a good option for those looking to commute to these urban areas for work. Recent renovations to its downtown promise a good balance or preservation and growth.

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This town is less than an hour from Columbia, the state capital, making it a great commuter area for those who prefer to reside outside a city. Camping and golfing are just two of the area’s outdoor activities. Batesburg-Leesville also has strong options for public and private schools.

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This quaint beachfront community is the third oldest city in the state. You’ll find a picture-perfect historical area with small businesses (no big chain stores!), and everything that boating and fishing enthusiasts could wish for.

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This gorgeous port city draws crowds eager to explore the quaint cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and historic architecture. Around half of the residents are families. The city offers plenty of all-ages fun, such as parks, cultural sights, and festivals scattered throughout the year. Many public and private schools are rated above average compared to the rest of the state. Commuting within the city and to its suburbs is relatively easy.

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Located on the Catawba River, Rock Hill is a booming city with growing art and dining scenes. Close to Charlotte, North Carolina, and near Interstate 77, Rock Hill offers a convenient commute to the city. It’s a great fit for families because of its peaceful neighborhoods and kid-friendly attractions, such as walking trails, parks, and the Main Street Children’s Museum.

Close to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Fort Mill offers a good balance of city conveniences and suburban hush. Parents will appreciate the area’s many top-rated schools, while kids will be delighted by the expansive nature preserves, minor league basketball team, and Carowinds amusement park.

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In the 1800s, Summerville’s mild, dry climate attracted visitors looking to improve their health. Today, the town offers families — who make up 66.44% of residents — walkable communities and pine-scented parks near the water. Those who intend to commute to Charleston for work can do so easily; Summerville is close to Interstate 95 and other major roadways.

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Located “upstate” near the North Carolina border, Greenville has a bustling downtown area with many family-friendly restaurants, breweries, and shops. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and walking on the 20-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, which hosts an annual half marathon. Around 46% of residents are families.

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As one of the largest cities in the state, Charleston offers plenty of amenities for young professionals, such as trendy restaurants, cultural attractions, and festivals. Commuting throughout the city is easy, and neighboring beaches are within reach for a summer day trip. Residents ages 25 to 44 make a median of $86,889.

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Clemson is home to many young professionals who enjoy the balance of urban and suburban life. Not surprising for a college town, trendy restaurants and bars abound. Hard workers who want to relax can head to the South Carolina Botanical Garden, Fort Hill Plantation, or Lake Hartwell, a popular recreation area.

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The capital city has much to draw young professionals, from job opportunities to post-work entertainment. You’ll find music venues, an opera house, a philharmonic orchestra, and a number of museums. The Congaree Vista, formerly a warehouse district, has been revitalized with art galleries, shops, and restaurants. 85.6% of residents are white collar workers, and those between 25 and 44 years old earn a median salary of $54,211.

Considered a suburb of Myrtle Beach, Socastee offers affordable housing and wild outdoor settings. The Intracoastal Waterway runs through the city, making the area a destination for water sports enthusiasts, and the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge draws hunters, fishers, and photographers to its wetlands. Downtown, you’ll find a wealth of casual restaurants and bars.

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Greenville has everything young adults could want, from jobs with high-profile companies to a great bar scene and outdoor activities galore. The city is around 86% white collar residents, with a median salary of $66,151 of those aged 24 to 44. Much of the action can be found on Main Street, but hotspots are popping up in less commercial areas all the time.

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Murrells Inlet is several miles from Myrtle Beach, so retirees can enjoy the Coastal Grandma lifestyle without the attendant tourists. This quiet community also has some of the best seafood in the state and several assisted living facilities.

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Regularly voted one of the best vacation spots in the world, it stands to reason that retirees enjoy the small island’s beaches and golf courses. Hilton Head has one of the largest populations of retirees, with a median age of 59. The area is very bike friendly, to the point where locals often leave their cars at home.

Anderson is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the northwest part of the state. It earned the nickname the “Electric City” for its pioneering use of hydroelectric power. Anderson offers many cultural attractions and top-notch medical facilities as well as the popular Anderson County Senior Citizens Program. The late actor Chadwick Boseman hailed from Anderson.

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Considered a suburb of Myrtle Beach, Garden City Beach offers a slower pace while still providing access to the amenities of more busy areas nearby. Many families return year after year to enjoy the beaches and festive atmosphere. The area is also a prime spot for fishing, crabbing, and watersports.

Another suburb of Myrtle Beach, Little River is a quiet town that hosts many retirees. The picturesque fishing community is the oldest of the 14 villages along the Grand Strand. Thanks to a cluster of restaurants and shops on the riverfront — the Little River serves as a natural border between North and South Carolina — residents can stay local or drive over the bridge to Myrtle Beach for more action.

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One of the best known beach areas in the south, Myrtle Beach has a lot to offer. Its best-of-both-worlds location means you’re near amenities like dinner theater and museums but just a short drive from quieter neighborhoods and natural settings (and golf!). A popular resort area, the coast features classic attractions like a boardwalk, aquarium, arcades, an amusement park, and a famous Ferris wheel.

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Offering many dining options, Mount Pleasant is close to Charleston and the more expensive Isle of Palms. While the vibe is decidedly low-key, the area still sports a range of amenities from restaurants and coffee shops to parks and a gorgeous, walkable strand.

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Situated close to the Georgia border, Beaufort is a small town near the beach offering many restaurants and shopping options in the downtown area. You’ll find festivals and cultural events throughout the year, as well as highly rated public and private schools for families.

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Torn between the beach and the inland countryside? This small coastal town has a decidedly rural feel. Plus, Murrells Inlet sits between urban Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, providing stimulating day trips. If your interests lean toward sunset cruises and walking trails, however, you may never feel the need to leave this town.

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Folly Beach is another small coastal town, situated on Folly Island, great for those who want to live in a more rural setting. Residents can visit nearby islands to observe wildlife (including pelicans galore) and an 1800s lighthouse or drive to Charleston for a taste of culture.