Best Affordable Places to Live in South Carolina in 2025

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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.

A former stagecoach stop, the Fountain Inn area is best known for historical buildings and a meandering waterfall in Cedar Falls Park. 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 of 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. Families are drawn to Batesburg-Leesville’s strong options for public and private schools.

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 just over half of all 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.

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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.

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 median age in Greenville is currently 35. The city is around 60% white collar residents, with an average salary of approximately $85,000 for those who hold graduate degrees. 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.

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, with its recreational and fellowship offerings.

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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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, and families appreciate the highly rated public and private schools.

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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.