Best Places to Live in South Carolina

Mount Pleasant ranks among the best places to live in South Carolina for families. This Charleston suburb costs more but delivers top-tier schools and amenities. Education and healthcare jobs average $68K. Isle of Palms beaches sit minutes away from the City Center. Wando High ranks among South Carolina's best, and Academic Magnet draws elite students. I-526 and Charleston International Airport keep the area well connected.

Charleston regularly tops rankings of the best places to live in South Carolina. Tech companies like Blackbaud and major employers like Boeing fuel the economy. Average salaries reach $65K and above. West Ashley offers solid schools. Downtown and King Street pull young professionals, while Park Circle delivers nightlife and rooftop bars. The restaurant scene rivals any Southern city.

Summerville is listed among the best places to live in South Carolina for affordability near Charleston. Known as "Flowertown in the Pines," it offers coastal access without coastal pricing. Nexton brings new-urbanist planning, while Cane Bay features master-planned neighborhoods. Young families dominate the Summerville landscape. Retail and healthcare jobs average $55K. Fort Dorchester High continues to improve, while Summerville High trails Mount Pleasant schools. The Azalea Festival preserves small-town charm.

Rock Hill is often cited as one of the best places to live in South Carolina near Charlotte. The city offers metro access at lower prices, with Charlotte just 25 minutes north. Manufacturing and healthcare anchor jobs. I-77 simplifies commuting along the City. Families choose Rock Hill for larger lots and quieter neighborhoods. Glencairn Garden hosts weekend picnics. Northwestern High and South Pointe High provide solid education. A growing Hispanic population brings authentic Mexican food to town. Summers turn hot and sticky fuelling some water fun at Lake Murray.

Often ranked among the best places to live in South Carolina, Greenville blends a walkable downtown with strong job growth. Falls Park anchors the city, while Main Street delivers James Beard–nominated restaurants. BMW's headquarters fuels manufacturing jobs, and Fluor adds corporate roles. Summers reach 90°F with thick humidity, but the Blue Ridge Mountains sit just 90 minutes away. The West End hosts South Carolina's LGBTQ+ scene. J.L. Mann High ranks among the state's best public high schools. I-85 and GSP Airport keep Greenville connected statewide and beyond.

Myrtle Beach ranks among the best South Carolina cities to live for beach access and entertainment. Tourism dominates the economy, with jobs peaking in summer and slowing in winter. Hospitality salaries average $52K, supporting the lakefront living. Carolina Forest avoids hotel strips, while Market Common feels more upscale. Broadway at the Beach keeps families entertained, and more than 100 golf courses dot the region.

Spartanburg is emerging as one of the most affordable places to live in South Carolina. BMW suppliers power the economy, and Denny's operates its headquarters here. Healthcare jobs average $56K. Downtown features historic homes, while Converse Heights offers stronger schools. The city feels grittier than Greenville, with visible working-class roots. Summer heat indexes top 100°F, perfect for a cool swim. I-85 and I-26 intersect here, attracting logistics employers.

Lexington consistently appears on lists of the best cities to live in South Carolina for families. Life centers on Lake Murray, with neighborhoods wrapping around boat slips. Downtown Columbia is only 15 minutes away. Healthcare and education anchor jobs, with average salaries near $58K. Lexington High and River Bluff High outperform state standards. Vietnamese and Korean restaurants reflect growing communities.

As the capital, Columbia combines stability with college energy, making it one of the best places to live in South Carolina. The city anchors employment with government and education jobs averaging $60K. USC enrolls 35,000 students annually infusing the area with young energy. Forest Acres attracts families, Shandon offers tree-lined streets, and Five Points draws young professionals. The Vista features breweries and live music.

Hilton Head Island stands out as one of the best places to live in South Carolina for coastal luxury. Golf communities meet Atlantic beaches, and hospitality and real estate drive the economy. Average salaries hover around $62K. Strict building codes ban high-rises, preserving Spanish moss views instead of towers. Palmetto Dunes attracts retirees, while Sea Pines appeals to families. Savannah's airport is 45 minutes away, and a 12-mile bike path connects the island.