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Transparent & data-driven

How We Ranked the Best Cities

Each city is scored against the state average on five weighted factors, normalized to control for regional cost differences and market size. Home prices, rents, and inventory come straight from Houzeo's live MLS feed; everything else is sourced from verified government datasets.

Scoring weights

  • Affordability30%

    Median home price, price per sq ft & rent relative to local incomes vs. the state average.

  • Safety & crime25%

    Violent and property crime rates per capita from FBI reporting vs. the state average.

  • Jobs & income20%

    Median household income, employment levels & job stability vs. the state average.

  • Housing & inventory15%

    Active listings, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.

  • Lifestyle & amenities10%

    Schools, walkability, commute times & access to everyday amenities — the tiebreaker.

Your New Home is Waiting for You in South Carolina

Top 3 Best Places to Retire in South Carolina

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Top 3 Best Places to Live in South Carolina for Families

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Top 3 Best Places to Live in South Carolina for Young Adults

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Best Affordable Places to Live in South Carolina

If you're searching for South Carolina cities that balance lower home prices with a reasonable cost of living, these options are a good place to start. They offer steady job access, essential amenities, and housing that fits a wider range of budgets. For more options, see our full list of the most affordable places to live in South Carolina.

CityMedian Home PriceMedian RentCost of Living vs. State Avg.Affordability Score
Bennetsville $147,450$850arrow 13% lower8.4/10
Union $155,800$631arrow 9% lower8.4/10
Dillon $201,500$1,016arrow 26% lower8.2/10
Orangeburg $199,999$1,103arrow 12% lower7.7/10
Newberry $172,450$1,200arrow 10% lower7.5/10

Safest Places to Live in South Carolina

Safety is a top concern for many people moving to South Carolina. These cities rank among the safest based on the latest FBI crime data. They report lower rates of violent and property crime than the state average. You can see the full list in our safest places to live in South Carolina rankings.

Rank#1

Wellford

89/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#2

Fort Mill

88/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#3

Tega Cay

87/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#4

Lyman

87/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#5

Clover

83/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Based on information from the Western Upstate MLS through Sep 12, 2026, 8:00 PM. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Neither the Western Upstate Association of REALTORS® Inc. or the Western Upstate MLS of South Carolina Inc., nor the listing broker, nor their agents are responsible for the accuracy of the information. The buyer is responsible for verifying all information. This information is provided by the Western Upstate Association of REALTORS® Inc. and the Western Upstate MLS of South Carolina Inc. for use by its members and is not intended for the use for any other purpose. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity Program of the Western Upstate Association of REALTORS® Inc. and the Western Upstate MLS of South Carolina Inc. © 2026 Western Upstate MLS of South Carolina Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Based on information from the Multiple Listing Service of Greenville, South Carolina, Inc. through Sep 12, 2026, 8:00 PM. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use, it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing, and that the data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The listing broker’s offer of compensation is made only to participants of the MLS where the listing is filed.

Important Legal Disclosures

MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.