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27 Pros and Cons of Living in South Carolina in 2024
Have you wondered about the pros and cons of living in South Carolina? You’re not alone!
South Carolina was the 3rd most popular state to move to, and for good reason!
With a mild climate, mouthwatering food, and a myriad of outdoor activities, people are falling in love with the Palmetto State.
I’ve lived in over 20 cities in the last 10 years, so I know what to look for when moving to a new place.
Let’s talk about all the pros and cons of living in South Carolina.
🛫 Planning to live in South Carolina? Book your affordable flight tickets here!
1. Pro: Beaches and Mountains
There is beautiful nature to enjoy on each side of South Carolina. The northernmost point of South Carolina is dominated by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the coastal plain along the south leads to spectacular beaches, inlets, and islands of South Carolina.
You can go from the sandy beaches of Charleston to the mountain views of Caesar’s Head State Park in less than 4 hours.
One of the disadvantages of living in South Carolina is that low-lying areas (such as the coastal plain) are at risk of flooding.
2. Con: Flooding is a Real Possibility
South Carolina is making adaptations to lower flood risks in local communities, including flood walls, updated building codes, and better zoning, but these changes are slow in implementation.
If you live on the coast, you’ll want to get good flood insurance in these parts of the state.
3. Pro: Enticingly Mild Winters
South Carolina winters have the Goldilocks motto: “not too hot and not too cold.”
From December to February temperatures range from 8.3°C (47°F) to 11.1°C (57°F), with some days rising around 15°C (60°F) and rarely staying below freezing. These mild winters are a benefit to living in South Carolina.
People from the northern US love the fact that the north part of South Carolina might have a couple of “big” snows per year (i.e. 4-12 inches) and that it all melts away within a few days.
4. Con: Excessively Hot Summers
Summers in the south are no joke. Starting in May, temperatures rise from around 27°C (80°F) to 35°C (95°F) or higher in July and August.
Ocean breezes help relieve the intensity, but South Carolina summers are known for humidity.
Get used to feeling sweaty from May to October, and embrace the Southern girls’ saying, “We don’t sweat, we glisten.”
Folks in the south appreciate that South Carolina experiences all 4 seasons and is not ridiculously hot all year round.
5. Pro: Environmentally Healthy State
It’s important to feel safe breathing the air and drinking the water. South Carolina ranks #12 for air and water quality in the United States.
Since South Carolina does not have any major industrial centers, air quality is higher and continues to improve in 2023. South Carolina ranked #3 in the nation in water quality with only Alabama and Hawaii coming in ahead.
There are many perks of living in South Carolina, and healthy living is definitely one of the best.
🏨 Get health insurance through Safety Wing before you move to South Carolina!
6. Con: South Carolina is a Stormy State
South Carolina is no stranger to storms. The coasts can be bombarded with devastating weather during hurricane season. And tornados spawn from rapidly moving storm systems in northeast South Carolina.
Hurricane season in the US runs from early June through late November. You can expect to experience heavy rain and stong winds whether the tropical storm makes landfall in South Carolina or a neighboring state.
South Carolina averages 11 tornadoes each year. Most of the tornado activity is concentrated between the Sandhills and the coast of South Carolina.
7. Pro: History is Everywhere
If you are a history buff, South Carolina is the place for you. South Carolina has played a part in every piece of American history. For example;
- Charleston is one of the most historic and charming cities in America.
- Cowpens and Kings Mountain were instrumental sites that helped lead to American independence.
- Boone Plantation and many other plantations have been preserved and restored to tell the story of agriculture and slavery in the south.
- The USS Yorktown is a retired aircraft carrier that is now a fascinating naval museum.
8. Con: Starting Salaries are Low
South Carolina ranks #46 out of 50 for salaries in the US. The average salary for South Carolinians is $49,000 or about $23/hour. This is $6,000 less than the national average for a college graduate.
Want to find the city with the highest-paying jobs? Columbia scores highest for the highest wages. Other cities to look at for higher salaries include Charleston and North (yes, there is a North, South Carolina).
👩🏻💻 Looking for a job in South Carolina? Check out this site and find your dream job!
9. Pro: Low Cost of Living
Even though salaries may be low in South Carolina, the cost of living is also low. Cost of living varies between 4%-10% below the national average.
Housing prices are usually below average, while utility costs jump a little higher than in other states. Food costs are relatively low as well. This allows residents to save money overall and enjoy all that South Carolina has to offer.
10. Con: Sales and Income Taxes
With a state sales tax of 6%, plus local sales tax (which is usually 1%), South Carolina as just average for taxes in relation to other US states.
The state income tax for South Carolinians is about 7%, which is also close to the US medium tax rate.
11. Pro: Property and Retirement Taxes are Great
South Carolina has some great tax benefits later on in life.
When you are thinking of buying a home, South Carolina has one of the lowest property tax percentages in the US. The average property tax rate is 0.55%. This is because owner-occupied residences are assessed lower than commercial properties or second homes.
Retirees in South Carolina can great tax bonuses because there is no tax on Social Security retirement benefits and seniors can get a $15,000 deduction on taxable income.
12. Con: Drugs are an Issue for South Carolina
With good infrastructure and busy seaports, drug trafficking is common in South Carolina. Local gangs use events such as Myrtle Beach Bike Week to distribute illegal substances throughout the state.
If you are bringing a family to South Carolina, know that drugs are more available that other places in the US and encourage safe coping strategies that do not involve drugs.
13. Pro: Infrastructure is on the Rise
South Carolina has interstates that connect all the major cities within the state and that lead to many major hubs in other states as well. 82% of roads were considered in fair condition or better. Public transportation is also improving in South Carolina.
The Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority has expanded its service into more rural areas in the last few years.
South Carolina Department of Transportation is also looking into the possibilities of a light rail commuter system.
14. Con: Seasonal Allergies are a Problem
South Carolina is one of the worst states for seasonal allergies. The warm climate allows for pollen to spread all year round.
Grass, ragweed, and tree pollens are the top pollen producers.
Studies show that living by the ocean can improve allergy symptoms. The ocean breezes of Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or any other coastal South Carolina town help reduce these allergy issues.
15. Pro: The Food Scene is Delicious and Diverse
South Carolina takes comfort food to a whole new level. From Lowcountry boils to fresh produce in the Upstate, South Carolina takes full advantage of its agriculture and coastlines.
Some of the best food you can eat in South Carolina comes from the sea. Make sure to indulge in shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and raw oysters fresh from the catch.
South Carolina also embraces its African American heritage by savoring the simple yet scrumptious traditional Gullah cuisine. This fare includes rice, vegetables, and seafood prepared and seasoned with soul.
16. Con: Healthcare is Limited to Urban Areas
South Carolina ranked 45th for healthcare in the United States. This is largely due to the lack of available care in rural areas and the lifestyle habits of residents in the state.
Larger cities such as Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville have major medical facilities that can handle a myriad of illnesses and issues. The further away from urban centers, the less medical care is available and access to larger grocery stores and pharmacies.
🏨 Make sure you have access to the best healthcare. Get a quote from Safety Wing today!
17. Pro: Outdoor Activities Abound
South Carolina has plenty of opportunities to get out and have fun outside. Rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking are all popular activities.
There are 47 state parks in South Carolina and 1 national park. The most popular parks among locals are Caesar’s Head State Park, Hunting Island State Park, and Congaree National Park.
18. Con: Southern Charm Isn’t Always Nice
South Carolina is the epitome of southern charm. That sweet southern drawl can be as syrupy as the sweet tea. But don’t be fooled, some southerners can be passive-aggressive with their comebacks.
There is a whole vocabulary that southerners use to get their point across. Although “bless your heart” may show genuine sympathy sometimes, most of the time it’s calling someone stupid.
And if someone says “take your sweet time” then you better hurry up.
19. Pro: Beautiful Beach Towns
South Carolina boasts some of the most beautiful beach towns on the Atlantic coast.
Myrtle Beach is a well-known tourist destination that has over 80 golf courses, hundreds of activities, and 96km (60 miles) of coastline.
Charleston is the jewel of South Carolina. The beaches that surround the city and its neighboring islands are favorites among locals and visitors.
For a quiet and more relaxing experience, Edisto Beach State Park has multiple hiking and biking trails near the coast.
20. Con: Gators
Alligators live in the coastal marshlands of South Carolina and are highly concentrated in Beaufort. About 100,000 alligators call South Carolina home. They are mostly freshwater reptiles that live in lakes, ponds, and swamp areas.
Alligator attacks are very rare, but caution should be used when entering these preditors’ habitat.
You can head to the Upstate if gators are an issue for you. Alligators do not travel further than Columbia, South Carolina.
21. Pro: The Economy is Growing in South Carolina
The economy of South Carolina grew by 2% from 2021 to 2022. It is in the top quarter of states with the largest GDP in 2022.
Job opportunities increase with this economic growth. Some of the leading job sectors in South Carolina include manufacturing, real estate, and retail. The largest employers in the state are Walmart, Prisma Health, and BMW.
There are many job opportunities in South Carolina in a variety of industry sectors.
22. Con: Large Influx of People Makes Things Crowded
Many of the cities, such as Greenville, that used to have a small-town feel, are now developing into urban oases in the rural southern state. Apartment/townhome construction is popping up everywhere, and suburban communities are rapidly being developed on what used to be family farmlands.
Although traffic can’t be compared to places like Atlanta or LA, the roadways of larger cities are feeling the effects of this new larger population.
If you are looking for a small-town feel, head to one of the many smaller communities in South Carolina.
23. Pro: South Carolinians are Kind and Generous People
South Carolinians are very pleasant. People will look you in the eye and greet you with a smile when you pass them in the street. In South Carolina, people enjoy talking to one another and will go out of their way to help someone else.
When you take the time to build community, you will find warm and generous neighbors, colleagues, and community members waiting to welcome you to South Carolina’s true southern charm.
📱Want to meet new faces once you settle in South Carolina? Join Meetup now!
More Pros and Cons of living in South Carolina
24. Con: Beware of Potholes
25. Pro: Wonderful Waterfalls
26. Con: Big Bugs
27. Pro: South Carolina is Safe and Family-Friendly
Wrap-Up: Pros and Cons of Living in South Carolina
South Carolina has exciting opportunities and natural beauty that are irresistible. Whether the Palmetto state is tempting your tastebuds or tapping into your inner adventurer, moving to South Carolina is a great experience for most people!
Despite the disadvantages of living in South Carolina, like poor healthcare and hot summers, South Carolina is becoming one of America’s favorite places to be.
The growing economy and job availabilities as well as alluring tax rates for property owners and retirees are attracting a diverse group of people in every age range.
But if South Carolina doesn’t sound right for you, check out the pros and cons of its next-door neighbor, North Carolina, to see if it may be a better fit!
✈️ Wanna live in South Carolina? Check this site for affordable flights!
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Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
