The 3 Reasons Why You Should Be Putting Down Roots in South Carolina

Whether it’s the low cost of living, safe neighborhoods, or the abundance of outdoor attractions, there are plenty of reasons why South Carolina is one of the best places to raise a family. If you’re thinking of relocating to the Palmetto State to raise your kids, here are some reasons why South Carolina is where you should be putting down roots. 

Quality of Life in South Carolina

Generally speaking, South Carolina offers a high quality of life. Just like any state, there are places that rank below average in some areas, and others that rank above average. For the most part, South Carolina has several things going for it, including affordable housing and a competitive, growing job market. 

Education is always an important factor when considering where to raise a family. Keep these top school districts in South Carolina in mind when deciding to put down roots:

• Fort Mill School District
• Lexington-Richland School District 5
• Clover School District
• Greenville County School District
• Charleston County School District

Outdoor recreation plays a large role in the quality of life for South Carolina. We will touch on this topic later in this article, but it’s important to note that many cities in South Carolina are extremely bike-friendly. Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg, and Greenville are some of the most bike-friendly cities in the state. The epic 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail is a perfect recreational trail that also doubles as a commuting route. South Carolina’s Palmetto Trail, when complete, will stretch for nearly 500 miles from the coast to the mountains. 416 of the 500 miles have been completed so far, and the project is near completion!

Affordability and Cost of Living in South Carolina

One of the main reasons to live in South Carolina is its affordability. The cost of living is generally 6 to 11 percent lower than the national average, making it a budget-friendly state for housing, groceries, and utilities. The average rent in South Carolina is around $1,800, and the average home prices hover just under $300,000. Of course, major cities are outliers, with Charleston being more expensive. You can still find affordable options in cities like Columbia, which offers a more budget-friendly cost of living. 

Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty in South Carolina

South Carolina’s natural beauty is another key factor to consider when planting familial roots. We all want the next generation to experience the Great Outdoors, and South Carolina has such a diverse landscape that it’s really hard to beat! The state is divided into three main geographic regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you want to experience a day on the beach or the mountaintop views from Table Rock, there’s truly something for everyone. 

Another important factor is the climate. South Carolina’s subtropical climate makes for some hot and humid summers, but also mild winters. If you grew up shoveling snow and would rather not pass that on to the next generation, South Carolina is the place to be. It certainly doesn’t see the snowfall that its neighbors do. Plus, you can always take a short drive over to North Carolina to enjoy any winter activities like skiing, tubing, or just a magical winter hike through the snow. 

It's the perfect state to live in if you want a bit of everything when it comes to outdoor attractions. You can drive to the beach in the summer, go apple picking in the fall, enjoy a mild winter, and hit all of the incredible hiking trails in the spring and watch the beautiful wildflowers bloom.

Come visit South Carolina and see for yourself! Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. We promise, after a day or two exploring the state, you could easily see yourself living here and raising a family.