Residents Can Have it All in South Carolina
South Carolina is the perfect place to live, work and play.
As a place where you can grow your career, live a comfortable, laid-back lifestyle and enjoy a plethora of entertainment options, South Carolina has become a popular relocation destination for people of all ages. For many, it takes just one visit, and they’re hooked. Here’s a closer look at this state’s attractive amenities.
In This Article
Career Opportunities
South Carolina has a range of job opportunities in various fields and levels, whether you’re looking for your first job, venturing out as an entrepreneur or growing your career. The state’s major industries include advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, aerospace, agribusiness, automotive, distribution and logistics, electric vehicles, and life sciences, among numerous other sectors like education and health care. Plus, well-known companies like Amazon, Boeing and Michelin have hubs in the state.
Cost of Living
Affordable living options can be found throughout the state, with overall costs well below the national average. Housing prices are 79% of the U.S. average, and according to Zillow, the typical home value in the state is $280,600 compared to $790,400 in California and $759,900 in New York. Additionally, the state boasts a large variety of housing styles and sizes, meaning people can find the perfect home for their needs and lifestyle.
Entertainment
The state is filled to the brim with entertainment options that meet everyone’s interests, from live music and exquisite dining to kids’ activities and attractions for history buffs. Adding to the state’s variation are the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest, beaches in the east, and both big cities and quaint towns sprinkled in between.
A state known for its history, Sullivan’s Island boasts Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. And many communities in the state offer plantation tours, which, in recent years, have centered on Black voices and provided an ethical guide to the past. However, the main draw for history buffs is Charleston’s Historic District, which combines gorgeous architecture, mementos from the past, and modern-day shops and restaurants.
As for those who fancy a little creative flare, the state’s diverse arts scene delivers. A few must-visit locations include the Columbia Museum of Art and the South Carolina State Museum, as well as the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston and the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach.
Sports fans also have plenty to keep them entertained here, as the state boasts numerous minor league and college teams, such as the Clemson Tigers, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and the South Carolina Gamecocks. And The Palmetto State is a golfer’s paradise. Here, you’ll find some of the best courses in the country, like the Hilton Head National Golf Club. Watersports are a no-brainer. Go for a nice swim, relax in the sand or sway with the waves as you glide across the water on a boat. More adrenaline-pumping activities, like jet-skiing, paragliding and deep-sea fishing, are also available.
South Carolina also offers ample family-friendly activities like the Hollywood Wax Museum or the Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach. Zoos are always a hit with the kiddos, too, which you can find in Greenville and Columbia, and Charleston has the South Carolina Aquarium, which you and your family won’t want to miss.
Get Active
South Carolina is bursting with opportunities for residents to get outside and walk, bike or hike. It’s home to 47 state parks, the Blue Ridge Mountains and 187 miles of the Atlantic Ocean coastline. In addition, its mild temperatures allow you to enjoy the outdoors almost all year.
A few places locals love include the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, a greenway in Greenville that runs along the Reedy River; Three Rivers Greenway, which spans West Columbia, Cayce and Columbia, running 15.5 miles; and Hilton Head Island, which is home to more than 60 miles of paths and trails.
If you’d like to learn more about South Carolina, check out the latest edition of South Carolina Business Climate.