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South Carolina Communities Make the Livin’ Easy

There's truly something for everyone in the Palmetto State.

By Jessica Walker Boehm on August 10, 2018

South Carolina
South Carolina / Courtesy of traveler1116

Living in South Carolina comes with dozens of advantages – a mild climate, an affordable cost of living and plenty of job opportunities, just to name a few. Residents enjoy an unparalleled quality of life that makes putting down roots in the Palmetto State an easy choice.

In addition, the state is filled with diverse cities and communities that cater to nearly every interest, which means there’s a perfect place for just about everyone.

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Charleston is a favorite destination for millennials, thanks to its technology-driven, entrepreneurial economy, as well as its wide variety of nightlife and cuisine options. Also drawing millennials are Greenville and Rock Hill; formerly dominated by the textile industry, both cities now offer thriving downtowns and are within easy reach of many of the state’s top employers.

Young families are typically drawn to the state’s suburban communities near large metro areas, such as Fort Mill, Clemson, Mount Pleasant and Greer, all of which have great schools, affordable housing and high-quality amenities.

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Fort Mill lays claim to beautiful parks and green spaces, such as the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve providing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and more. It also has a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants and shops, and the tight-knit community comes together throughout the year for special events like the South Carolina Strawberry Festival, and music and movies in Walter Elisha Park.

“Fort Mill is an exceptional place for young couples and families because it is a safe, beautiful and fun place to live and raise a family,†says Dennis Pieper, Town of Fort Mill town manager. “It is close to major work centers and has so much to offer people of all ages.”

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Finally, South Carolina is also a top choice for retirees, as it lays claim to places like Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach, each known for fun in the sun, excellent golf courses and plenty of natural beauty. Another great retirement destination is Beaufort, a charming town in the Lowcountry with a 304-acre National Historic District.

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The Palmetto State is known for its can’t-miss culinary scene, which includes an array of barbecue joints like Cannon’s Barbecue in Little Mountain, Henry’s Smokehouse in Greenville and Jackie Hite’s Bar-B-Que in Leesville. Known to many as the birthplace of American barbecue, South Carolina is the only state in the U.S. that has four official barbecue sauces, including a mustard-based sauce that is unique to the state. A free South Carolina BBQ Trail Map with more than 220 family-friendly restaurants is available for those who wish to try every ‘cue variety the state has to offer.

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Additionally, South Carolina is home to several craft breweries, wineries and other beverage-makers, creating drinks like sweet tea and Blenheim Ginger Ale. As a result, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism – also known as Discover South Carolina –  recently created the free South Carolina Satisfy Your Thirst Tour Guide that maps out a beverage-centric excursion across the state and is available via a smartphone app and a downloadable map.

“The Satisfy Your Thirst SC Tour is a collection of the numerous ‘liquid locations’ found throughout the state, including both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages,†says Kim Jamieson, public relations manager for Discover South Carolina. “From breweries and distilleries to wineries, dairy farms and more, the Satisfy Your Thirst SC Tour provides resourceful information for visitors and locals alike on the many beverages made right here in South Carolina, as well as details on how they can tour, taste and support the state’s many outstanding and talented makers.”

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Eager to enjoy the great outdoors? You’re in luck. South Carolina has a seemingly endless range of outdoor opportunities, including challenging golf courses, pristine beaches, mountains and state parks.

“One of the best attributes of South Carolina is the size of the state,†Jamieson says. “A visitor can experience the Lowcountry and in the same day travel to the Upstate and have a very different experience. From our numerous outdoor activities and offerings to our unique art scene, diverse culture, delicious cuisine and rich history, the state truly has something for everyone.”

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