Where to Live in South Carolina: The Best Areas for Families

Whether you’re looking for a house or an apartment, a home is where you raise your family, and the location of your new home should be carefully researched to ensure that the area is suitable for your needs. The decision of where to live can be tricky. Should you live in the city or the suburbs? What about a rural area? How big should the property be? Where are the best schools? 

South Carolina is one of the most diverse states in the country. From small towns to big cities, there are plenty of places to live. Whether you’re looking for a coastal town or a more rural area, South Carolina has it all, from historic town centers and mountains to spectacular beaches and rivers. Deciding where you want to live and raise your family can be challenging, but this guide is here to help you make an informed decision. We’ve compiled the best places in South Carolina for families so that you can provide your children with the best education in a safe place to live while having plenty of job opportunities for you and your partner.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a great place to live for families, young professionals, and retirees alike, with plenty of neighborhoods to choose from to suit your needs. If you’re looking for somewhere full of trees and greenery that will provide your children with a great place to play and learn, Battery Point may be the ideal neighborhood for you. However, if you want somewhere a little larger that can still offer a community spirit brimming with southern charm, then you might be more at home in Newpoint. There are many neighborhoods and towns to choose from in Beaufort, with a population just shy of 200,000 in Beaufort County.

Lexington

Over the last three decades, Lexington has boomed from a sleepy little town to one of the fastest-growing places in South Carolina. Lexington has some of the most top-rated schools in South Carolina, which is why it is a favorite for many young families or couples looking to start their families. With exciting education options, you also get great choices in housing as Lexington has many state-of-the-art homes that will make your lives easier; anything that can ease the stress of raising a family in today’s busy world is a plus. 

Many people love older homes for their character, but a modern new build can provide you with style and luxury while using technology to make your everyday routines a breeze. When searching for a home for your family, it can be challenging to know where to start, and if you need expert advice or inspiration for where to live in South Carolina, you can learn more at EZ Home Search. They offer a range of properties, so you can find one that suits you. 

Fort Mill

If you’re looking for somewhere that can provide you with a quiet life while still offering the luxuries of modern living alongside beautiful historic buildings, Fort Mill may be the place for you. Fort Mill is a picturesque town with plenty to offer your family, such as miles of natural hiking trails that you could walk, bike, or ride a horse on, which will be a great way to bond as a family. You also have access to many boutiques, restaurants, and other activities to keep you and your family entertained in your downtime, and it is only a short drive from Charlotte in North Carolina, which means you can enjoy the small-town living while being close to big city amenities. 

Rock Hill

When you want big city living but also want the benefit of plenty of space, Rock Hill is the ideal location. Rock Hill has a population of 76,228 and is one of the largest cities in the State, but that doesn’t mean that living here will feel cramped or hectic. Rock Hill has plenty of space that makes you feel like you’re living in the rural countryside while having everything you expect a big city to provide. You can enjoy numerous outdoor activities, such as BMX biking, watersports, festivals, and football, which will help you keep your family active and healthy. 

Newberry

Newberry is a small town with a growing economy, excellent schools, and spectacular natural surroundings for beautiful views from your bedroom window every morning. Newberry is a popular place to call home, with many families, young professionals, and retirees flocking to the area for a good quality of life and a pleasant climate. This is another town with a low cost of living which will help you grow your savings without having to work longer hours. As a result of not needing to work overtime to increase your nest egg, you’ll have more time for your family, which means you can spend the time exploring this gorgeous town and taking part in the wonderful activities they have on offer.

Myrtle Beach

Another great location that is perfect for families, retirees, and young professionals alike, Myrtle Beach can provide your children with an excellent education from elementary all the way through to college. As a popular tourist spot, Myrtle Beach also has plenty of amenities and activities for your family to enjoy at the weekends or after school. Myrtle Beach is a beautiful location, surrounded by an unspoiled landscape, which will make the pictures you send to friends and family look like you’re living in a paradise. 

Bluffton

With mild weather and gorgeous views of the May River, Bluffton is an idyllic, sleepy town for your family to settle down in and grow. However, just because Bluffton is a tranquil town doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on for you or your family to enjoy. There’s plenty of activities to have fun with and places to go, such as the beach, watersports, restaurants, and shopping, but there’s also a thriving art scene that will provide you with a great way to teach your kids about the art world and bring some culture into their lives.

Gaffney

Another great small town for families is Gaffney. Gaffney has fantastic academic options for your children with excellent ratings from both parents and students, which is great news if you have older children and were worried about how well they would assimilate. Additionally, the cost of living in Gaffney is lower than the national average, which makes it a fantastic place to build your savings and college funds.

Greenville

Greenville is a beautiful place to live and is located between two major hubs; Atlanta and Charlotte. With a charming downtown brimming with activities for you and your family, Greenville is often seen as the perfect place for families as it is only a short commute to Atlanta and Charlotte, which provides you with more job opportunities while reaping the benefits of living in a smaller town. Greenville’s high median income also makes it a great place for specialties professions; including a great place to become a South Carolina car accident attorney or doctor. 

Conway

For that perfect small-town vibe with beautiful historic buildings and a laid-back lifestyle, Conway is the town for you. As one of the oldest towns in the United States, Conway offers a charming, picturesque place to live while also having great education links and a growing job market.

Moncks Corner

Moncks Corner has a strong family-orientated vibe and is the perfect place to raise your budding family. Located in Berkeley County and with a population of 13,138, Moncks Corner is a quiet town with good schools and plenty of activities for your family to enjoy, such as walking trails, boating adventures, and canoe rentals.

Photo by Clint Patterson on Unsplash