Best places to live in South Carolina
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in South Carolina
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in South Carolina using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
1 / 25
realtor.com
#25. Charleston
- Population: 135,257
- Median home value: $330,600 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,257 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $68,438
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Berkeley County Middle College High School (A)
- Top private schools: Porter-Gaud School (A+), Ashley Hall School (A+), Bishop England High School (A)
- Pictured: 50 and 52 Murray Blvd, Charleston ($11.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $330,600 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,257 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $68,438
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Berkeley County Middle College High School (A)
- Top private schools: Porter-Gaud School (A+), Ashley Hall School (A+), Bishop England High School (A)
- Pictured: 50 and 52 Murray Blvd, Charleston ($11.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
2 / 25
realtor.com
#24. Cayce
- Population: 13,600
- Median home value: $129,900 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,001 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $52,582
- Top public schools: Dreher High School (A), Brockman Elementary School (A-), White Knoll Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (A+)
- Pictured: 1207 Congaree Bluff Ct, Columbia ($510,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $129,900 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,001 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $52,582
- Top public schools: Dreher High School (A), Brockman Elementary School (A-), White Knoll Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (A+)
- Pictured: 1207 Congaree Bluff Ct, Columbia ($510,000, 3 bedrooms)
3 / 25
realtor.com
#23. Mauldin
- Population: 25,217
- Median home value: $163,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,002 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $67,860
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Mauldin Christian Academy (unavailable), Montessori School of Mauldin (unavailable), Mauldin United Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 500 Taylor Rd, Greenville ($895,607, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $163,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,002 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $67,860
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Mauldin Christian Academy (unavailable), Montessori School of Mauldin (unavailable), Mauldin United Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 500 Taylor Rd, Greenville ($895,607, 4 bedrooms)
4 / 25
realtor.com
#22. James Island
- Population: 12,076
- Median home value: $300,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,374 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $81,674
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 608 N Shore Dr, Charleston ($3.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $300,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,374 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $81,674
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 608 N Shore Dr, Charleston ($3.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
5 / 25
realtor.com
#21. Simpsonville
- Population: 22,234
- Median home value: $173,400 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,059 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $71,990
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Simpsonville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 455 McKinney Rd, Simpsonville ($10.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $173,400 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,059 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $71,990
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Simpsonville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 455 McKinney Rd, Simpsonville ($10.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
6 / 25
realtor.com
#20. Taylors
- Population: 22,230
- Median home value: $165,200 (73% own)
- Median rent: $917 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $61,667
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Prince of Peace Catholic School (unavailable), Taylors First Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Taylors (unavailable)
- Pictured: 410 Old Batson Rd, Taylors ($825,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,200 (73% own)
- Median rent: $917 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $61,667
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Prince of Peace Catholic School (unavailable), Taylors First Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Taylors (unavailable)
- Pictured: 410 Old Batson Rd, Taylors ($825,000, 4 bedrooms)
7 / 25
realtor.com
#19. Isle of Palms
- Population: 4,360
- Median home value: $852,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,994 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $122,228
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Pictured: 3908 Palm Blvd, Isle Of Palms ($8.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $852,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,994 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $122,228
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Pictured: 3908 Palm Blvd, Isle Of Palms ($8.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
8 / 25
realtor.com
#18. Blythewood
- Population: 3,324
- Median home value: $284,900 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,792 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $104,049
- Top public schools: Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School (A), Blythewood High School (A), Langford Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 252 Brookwood Forest Dr, Blythewood ($719,900, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $284,900 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,792 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $104,049
- Top public schools: Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School (A), Blythewood High School (A), Langford Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 252 Brookwood Forest Dr, Blythewood ($719,900, 6 bedrooms)
9 / 25
realtor.com
#17. Greenville
- Population: 67,737
- Median home value: $292,400 (44% own)
- Median rent: $984 (56% rent)
- Median household income: $56,609
- Top public schools: SC Governor's School for Arts & Humanities (A+), Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A)
- Top private schools: Christ Church Episcopal School (A+), Bob Jones Academy (A-), First Presbyterian Academy - Downtown (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1908 Roe Ford Rd, Greenville ($4.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $292,400 (44% own)
- Median rent: $984 (56% rent)
- Median household income: $56,609
- Top public schools: SC Governor's School for Arts & Humanities (A+), Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A)
- Top private schools: Christ Church Episcopal School (A+), Bob Jones Academy (A-), First Presbyterian Academy - Downtown (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1908 Roe Ford Rd, Greenville ($4.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
10 / 25
realtor.com
#16. Wade Hampton
- Population: 20,906
- Median home value: $185,900 (63% own)
- Median rent: $907 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $54,331
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Mitchell Road Christian Academy (unavailable), Edward Road Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable), John Knox Weekday Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 501 Terra Creek Ct, Greenville ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $185,900 (63% own)
- Median rent: $907 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $54,331
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Mitchell Road Christian Academy (unavailable), Edward Road Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable), John Knox Weekday Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 501 Terra Creek Ct, Greenville ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
11 / 25
realtor.com
#15. India Hook
- Population: 4,006
- Median home value: $199,400 (96% own)
- Median rent: $934 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $87,897
- Top public schools: Oakridge Middle School (A), Bethel Elementary School (A-), Clover High School (A-)
- Pictured: 118 Lake Commons Dr, Rock Hill ($380,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $199,400 (96% own)
- Median rent: $934 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $87,897
- Top public schools: Oakridge Middle School (A), Bethel Elementary School (A-), Clover High School (A-)
- Pictured: 118 Lake Commons Dr, Rock Hill ($380,000, 4 bedrooms)
12 / 25
realtor.com
#14. Seven Oaks
- Population: 15,484
- Median home value: $150,100 (62% own)
- Median rent: $937 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $56,048
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Nursery Road Elementary School (A), Crossroads Intermediate (A)
- Pictured: 407 Lydgate Dr, Columbia ($249,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $150,100 (62% own)
- Median rent: $937 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $56,048
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Nursery Road Elementary School (A), Crossroads Intermediate (A)
- Pictured: 407 Lydgate Dr, Columbia ($249,000, 4 bedrooms)
13 / 25
realtor.com
#13. Sullivan's Island
- Population: 2,203
- Median home value: $1,773,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,167 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $136,528
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Pictured: 2429 Atlantic Ave, Sullivans Island ($8.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,773,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,167 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $136,528
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Pictured: 2429 Atlantic Ave, Sullivans Island ($8.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
14 / 25
realtor.com
#12. Powdersville
- Population: 9,632
- Median home value: $188,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $816 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $67,424
- Top public schools: Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Powdersville Middle School (A), Powdersville Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 102 Ivy Woods Dr, Easley ($929,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $188,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $816 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $67,424
- Top public schools: Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Powdersville Middle School (A), Powdersville Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 102 Ivy Woods Dr, Easley ($929,000, 5 bedrooms)
15 / 25
realtor.com
#11. Reidville
- Population: 1,002
- Median home value: $222,100 (88% own)
- Median rent: $756 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $96,875
- Top public schools: Reidville Elementary School (A), Berry Shoals Intermediate School (A-), Florence Chapel Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 11 Hanlon Dr, Woodruff ($414,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $222,100 (88% own)
- Median rent: $756 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $96,875
- Top public schools: Reidville Elementary School (A), Berry Shoals Intermediate School (A-), Florence Chapel Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 11 Hanlon Dr, Woodruff ($414,900, 5 bedrooms)
16 / 25
realtor.com
#10. Lake Wylie
- Population: 12,885
- Median home value: $322,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,156 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $99,335
- Top public schools: Crowders Creek Elementary School (A), Oakridge Middle School (A), Bethel Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Lake Wylie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 207 Riverview Ter, Lake Wylie ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $322,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,156 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $99,335
- Top public schools: Crowders Creek Elementary School (A), Oakridge Middle School (A), Bethel Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Lake Wylie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 207 Riverview Ter, Lake Wylie ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
17 / 25
realtor.com
#9. Clemson
- Population: 16,463
- Median home value: $236,500 (42% own)
- Median rent: $928 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $43,568
- Top public schools: D.W. Daniel High School (A), Clemson Elementary School (A), R.C. Edwards Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Clemson Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 612 Pershing Ave, Clemson ($795,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $236,500 (42% own)
- Median rent: $928 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $43,568
- Top public schools: D.W. Daniel High School (A), Clemson Elementary School (A), R.C. Edwards Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Clemson Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 612 Pershing Ave, Clemson ($795,000, 6 bedrooms)
18 / 25
realtor.com
#8. Lexington
- Population: 21,334
- Median home value: $190,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $72,996
- Top public schools: River Bluff High School (A), Meadow Glen Elementary School (A), New Providence Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Northside Christian Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 144 Harbra Ct, Lexington ($1.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $190,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $72,996
- Top public schools: River Bluff High School (A), Meadow Glen Elementary School (A), New Providence Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Northside Christian Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 144 Harbra Ct, Lexington ($1.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
19 / 25
realtor.com
#7. Mount Pleasant
- Population: 86,982
- Median home value: $461,000 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,629 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $103,232
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Top private schools: Palmetto Christian Academy (A-), Coastal Christian Preparatory School (A), University School of the Lowcountry (B)
- Pictured: 109 Center St, Mount Pleasant ($5.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $461,000 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,629 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $103,232
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Top private schools: Palmetto Christian Academy (A-), Coastal Christian Preparatory School (A), University School of the Lowcountry (B)
- Pictured: 109 Center St, Mount Pleasant ($5.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
20 / 25
realtor.com
#6. Irmo
- Population: 12,215
- Median home value: $125,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,126 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $66,313
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Dutch Fork High School (A+), Ballentine Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Union United Methodist Church Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10516 Broad River Rd, Irmo ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $125,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,126 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $66,313
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Dutch Fork High School (A+), Ballentine Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Union United Methodist Church Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10516 Broad River Rd, Irmo ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
21 / 25
realtor.com
#5. Five Forks
- Population: 17,844
- Median home value: $300,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,635 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $114,049
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Southside Christian School (A), Greenville Classical Academy (B), Hope Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 209 Privello Pl, Simpsonville ($2.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $300,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,635 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $114,049
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Southside Christian School (A), Greenville Classical Academy (B), Hope Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 209 Privello Pl, Simpsonville ($2.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
22 / 25
realtor.com
#4. Fort Mill
- Population: 17,692
- Median home value: $289,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,073 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $91,061
- Top public schools: Pleasant Knoll Middle (A+), Pleasant Knoll Elementary School (A+), Springfield Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Fort Mill (unavailable)
- Pictured: 506 Blandwood Ct, Fort Mill ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $289,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,073 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $91,061
- Top public schools: Pleasant Knoll Middle (A+), Pleasant Knoll Elementary School (A+), Springfield Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Fort Mill (unavailable)
- Pictured: 506 Blandwood Ct, Fort Mill ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
23 / 25
realtor.com
#3. Riverview
- Population: 1,112
- Median home value: $128,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $884 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $110,500
- Top public schools: Banks Trail Middle School (A), Orchard Park Elementary School (A), Fort Mill High School (A)
- Pictured: 1856 Masons Bend Drive, Fort Mill ($640,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $128,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $884 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $110,500
- Top public schools: Banks Trail Middle School (A), Orchard Park Elementary School (A), Fort Mill High School (A)
- Pictured: 1856 Masons Bend Drive, Fort Mill ($640,900, 5 bedrooms)
24 / 25
realtor.com
#2. Tega Cay
- Population: 10,412
- Median home value: $331,100 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,453 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $130,918
- Top public schools: Gold Hill Elementary School (A+), Tega Cay Elementary School (A+), Gold Hill Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: The Learning Experience - Tega Cay (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3034 Point Clear Dr, Tega Cay ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $331,100 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,453 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $130,918
- Top public schools: Gold Hill Elementary School (A+), Tega Cay Elementary School (A+), Gold Hill Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: The Learning Experience - Tega Cay (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3034 Point Clear Dr, Tega Cay ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
25 / 25
realtor.com
#1. Forest Acres
- Population: 10,412
- Median home value: $193,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $959 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $69,212
- Top public schools: Brockman Elementary School (A-), A.C. Flora High School (A-), Satchel Ford Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: The Timmerman School (unavailable), Columbia Jewish Day School (unavailable), Harmony School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1441 Greenhill Rd, Columbia ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $193,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $959 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $69,212
- Top public schools: Brockman Elementary School (A-), A.C. Flora High School (A-), Satchel Ford Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: The Timmerman School (unavailable), Columbia Jewish Day School (unavailable), Harmony School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1441 Greenhill Rd, Columbia ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
