South Carolina is a wonderful place to call home. It’s one of the most beautiful states in the country, with miles and miles of beaches on both coasts, sweeping mountains in the west, and charming small towns in between. The state is also rich in history- it was one of the 13 original colonies that formed America. And if you’re looking for an affordable place to live – South Carolina is ranked among the top 5 best states for retirement. If you consider moving to South Carolina, check out these five reasons why living here will be so great.
1) Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in South Carolina is lower than in many other states, especially when it comes to housing. For example, the median home price in Charleston right now is around $210,000 – compared with Chicago, where a similar-sized house costs about $300,000! The state also has no state income tax and low property taxes. In addition, food, gas, and health care are also less expensive here. The low cost of living is one of the many reasons South Carolina makes a great place to call home.
2) Low Crime Rate
Not only is South Carolina a safe place to live, but it’s also one of the safest states in America. Its violent crime and property crime rates are both among the lowest ten percent of all U.S. cities! That means you can feel confident that our state will keep your family safe when you move here. In addition to a low crime rate, South Carolina is also ranked among the top five states with low unemployment. With a great business climate and plenty of jobs in many different industries, it’s no wonder that more people are moving here each year.
3) Great Weather
You don’t have to worry about unpredictable, cold winters in South Carolina! In Charleston, average highs from December through March are between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. And the rest of the year is warm and sunny- perfect for enjoying all that this state has to offer. From watching a baseball game at one of our many minor league stadiums to spending the day at one of our many beautiful beaches or hiking through an ancient forest in the mountains. There’s always something fun to do here. In addition to enjoying great weather all year long, South Carolina is also known for its mild climate and lack of extreme temperatures even during the winter months. That means you’ll save money on your
4) Affordable Living
As we mentioned before, South Carolina is a great place to live because of its low cost of living. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, in terms of affordability (measured by housing costs), South Carolina ranks second out of all 50 states! That means that things like groceries, gas and health care are also relatively affordable. And since South Carolina has no state income tax, you’ll be able to keep even more of your hard-earned money in your pocket when compared with other states like California, where the top personal income tax rate is over 13%.
5) Great Food
South Carolina is home to some of the best barbecue in the country. It’s also known for delicious, flavorful cuisine like Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits (shrimp cooked with peppers, onions, and spices) or she-crab soup (a creamy broth made from blue crabs). And with over 20 wineries located throughout our state, you’ll always have a chance to pair your meal with the perfect glass of wine. South Carolina is also home to some great breweries and microbreweries, so there’s no shortage of local craft beer for you to try.