The Pros and Cons of Living in South Carolina

The small southern state of South Carolina is experiencing a growth spurt. According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, three states —Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina —saw tremendous population growth in the years during and following the pandemic. According to transplants to the state, their reasons for relocating included wanting a better quality of life, more affordable housing, and lower living costs.

South Carolina leads the pack as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. With a population increase of over 1.7%, the state welcomed 90,600 new residents in 2023 alone. This trend is predicted to continue, adding a million residents in the next 20 years. What is behind the fast-paced growth in this bucolic southern state?

This article will delve into the pros and cons of living in South Carolina. We will examine issues we feel must be addressed to give our readers a glimpse of what living in South Carolina has to offer. Hopefully, this information will help them decide about whether South Carolina is the place they would like to call home. 

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Weather

South Carolina is divided into four regions: the upstate, the midlands, the low country, and the PeeDee. Most of the state is in a humid subtropical climate zone. However, the mountainous areas of the upstate have fewer tropical characteristics than the other three regions. You will see diverse weather conditions depending on your location.

Pros: 

1. Mild Winters

Average winter temperatures can range from the mid-thirties in the mountains to the fifties along the coast, and it is not unusual to have afternoon temperatures in the 60s. Occasionally, temperatures will drop to below zero in the mountains, and snowfall happens infrequently.

2. Longer Growing Season

Although South Carolina can experience colder temperatures, the ground rarely freezes, allowing plants to grow much longer than in other parts of the United States. Ground freezes can cause big problems in Northern states, but in South Carolina, plants can continue to grow, increasing food production.

3. Plenty of Sunshine

South Carolinians take full advantage of its warm weather and sunshine. Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping are extremely popular. Newcomers are delighted that youth sports leagues begin playing earlier and continue to play much longer than in other parts of the nation.

Cons:

1. Hot and Humid Summers

Despite its mild climate, South Carolina summers are hot and humid, especially in the coastal and Pee Dee areas. Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head often experience high heat and humidity.

2. Hurricanes 

South Carolina contains 167 miles of coastline, making it very susceptible to hurricanes. The state faces an almost 80% chance of having some type of tropical storm during hurricane season. These storms mostly affect the coastal regions, like Mrytle Beach or Charleston. However, the high winds and heavy rainfall that they contain can extend across the entire state.

3. Flooding

Flooding from heavy rains has been a leading cause of storm-related deaths in South Carolina since 2013

4. Bugs 

Because of its warm climate, South Carolina can be a haven for bugs. Residents must deal with fire ants, mosquitos, tics, and termites. Mosquitos are especially prevalent in coastal and marshy areas of the state.

Geography

South Carolina is easy to navigate, and no matter where you are in the state, you are within reach of the mountains or the coast with relative ease.

Pros: 

1. Beautiful, Sandy Beaches 

South Carolina beaches are extraordinary, drawing visitors from all over the country to their enticing shores. They are so diverse that a few of them must be examined individually.

2. Myrtle Beach 

Myrtle Beach has miles of pristine coastline. You can enjoy a multitude of beach activities all year long. It is a vibrant, exciting place with many opportunities for shopping and dining.

3. Edisto Island

Edisto Island also has a beautiful beach, which is much more serene than Myrtle Beach. Time stands still on this small island. There are only a handful of restaurants and one grocery store. If you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy nature, you will appreciate Edisto Island.

4. Beaches of Charleston

Charleston is home to several beaches: Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and Sullivan’s Island are just a few. These beaches are amazing, and they have multitudes of things to do and see. Each is unique, some offering quiet and serenity, while others are always entertaining.

5. Plentiful Golf Courses

South Carolina has over 350 golf courses located throughout the state. There are public and private courses available in all price ranges. The courses are remarkably diverse; some are coastal, while others are parkland and mountain courses, providing a range of playing experiences.

6. Numerous Lakes and State Parks

South Carolina is home to many state parks and beautiful lakes, which allow recreational activities all year round. Lake Murray, in the midlands, is extremely popular, while the upstate is home to beautiful Lake Jocassee, to name just a few.

7. Many Historically Significant Cities and Towns

Because of its longevity, it is hard to find a town in South Carolina that is not steeped in history. However, one of the most notable is Charleston, the oldest city in South Carolina.

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Cons: 

1. Swamp and Marshlands

Mosquitos are prevalent in the swamps and marsh areas of South Carolina. They can be disease carriers and make life difficult for residents. Alligators also inhabit these areas. It has been estimated that South Carolina is home to around 100,000 of them.

2. Allergies 

South Carolina’s beautiful plant life can aggravate symptoms in allergy sufferers. Excessive pollen is troublesome and can lead to allergic reactions in sufferers.

3. Small rural towns disappearing

Unfortunately, the South Carolina growth spurt is only contained in five counties. Many rural towns are disappearing as residents move to more popular parts of the state. A multitude of small towns have empty buildings and abandoned houses, and poverty is prevalent in these areas.

Economics

Pros: 

1. Low Cost of Living

South Carolina’s cost of living is a remarkable 12 % lower than the United States average. However, this depends on what city you live in. The most expensive city in South Carolina is Hilton Head Island. The cost of living there is 11% higher than the state average. The least expensive major city in the Palmetto state is Anderson, where the cost of living is 11% lower than the state average and a whopping 16% lower than the national average.

2. Low gas Prices

Lower gas prices are another benefit to living in the Palmetto State, where gas prices are twenty-eight cents lower per gallon than the national average. Even though in 2018, the state decided to raise its gas tax to 20.75 cents per gallon, South Carolina’s tax on gas is still one of the lowest in the country.

3. Affordable Housing

The average cost of a home in South Carolina is just below $300,000, compared to the national average of $428,700. Rent is also lower in South Carolina. The national average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1769, whereas in South Carolina you would pay an average of $1,134 a month.

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4. Lower Property Taxes

South Carolina ranks fifth for the lowest average property taxes in the U.S. 

5. Job Market Growth

In recent years, there has been an influx of new jobs in South Carolina. In January of this year, the South Carolina unemployment rate was only 2.9%. Growth in the manufacturing and automotive industries has led to new job opportunities in the state.

6. Free Educational Opportunities for Older Residents

South Carolina residents who are over the age of sixty can attend any state-funded college for free. Also, it does not matter if you are taking credited classes or just auditing them. You can still attend for free, only paying book fees and other expenses incurred.

Cons:

1. Income Disparity Among Residents

The top earners in South Carolina make an astounding six times more than the bottom earners. Factors that cause this disparity include low-paying jobs, low minimum wage, and a high rate of poverty. 

2. Higher Taxes

Income tax rates can range from 0-7%. While 7% is among the highest in the U.S., its bottom rate is the lowest nationally. However, the state’s 6% sales tax is ranked in the top 20%.

3. High Health Care Costs

South Carolina ranks sixth in the most expensive healthcare insurance and there is a medical personnel shortage, creating higher healthcare costs. It is not that there are no good hospitals or doctors in South Carolina; you just need to make sure that you have a good healthcare facility nearby.

5. Higher Utility Rates

South Carolina ranks ninth among states with the highest utility bills. The average South Carolina utility bill is $473.78 per month. Most of these costs come from electricity bills. The need for air conditioning during hot Carolina summers is one reason for such excessive costs. 

6. Higher Car Insurance Prices

South Carolina is one of the ten most expensive states for car insurance. The average price of full coverage auto insurance is $1,286, compared to the national average of $884. High car insurance prices go hand in hand with high health care prices. This is because when insurance companies are faced with claims involving medical bills, if medical costs are higher, then so are car insurance prices.

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Food

Pros: 

1. Abundance Of Fresh Seafood

Local fresh seafood is prevalent. Fresh oysters, shrimp, and soft-shell crabs are among the most popular.

2. Diversity of Cuisine

There is no shortage of delicious foods in South Carolina. Fresh seafood in the Low Country, delicious barbeque, soul food,  country classics, and local vegetables abound throughout the state.

Cons:

3. The Food is Hot

Restaurants use plenty of hot sauces in their dishes. You will find super spicy delicacies even if they are not listed as super spicy in the description.

4. Lack of Ethnic Cuisine

Unless you are in a large urban area, there is a definite lack of ethnic food choices. The exception is Hispanic and Asian cuisine, which can usually be found in any South Carolina town.

Community and People

Pros:

1. Southern Hospitality

South Carolina’s Low Country exudes historic charm, while the Midlands is bustling with energy and diverse cultures. But no matter where you are in South Carolina, you will find an immense sense of community and Southern hospitality. South Carolinians are polite and hospitable. 

2. Many Festivals

South Carolina’s rich history, culture, and traditions are celebrated through various festivals and events. These events help instill a sense of community throughout the year and give new residents a chance to become involved in their community.

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Cons:

1. Historical Controversies

The Palmetto state has a diverse and sometimes controversial history. It was a major player in the Civil War; many Confederate symbols and monuments exist throughout the state. They might make some people uncomfortable. Also, there is a history of racial tensions in some areas. The state has made efforts to address these issues.

2. Limited Public Transportation

South Carolina has extremely limited public transportation options, and having a car is a necessity. Some of the state’s larger cities do have adequate public transit. For example, Columbia, South Carolina’s capital, has a bus system called the COMET, which is highly effective. Charleston and Greenville also have bus systems, but they are not as extensive as the COMET system.

3. High Crime Rate

The state’s crime rate is higher than the national average. The state’s most common type of crime is property crime, which makes up 85% of all crimes reported. South Carolina’s violent crimes are also higher than the national average. South Carolina averages 4.7 incidents of violent crime per 1,000 compared to the national average of 3.7. It all depends on where you are located. Charleston has a lower crime rate, while Columbia and North Charleston have higher rates.

Conclusion

Overall, living in South Carolina has a mixture of pros and cons. These issues should be considered carefully. The state’s temperate weather, abundance of sandy beaches, and relatively low cost of living are certainly issues that would draw transplants. However, the state’s challenges cannot be ignored.

The risks of hurricanes, high auto insurance, inadequate public transportation, and a high crime rate must be considered when making the final decision about moving to the Palmetto state. Hopefully, this article has provided our readers with the information they need to make their final choice.