Moving to South Carolina: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to South Carolina, you’re not alone. The Palmetto State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Charleston and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about South Carolina, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to South Carolina to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in South Carolina
Like any big move, relocating to South Carolina comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Palmetto State to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in SC
- ✓Warm southern hospitality
- ✓Plentiful outdoor activities
- ✓Beautiful landscapes
- ✓Consistently gorgeous weather
- ✓Rich historical significance
Cons of living in SC
- ✖High cost of living
- ✖Hurricane frequency
- ✖Low quality of healthcare
- ✖High taxes
- ✖Abundance of construction
Things to do in South Carolina
Whether you’re moving to South Carolina work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, South Carolina has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
Popular Attractions in South Carolina
- Charleston’s Historic District
- Myrtle Beach
- Hilton Head Island
- Brookgreen Gardens
- Middleton Place
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Fort Sumter National Monument
Museums in South Carolina
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Coastal Discovery Museum
- Brookgreen Gardens
- BMW Zentrum
- Nathaniel Russell House
- Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
- Hollywood Wax Museum
- Old Slave Mart Museum
- The Charleston Museum
Parks in South Carolina
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Falls Park on the Reedy
- Kiawah Beachwalker Park
- Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
- Riverfront Park
- Shem Creek Park
- Folly Field Beach Park
- James Island County Park
- Florence Veterans Park
- Shelter Cove Towne Centre
Fun facts about South Carolina
Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.
These fun facts about South Carolina, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- The state was named after the King Charles I and King Charles II of England.
- The nickname of the state “Palmetto State” originates from the fact that during the Revolutionary War, colonists at Fort Moultrie, a small fort built from palmetto trees, defeated a British fleet near Charleston in 1776.
- According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Carolina is second to California in overall peach production.
- South Carolina fought 137 battles during the Revolutionary War. The last of these battles happened on November 14, 1782 on Johns Island.
- South Carolina’s state reptile, the loggerhead turtle can live for fifty years in the wild and it can weigh up to 400 pounds.
- The first tea farm in the U.S. was created in 1890 near Summerville.
- The first shot of the Civil War was fired on Fort Sumter in 1861.
- wo of the most important battles in the history of the United States were fought in South Carolina – the Battle of King’s Mountains and the Civil War.
- At 1,200 acres, the world’s largest Gingko farm is in Sumter.
- Fort Jackson, the largest United States Army installation for Basic Combat Training is in Columbia, South Carolina.
- Charles Town, the site of the first European settlement was renamed to Charleston in 1783.
- The Palmetto tree is the official state tree of South Carolina.
South Carolina population and demographics
While you’re thinking about relocating to South Carolina, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Palmetto State.
A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.
Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in South Carolina, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| Metric | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Population | 5,373,555 |
| Female | 51.4% |
| Male | 48.6% |
| College graduation rate | 31.53% |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 |
| Crime index | 28.0 |
South Carolina weather
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether South Carolina is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if South Carolina aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| Metric | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ |
Income and cost of living in South Carolina
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in South Carolina.
Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in South Carolina and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($38.4 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($29.2 billion)
- Professional and business services ($25.6 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($17.1 billion)
- Retail trade ($15.4 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($13.4 billion)
- Construction ($12 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($11.2 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($11 billion)
- Information ($6.6 billion)
| Metric | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 |
| Cost of living index* | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 7.0% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in South Carolina
If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what South Carolina has to offer.
Here are some of the top schools in South Carolina:
- Clemson University
- University of South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina
- College of Charleston
- Furman University
- Coastal Carolina University
- Winthrop University
- The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
- Lander University
- Bob Jones University
- Wofford College
- South Carolina State University
- Voorhees College
- Charleston Southern University
- University of South Carolina-Upstate
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to South Carolina
We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the Palmetto State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.
- Alabama to SC
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Cost of moving to South Carolina
Before you take the leap to South Carolina, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to South Carolina
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to South Carolina.
South Carolina car insurance requirements
South Carolina drivers license requirements
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