Living in South Carolina is something that you should be looking forward to. This southern state is offering something for everyone’s taste. From family-friendly beaches in the south to the wild mountains on the north. All that covered with nice weather, a stable economy, good job opportunities, and affordable housing makes South Carolina one of the most favorable states in the US. If you are moving to Sanford NC stop for a second and read this article. Maybe you will change your mind after you get a better perspective on living in the Palmetto State.
All you should know about the South Carolina climate
One of the first things everyone likes to know when moving to an unfamiliar place is the climate. Luckily for you, this humid subtropical climate is one of the things that is driving people to decide for moving to South Carolina. With warm summer months and mild winters, the Palmetto state looks like an ideal place. However, because of the large disparities between coastal and upper state, the weather is noticeably different in these parts.
Annual precipitation in South Carolina
Annually, this state has somewhere between 40 and 80 inches of precipitation. And thanks to the warm and humid conditions, tropical cyclones and thunderstorms are often formed during the summer and sometimes fall months. However, that cannot spoil the overall pleasant weather that you will enjoy throughout the whole year.
A combination of high heat and humidity is not for everyone
One of the things that could cause problems for people with respiratory and circulatory difficulties is high humidity. That is why, before moving to a warmer climate, it is advisable to visit South Carolina and spend some time there. Just to be sure that you can handle the combination of heat and high humidity. If it bothers you, you should avoid the coastal region and consider moving in non-coastal parts of South Carolina, where the humidity is much more bearable.
Housing prospects when living in South Carolina
South Carolina has some of the lowest median home prices in the US. However, in recent years that is slowly starting to change. Currently, median home prices in South Carolina are around $150,000. And, considering that the median home price in the United States is around $230,000, that is significantly lower. The median rent price in South Carolina is $1,300.
Of course, there are large disparities in property prices depending on the location. Home prices in larger metropolitan areas are not as cheap as the median home price implies. Especially in the coastal region. Places like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head are all experiencing a lot of new construction that, of course, has above average prices.
If you are looking for the best housing opportunities in South Carolina you will have to satisfy with a smaller place. Away from the tourist coastal areas. But you will certainly find something suitable, you just have to be patient.
Employment opportunities when living in South Carolina
Of course, the job market is something that will interest anyone who is thinking about moving to South Carolina. And like everything else in this state, there are differences between coastal and inland regions. Coastal regions are mostly driven by tourism. So, the tourism and hospitality industries are offering the most job opportunities.
On the other hand, in other regions, manufacturing, IT sector, health care, and education industries prevail. However, things are not going so perfect in South Carolina’s job market. The unemployment rate is a little bit higher than the national average and it is around 4.5%. And the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. However, it looks like things are going for the better in recent years, especially in Columbia, Charleston, Hilton Head Island and North Myrtle Beach.
Best places to find employment in South Carolina
- If you are about living in South Carolina, Charleston might be the place to look for employment.
- Columbia
- North Charleston
- Mount Pleasant
- Greenville
- Rock Hill
- Hilton Head Island
- Lexington
- Wade Hampton
- Simpsonville
- Mauldin
- North Myrtle Beach
Nature of South Carolina
One of the benefits you will enjoy while living in South Carolina is its stunning nature. If you like to spend your time outdoors, there are enough natural wonders that will keep you occupied for a long time. Of course, the coastline is something that South Carolina is famous for, but there are also lakes, rivers, mountains, national parks.
Congaree National park
Congaree National park is the largest hardwood forest in the southeastern US. It has more than 25 miles of hiking trails. But you can also enjoy fishing and kayaking on beautiful Weston Lake.
Angel Oak of St. Johns Island and boneyard beach
You can take look at the oldest living thing east of the Rocky Mountains the Angel Oak of St. Johns Island, or visit the famous Boneyard Beach and enjoy the unreal scene where fallen oak, cedar, and pine trees look like giant skeletons resting on the beach.
Of course, these are just small examples of natural wonders that you can find in South Carolina. But it is good to know that you will have many great places to visit after you move.
Downsides of living in South Carolina
Of course, there are some downsides to living in South Carolina. If you are living in South Carolina with your kids, surely you are aware of the bad reputation that education in this state has. Among 50 US states, South Carolina ranks in 48th place. Which is not a very good result. The high school graduation rate is only 80%. While the high tuition rates prevent higher education to develop.
The economy ranks slightly “better” than education, in 41st place. Thanks to the lower household income and higher unemployment rate. However, this is somewhat compensated with lower living costs.
The coastal region is not really affordable when it comes to housing and living costs. So if that is what you are looking for, you will have to satisfy with the non-coastal region.
