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11 Best Places to Live in South Carolina, According to Local Real Estate Experts
Whether you're interested in a suburb outside the Holy City, a quiet retirement home in the Upstate, or a house that overlooks a scenic waterway, there's a good chance you'll find it in South Carolina. To help you narrow down the choices, we chatted with Peterson and a couple of other regional real estate experts to identify the best places to live in South Carolina in 2025.
Pitt Street Park in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
'Mount Pleasant is a coastal community just minutes from the beaches of Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island, as well as downtown Charleston, featuring excellent dining and shopping, with a median home price around $900,000,' says Amy Byrne, team lead for Compass' Andy Bovender Team. If your budget is on the higher end, the homes in the picture-perfect Old Village are some of the most desirable in the area. You'll be able to walk to Post House Inn for dinner or cocktails and ride bikes through the quiet streets, admiring the historic homes (some of which overlook the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River) along the way.
'For buyers looking for the middle of the state, the town of Blythewood hits all the marks of a quaint, growing town,' says Peterson. 'The town has seen a recent spike in interest due to commuters having to spend less time in their offices and spending more time in a home they love. With an easy 25-minute drive to Columbia and a little over an hour drive to Charlotte, Blythewood residents can easily access big-city amenities while enjoying a wholesome town feel.' One specific area she suggests checking out in Blythewood is Cobblestone Park. 'With all types of amenities from pools, trails, golf, and tennis, this neighborhood offers luxury living at an affordable cost,' says Peterson, noting that home prices start in the high $300,000s. Exterior of homes in Charleston.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
It should come as no surprise that the Holy City, a repeat T+L reader-favorite city, earns a spot on this list. 'Charleston offers a rare blend of historic elegance and modern coastal energy. I've worked with clients who come for the charm and stay for the lifestyle—cobblestone streets, top-tier dining, and a thriving cultural scene,' says Mitch Burns, license partner and private office advisor at Engel & Völkers Hilton Head. He notes that the real estate market 'remains strong,' so expect a competitive house hunt. But, he adds, if you're 'looking for architectural beauty, walkable neighborhoods, and lasting value,' Charleston should definitely be on your shortlist. Huntington Square Park in Downtown Summerville, South Carolina.
Brittany Millie/Adobe Stock
'Many people travel to Charleston and fall in love with the city's historic charm, friendly people, amazing food, and accessibility to beaches. However, the sticker shock of home prices, limited parking, and potential of flooding normally opens them up to look outside the city,' says Peterson. 'Once buyers start looking for homes, they invariably find Summerville, a 30-minute drive from Charleston that checks all the boxes and then some.'
'Median home prices are just under $400,000 throughout the new construction developments, and while historical homes in the downtown Summerville area come with a higher price tag (with a median sales price in the low $700,000s), these charming, historic homes still offer a deal compared to downtown Charleston home prices,' she says. Plus, you'll get to enjoy a range of small-town festivities; her favorites include the Sweet Tea Festival, the Flowertown Festival, and the Italian Feast. A wooden pathway through a marsh forest on Hilton Head Island.
Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure
If you've always dreamed of living by the beach, there are several options in South Carolina, but Hilton Head Island—another destination loved by T+L readers—is certainly one of the top highlights. 'Hilton Head remains one of the most iconic coastal communities in the Southeast. The appeal has never wavered,' says Burns. 'Between the private golf communities, the pristine beaches, and the island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty, it offers a level of lifestyle, investment opportunities, and stability that's incredibly rare.' He also recommends a few particular communities within Hilton Head: Sea Pines, Wexford, and Palmetto Dunes. A family taking photos in front of a mural in Simpsonville, South Carolina.Upstate South Carolina is somewhat of a hidden gem for those coming from outside of the region—and it has its fair share of charming places to call home. There's one, however, that stands out to Peterson. 'Only 20 minutes from Greenville, with easy access to the interstate, Simpsonville's small-town feel and historic beauty make it a popular place for our buyer,' she says. 'With lower prices (median sales price of around $380,000), more land, and slightly cooler temperatures, Simpsonville continues to be a desired area. For buyers with families, Simpsonville boasts the top-rated schools in all of Greenville County. There is also a vibrant downtown scene with many local restaurants and craft brewery favorites.' Downtown of Fort Mill, South Carolina at night.
StevenStarr73/Getty Images
'Fort Mill is a rapidly growing town near Charlotte, known for its strong schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and good value,' says Byrne, noting that 'homes average about $550,000, and there's easy access to a robust job market.' It's also great for those who like to spend their free time on the water. Lake Wylie is just a short drive away, and the man-made reservoir has ample opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. A family walking in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
Cameron Reynolds/Travel + Leisure
'Greenville has quietly positioned itself as one of the most dynamic towns in the Upstate. The city strikes a rare balance, polished yet approachable, with strong infrastructure, continued job growth, and a thriving arts and culinary scene,' says Burns. Byrne also credits Greenville's 'walkable downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and parks' and its lower cost of living (the average home value is just under $330,000) as two more reasons it appeals to both young professionals and retirees. The Wright Family Park, Bluffton, South Carolina.
Billy McDonald/Adobe Stock
'For clients who want a blend of charm, convenience, amazing lifestyle, and long-term value, Bluffton is a clear standout,' says Burns. 'As someone who's watched this town evolve over the last decade, I can tell you it's one of the most exciting markets in the Southeast right now.' As you walk through Old Town Bluffton, it's hard not to fall for what he describes as a 'magnetic energy,' one created by 'walkable streets, art galleries, chef-owned restaurants, and a strong sense of community.' Aerial view of Dreher Island in Chapin, South Carolina.
Glenn'Chapin is a quintessential small Southern town on Lake Murray, perfect for those seeking a relaxed outdoor lifestyle,' says Byrne. Relatively affordable home prices (the average home value is under $500,000) and award-winning schools set it apart in her book, and the Lexington County lake town is less than half an hour from Columbia, so you're still able to access larger city amenities as needed. Hardeeville's city hall.
'Hilton Head has always been popular for its beautiful beaches, golf, shopping, and dining, but many may not know that the average age of a homeowner there is in their late 50s, so it has become a retirement mecca,' says Peterson. And if you're looking to spend your post-career chapter in this part of South Carolina, she recommends looking at Hardeeville—specifically, Latitude Margaritaville. 'The 55-plus community started welcoming new homeowners five years ago. With an average home sale price of $500,000, homes here are well-priced compared with similar communities along the coast,' she says, adding that it offers pools, walking trails, a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and more.
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