Have you had it with the daily grind and rat race where you currently live? Are you craving a slower pace of life with warm weather, natural beauty and Southern charm? If so, South Carolina might just be calling your name.
If you’ve found yourself thinking you’ve paid your dues working long hours in the big city, and now you’re dreaming of palm trees, Lowcountry sunsets and a front porch swing, you’re not alone.
Mayflower surveyed thousands of individuals across the country over the last two years (movers and past movers) to understand what drove them to choose a particular city. The results showed a significant shift in mindset, with many Americans now recognizing the benefits of mid-size cities over their larger counterparts.
Nearly half (48%) of movers say the proximity to arts and culture venues helped influence where they moved, while roughly two-thirds (67%) show the weather as a top influence, followed by proximity to parks, green spaces and nature trails (61%).
Fortunately, the Palmetto State offers all that and more with mid-size cities like Greenville and Charleston providing plenty of amenities minus the hassles of overcrowding. In South Carolina, you can trade bumper-to-bumper traffic for winding country roads and swap the concrete jungle for sandy beaches or the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you’re ready to answer the call of Southern living, South Carolina extends a warm welcome and sweet tea-infused invitation to make yourself at home. The only question is what’s taking you so long?
Bidding Farewell to the Rat Race
In South Carolina, life moves at a more leisurely tempo. People value community and time with family and friends. Rush hour traffic and long workdays are replaced by front porch sitting, evening strolls and weekend barbecues.
You’ll find charming southern towns with historic main streets lined by local businesses instead of big box stores. Neighbors still wave and say hello. Kids can play freely without worry. The scenic natural surroundings invite you outside to kayak, hike, golf or simply unwind.
Adding to the appeal, career opportunities abound in industries like manufacturing, healthcare and tourism. While salaries may be lower, the cost of living is significantly more affordable. Housing costs and taxes are well below the national average.
For culture vultures, world-class museums, theater, music, food and nightlife are all within reach. Outdoor enthusiasts will never run out of activities with the Blue Ridge Mountains, countless rivers, lakes and over 1,200 miles of coastline.
Charming Mid-Size Cities in South Carolina for Relocation
If you’re dreaming of trading in traffic jams and high rents for front porches and fireflies, South Carolina’s quaint mid-size cities are calling your name.
Greenville
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has a picturesque downtown, affordable living and an abundance of outdoor recreation. Pack a picnic and enjoy Falls Park on the Reedy River, with stunning waterfalls and gardens. Or get your adrenaline pumping at the ropes course at Frankie’s Fun Park. The Swamp Rabbit Trail offers 22 miles of biking and walking along the river.
Charleston
With cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and historic pastel houses, Charleston oozes Southern charm. Take a stroll on Rainbow Row or grab a bite of Lowcountry cuisine. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach offer gorgeous stretches of coastline without the crowds. History buffs can tour Fort Sumter or one of many plantations like Magnolia Gardens.
Columbia
South Carolina’s capital city has a vibrant food and arts scene, two riverside parks and the University of South Carolina. Check out the State Museum or EdVenture Children’s Museum. Want to spend time outdoors? Congaree National Park is perfect for kayaking, hiking and birdwatching. And you can catch minor league baseball at Segra Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies.
The Great Outdoors and South Carolina’s Natural Beauty
South Carolina is a nature lover’s paradise. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast, the state is filled with stunning scenery and opportunities to get outside.
The Blue Ridge Mountains
In the upstate, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer gorgeous vistas and outdoor recreation. Go hiking along the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking in Paris Mountain State Park or camping under the stars. In the fall, the autumn foliage puts on a spectacular show of reds, oranges and yellows.
Beaches and Barrier Islands
Miles of coastline stretch from North Carolina to Georgia, including secluded sea islands and popular beach towns. Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are go-to vacation spots, with beach access, golf courses, restaurants and resorts. For quieter beach environs, head to Edisto Island or Hunting Island State Park. Go beachcombing for shells, cast a line in the surf or just soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Rivers and Lakes
South Carolina has an abundance of waterways for paddling, fishing and other watersports. The Congaree and Wateree Rivers are popular for kayaking and canoeing. Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell also offer opportunities for boating, swimming and other forms of lake life recreation. Some lakes are surrounded by mountain scenery, while others have golf courses, marinas and lakeside housing along their shores.
With natural beauty from the mountains to the sea, South Carolina’s great outdoors calls you to adventure. Trade in big city living for a new chapter under South Carolina’s live oak trees one filled with adventure, natural beauty and all the sweet tea your heart desires.
Are you considering a Forever Home — or home for now – in South Carolina? Read more about what it’s like living in the state in our South Carolina guide.
Still on the fence? Check out Finding Home, where we share some of the latest moving trends and motivations for moving to a new state.
Ready to make your move? Get a quote from Mayflower to get the ball rolling.
