18 Best Places to Live in South Carolina [2025]

From bustling coastal cities to serene mountain towns, there's something to suit every lifestyle in South Carolina. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Charleston, renowned for its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. Or experience living at its finest on Hilton Head Island, with its pristine beaches, championship golf courses, and ample venues for water sports.

Or why not try lesser-known areas like the college town, Clemson, home to Clemson University? Clemson has that youthful atmosphere to accompany its beautiful campus. You can explore the state's capital, Columbia, and its rich history, cultural attractions, and growing economy. Visit museums, parks, and the University of South Carolina campus too.

Whether you're a city slicker, an outdoor enthusiast, or looking for a family-friendly atmosphere, you'll find somewhere for you in South Carolina. Find your perfect neighborhood as we break down each location's highlights and perks!

18 Best Places to Live in South Carolina

How We Chose the Best Places in South Carolina

What constitutes the "best" city or town can vary widely. We made our selections based on economic opportunities, rent prices (presenting a mix of both high-end and affordable areas), overall desirability and trendiness of a location, transit scores/location, and features of a neighborhood that make it either appealing or outstanding.

Also, a note about data: All of the rental data included here comes from the current listings on our website. Where possible, we've included averages, and if averages aren’t available, we defer to starting rents. Transit scores come from walkscore.com and census information comes directly from the U.S. Census website.

1. Charleston

• Population: 153,369
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,762
• Median Household Income: $83,891
• Walk Score: 40
• Transit Score: 24
• Bike Score: 50

Charleston, our favorite place in South Carolina, is a port city that was founded in 1670 and named after King Charles II of England. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, its history is evident at every turn. The city is home to beautiful antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic churches. Charleston is also a cultural hub, with a vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, and award-winning restaurants. Each area is unique, so if you're considering this city, you might want to explore its diverse neighborhoods.

Charleston is located in the scenic Lowcountry region of South Carolina. The city is surrounded by marshes, beaches, and forests. It enjoys a mild climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer. This makes it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities all year long, from swimming and boating in the summer to golfing and hiking in the winter.

Given its historic role as a port city, it's no surprise that Charleston's top industries are trade and transporation. The Port of Charleston feeds into the Atlantic, giving shipping freights access to more than 150 countries. Aerospace is also a top industry, with Boeing making its headquarters in the city. There are a growing number of businesses in the area, too, including leisure and hospitality, consulting, and healthcare. If you're looking for a growing economy and job market, Charleston's got you covered.

No matter where you live, people flock to Charleston for its affordable housing and a high quality of life. The city also features a stunning coastal backdrop and outdoor beauty.

2. Columbia

• Population: 142,416
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,226
• Median Household Income: $54,095
• Walk Score: 86
• Transit Score: 56
• Bike Score: 53

Columbia is known as Soda City because of its historic nickname, “Cola." So much more than South Carolina's capitol, Columbia is home to many notable attractions, including the University of South Carolina, South Carolina State Museum, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.

Students attending USC make themselves at home in Columbia with plenty of pubs, cafes, and dining to choose from. Moreover, the more affordable rental rates compared to Charleston makes Columbia an especially attractive option for young renters and renters with families.

Columbia, SC is also a booming center for industry, with top concentrations in healthcare and social care, retail, and manufacturing. You'll find a large presence from companies like Kraft Heinz, Samsung, Westinghouse, Trane, and Michelin.

The city is also home to beautifully maintained public parks. Whether you want to go for a run or a picnic, take your dog out to socialize or exhaust little ones on swingsets, you'll find plenty of green space to do it all in Columbia.

3. North Charleston

• Population: 121,469
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,501
• Median Household Income: $58,534
• Walk Score: 26
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 38

North Charleston serves as one of the nation’s largest industrial centers. It's the only U.S. city that manufactures commercial airplanes and automobiles. That industrial influence is evident both in the city's strong job market and in its many cultural attractions.

Get to know the city’s history at the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center or the Warren Lasch Conservation Center. South Carolina cities aren’t known for their sports franchises, but North Charleston is also home to the first professional ice hockey team, the South Carolina Stingrays, a mid-level professional hockey league ECHL. After grabbing a bite downtown, locals love catch a Stingrays game.

Riverfront Park, one of the most beloved spots in the city, is home to gorgeous pathways, gardens, and docks. It also houses the Charleston Naval Base Memorial. You can take a walk along the riverbank or enjoy free events in the park on the regular.

4. Mount Pleasant

• Population: 95,232
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,147
• Median Household Income: $115,167
• Walk Score: 22
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 38

Mount Pleasant, separated from Charleston by the Cooper River, is among the safest towns in South Carolina. The town's roots stretch back to the 18th century, making Mount Pleasant a window into the past with its historic houses, stately oak trees, and stunning landscape.

Outdoor stops include Mt. Pleasant Pier, Palmetto Islands County Park, Splash Island at Palmetto Islands County Park, Laurel Hill County Park, and Future Park. You can also explore South Carolina’s regional history at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, Boone Hall Plantation, and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Page’s Okra Grill, Burton’s Grill and Bar of Mt. Pleasant, or Graze Restaurant, some local favorites.

Given its richness in history and nature, Mount Pleasant is home to a thriving industry in hospitality and real estate.

5. Rock Hill

• Population: 75,654
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,259
• Median Household Income: $60,807
• Walk Score: 28
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 31

Nicknamed Football City USA, Rock Hill, South Carolina is the largest city in York County. Peppered with quaint buildings and colorful murals, Rock Hill is home to multiple historic sites dating back to the 1840s, as well as plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature.

Rock Hill offers 31 parks with exceptional outdoor amenities, as well as tons of highly-rated breweries and sports bars, to keep you busy all weekend. It was in the top 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance multiple times and was named one of the top 50 places to live in the country by Time’s Money.

It’s easy to find community with the numerous seasonal events hosted by the city each year, including the Come See Me Festival, Red, White, and Boom Festival, Blues and Jazz Festival, Underexposed Film Festival YC, and the ChristmasVille Rock Hill winter festival.

Like many other cities in SC, Rock Hill has a steady manufacturing market, including auto, aerospace, tech, power, and appliance manufacturers. If you're looking for a town that combines charm with industry, Rock Hill may just be your next home.

6. Greenville

• Population: 72,824
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,428
• Median Household Income: $65,519
• Walk Score: 43
• Transit Score: 19
• Bike Score: 39

Nestled in the northwestern corner of South Carolina, Greenville sits between Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The temperate climate and quiet way of life make Greenville an especially attractive option for many renters.

Greenville has a vibrant downtown, which hosts a regular Farmers' Market as well as the picturesque Liberty Bridge. If you're an outdoor adventurer, check out Falls Park on the Reedy, GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail, or Paris Mountain State Park.People throughout South Carolina.

When it comes to economic growth and industry, Greenville is where the brainy builders reside. Home to advanced materials manufacturing (nano-materials, polymers, alloys), pharmaceutical manufacturing, and data operation centers, Greenville is a haven for highly-educated workers.

7. Summerville

• Population: 51,884
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,541
• Median Household Income: $73,712
• Walk Score: 21
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 36

Summerville is known for its blooming azaleas, which you'll find in public and private gardens. The area draw countless tourists to the town each year for the annual Flowertown Festival, the largest of its kind in the state. The festival, like Summerville itself, celebrates arts, crafts, and nature.

Summerville is teeming with history, with five different city locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You won’t find booming nightlife in Summerville, but there's plenty of charm in the Historic District, Old White Meeting House Ruins and Cemetery, Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, Middleton Place, or Ashley River Road.

8. Hilton Head Island

• Population: 38,097
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,378
• Median Household Income: $93,694
• Walk Score: 13
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 46

Looking out over the Atlantic ocean, Hilton Head Island features 12 breathtaking miles of beachfront properties, making it a hot vacation destination as well as a popular place to live. Keep in mind that as a resident, you'll notice that tourism practically doubles the population in summertime.

Hilton Head Island also enjoys access to eight public beach access spots, including Folly Field Beach Park, Alder Lane Beach Access, Mitchelville Beach Park, and Driessen Beach Park, making it one of the best destinations in the area for beachgoers. In addition, the island boasts 22 parks. Spend time exploring the local-favorites at Shelter Cove Community Park, Jarvis Creek Park, Low Country Celebration Park, and Chaplin Community Park.

Giving its focus as a tourist town, Hilton Head Island's biggest industries are hospitality, leisure and tourism. It's also a great space for small business owners and artisans, particularly during peak tourist season.

9. Sumter

• Population: 42,766
• Median Household Income: $48,900
• Starting Rent: $925
• Walk Score: 25
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 37

Conveniently located at the center of the state, Sumter is one of the most affordable places to live in South Carolina. Residents aren't too far from Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Columbia, and the city itself has plenty of employment opportunities in food processing, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare to make it a destination in itself.

The anchor of the community is the Shaw Air Force Base, but the town loves its arts, culture, music, and pet-friendly attractions. Take in a show at the historic opera house or jog the trails with your best doggy friend before dipping into a quaint cafe -- chances are, your furry pal is allowed there too! It's worth mentioning that the city’s crime rate is above average, so if you're looking for a quieter neighborhood or a better city to raise a family, you may look elsewhere.

10. Clemson

• Population: 17,838
• Starting Rent: $899
• Median Household Income: $50,263
• Walk Score: 73
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 57

Clemson is one of the best small towns in South Carolina, and a beloved college town in the U.S., offering a number of unique amenities that you would typically only find in larger cities. Because it's home to Clemson University, Clemson is a fan favorite when it comes to great rental opportunities.

Beyond the many employment and recreational opportunities available on campus, you can also explore the beautiful South Carolina Botanical Gardens nearby or catch one of the many performance art productions put on by the school. Water sport enthusiasts will love the town's proximity to Lake Hartwell, which offers lots of chances to sail, kayak, camp, and hike. If you're moving to Clemson for work, you'll likely find career advancement in one of the key industries Clemson houses beyond education, including healthcare and manufacturing.

11. Spartanburg

• Population: 39,040
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,252
• Median Household Income: $49,140
• Walk Score:29
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 32

Nestled amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains,Spartanburg is a beautiful city filled with greenery, charming shops and residences, and plenty of recreational venues. Often referred to as “Sparkle City,” Spartanburg is home to seven colleges and universities, and is one of the best places in the state to raise a family.

Residents of Spartanburg love their craft breweries and restaurants. A foodie's delight, the city also hosts plenty of festivals and crawls on the regular, so you can sample everything the town and surrounding neighborhoods have to offer.

Beyond the plentiful higher education opportunities, you'll find employment in the automotive industry or for Adidas America. Those who live in Spartanburg are only an hour's drive from Greenville for more leisure and economic amenities.

12. Bluffton

• Population: 35,243
• Starting Rent: $1,659
• Median Household Income: $99,575
• Walk Score: 65
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 47

With a low crime rate and plenty of great schools, Bluffton is one of the best places in South Carolina to raise a family. The area offers plenty of relaxing amenities, and it hasn't been commercialized as much as Myrtle Beach or Charleston. You'll pay a little more to rent there than some other places on this list, but you'll be living only 15 miles from one of the top tourist destinations on the East Coast: Hilton Head.

You'll also be only 45 minutes from Savannah, Georgia. Tourism is definitely the economic driver of Bluffton, and you'll find plenty of opportunities in aerospace and healthcare as well.

13. Sullivan’s Island

• Population: 2,317
• Starting Rent: $1,950
• Walk Score: 42
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 57

If you're looking for a beachfront setting to call home, we recommend Sullivan’s Island. As one of the most charming towns in South Carolina, it’s small-town roots make it one of the best places to raise a family. This is especially thanks to the exemplary school system and low crime rates. At the same time, be aware that it's also an HCOL area, and rentals in the area tend to skew toward single-family homes.

With miles of shoreline to enjoy, you'll likely get involved in water activities, such as surfing, skiing, and fishing. It's beachfront living without beachfront costs, and what more could you want?

14. Fort Mill

• Population: 33,626
• Starting Rent: $1,269
• Median Household Income: 128,125
• Walk Score: 61
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 35

Fort Mill is a large town that offers a lot of urban options, including plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Thanks to its historic district, the town is filled to the brim with charm. Beyond enjoying nights out, Fort Mill sits adjacent to miles of hiking and biking trails, and has some of the best golf courses in the state.

Fort Mill High is one of the highest ranking public schools in the state, so it's a great place to consider if you're a family looking to relocate, or an educator looking to advance your career at a top school.

15. Isle of Palms

• Population: 4,347
• Median Household Income: $160,417
• Starting Rent: $1,639
• Walk Score: 17
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 32

Isle of Palms is another one of South Carolina’s beautiful coastal towns, with more than seven miles of shoreline, beachfront restaurants, and quick commute access to downtown Charleston. Much like Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms is an exclusive, high-cost of living area that is definitely worth it if you can find a place in your budget. Rentals tend to be dominated by single-family homes, but you'll find apartments as well.

With such close access to Charleston, you'll never feel stranded on an island. Plus, the Charleston County School District is the second best district in the state.

16. Tega Cay

• Population: 14,057
• Starting Rent: $1,151
• Median Household Income: $140,172
• Walk Score: 8
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 21

Tega Cay is a suburb of Charlotte and is considered one of the best small towns in South Carolina. At just under four square miles, this little Peninsula is very close-knit, and residents will often gather near the lake to take part in annual events, such as the Community Yard Sale or the City Birthday Party.

As you could imagine, this lakeside community has plenty of water-sport adventures waiting, and just about everyone enjoys boating.

17. Lake City

• Population: 5,961
• Median Household Income: $37,013
• Starting Rent: $1,500
• Walk Score: 69
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 50

Lake City is an active community nestled in the northeastern part of South Carolina. Lake City is filled with many year-round events, such as wine walks, beer fests, and holiday celebrations. It may be a bit harder to find rentals in this area than some others on our list, and you'll probably end up in a single-family home if you do rent, but it's worth it for the vibes alone.

Walking through the downtown area, you'll be surrounded by vibrant colors and diverse culture, with many art installations and murals lining the streets to pay homage to the city’s rich history. Many people refer to the town as Bee City, USA, as it was the first town in South Carolina to start a City Bee program to uphold sustainable pollination habitats.

18. Chester

• Population: 5,227
• Starting Rent: $825
• Median Household Income: $39,951
• Walk Score: 48
• Transit Score: --
• Bike Score: 35

While Chester may be a small town, it's full of culture and history. As one of the seven counties in South Carolina that make up the Olde English District, Chester houses plenty of historical markers, monuments, and museums throughout the town.

The real draw is the myriad of berry farms and historic bed and breakfasts, which are all within driving distance. Of course, if you're an outdoor lover, you'll also enjoy all of the waterways, which allow for swimming, fishing, and more!

Find Your Next Home in South Carolina

No matter what you are looking for in South Carolina, whether it be the water sports of the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant or the beach vibes of Hilton Head or the hustle of a more metropolitan area, like Charleston, there's something for everyone. And thankfully, some of the best places to live in South Carolina are still reasonably priced.

If you're ready to move to South Carolina, now might be a good time to start your research. First, find out more information about the cost of living in South Carolina. Next, register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in South Carolina!