Find Work in One of the Best Places to Live in South Carolina
Before you make your move, check out our list of the state’s top areas to start your new career.
The southern state of South Carolina has nearly 200 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline dotted with lush barrier islands. With the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains to the northwest, it's no wonder that people from all over the country choose to move here.
In addition to its natural beauty, residents benefit from a thriving economy, excellent quality of life, fantastic year-round weather, and affordability. If you're searching for the best places to live in South Carolina, we've compiled a list of the top destinations to find a new career and a healthy work-life balance.
Top Reasons to Live and Work in South Carolina:
- The state has a low unemployment rate compared to the U.S. average.
- It has a relatively low cost of living. Homes are more affordable here than in the rest of the country.
- The state's property taxes are among the lowest in the country.
- As a South Carolina resident, you'll enjoy diverse landscapes and environments. You can find over 2,800 miles of stunning coastline dotted with dozens of barrier islands, beautiful lakes, national parks, forests, and the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains.
- The winter months are very comfortable, averaging temperatures around 60 degrees.
- South Carolina is famous for its warm Southern hospitality. Residents are known to be amiable and welcoming.
- You'll experience incredible locally sourced cuisine such as fresh oysters, soft-shell crab, fried shrimp, grits, and delicious barbecue.
- South Carolina prides itself on a rich cultural heritage. From the stunning architecture and Georgian-style colonial homes to the old plantations and historical monuments, it feels like being in a bygone era.
Whether you prefer a coastal community or a large metropolitan area, the best places to live in South Carolina offer diverse job opportunities, leisure activities and lifestyles.
Greenville
Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville ranks second in the best places to live in South Carolina. People move to Greenville for its year-round mild temperatures and relatively low cost of living. Plus, living near the mountains and having access to beautiful lakes, parks, and trails, is a big draw if you love the outdoors. The revitalized downtown area is the region's focal point, offering an innovative culinary and art scene. Residents also love Falls Park on the Reedy – a picturesque spot featuring waterfall views, a suspension bridge, and lush gardens.
Greenville is one of the fastest-growing manufacturing hubs in the south, with major corporations, including GE Power and Michelin North America Inc. operating in the city. But you can also find government, healthcare, education, and professional services jobs here.
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Charleston
Founded in 1670 under the name Charles Towne, the port city of Charleston is the oldest and second-largest city in South Carolina. Part of the historic Lowcountry region, Charleston exudes a unique Southern charm defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, colorful antebellum houses, elegant districts, and sumptuous cuisine. You can also find beautiful sandy beaches, promenades, and waterfront parks outside the city. No wonder it ranks third in the best places to live in South Carolina.
Charleston's booming tourism industry provides many opportunities in the hospitality and service industries. When it comes to looking for work, you'll be pleased to know that the unemployment rate is much lower than the national average. Plus, residents benefit from a high median household income compared to the rest of the state and the U.S. average. Other thriving sectors here include technology, aerospace, logistics, and manufacturing.
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North Charleston
North Charleston is part of the same metropolitan area as Charleston but is a city of its own. By living here you’ll get the benefit of lower housing costs and fewer tourists than Charleston, but a similar atmosphere. Like Charleston, North Charleston has idyllic cobblestone streets, pastel-colored historic mansions, and narrow alleyways. The city is also known for its waterfront park and a performing arts center that hosts concerts and hockey games.
North Charleston is home to a large Boeing factory, as well as many other manufacturing jobs. The city is a logistics and transportation hub. You can also find many jobs in retail and healthcare.
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Columbia
Columbia is the state capital and one of the best cities to live in South Carolina. It’s home to the University of South Carolina, which contributes significantly to the local economy. Many Columbia residents unite through their love of USC sports, including an intense pride in the Gamecocks football team. The city is also home to the South Carolina State House, a stunning Greek Revival building surrounded by lush gardens. If you like music and art, there are plenty of attractions, including the Columbia Museum of Art and a variety of galleries and live music venues around town.
The city is one of the best places to live in SC if you want to work in the public sector. Jobs are available within the state government, but you can also find opportunities in healthcare and education thanks to the presence of the University of South Carolina and numerous hospitals and school districts.
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Spartanburg
The northern city of Spartanburg is distinguished by its beautiful landscape and rich history. Known as "Hub City" in the 1800s, it once served as an important railroad center. Spartanburg is one of the best places to live in South Carolina for families as it has some of the most sought-after high schools in the northern region and numerous higher education institutions. Plus, it's much more affordable to own or rent a home than in other parts of the state.
The city also boasts a stable and diverse economy. BMW's only North American plant operates here, providing jobs in manufacturing and production. Spartanburg is also home to an Amazon fulfillment center, so if you're looking for transportation, logistics, or distribution jobs, you've come to the right place.
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Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a charming coastal suburb in Charleston County. In addition to its pristine beaches, historic houses, and vibrant landscape, Mount Pleasant is only a short drive from the bigger city of Charleston. One of the safest places to live in the state, Mount Pleasant also benefits from a low unemployment rate and low poverty rate. Plus, the residents are highly educated and earn a high median household income compared to the wider state and national average. If you're looking for one of the best places in South Carolina to live, this is an excellent option.
Although many residents commute from here to Charleston for work, Mount Pleasant has a strong economy of its own, fueled by the service industry and port shipping. If you're looking for work here, you can find government, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail jobs on offer.
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Rock Hill
Rock Hill, South Carolina, has much to offer its residents, including high job growth and a low cost of living. In your free time, you can enjoy outdoor adventures such as zip line parks and horseback riding, as well as the restored historic Old Town. Rock Hill is also known for its cultural sights and festivals. Recurring events include a blues and jazz festival, a Christmas festival, an independent movie festival, and amateur sporting competitions.
Rock Hills has a strong manufacturing industry, several industrial parks, and many jobs in logistics. Healthcare is another large sector in the city.
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