South Carolina Real Estate For Sale

South Carolina has 46 counties. Greenville County is the most densely populated of these, while Allendale County is the least densely populated county. There are several well-known cities, but there are also plenty of small towns. Columbia is the state's capital, and Charleston has the highest population. If you're looking for a busy metropolis or rural tranquility, inland forests, or coastal marshes, South Carolina real estate certainly has something to offer you. 

Home to the county seat of Greenville and situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this county provides its residents with access to plenty of natural beauty while still being relatively close to some major metropolitan areas. The city of Greenville was once called the "textile capital of the world" and has since transformed into a manufacturing powerhouse. As a result, the economy is fairly robust, and the cost of living is low. It's also a cultural touchpoint for its region, offering a zoo, museums, and many historical sites. 

Several suburbs have developed around the city. Many South Carolina residents consider five Forks towards the eastern part of the county a particularly excellent place to live due to its rural, small-town vibe, outstanding schools, and sprawling forests.  

The city of Charleston is the largest in all of South Carolina and one of the oldest as well. The streets are lined with cobblestones and history, and within its borders are some of the oldest buildings in the United States. The nightlife is unmatched, and daytime recreation, including parks, beaches, and even a water park or two, are all but a stone's throw away. Being able to own a bit of South Carolina real estate history isn't cheap, though. Homes for sale in Charleston are among some of the priciest in the state, with a median price of $443k.

If city living doesn't appeal to you, you may want to consider real estate in South Carolina's small village in the rural area surrounding Charleston. About an hour's drive from the city is McClellanville, a small fishing community on the coast. Older homes in this area are in the $300k range, while newer homes run a little more expensive.

Along the coast of South Carolina is a 60-mile stretch of sand and shore known as the "Grand Strand." And smack dab in the middle of the Grand Strand is Myrtle Beach, one of the busiest beaches on the east coast. This area is one of the fastest-growing in the state of South Carolina and within the county. However, despite its recent surge in popularity, homes here are some of the cheapest in the South Carolina real estate market, with a median listing price of $305k. You can't get a better deal than that for ocean views and sandy toes!

Greenville County is the largest school district in the state, and it's also home to some of South Carolina's best K-12 schools. For example, Augusta Circle Elementary in the city of Greenville has some of the highest achieving students in kindergarten through fifth grade in the state. There's also Wade Hampton High School, which is rated highly for its college readiness programs.

Buist Academy in the Charleston School District serves first through eighth-grade students and is consistently one of the highest performing schools in the state. Students here make significantly more academic progress than their peers throughout the rest of South Carolina. 

No matter where you buy real estate in South Carolina, there are plenty of great schools in the state. The three highest-ranked high schools in the state are all located in North Charleston. These schools are Academic Magnet High School, Charleston School of the Arts, and Palmetto Scholars Academy. These three schools are set apart from other public schools through special programming. For example, students at Academic Magnet High School take on a two-year research project at the end of their high school careers, and some of that research has even been published in academic journals. At Charleston School of the Arts, students from all over the city audition for the chance to spend their high school years studying a major in creative art. Students at Palmetto Scholars Academy receive individualized instruction based on their special interests and unique strengths as gifted pupils.

There are great schools outside of the larger metropolitan areas as well. There are particularly strong schools in York County and Anderson County, which serve more rural populations.

Fort Mill, Tega Cay, and Lake Wylie are all increasingly popular places for families with young children in South Carolina. These small towns and suburbs are remarkable for their exceptional schools, family-friendly attractions, and convenience.

Eco-conscious millennials have transformed Greenville into the thriving community it is now. As the city continues to grow, so has its abundance of career opportunities. Young professionals are choosing to buy real estate in South Carolina, specifically in Charleston, for the history it has to offer while still being a relatively affordable city. 

Retirees searching for the best South Carolina real estate options should look no further than along the coast. The Isle of Palms community is an excellent choice due to its sunny weather, abundance of recreational opportunities, and active residential homes. If you're looking for inexpensive South Carolina real estate, North Charleston is another, more affordable option a bit farther from the beach. Its cost of living is lower than in other parts of the state, and its proximity to Charleston means you'll never run out of things to do.

The largest industry in South Carolina is tourism, especially in the cities of Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Both of those cities are always looking for more employees with experience in hospitality and other services. Many people in South Carolina also work in the agricultural sector or in manufacturing. The largest employer in the state is Michelin, based in Greenville.

South Carolina real estate has access to the six main airports in the state providing commercial service. The largest are the three international airports: Charleston International Airport (CHS), Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), and Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). Commercial flights also fly domestically through Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), Florence Regional Airport (FLO), and Hilton Head Airport (HHH).

Many schools in South Carolina have "year-round" calendars. Those that remain traditional tend to start the school year in mid-August and end around Memorial Day.

Middleton Place contains some of America's oldest landscaped gardens on its ten acres. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also saturated with history, which you can witness as employees go through their day in period dress as they might have done back when Middleton Place was established in 1741. You can also visit Fort Sumter, the location of the first battle between the Union and the Confederates in the Civil War. 

Hunting Island State Park is one of the most popular state parks in the state and country alike, welcoming over a million visitors annually. The park is a secluded island and is a highly protected wildlife area due to the loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs on the beach every summer. 

Thousands of people visit South Carolina from out of state every year to take advantage of the beautiful beaches along its coast. It's hard to choose just one as a must-see! Tourists love Hilton Head Island, while locals prefer the much smaller Kiawah Island and Sullivan's Island. The most popular overall is Myrtle Beach, which welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Charleston is famous for its abundance of haunted historical places, and there are dozens of places where people gather to seek thrills. Catch a tour through one of Charleston's oldest graveyards, or take a walk through the Old City Jail. Just make sure you stick to the buddy system!

● Time for a road trip! South Carolina has some of the cheapest gas in the country due to its low taxes on oil.

● Get ready to sweat. South Carolina summers are beautiful but humid. It's a small price to pay for the relatively mild winters.

● Come with an empty stomach! Whether it's barbecue or seafood, South Carolina is home to some incredible cuisine.

● Summers tend to be busy, especially along the coast. South Carolina beaches are a huge draw for tourists from all over the world.