Where are the ten finest locations to reside in SC in 2026?

Americans who’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced place to relocate can be sensible to set their sights on South Carolina, which has grown in each inhabitants and recognition in recent times.

In the Palmetto State, newcomers can count on a price of residing 6% under the nationwide common, in line with the web actual property platform Houzeo.

“It also boasts some of the lowest property taxes in the country, affordable housing, and no shortage of sunshine or beach towns,” Houzeo stated. “From young professionals in Greenville to retirees soaking up the coastal breeze in Myrtle Beach, there’s a perfect fit for every lifestyle.”

Here’s what Upstate cities are South Carolina’s finest to reside in.

What is South Carolina’s finest metropolis to reside in?

Houzeo decided South Carolina’s finest cities to reside in by contemplating the neighborhood well-being rating, median dwelling value, month-to-month earnings, and price of residing. State gem Greenville got here out on prime and was named the most effective place to reside for younger professionals, due to its rising job market.

“The city offers a good balance of career opportunities in manufacturing, education, and healthcare, alongside a lively social community and outdoor amenities that attract an active, ambitious crowd,” stated Houzeo.

Greenville’s price of residing is about 5.4% under the nationwide common, and a minimal annual earnings of $98,535 is required to reside comfortably. What’s extra, you should buy a two-bedroom dwelling within the metropolis for round $325,735 and hire an analogous condo for between $400 and $7,000 monthly.

If you are questioning what the dealbreakers are for transferring to Greenville, you may discover that housing prices are rising resulting from excessive demand. Public transit is restricted within the metropolis, so you may usually be staying dwelling if you happen to do not personal a car. Like most places within the Southeast, Greenville is scorching and humid in the summertime.

Where else ought to I transfer within the Upstate?

Houzeo ranked Spartanburg No. 4 in its roundup of the ten finest locations to reside in South Carolina in 2026, highlighting the town’s affordability and rising job market, with main employers similar to BMW and Spartanburg Regional.

“Plus, downtown is walkable and filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and coworking spaces. It’s a great place to grow your career without the high cost of a big city,” Houzeo stated.

Spartanburg is among the Upstate’s most reasonably priced cities, 3.4% cheaper than the nationwide common. To reside comfortably there, you may must earn a minimal annual earnings of $57,381.

Like Greenville, Spartanburg has its drawbacks, like scorching summers and restricted public transit (SPARTA buses run on fastened routes however do not cowl all neighborhoods). Areas of the town, like components of North Pine, even have catching as much as do by way of growth, which lack constant infrastructure and facilities.

Houzeo’s 10 finest locations to reside in South Carolina in 2026

1. Greenville

• Median Home Price: $325,735
• Cost of Living: 5.4% under the nationwide common
• Safety: 91%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
• Walkability: 81

2. Lexington

• Median Home Price: $303,247
• Cost of Living: 3.7% under the nationwide common
• Safety: 95%
• Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
• Walkability: 53

3. Hilton Head Island

• Median Home Price: $764,829
• Cost of Living: 3.4% under the nationwide common
• Safety: 50%
• Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
• Walkability: 1

4. Spartanburg

• Median Home Price: $228,853
• Cost of Living: 9.9% under the nationwide common
• Safety: 259%
• Unemployment Rate: 7.5%
• Walkability: 76

5. Myrtle Beach

• Median Home Price: $324,747
• Cost of Living: 3.9% under the nationwide common
• Safety: 202%
• Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
• Walkability: 76

6. Rock Hill

• Median Home Price: $332,963
• Cost of Living: 4.2% under the nationwide common
• Safety: 40%
• Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
• Walkability: 72

7. Columbia

• Median Home Price: $224,616
• Cost of Living: 3.6% under the nationwide common
• Safety: 85%
• Unemployment Rate: 7.9%
• Walkability: 85

8. Charleston

• Median Home Price: $588,916
• Cost of Living: 4.9% above the nationwide common
• Safety: 4%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
• Walkability: 94

9. Mount Pleasant

• Median Home Price: $876,150
• Cost of Living: 4.9% above the nationwide common
• Safety: 37%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
• Walkability: 22

10. Summerville

• Median Home Price: $386,004
• Cost of Living: 4.5% above the nationwide common
• Safety: 54%
• Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
• Walkability: 70

Nina Tran covers trending matters for The Greenville News, a part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her by way of electronic mail at ntran@usatodayco.com.