What You Must Know Before Moving To The Carolinas
There are so many things that make people fall in love with the Palmetto State. South Carolina is a wonderful place to live, with many spaces and opportunities to offer, from beautiful natural landscapes to exciting public places and even a low cost of living. In fact, as of 2022, South Carolina has a population of 5.25 million – and the numbers continue to rise due to the high number of people interested in moving to this state.
If you’re interested in moving to South Carolina but are unsure of whether it is the right decision for you or not, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the aspects you should take into account before moving to the Palmetto State.
8 Things To Consider Before Moving To South Carolina
1. Winters are mild, but summers can be very hot
Most people will tell you that South Carolina has wonderful weather. However, it is not 100% true. While winters are known for being calm and having temperatures of around 58-60ºF, summers are characterized as being extremely hot and humid.
Furthermore, remember that this is a coastal state. Hence, living near the ocean makes you more vulnerable to natural disasters, like floods or hurricanes. In fact, South Carolina makes it a requirement to get a hurricane deductible on your homeowner’s insurance policy. You may also want to get flood insurance just in case, but it depends on your area of residence.
2. It has a low cost of living
South Carolina is below the average cost of living in the US.
Considering this is a coastal state, it can hold excellent value for families. While it is true that the cost of living is relatively low, keep in mind that it depends on your area of residence and the lifestyle you would like to follow. Still, Palmetto State is an affordable state in multiple aspects, including real estate.
So you should really consider looking at homes in South Carolina to buy as an investment in real estate or as a retirement home, as you get a lot of value for your money.
3. There’s natural beauty everywhere you go
If there’s something that characterizes South Carolina, it is the beautiful scenery. It doesn’t matter where you decide to live; you’ll always be surrounded by beautiful places that can put your mind in the right mood. Whether you love exploring or swimming, there’s something here for everyone.
South Carolina has tons of mountains, forests, lakes, and beaches that you can visit whenever you feel like it. Plus, the existence of all these places makes it easier for you to find your next vacation spot. You won’t have to struggle with high gas or flight fees since you’ll have all the things you need in your surroundings!
4. You can take it easy or live a fast-paced life
South Carolina is well-known for having a relaxed way of life. However, that heavily depends on your area of residence. Cities like Myrtle Beach or Charleston are alive, with the latter being the most populated city in the state. Hence, South Carolina allows you to choose whether you would like to have a low-key lifestyle or if you would like to meet new people and have new experiences now and then.
5. It has a strong educational background
South Carolina has tons of educational opportunities for kids, teenagers, and adults. If you’re relocating to the Palmetto State with the intention of continuing your studies, then you’ll be glad to know that you’ll have access to the University of South Carolina or perhaps the Coastal Carolina City, among many other options.
We can say the same about primary and secondary education. There are plenty of good schools in each district for families with kids or teenagers, such as the Charleston School of the Arts or perhaps the Academic Magnet High School.
6. There’s good food everywhere
The gastronomy of South Carolina is quite diverse. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer barbecue or seafood, for instance. In fact, since this is a coastal state, most people argue that SC’s seafood is the best in the United States.
Swee
t tea is quite popular in this state, too. You’ll find plenty of fried foods and some local-preferred dishes, like boiled peanuts. Generally speaking, you’ll never get bored of this state’s food as there will always be something new to try out.
7. Visit the ocean whenever you want
South Carolina has about 2,800 miles of coastline, which are surrounded by Palmetto trees for the most part. Even if you’ve decided to live away from the coast, the ocean will always be a few hours away from your home. You’ll always have the option of pausing your life for a while and taking a break at one of the many beaches that this state has to offer. The best part is that these beaches have nice weather all year long!
8. Bugs and alligators are very common
This country’s weather and natural scenery make the perfect conditions for bugs like mosquitoes to proliferate throughout the area. Plus, it has tons of lakes that are home to different species of alligators. While these are not obstacles to living here, you may want to consider the existence of these small disturbances if you wish to live in South Carolina.
