With a mix of coastal towns, booming cities, and charming suburbs, South Carolina has a lot to offer its residents. Studies show that more people are moving to and fewer people are leaving South Carolina — the affordability and year-round great weather are making it an attractive place to live, and we agree! If you're considering relocating to The Palmetto State, we're here to help you choose the perfect city for your lifestyle. South Carolina offers a blend of stunning beachfront, vibrant modern developments, and rapidly growing towns, making it an ideal place to call home. Plus, you'll find an Eastwood Homes community or the option to build your dream home on your own lot in many of these great locations.
This coastal city combines historic charm with a vibrant cultural scene, home to over 156,000 residents—making it the largest city by population on our list. Not only is Charleston beautiful to look at, but it also has a strong economy, plenty of things to do, and great weather year-round. With 230 days of sunshine each year, you won’t have a shortage of vitamin D, and the ocean’s not far if you need to cool off.
With a population of ~72,000, this growing upstate metro area offers the benefits of a thriving downtown without the big-city crowds. Greenville is known for its “Great American Main Street,” a 10-block tree-lined stretch of shops and restaurants. Enjoy the infamous Falls Park on the Reedy, a beautiful downtown park that features The Liberty Bridge, which connects downtown to the West End. Greenville’s strong job market and affordability are just a plus to this scenic city.
Although it’s a suburb of Charleston County, Mount Pleasant boasts a population of ~95,000, marking it as the largest coastal town in South Carolina. Enjoy being close enough to the hustle and bustle of Charleston while enjoying the quiet charm across the bridge. Experience breathtaking views and delicious seafood at Shem Creek or take in the history of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
As the capital of South Carolina, this historic city is a no-brainer. Home to the University of South Carolina, Columbia and its ~138,000 residents offer a lively, college-town atmosphere. There’s always something to do in this vibrant city, like exploring the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden or Congaree National Park, shopping around or picking a restaurant at the historic Five Points district, or even catching a game from the reigning NCAA women’s basketball champs at USC. With warm summers and mild winters, the climate in Columbia is great for outdoor enthusiasts. With a low cost of living and a strong job market, you’ll find that the Columbia area is almost too good to be true.
Beach bums, this one’s for you! Hilton Head Island, a charming coastal town with a population of around 38,000, is a top-rated retirement destination. Retirees can enjoy the ease of first-floor primary and ranch-style living at Academy Park, located about an hour from Hilton Head, or opt for a low-maintenance townhome at New Riverside Village, less than 30 minutes away—all while taking advantage of the island’s world-class golf courses. With 12 miles of pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone, from swimming and boating to dolphin watching. Shop and dine at Harbour Town, catch live entertainment, or take a sightseeing cruise. Nature lovers can explore scenic bike trails, wildlife preserves, and the picturesque waters of the Calibogue Sound.
Located in upstate SC just outside of Greenville lies Spartanburg, a city with a population of ~39,000 residents. The growing downtown of Spartanburg is covered in public art with a new restaurant or shop popping up on every corner. This city is perfect for creatives with live music often being played in the streets, as well as tons of museums, music venues, and art galleries. With parks, trails, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spartanburg is also a hub for the outdoorsy type.
Just outside of Charleston, you’ll find the charming town of Summerville with a population of ~53,000 people. Summerville is home to the azalea-filled Azalea Park, as well as Flowertown Festival, an annual arts and crafts festival put on by the Summerville Family YMCA–making this Charleston suburb a beautiful and creative place to call home. The town has a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, making it a popular choice for families, retirees, and those looking to escape the busyness of Charleston while still being within a 30-minute drive. With strong schools, gorgeous parks, and a lively downtown, you’ll love living in Summerville.
If you’re looking for that small-town feel within just a short commute to Charlotte, Fort Mill could be the town for you. Fort Mill is a Charlotte suburb near the SC-NC border with a population of 29,000, but don’t let the size fool you! This town continues to see growth due to its convenient location, friendly atmosphere, and lower taxes than nearby Charlotte. Fort Mill is known for the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve with hiking, biking, kayaking, and equestrian trails. It’s a quaint community with an inviting downtown featuring local shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
This growing coastal town near Hilton Head is home to ~40,000 residents! Bluffton is an affordable alternative to Hilton Head with a strong job market and that same coastal town charm. In Bluffton, SC, you get that picturesque beach-town feel with the resources of a growing city. You can also dive into one of Bluffton’s favorite pastimes–golf. With dozens of pristine golf courses in the area, you’ll become a pro in no time. Enjoy waterfront dining along the May River and visit the Old Town district, filled with historic homes, boutique shops, and art galleries.
Located just west of Columbia, this small South Carolina town is known for its outdoor recreation, such as Lake Murray–a 50,000-acre lake–and parks like Virginia Hylton Park. Its ~23,000 residents can enjoy activities like boating, fishing, waterfront restaurants, and just spending time in nature. As a more affordable option to living in Columbia, residents of Lexington enjoy its welcoming atmosphere, highly rated schools, and proximity to the state capital.
South Carolina offers the perfect blend of lively cities, charming coastal towns, and growing suburban communities, making it an incredible place to call home. Whether you're drawn to the historic streets of Charleston, the scenic beauty of Hilton Head, or the small-town atmosphere of Lexington, there's a place for everyone in the Palmetto State.
At Eastwood Homes, we’re proud to build in many of these top locations, giving you plenty of options to find the home that fits your lifestyle. From thoughtfully designed communities to our Build On Your Lot program in select areas, we make it easy to bring your dream home to life.
Ready to make your move? Explore our communities today and discover why so many homebuyers are choosing Eastwood Homes in South Carolina!
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