Welcome to South Carolina
Your life in the Palmetto State begins
Welcome to South Carolina
South Carolina is often referred to as the Palmetto State and its bordered by North Carolina, Georgia, and the Atlantic Ocean. As the 40th largest state in size and the 23rd largest by population, South Carolina has plenty to offer both visitors and residents alike. The state is home to the Blue Ridge Mountain Province, which stretches across northwestern South Carolina and it's known for its historic districts, golf courses, and its beaches.
South Carolina's major industries include biotechnology and life sciences, aerospace and aviation, recycling, transportation, and automotive manufacturing. Since forests cover more than 67 percent of the state, South Carolina's top natural resource is loblolly pine. The state is one of the US's top producers of mica, kaolin (natural clay), and vermiculite (a mineral that's typically used for growing plants or for insulation).
Some of the top attractions in the Palmetto State include The Center for Birds of Prey, the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum, Falls Park on the Reedy, Lulu's Beach Arcade and Ropes Course, Hilton Head Island Bike Trails, and the Dark Corner Distillery.
South Carolina Self-Storage Facts
The South Carolina self-storage industry has been thriving in recent years, thanks in part to a wave of storage facility construction that has swept the nation over the last few years. Record levels of self-storage facilities are being built, which means developers and operators are seeking sites wherever they can. This includes even vacant big box stores that are frequently being converted to self-storage facilities. In South Carolina, the increase in the number of new storage units is good news for space-starved consumers as it is leading to lower monthly rental rates for self-storage.
Below are some statistics that provide an overview of the self-storage industry in South Carolina:
902
South Carolina is home to more than 902 self-storage facilities
28,931,143
South Carolina facilities offer more than 28,931,143 million square feet of storage space combined.
6.02
South Carolina has 6.02 square feet of storage space for every man, woman, and child–much more than the national average of 5.4 square feet per person.
Reasons to Move to South Carolina
If you're already leaning towards making the move to South Carolina, check out our top 10 reasons to move to the Palmetto State to sway you in the right direction.
1
Great weather. One of the reasons people move to South Carolina is for the great year-round weather. The average temperature in South Carolina is approximately 64 degrees and annual lows are typically in the 50s. That means more time in the sun enjoying the outdoor activities you love.
2
Slower pace. If the idea of a slower pace sounds appealing to you, South Carolina might be a good place to settle. You can look forward to less road rage from your fellow drivers and more casual conversations at the grocery store while waiting in line.
3
No traffic jams. Because there are no major metropolitan areas in South Carolina, traffic jams are pretty much nonexistent. The average commutes in the biggest cities in South Carolina generally only last between 17 and 21 minutes.
4
The beaches. Get some silky white sand between your toes because the state is known for its amazing beaches because of its miles of seashore, nautical activities, and luxury resorts. South Carolina's beaches include Hilton Head, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and more.
5
Great job growth. South Carolina is expected to see continued job growth in the coming years. In the past few years, economists have said that there aren't enough people for all the jobs. So if you're looking for a new job and to start over someplace nice, South Carolina might just be the right place for you.
6
Southern hospitality. Everyone loves a little southern hospitality and you'll get plenty of it if you move to South Carolina. Just like surrounding southern states, you can expect a full range of kindness from your fellow residents.
7
The state parks and greenery. South Carolina houses more than 47 state parks and those parks cover more than 80,000 acres of land. Some of your options include Hunting Island State Park, Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Caesars Head State Park or Congaree National Park.
8
The delectable dishes. South Carolina has several great restaurants in its coastal towns, some featuring some of the best seafood you'll come across. But it's also got great barbecue, specifically the Gullah cuisine, which is akin to Caribbean cooking. For a blend of exotic and homegrown cuisine, South Carolina is where you need to be.
9
Affordability. South Carolina has a remarkably low cost of living - one that's 13 percent lower than the national average. The state is cheaper than most places in the country so your wallets should stay fuller longer.
10
Rich history and culture. South Carolina is rich with history and culture, featuring plenty of historic sites, museums, plantations, and Fort Sumter. Historic Charleston (founded in 1670) is known for its cobblestone streets and antebellum homes.
Moving to South Carolina
South Carolina has a population of 5.1 million people, according to World Population Review and roughly 28.5 million people visit the state every year. Between 2018 and 2019, the state's population increased by 1.24 percent. In the last few years, only five states have gained more new residents due to relocation than South Carolina. Several things are attracting people to the state, including the beautiful weather, retirement, a lack of state taxes on social security benefits, and low property taxes.
South Carolina Economic Outlook
South Carolina's GDP was $202.77 billion as of 2018, according to Statista. The unemployment rate was 2.9 percent as of September 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top 5 Sectors by GDP of Real Value Added
South Carolina added 32,500 new jobs (a 1.5 percent job growth rate from the previous year). Job growth for 2020 is expected to be slow, at a rate of 0.9 percent (which equals 19,600 new jobs). Due to trade tensions with both China and Europe, the state's export-driven economy will take a hit. However, according to Kiplinger, the economy will remain strong. South Carolina is expecting Google to expand its Berkeley County data center and new facilities are being built by DHL, Fuyao, and Valantic.
South Carolina has a cost of living score of 94.1, meaning it's cheaper to live in the Palmetto state than the US as a whole. Not to mention, the cost of groceries and housing are also below the national average.
Who are South Carolina's Largest Employers?
Places to live in South Carolina
South Carolina is roughly 32,020 square miles, meaning it's the 40th largest state in the US by size. For every square mile of the state's territory, there's an average of 153 people, making it the 23rd most densely populated state in the country. The largest cities include Columbia, Charleston, and North Charleston.
Columbia
Columbia is the largest city in South Carolina and has a population of 135,299 people. As the capital of South Carolina, Columbia is affectionately known as "Soda City" by the locals thanks to an old abbreviation of Columbia to "Cola." Columbia has tons to do and see, including the Congaree National Park, Riverbanks Zoo, The Columbia Marionette Theater, EdVenture Children's Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and more.
Charleston
Charleston is the second-largest city in South Carolina and boasts a population of 140,178 people. It's also the oldest city in the Palmetto State and it's filled with rich history and culture. It's known for its amazing architecture and the array of activities available, including live music, great restaurants, amazing art and culture, and shopping.
North Charleston
North Charleston is the third-largest city in South Carolina with a population of 111,593 people. The city is seen as the main industrial center for retail sales in the state. North Charleston is an exciting city filled with plenty to keep you entertained, including shopping, nightlife, restaurants, golf, historic sites, and attractions like Riverfront Park, Whirlin' Waters Adventure Park, Holy City Brewing, and Wannamaker County Park.
Moving to South Carolina Resources
All South Carolina Cities
- Beaufort
- Bluffton
- Charleston
- Columbia
- Florence
- Fort Mill
- Goose Creek
- Greenville
- Hardeeville
- Hilton Head Island
- Lexington
- Loris
- Mauldin
- Mount Pleasant
- Myrtle Beach
- North Charleston
- Orangeburg
- Port Royal
- Rock Hill
- Simpsonville
- Spartanburg
- Summerville
- Sumter
- Taylors
- Walterboro
- West Columbia
- Aiken
- Anderson
- Greer
- Greenwood
- Easley
- Hanahan
- Conway
- Pickens
- Liberty
- Daniel Island
- Irmo
- Fountain Inn
- North Myrtle Beach
- North Augusta
- Pendleton
- Cayce
- Clemson
- Little River
- Lancaster
- Lugoff
- Inman
- Murrells Inlet
- York
- Surfside Beach
- Seneca
- Dillon
- Ridgeland
- Marion
- Piedmont
- Duncan
- Manning
- Moncks Corner
- Woodruff
- Clinton
- Laurens
- Pawleys Island
- Boiling Springs
- Gaffney
- Georgetown
- Lake City
- Darlington
- Camden
- Hampton
- Williamston
- Chapin
- Hartsville
- Union
- Landrum
- Indian Land
- St Stephen
- Johns Island
- Chester
- Travelers Rest
- Gilbert
- Batesburg Leesville
- Honea Path
- Powdersville
- Lake Wylie