South Carolina is a wonderful place to live if you enjoy the outdoors and want access to both mountains and the ocean. You'll also experience Southern hospitality, delicious regional meals, and diverse communities of families, retirees, and young professionals. 

This state has a fascinating history and plenty to do all year round, and you can choose to live in or near the city, suburb, or small town that suits your personality and lifestyle. Here's why moving to South Carolina could be the right decision for your family and future.

1. Economic Climate

South Carolina has diverse housing options, ranging from coastal homes and rural properties to suburban communities and urban living. This is partially because of the state's affordable cost of living and economic growth:

Cost of Living

South Carolina's nickname is the Palmetto State, and like the swaying leaves of a Palmetto tree, it offers a slow pace of living at an affordable cost compared to many other parts of the country. The cost of living in South Carolina is 10.7% lower than the average cost of living in the U.S. This includes expenses like: 

• Housing
• Groceries
• Child care
• Transportation
• Health care

Specific expenses vary by location. For example, living in a major city will cost more than living in a small town. Many families choose to live in a suburb so they can enjoy the benefits of both urban and rural living. 

Job Market and Economic Growth

If you're looking for a place with a strong job market and upward trends in economic growth, South Carolina could be a good option. According to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, the Palmetto State had the second-fastest employment growth in the country from March 2024 to March 2025. Employment increased by 2.4% during this time, with growth in sectors like construction, education, health care, and financial services. Some leading industries include manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, and the military. 

South Carolina's state website also has numerous resources for those interested in starting a business, including information about qualifying for and accessing state and federal grants.

2. Quality of Life and Community Services

Many people put down roots in South Carolina because of the long-term quality of life it provides. Educational opportunities and access to health care support your family's needs as you grow.

Compared to other states, South Carolina's education system ranked 34th in 2025. Although there's room for improvement, more than 230 public schools have an “excellent” score on the SC Education Oversight Committee's report card. South Carolina has several notable universities for higher education, including the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and the College of Charleston. 

According to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report, South Carolina also ranks 30th for health care out of the 50 states. Health care quality and access were ranked at 23rd and 33rd, respectively. Top-ranking hospitals in the state include MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston, Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, and Charleston's Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. 

3. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Living

The South Carolina region is known for its long warm season and mild winters. During the summer, it's typical to have high humidity in addition to hot temperatures. Temperatures vary between the mountain and coastal regions, as well as the northern and southern parts of the state. 

Mild conditions mean you can get outdoors year-round to enjoy the state's many diverse landscapes:

• Beaches and coastal life: South Carolina is home to several well-known beaches, including Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. The coast is always a short drive away, no matter which part of the state you live in. This makes it easy to take a quick weekend getaway or plan a vacation that is closer to home.
• Proximity to the mountains: You can also explore the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern part of the state. This area is peaceful and perfect for activities like camping, hiking, and picnicking. The beautiful views and serene surroundings make it an ideal spot for family reunions, adventurous day trips, and unplugging from the work week.
• Access to lakes and parks: If you enjoy fishing or kayaking, South Carolina offers a number of beautiful lakes and rivers to explore. Examples include Lakes Murray and Marion, and the Congaree and Edisto Rivers. It's also home to 47 state parks, including Hunting Island State Park, Caesars Head State Park, and Table Rock State Park.

Known as the "Golf Capital of the World, South Carolina is also home to world-class outdoor recreation. Whether your family's idea of fun is a slow-paced camping trip or a day at an amusement park, you'll find it here.

4. Vibrant Culture and Communities

Keystone Custom Homes has multiple communities throughout the state. Areas like Simpsonville and York are some of the best places to live in South Carolina because they offer plenty of Southern hospitality and a welcoming, family-friendly environment for homeowners of all ages to thrive. 

South Carolina may offer a slower pace of living, but that doesn't mean you won't find rich arts and culture scenes. Local favorites include The Charleston Museum, the Columbia Museum of Art and the South Carolina Peach Festival. It also has historic sites dating back to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Immerse yourself in historic reenactments and visit Fort Sumter to learn about the United States' origins, and celebrate the region's native Gullah Geechee people at the annual Sweetgrass Festival. 

The South is also well-known for its hospitality, and food plays an important role in the state's cultural identity. Living a farm-to-table lifestyle is easy, as the state's shops and farmers markets are filled with fresh produce and locally sourced seafood. Each region promises something different, and you'll love the mixture of low-country traditions with up-country charm. 

Grow Roots in South Carolina With Keystone Custom Homes

If you're moving to SC, choose Keystone Custom Homes as your new construction home builder. We specialize in carefully designed floorplans with thousands of design combinations to choose from, so you can build the home of your dreams in the Palmetto State.

When you work with us, you'll experience support all the way through the build process — from finding the right site to financing, design, construction, and a final walk-through. Ask about our available model homes to tour so you can see for yourself how Keystone Custom Homes prioritizes quality for every build.

Explore our current South Carolina communities and call 717-368-9831 to start your new home journey today!