Life in South Carolina
South Carolina is a place where opportunity feels personal. Here, global companies, growing communities and the things that matter most come together in a way that's increasingly hard to find.
Welcome to South Carolina
Growth has transformed South Carolina into one of the nation's most sought-after places to live and work. Yet despite its momentum, the state remains known for something harder to measure — welcoming communities, strong relationships and a quality of life that continues to attract people from across the country and around the world.
Why more people are choosing South Carolina
Don’t just take our word for it.
“South Carolina is a great place to work, and be, and live.”
Melanie McLane, Director of Human Resources, Arthrex Manufacturing
Explore South Carolina’s communities
From the Appalachian Mountains to the 187 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, South Carolina's communities are as varied as the landscapes that connect them. Some offer vibrant downtowns. Others provide coastal living, mountain views or room to grow. Each has its own story, strengths and sense of place.
Explore community profiles for key data about the talent, income, leading industries and housing of each region.
Living & working across South Carolina
Here you can enjoy the love where you work advantage. Across the communities of South Carolina, quality of life is supported by benefits that matter to both employers and residents. These factors shape how people live, work and build long-term careers across the state.
Affordability
Lower-than-average cost of living, approximately 8.5% below the national average.
Lifestyle
Arts, music, sports and outdoor recreation are part of everyday life, supported by mild winters and warm summers.
Career opportunities
A diverse economy gives people opportunities to build rewarding careers across industries and communities.
Healthcare
Residents have access to nationally recognized healthcare systems and providers across the state.
Clemson University
Education & workforce training
From K-12 education and career readiness programs to a renowned technical college system and leading colleges and universities, South Carolina helps people build successful careers while strengthening the workforce that drives the state's economy.
- Nationally recognized institutions include: Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University and College of Charleston
- Top-ranked public and private K-12 options
- 33 public colleges and universities
- 8 historically black colleges and universities
- 16 technical colleges
- 47 career and technical education centers available to high school students
Art, culture & recreation
Festivals. Golf. Fishing. Outdoor living. It’s all here in South Carolina, from Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston to more than 350 golf courses, including three recognized by Golf Digest among America’s “100 Greatest Golf Courses.”
With 47 state parks, 14 major lakes and reservoirs and 187 miles of coastline, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Sports enthusiasts can also experience ACC and SEC athletics, the Credit One Charleston Open, which attracts top-ranked women’s tennis players, and historic races like the Colonial Cup Steeplechase.
