Relocation guides
Moving to South Carolina
South Carolina has been a net-inflow state for years. These pages start from actual Census migration data — where people moving into the Midlands are coming from — rather than guesswork.
Pick the state you are leaving
North Carolina
about 4,495 people
Georgia
about 3,095 people
Virginia
about 2,812 people
Florida
about 2,581 people
California
about 2,369 people
Texas
about 2,099 people
New York
about 1,988 people
Pennsylvania
about 1,071 people
Maryland
about 1,047 people
New Jersey
about 905 people
Tennessee
about 831 people
Illinois
about 757 people
Ohio
about 714 people
Alabama
about 674 people
Indiana
about 642 people
Arizona
about 549 people
Michigan
about 525 people
Massachusetts
about 507 people
US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2017–2021 state-to-county migration flows, into Richland and Lexington counties. Each page shows that estimate's margin of error.
Download the free South Carolina Relocation Guide
Five regions compared, what it costs to carry a home in each, and how South Carolina taxes retirement income. Written by a local licensee.
Get the GuideWhat South Carolina does with your money
$0
Tax on Social Security
South Carolina does not tax Social Security income. Federal treatment still applies.
None
Estate or inheritance tax
South Carolina levies neither. Several states people relocate from levy one or both.
4% vs 6%
Primary residence assessment ratio
Owner-occupied homes assess at 4%. Second homes and rentals assess at 6% — same house, different carrying cost.
About 0.49%
Average property tax on value
Statewide average; varies by county and millage. Among the lower effective rates in the country.
These figures change, and what they mean for your return depends on your situation. I'm a REALTOR, not a CPA — take the numbers to a qualified tax professional before you plan around them. Sources: SC Department of Revenue, county assessors, AARP South Carolina state tax guide.
Five regions, five different lives
The Upstate
Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Clemson
Foothills of the Blue Ridge and the state's manufacturing engine: BMW's Spartanburg plant, Michelin's North American headquarters and a long bench of suppliers. Real elevation, real fall colour, mountains within the hour.
The Midlands
Columbia, Lexington, Chapin, Irmo, Lake Murray
The geographic middle and the only place in South Carolina where three interstates meet. Employment leans on institutions rather than one industry: state government, the University of South Carolina, Prisma Health and Lexington Medical Center, Fort Jackson, and now Scout Motors in Blythewood. Lake Murray sits on the western edge.
The Lowcountry
Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Beaufort, Hilton Head
Tidal marsh and barrier islands. The economy runs on the port, Boeing's 787 final assembly line, Joint Base Charleston, MUSC and tourism. The state's highest-priced market and its most weather-exposed — flood and wind coverage are a material line item.
The Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Georgetown
Sixty miles of continuous beach and one of the fastest-growing metros in the country. Tourism and healthcare anchor the economy, so seasonality is real. Enormous volumes of new construction.
The Pee Dee
Florence, Darlington, Sumter, Marion
The I-95 corridor and the state's agricultural belt. Florence is a regional medical and distribution hub; Sumter carries Shaw Air Force Base. The lowest cost of entry in the state.
Landing in the middle of the state
Only one market in South Carolina is inside a two-hour drive of both the mountains and the beach, and it is the middle of the state. More on relocating to the Midlands.
Lisa Lovro, REALTOR® — NextHome Specialists — SC License #108445 — (803) 687-1744 — lisalovro.com