What are the most important aspects that you consider while buying a house? As you know, buying your own house is a big decision and it’s an investment of a lifetime. This is the reason you need to know how to make that investment worthwhile. No matter if you are a family person or a retiree who wants to explore a better housing option, you should always think about three major factors: safety, affordable housing, and friendly environment.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best places to live in South Carolina based on these three major factors. So, let’s jump in.
Want to buy a home in South Carolina? Contact Redhead Home Properties to seek guidance in selecting the affordable and safe housing options.
Here is the list of the most suitable places to live in South Carolina based on the latest crime data and real estate statistics.
It’s a suburb of Columbia with a population of 24,132. It’s one of the best affordable places to live in South Carolina, as it offers residents a dense suburban feel, lots of entertainment parks, and easy access to Lake Murray.
Fort Mill is best known for its peach orchards and Anne Springs Close Greenway. It has a vast nature preserve consisting of ~2,300 acres of forests, lakes, and pastures that offer trails for biking, cycling, and hiking.
According to Niche.com, Tega Cay and Fort Mill have secured the top two positions for the best places to live in South Carolina. It offers beautiful landscapes, a solid sense of community, and better amenities. If you are a retiree, it is one of the best places to reside.
Where is the best place to live in South Carolina? If you are looking for an affordable, calm, and safe place to live in, Lyman, SC offers you all these benefits.
Bluffton is closer to Hilton Head and Beaufort. It provides a family-friendly environment with historic old towns and lots of community events.
Clover has a pleasant, small-town atmosphere, offering a better school system and an environment that’s perfect for attracting retirees and young families. There are plenty of parks and outdoor recreational activities just short drives from Clover, including access to Lake Wylie.
It’s a small town on Port Royal Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The town provides a soothing environment with various natural attractions and outdoor activities.
Mount Pleasant offers multiple parks, small commercial centers, and coastal amenities. It is highly rated in Niche’s 2025 South Carolina rankings for schools and families.
Table 1: Best Places to Live in South Carolina in 2025
| City / Town | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000) 2025 | Violent Crime Rate 2024 | Property Crime Rate (per 1,000) 2025 | Property Crime Rate 2024 | Average Home Value (2025) | 1-Year Change |
| Lexington | 0.2 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 16.6 | $303,276 | +1.9% |
| Fort Mill | 0.8 | 0.6 | 6.1 | 7.6 | $538,658 | +1.9% |
| Tega Cay | 0.2 | 0.4 | 9.1 | 10.8 | $609,034 | +1.8% |
| Lyman | 0.2 | 2.6 | 11.6 | 8.2 | $293,986 | +1.9% |
| Bluffton | 0.7 | 0.7 | 9.6 | 6.1 | $506,796 | −0.4% |
| Clover | 1.8 | 1.1 | 9.9 | 12.4 | $422,160 | +0.1% |
| Port Royal | 1.4 | 2.5 | 12.4 | 12.7 | $342,067 | +1.0% |
| Mount Pleasant | 1.4 | 1.2 | 12.8 | 13.7 | $875,306 | +2.0% |
Sources: SafeWise 2025 Report
South Carolina provides a variety of real estate options, as it is a home to beautiful towns and bustling cities. Still, if you are purchasing a house, you need to check the latest information about the town/city, such as crime rate, housing cost, and schooling. Based on these factors, the abovementioned list of towns and cities are considered the best places to live in South Carolina.
Do you want to buy a house in South Carolina? Reach out to Redhead Home Properties to get your free consultation today.
While there are many great options, Lyman and Lexington stand out for their safety records and affordable housing.
Fort Mill schools are ranked #1 in SC for 2025. It also has a lower crime rate which makes it the best city in South Carolina to raise a family.
Lyman is one of the affordable places to live, as the average house price is around $293,986.
