South Carolina Real Estate

by Lee Keadle
Many buyers search for South Carolina real estate but don't know where exactly in the state to live. I've listed below 5 of the most popular places to relocate in South Carolina.

Columbia is South Carolina's capital, and a lot of people choose to live here. It's centrally located to the beach and the mountains. It's one of the biggest cities in the state, and the population has grown to just over 120,000. Some of the biggest employers in the area are the University of South Carolina, the state government, and the hospital systems. Columbia (and Greenville) are the most affordable places to live in South Carolina that are also relatively good sized cities.

Greenville is located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has cooler weather than the coastal areas of South Carolina. It snows usually about once or twice a year in the uppermost part of the state, and Greenville is the largest city in the upstate. It has an estimate of about 60,000 residents. This area has seen some of the largest growth for non-coastal areas in South Carolina, and it's expected to grow even more in coming years. The city has plenty to do and lots of nice areas, but it's also considered an up and coming area simply because of its past and projected growth.

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular tourist areas in South Carolina. Every year, more than 15 million people visit South Carolina's coast, and Myrtle Beach is at the top of the list of beaches, statistically speaking. Although a lot of people in Myrtle Beach live there year round, it's considered more of a vacation spot. You'll find putt-putt courses and beach shops sprinkled throughout the area. It also has a lot of large hotels and condo complexes right on the beach. Myrtle Beach is the most coastal city on this list. The residential population is estimated around 23,000.

Charleston is known for its history and culture. Its economy is also based largely on tourism, and it has started to make its way into the international tourism and real estate markets as it's become the cultural hub of the state. You'll find historic sites, museums, and art galleries throughout the main peninsula and surrounding areas. Charleston is considered more of an upscale port city and has 6 beaches along its coast (plus several islands and towns further inland). Charleston is comparable to Columbia in size, at just under 118,000.

Hilton Head does not attract as many tourists, and it's known as a smaller and quieter coastal area. The AARP often lists Hilton Head in its top places to retire, but you'll find a mix of people there. Its population is estimated at about 33,000. Real estate prices are relatively high, as the town has strict development and commercial guidelines. The town incorporated these rules in an effort to preserve the natural setting that people associate with Hilton Head.

About the Author
Buyers can search all Carolina One homes for sale on our website, from Summerville homes to Mount Pleasant homes for sale!

Finding Charleston Style Homes in Charleston, SC

By Lee Keadle

Few cities in the country have a style of house all their own. The Chicago bungalow and the Cape Cod are two styles that come to mind for having specific architecture associated with the area. In Charleston, SC, you'll find what's called the Charleston single. This is a single family house that is not very wide but is very long, and they're usually two to three stories. Residents started building these homes in the 1700s in downtown Charleston. Land was being sold at a premium, and these homes were designed to fit on smaller lots. The idea was to build up rather than out, so you'll see some historic homes in downtown Charleston with as many as five stories!

There are so many of these homes are available to home buyers in downtown Charleston. So, if you're looking to buy an authentic Charleston styled home and you're in a higher price range, this is the ideal area to start your home search. You can find beautifully restored Charleston singles, many of which can be linked back to Charleston's rich history. For example, lots of these homes are listed on various state and national registers of historic homes and some are featured in books about Charleston's history.

If you're looking for the Charleston look but want a newer home, you'll find so many options throughout the Charleston area. Because this style of home is in high demand from buyers, new neighborhoods built in the Charleston style have been popping up in areas from James Island to Summerville!

The most famous of these neighborhoods is I'on. This is a nationally known neighborhood located in Mt. Pleasant, and this is as close as it gets to downtown Charleston style homes. Many of these homes have the final Charleston touches, too, such as operable shutters, beautiful brickwork designs, and gas lighting at the entrance. The main downfall of I'on is that it's as expensive as the homes in downtown Charleston. But, if you're in this price range anyway (say, $700K plus), and you don't want to live downtown but still want the feel of it, I'on may be the neighborhood for you!

There are plenty of more affordable options for Charleston styled homes, so don't worry if your budget is in the $200-500K range. On James Island, you'll find the Charleston style neighborhoods Westfield Place, Eaglewood Retreat, Jamestowne Village, and Lakeside Village. On Johns Island you'll find Barberry Woods, the Villages in St. Johns Woods, and Rushland Plantation. In Mt. Pleasant there is Rivertowne on the Wando, Grassy Creek, Chadbury Village, The Village subsection of Park West, and Hamlin Plantation. West Ashley has Schieveling Plantation and McLaura Bluff, and Summerville has White Gables (which is the most affordable option on this list).

Whether you want an authentic Charleston style home in downtown Charleston or a newly built home in a convenient location, you'll find a lot of options to choose from!

About the Author
Buyers can search all Charleston real estate listings on our website, which includes Mount Pleasant SC real estate and Summerville SC real estate!

Vacation Photos from Charleston South Carolina Day 2

Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens

Slave Quarters (Outside)

Slave Quarters (Inside)