South Carolina Heartland
Hey, Welcome Back!!!
If you haven’t kept track of where we are in our search for the best small towns and cities to live in with populations under 30,000 people, then I’m more than happy to let you know that we are in the heartland of South Carolina and making our way around the Piedmont region of the state.
Similar to North Carolina, the Piedmont region of South Carolina is a great place to find your best place to relocate or retire to live in and I say that for three reasons.
- Overall, South Carolina has a very low cost of living. The South Carolina Piedmont region is full small rural towns where your dollar will go much farther.
- The Piedmont region is where most of the people and larger cities in South Carolina are located. If you want a small town lifestyle near the services, transportation networks, and amenities of larger cities, then Piedmont South Carolina may be Your best place to live.
- South Carolinas Piedmont region has a diverse economy as well as educational opportunities. These opportunities appeal to young and old alike. Whether your starting a new career or moving into a new phase in life (retirement), some of the best opportunities in South Carolina are located here in the Piedmont Region.
This week we’ll start our search in the north central part of the south Carolina Piedmont region not far from the North Carolina border and the greater Charlotte, NC metropolitan area.
About 40 miles southeast of York, SC sit the City of Lancaster, SC, population 9,981.
Lancaster, SC, much like York, SC has seen a lot of growth in recent years due to its proximity to the Charlotte, NC metro area but frankly this overlooks all the things that make Lancaster a great place to live.
I really like the small town atmosphere in Lancaster, SC and like many places in the Piedmont region of South Carolina there is so much history to take.
What I especially like are all the cultural activities and outlets you’ll find in this small city.
In fact, Lancaster describes itself as an art community with a local theater company, an arts and crafts guild, chamber choirs and active local arts councils.
The median housing cost in Lancaster, SC is only around $110,000 and the average rental cost starts at $405 a month.
Retirees will be happy to know that there are a number of active adult communities in the area that are also quite affordable.
If you move another hour southeast from Lancaster, SC you’ll run into the city of Hartsville, SC, population 7,465 and one of the prides of the “Pee Dee” region of northeastern South Carolina.
Located half-way between Columbia, SC and the South Carolina beaches, Hartsville is home to several large companies.
Additionally, Hartsville has an historic liberal arts college giving you a cosmopolitan community wrapped up in a friendly Southern small town package.
In addition to a strong economy and Southern small town feel, I can’t say enough about all the local natural beauty from lakes and parks.
The median housing cost in Hartsville, SC is around $80,000 or $61 per square feet and the average rental cost starts at $423 a month.
We’re going to shift direction a little and head down I-26 from Columbia, SC to our last stop, Orangeburg, SC, population 13, 224.
Very classic picturesque downtown with all sorts of statues and a wonderful town square with punctuated with fountains.
Being close to both Columbia, SC and Charleston, SC has only helped the local economy and if you want to get out of town for outdoor fun you can hit nearby Lakes Moultrie and Marion or just hang out on the banks of the Edisto just south of town.
The median housing cost in Orangeburg, SC is 85,000 or $61 per square foot and the average rental cost is only $373 a month.
Next week come back for more South Carolina Piedmont adventures.
And don't forget to check out all my picks for the Best Places To Live in South Carolina.
See you soon!
About Bob Bencivenga
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Bob Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location analyst for major corporations and has been researching the growth of NC and SC to find the Best Places to Retire or Relocate that are still affordable. |
| Visit his blog The Carolina Report and sign up for FREE updates by email,his FREE Affordable Best Places To Live Report and, get FREE Expert Advice on how to find Your Best Place to Retire or Relocate to in North Carolina and South Carolina, additional resources, and a lot more.
Bob does not sell real estate. |
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