Another year has passed and what a year it has been.
We've traveled all over North Carolina and South Carolina more than once and to be honest…I can't wait for our next journey. I've learned a lot and I hope you have too.
It seems hard to imagine it's Thanksgiving already.More on Especially For You And Your Family
Grab a cup of coffee, tea or your favorite morning beverage.
Yes, my friends, there comes a time when we must run out the clock on another multi-week adventure and…
This Week Is It!!!
Frankly I have to say we’ve run down an impressive list.
We've journeyed to…
Biotechnology Hub – Kannapolis, NC
Best City For Small Town Living -Monroe, NC
Rich In History – Burlington, NC
The Peak Of Good Living in Apex, NC
A City of Character – Florence, SC
And don't forget our guest blogger Jennifer Maher – a local, insider telling us about some of the best places to live around
Charleston, SC – Finding Your Best Place To Live On The Road Less Traveled
I’ve had a great time sharing information with you about these cities and towns.
It's also been fun seeing these best places again and doing a little bit of reminiscing of trips past in the process.
Most of all I trust this information has given you some new insights on the places available to You in South Carolina and North Carolina as you narrow down Your list of the best places to relocate or retire.
That’s what Places of Value is all about and we will continue to give it our all to get you the information you need to make the important decisions.
Okay so onward to this week's best place to live along coastal South Carolina!
Having spent most of our time wandering around the heartlands of North Carolina and South Carolina, its only fitting we end up spending a little time at the beach.
As we end this journey, just as Thanksgiving approaches, we are enjoying beautiful Hilton Head, SC, population 33,913.
Yes, Hilton Head, SC is primarily a major tourist destination but really it’s been a lot of things over the years.
Sitting on a large barrier island off the very southeastern tip of South Carolina, Hilton Head has been home to major cotton plantations and coastal defense batteries.
It also has the first Eco-planned communities and resort facilities in the country.
In fact much of what we think of when we think of the sun, sand and fun that Hilton Head represents today has only happened in the last 50-60 years.
Frankly Hilton Head wouldn’t be on my list if I didn’t think that you’ll appreciate what it has to offer when it comes to finding your best place in the Carolinas.
The first thing I like about Hilton Head is that you can’t help but love the surrounding natural beauty and the mild subtropical climate. It makes spending time outdoors a must.
Whether you enjoy swimming, golf, tennis, kayaking, fishing, sailing or whatever else you can think of its available pretty much year round.
Another thing I want to mention is how Hilton Head, SC and the people who live there are really into keeping things simple and natural.
For instance, there are no street lights in Hilton Head and neon signs are prohibited by ordinance.
Also, you’ll notice most of the neighborhoods are laid out so they blend nicely into the natural environment. And there has obviously been a lot of thought put into having parks and green spaces to add to the natural sense of calm and relaxation you’ll find on the island.
Best of all Hilton Head, SC is the kind of place that draws people from all over the country, especially retiree. With that kind of cosmopolitan vibe comes demand for the kinds of amenities and services that these new residents have come to expect.
Much like many of the other cities and towns we've looked at on this trip, Hilton Head, South Carolina has a growing arts and culture community which includes an active theater scene as well as its own well-regarded symphony orchestra and community choir.
Now with the good there are a few things about Hilton Head you may also want to consider.
- First and foremost is the fact that being close to the water generally means that housing costs will be higher due to demand.
- The land constraints of being on an island as well as additional insurance for hurricane and tropical storm seasons.
- The local economy in Hilton Head is driven by tourism
- Real estate may not be as dynamic as one would expect.
- Lastly, as a major resort area, Hilton Head is overrun by roughly 2.5 million tourists a year. This can make for some interesting complications (traffic, etc.) that might not be your cup of tea.
Hilton Head’s housing market is pricey but has something to fit every budget. You’ll find an average home size of around 1680 square feet and the median home value is approximately $194,000.
About 22% of Hilton Head residents are renters so those not interested in buying are in pretty good company.
Well, that’s all for the Best Towns and Cities with populations of 30,000 to 50,000 people in North Carolina and South Carolina.
If you'd like to read more about Hilton Head, SC be sure to check out my Hilton Head, SC Special Report.
Now, just because we've ended this journey doesn't mean there isn't another one right around the corner.
I'll see you next week for who knows what and remember to check out our SC Best Places.
Have a great week!
Bob
About Bob Bencivenga
 |
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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Are you back for week number 8?
Okay, me too and I’m ready to hit the next stop in our tour of cities and towns in South Carolina and North Carolina with populations of 30,000 to 50,000 people.
If you were with us last week you know we are now in the Palmetto state visiting the best places to live in South Carolina. However, I want to mention a few things that come to mind about the kinds of towns and cities we’ve looked at so far.
First if it hasn’t already become readily apparent the medium sized cities and towns that are my best places to relocate or retire in both North Carolina and South Carolina are economically diverse.
They have long histories of being connected to centers of economic growth and commerce either because they’re located near larger metropolitan areas or are well-placed on major transportation routes from the railroads to interstate highways.
The influx of people from economic success gives rise to demand for the kinds of services and amenities that support a higher quality of life.
Lastly, all these towns and cities have maintained a low cost of living and because housing and everything else is quite affordable it means everyone from young families to retirees want to settle down there.
I hope you keep these points in mind as we enter our next stop, Sumter, SC, population 38,625.
I know when I mention Sumter and South Carolina together a few of you might think of the fort in Charleston Harbor where the Civil War began.
Although they are both named for the same Revolutionary War general, perish the thought.
The city of Sumter, SC sits darn near in the geographical center of the state of South Carolina and roughly equidistant between Florence, SC and the state capital, Columbia, SC.
Stop me if you’ve heard this story before but Sumter started out first as an agricultural center then became a major railroad and transit hub and eventually made the transition to industry.
It was then that Sumter, SC became known not merely for its agricultural products but also manufacturing, textiles and biotech companies.
Sumter also has its own military base, Shaw Air Force base, home to the 20th Fighter Wing since World War II.
Now I don’t want to sound like these medium sized Piedmont towns and cities in North Carolina and South Carolina are all the same.
However, I am pointing out some of the intangibles that might suggest some advantages for you as you look for your best place in the Carolinas with a population of 30,000 to 50,000 people.
Walking around the tree lined streets of downtown Sumter is a real treat. I think it made me appreciate not only Sumter’s deft blend of old and new but also its combination of genuine small town warmth and friendliness. Obviously, with the amenities and aspirations of a much larger city.
Beautiful historic buildings and neighborhoods with wonderful gardens really catch the eye and there aren’t many places with an actual “Swan Lake” set in the middle of town…yes, with real swans!
Art and culture are clearly a priority here as seen in the numerous works of public art, museums, galleries and grand performance halls like the newly restored historic Opera House.
Spending time outdoors is also recommended in Sumter, South Carolina whether it means relaxing in one of the city’s many municipal parks or hitting one of many local golf courses.
Or perhaps you'd rather spend some time swimming or fishing on nearby Lake Marion or just going hiking in one of the local state or national parks.
If you’re wondering about educational opportunities, the local school system has the reputation of being one of the best in the state. It has received both state and national recognition. And there are at least seven schools of higher learning in the area meaning young families as well as lifelong learners are pretty well covered.
On the housing front, Sumter, SC has an amazingly affordable local housing market. You’ll find the median home value around Sumter is approximately $110,000 which compares well with other nearby communities.
Roughly 45% of Sumter residents are renters with the average rental cost startong around $453 a month.
It's that time…that's all for now!
But in the meantime remember to check out our SC Best Place for more information on Sumter, SC and other best places to relocate or retire in South Carolina.
See You next week for the final stop in our long but hopefully fruitful tour of the best towns and cities to relocate or retire with populations of 30,000 to 50,000 in South Carolina and North Carolina.
Til Then,
Bob
About Bob Bencivenga
|
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. |
|
Can I reprint your article or blog posts?
Alright, here we are sliding into week number 7 of our tour of the best places to live in North Carolina and South Carolina with populations between 30,000 and 50,000 people.
As you know we’ve spent most of our ranging around the Piedmont Region of North Carolina and to tell you the truth it seems like we were wandering around Hickory, NC for a long time … but not today!
For those of you who are South Carolina fans, FINALLY…
Today we are traveling south into the Palmetto state (South Carolina) and start the final leg of our journey.
By now you know we are in the “City of Character”, Florence, SC, population 31,570.
The city of Florence, SC sits in the heart of the Pee Dee Region of northeastern South Carolina and has come to embody the laid back southern charm and hospitality this area is known for.
Much like the other towns and cities we just finished visiting in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, Florence started out as a railroad junction and has benefited greatly from being at the crossroads of so much north, south, and west traffic.
In fact, if accessibility and getting out of town is one of your concerns, don’t worry about Florence because you’re near the crossing of two major national interstate highways (I-95 and I-20), several regional highways, a regional airport, as well as railroad lines.
This is important to You because it means Florence, SC is a place with jobs and long-term economic viability. It means all the quality of life intangibles that come with that.
Another good sign is Florence has spent a lot of time and money revitalizing its historic downtown in a way that pays homage to its past while offering something new and hip that is attracting businesses and people to the downtown area.
I love Florence’s historic southern railroad town vibe with the classic historic district down to the magnolia trees covered in Spanish Moss.
However, its also quickly apparent that Florence is a pretty cosmopolitan place with art galleries and museums, performing arts centers, fine dining places and exciting new clubs.
Florence, South Carolina definitely has many of the amenities and services of a much larger city.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all the green spaces and the city’s wonderful system of neighborhood parks that offer fun and relaxation. These spaces speak volumes about how people in Florence value a higher quality of life.
What are some other things you might wonder about when it comes to Florence?
Well as far as the local weather, Florence is known for its very agreeable climate with a year round average temperature of 63 degrees.
Needless to say this makes spending time enjoying yourself outdoors that much easier and outdoor recreation opportunities abound. From fishing or canoeing on the nearby Pee Dee River to hiking, golf and a variety of other pursuits.
And don’t forget the many great beaches of the Grand Strand are a short car drive away.
I’ll also note that Florence also knows how to celebrate and has a number of annual festivals. The South Carolina Pecan Festival being one of the largest.
For those of you interested in lifelong learning opportunities you should know that South Carolina offers a tuition exemption for those over 60 so I recommend checking out local Francis Marion University for classes.
Okay, so Florence, SC is known for its wonderful climate, surrounding natural beauty and ample outdoor recreational opportunities but what will really catch your eye is how incredibly affordable the local housing market is.
Single family resale homes, town-homes and manufactured housing can all be found at very affordable rates. The median home value around Florence is approximately $142,000 which compares well with other nearby communities.
Gotta go but I'll see you next week when we stay in South Carolina moving along to another of our best cities and towns in South Carolina with a population of 30,000 to 50,000.
Remember if you are looking for more info on Florence, SC or other Best Places to relocate or retire in South Carolina check out our SC Best Places.
Til next week,
Bob
About Bob Bencivenga
|
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. |
|
Can I reprint your article or blog posts?
In the United States and Canada Halloween certainly takes on a bit of a different flair than the rest of the holidays throughout the year.
It seems as though Halloween has so many different meanings.
The kids are back in school, the summer has definitely ended, fall has definitely begun and snow is right around the corner (for some of us).
And still there is more Halloween brings to mind!
Everywhere you look as October 31st approaches you can see a display of carved pumpkins, dancing skeletons, smiling ghosts and witches riding on brooms.
And the closer we get, the feeling of darkness grows near.
Perhaps it's just the days getting shorter that adds to the mystery of the holiday.
But surely we can all agree that for most of us…
Halloween conjures up the thoughts of spooky stories, and haunted houses.
Simply…
On Halloween, we all (maybe not all) revel in being scared.!!!
Me, being me, I have to tell you the true roots of Halloween is in two celebrations and originally had nothing to do ghosts and goblins.
- The Celtic festival of Samhain
- The Christian holiday All Saint’s Day
Samhain is Gaelic for “summer’s end, and marks what has loosely been labeled the “Celtic New Year.”
The end of the “lighter half” of the year and the beginning of the “darker half.”
The word Halloween is actually a shortened version of "All Hallows' Even," the eve of All Hallows' Day.
"Hallow" is an Old English word for "holy person," and All Hallows' Day is simply another name for All Saints' Day, the day Catholics commemorate all the saints.
At some point, people began referring to All Hallows' Even as "Hallowe'en" and then simply "Halloween."
To me Halloween still means pumpkins, candy and costumes!
It means using our imagination. Whether carving a pumpkin or an inspired costume. Imagination is fun.
Use this Halloween as a time to have fun and create good times for everyone (no harmful pranks).
So, whatever your plans, have a safe, happy Halloween.
See You next week when we continue our journey across North Carolina and South Carolina visiting the best places to relocate or retire with a population of 30,000 – 50,000 people.
Bob
About Bob Bencivenga
|
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. |
|
Can I reprint your article or blog posts?
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