Picking an area in which to raise children can be a daunting challenge for any family. Once you become a parent, it’s natural you’ll want to give your kids the best start in life possible and ensure they have everything they need to excel in terms of academics and personal development.
If South Carolina has caught your eye, this southern state has some fantastic areas that are family friendly. However, there are numerous factors to take into account when searching for the best place to live, especially if you have children. These include nearby schools, health care, the cost of living, and recreation. To help you find a suitable area for you and your loved ones, here are ten of the best spots to raise a family in South Carolina.
Beaufort
Beaufort is a city in South Carolina that has once been named the best small southern town. With a population of just over 13,000, this city scores 34.1% in terms of households with children. One of the biggest draws to Beaufort is the array of beaches you and your family can explore. Also, there are tons of family-friendly activities you can all join in on. There are 17 elementary schools to choose from in Beaufort too. More and more families are moving to Beaufort thanks to its glorious summers and very mild winters.
Conway
Conway holds the lowest tax rates in SC, making it one of the perfect spots for families. This town has a population of 23,838 and provides a unique alternative to the beach lifestyle. Conway is home to two technical colleges, fantastic schools, and a university. The town also boasts live theaters, a county museum, a state-of-the-art hospital, and plenty of restaurants and bars. There are also tons of family-friendly activities that are only a short drive away from Conway, such as Myrtle Beach Safari and Jungle Fun.
Lexington
There is a reason why many families choose to relocate to Lexington. For one, the cost of living is significantly lower, and the property taxes are quite reasonable too. Lexington also boasts a wonderful climate, with a magnitude of outdoor activity options that are perfect for the whole family. There are 31 schools in the Lexington School District One, which teaches over 27,300 students. Should you relocate to Lexington, you can have many fun days out with the kids. Whether you take a trip to the Lexington County Museum or stroll around Gibson Pond Park, there is so much to see and do in this South Carolina town that every age group will enjoy.
Clemson
Clemson is another small city in South Carolina that is home to thousands of families. It’s regarded as a much safer city than most areas in the country. Known for its temperate climate, sporting events, and botanical gardens, Clemson is packed to the rafters with fun-filled activities and events that the whole family can join in on. The city’s population stands at 16,463, with the median home value being $236,500. Some of the top public schools in Clemson include Clemson Elementary School and D.W. Daniel High School.
Fort Mill
Fort Mill ranks highly in terms of where to live as a family in South Carolina. This small town has a population of over 17,000, with a family-friendly amenities score of 42. The closest major city to Fort Mill is Charlotte. This means if you’re working in the big city, Fort Mill is only a 25-minute drive away. Most residents own their homes in Fort Mill, and if you’re ready to add to become a homeowner yourself, EZ Home Search has you covered. These real estate agents have a range of homes for sale in Fort Mill worth checking out. EZ Home Search is a real estate company who are dedicated to listing accurate information on properties, with their website being updated every 15 minutes.
Moncks Corner
The residents of Moncks Corner enjoy the best of both worlds. While on one hand, you can immerse yourself in a small, graceful southern town way of life, you’ll also have access to high-quality schools, low traffic, and big-city amenities. What’s more, Moncks Corner is only 25 miles away from Charleston. This town is very family-oriented and regarded as one of the safest areas to have and raise a family. Also, there are tons of fabulous restaurants which exude the southern charm.
Bluffton
There are many reasons why you and your family will fall in love with Bluffton. The town is within proximity to the beach, and boasts an array of restaurants, outdoor activities, and shopping outlets. Bluffton’s residents are friendly and active, meaning once you touch down in the town and set up a base, you can connect with other parents and make friendships quickly. There is a lot of nature surrounding Bluffton too, so if you and your family love being outdoors, there are lots of parks and gardens you can explore together. There are nine public schools in Bluffton that serve over 8,000 students.
Rock Hill
If you and your loved ones are after a city that has plenty of space, a temperate climate, and lots of outdoor recreation, Rock Hill may be the place to raise your family. The city is in the top five affordable cities in SC, helping you to get more for your money. One of the great things about Rock Hill is its location. Rock Hill provides a variety of housing options, so whether you’re after a rural setting or lakeside living is more to your taste, you’re bound to find the property of your dreams. There are 27 schools in Rock Hill’s School District, which comprise 17 elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, as well as an early learning center. There is also an Applied Technology Center.
Greenville
Greenville has many perks that you and your family will enjoy. Not only is it in a fantastic location that’s connected to surrounding states, but Greenville also has a mild climate, growing economy, and plenty of entertainment options for all the family. There is a charming downtown that you can explore too, which can be perfect for a meal out or date night. With a population of 60,000, Greenville is often regarded as one of the best places in the state to raise a family. This is because the city has high-quality schools and friendly neighborhoods. In Greenville, there are tons of coffee shops, restaurants, and parks that you and your loved ones can enjoy.
Gaffney
For families after a slower pace of life, Gaffney is a very small town in South Carolina that you may want to consider. With a population of over 12,000, Gaffney is known as the Peach Capital of South Carolina. As a close-knit community, there are only three schools in the town. These are Gaffney Middle School, Gaffney High School, and Cherokee Charter Academy.
Wherever you decide on moving to in South Carolina, any of the places above are fantastic spots to raise a family. Choosing the right area will take time, so don’t rush the process. Once you look into schools, crime rates, cost of living, and amenities, this will narrow down the list and ensure you select a location that suits all of the family.
