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2020 Best Places to Buy a House in South CarolinaAbout this List

Explore the best places to buy a house based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers.

City

City Neighborhood

Suburbs

Towns

Public Schools Grade

Based on data including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, as well as reviews from students and parents.

A

B

C

D

Based on cost of living factors for an area including housing costs, tax rates, and cost of essentials like food and fuel.

$

$$

$$$

$$$$

Who Lives Here

Families

Young Professionals

Retirees

Walkability

Don't Care

Care

Care A Lot

Crime & Safety Grade

Calculated based on crime rates for murder, assault, rape, burglary, and other crime statistics, as well as reviews from residents.

A

B

C

D

Homes In The Area

Single Family Homes

Large Apt. Buildings

Small Apt. Buildings

Townhomes

Homeownership

Most Own

Balanced

Most Rent

Based on 2012 and 2016 presidential election results compared to the national average.

Very Conservative

Conservative

Balanced

Liberal

Very Liberal

Things to do

Bars

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Restaurants

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Coffee Shops

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Parks

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

1 – 25 of 358

Best to Buy a House

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Most Diverse

358 results

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Best Public Schools

Most Diverse
Best for Young Professionals
Best for Retirees

Economy

Cost of Living
Best to Buy a House

Health & Outdoors

Healthiest
Outdoor Activities

India Hook
Suburb in South Carolina
2 reviews
#1 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Niche User: I am glad that their are police at the school to make everyone feel better and protective because of the police
Read 2 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A+
Housing
4,275 Population
View Nearby Homes
Northlake
Suburb in South Carolina
2 reviews
#2 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Housing
3,793 Population
View Nearby Homes
Golden Grove
Suburb in South Carolina
#3 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Housing
3,335 Population
View Nearby Homes
Lyman
Suburb in South Carolina
15 reviews
#4 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Lyman is a small town where crime rarely happens. It is a town where everyone practically knows everyone. There are many churches in the area if you're looking for a church to call your own. There are many schools around in District five, which I went through myself, which are absolutely fantastic. I could not pick a better place for a young couple to start a life together or for a young couple to start a family together. This would also be a great place for an older couple to retire to. It is a great place to be at whether you're young or old. I love it here!
Read 15 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Housing
3,481 Population
View Nearby Homes
Fort Mill
Suburb in South Carolina
131 reviews
#5 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Fort Mill is a fast growing diverse suburb of urban Charlotte, North Carolina but right over the border in South Carolina. The schools are ranked highest in the state. We are equal distance between beautiful mountains for hiking and sandy beaches for swimming. The area has a great economy with many job opportunities. Cultural options abound both in museums and theaters. Greenways and parks are plentiful and well maintained to enhance family time in the great outdoors. This is a safe, beautiful and dynamic environment to grow up in and live.
Read 131 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
15,924 Population
View Nearby Homes
Murphys Estates
Suburb in South Carolina
#6 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
B
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
A
Housing
1,696 Population
View Nearby Homes
Tega Cay
Suburb in South Carolina
24 reviews
#7 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Living on the peninsula of Tega Cay was a great way to spend my childhood. Fishing on the golfcourse ponds, riding my bike to meet up with friends on the numerous trails, and swimming on lake wylie and speding the days on the lake with friends and family. Tega cay was a great family enviroment to be apart of, having kids of all ages all around it was so easy to make friends.
Read 24 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
9,954 Population
View Nearby Homes
Fountain Inn
Suburb in South Carolina
35 reviews
#8 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Very nice community, although generally conservative. Downtown has very cute shops, and there are enough events, both year-round and by season that are family-friendly and fun for anyone!
Read 35 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Housing
8,684 Population
View Nearby Homes
Chapin
Suburb of Columbia, SC
32 reviews
#9 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Chapin is a very small town so everyone knows everyone which is good and bad, I graduated with most of the same people who were in my preschool class so it’s good for families who want to stay for the rest of their lives but it’s also good for retired people because it’s quiet and safe. Our public schools are the best in the state and our athletics are great too. I’m going to brag a little but I played lacrosse for chapin and we won the state championship this year! Chapin has given me great opportunities and also friends
Read 32 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
1,755 Population
View Nearby Homes
Five Forks
Suburb in South Carolina
36 reviews
#10 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: The people make the area a diverse tapestry of cultures and races. It is a growing area that is a suburb of Greenville, South Carolina. The real estate market caters to the needs of groups of people who want to spend millions to those with want to have a beautiful home and be affordable. The neighborhoods are safe, the area has a charm about it that lends itself to family and love.
Read 36 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Housing
18,004 Population
View Nearby Homes
Newport
Suburb in South Carolina
2 reviews
#11 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Niche User: Besides from the education in this area, there new business opening everyday and new people moving here everyday. And there is hardly any crime that happens in this area.
Read 2 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
A
Housing
4,194 Population
View Nearby Homes
Powdersville
Suburb in South Carolina
24 reviews
#12 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Powdersville is a town with nice suburbs and school districts. It's education system gets high marks often, and from educational experience, has lead their students to be successful. It's connected to Easley, a nice restaurant hub, and Greenville, one of the most friendly, clean, new cities you'll find in South Carolina. As a resident of Powdersville for many years, I found that what I enjoyed most is its suburb qualities and location near several shops and restaurants, yet still encompasses a tone of nature.
Read 24 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A
Housing
8,991 Population
View Nearby Homes
Irmo
Suburb of Columbia, SC
65 reviews
#13 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: It's a sweet little town with very kind people. There are good drivers. There is very little crime and, on a whole, it is a safe area. Local stores like Loveland coffee make the town what it is. Growing businesses and growing population ensure that in 20 years, this little town will still be bustling!
Read 65 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Housing
12,087 Population
View Nearby Homes
Lake Wylie
Suburb in South Carolina
41 reviews
#14 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: I have lived in Lake Wylie my entire life, and it is amazing! I live roughly twenty-five minutes from Charlotte, and there is a lot to do around us. The small businesses and restaurants in this town are phenomenal and run by amazing people. There are a lot of really nice neighborhoods, and most importantly we have our lake. It is the center of fun in Lake Wylie during the summer. Kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, tubing, jet skiing, there are just endless opportunities in this lovely little town.
Read 41 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A
Housing
12,569 Population
View Nearby Homes
Lexington
Suburb of Columbia, SC
115 reviews
#15 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: I'd say Lexington is best for families looking for a nice area to live in, or those who aren't interested in the party/city scene, but would still like to be near some fun activities and have quick access to a wide variety of stores, restaurants, sports activities, and events. Within Lexington itself, the downtown area has been developing nicely and now even boasts an amphitheater. There is a decent small/local business scene, and commutes (depending on what area of town you're in and where your job is) are moderate. Because of its proximity to Columbia, it's easy to find something fun to the there if you're not up for anything in town.
Read 115 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A
Housing
21,040 Population
View Nearby Homes
Wellford
Suburb in South Carolina
4 reviews
#16 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Hi my name is Dakota, I just moved down to South Carolina in June of 2018 after completing high school in Michigan. I rather push a broom instead of a snow shovel however I hope to start college in Michigan winter of 2018-2019 for professional sales.
Read 4 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Housing
2,561 Population
View Nearby Homes
Mayo
Suburb in South Carolina
3 reviews
#17 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
B
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
1,416 Population
View Nearby Homes
Simpsonville
Suburb in South Carolina
127 reviews
#18 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: I love that it is a safe environment with a small town feel. And that it is only about a 20-25 minute drive to downtown Greenville! It is very family friendly. One of my favorite spots is downtown Simpsonville. It has a great movie theater and my favorite place to go to is the called the Ice Cream Station. Very cute place for dates and family fun. Heritage park is also a great place for youth sports such as baseball, softball, football, and soccer. And it also has an amazing amphitheater which hosts concerts very often. Overall I think it is a great place to live.
Read 127 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
21,423 Population
View Nearby Homes
Shell Point
Town in South Carolina
4 reviews
#19 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Niche User: It is a good place to grow up in.
Read 4 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
C+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
2,694 Population
View Nearby Homes
Seven Oaks
Suburb of Columbia, SC
19 reviews
#20 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Niche User: Only complaints are that everything is spaced out just far enough so that you can't walk/bike everywhere, and that quality of living isn't consistent across the area--there are very poor places, average places, and very rich places.
Read 19 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
15,559 Population
View Nearby Homes
Forest Acres
Suburb of Columbia, SC
7 reviews
#21 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Forest Acres is a great neighborhood to live in especially with kids from elementary to high school ages. You are close to the best schools in Columbia, plenty of parks are nearby, and there is an amazing social atmosphere including places to eat and shop like Trenholm Plaza. The location is perfect since you can easily get on the interstate or head downtown within a matter of minutes.
Read 7 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
10,433 Population
View Nearby Homes
Taylors
Suburb in South Carolina
89 reviews
#22 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: I recently moved here from Rhode Island and I absolutely love it. My Mom and Dad moved as well. It's so laid back without all the hustle and bustle we experienced back home. There's great restaurants, beautiful parks, waterfalls, and lakes. You have the advantage of county living and much more. I've been here for 6 months and I know I made the right decision. I'm looking forward to the milder winters, and absolutely thrilled that I left the harsh New England winters behind. It's truly a beautiful place to live.
Read 89 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
21,923 Population
View Nearby Homes
Mauldin
Town in South Carolina
84 reviews
#23 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Mauldin is a small community located close to Greenville. This proximity allows for a small town feel while being located close to some of the things you might miss out on while living in a smaller community. Public transit is non-existent aside from a few bus stops so a car is a must if you live here. Bike lanes are also no where to be found, although a proposed new addition of the "Swamp Rabbit Trail" should provide some much needed biking access to local residents. Mauldin has a long way to go to become the ideal place to live, but I believe recent trends made by the local government are putting us on the right track.
Read 84 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
25,009 Population
View Nearby Homes
Warrenville
Suburb in South Carolina
2 reviews
#24 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Current Resident: Warrenville is a pretty nice quiet place. Like any neighborhood, you have the good and the bad, depending on the location. I’m fortunate enough to be in a nice and quiet place, I have wonderful neighbors and they all seem to have everyone’s back.
Read 2 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
C+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
1,004 Population
View Nearby Homes
Belvedere
Suburb in South Carolina
25 reviews
#25 Best Places to Buy a House in South Carolina
Former Resident: I have lived in the Belverdere Community from 1979-2004. When we first moved in there wasn't many children to play with. When other families moved in I was able to make friends. The community was quiet, and very safe. Growing up in the community everyone was very friendly. We all became a family. We shared the same school and we visited each other daily, we had great respect for each other. As a child we all grew up to adulthood together in the neighborhood. We had very little fights, the normal but within 5 minutes we were back playing together. After my mother past away it really wasn't the same living out there. We were all adults had moved on making a life for ourselves leaving out parents to live alone with grandchildren. but we visited frequently. Life was great in the community life would never be the same without it. Memories are cherished forever.
Read 25 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
4,925 Population
View Nearby Homes
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About This List

Explore the best places to buy a house based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

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