The 8 Most Beautiful Places to Live In South Carolina That Are Still Affordable

1. Union

With a population of 7,723, Union is a small town full of natural splendor and affordable homes. The average home cost is $80,700 and places residents near Sumter National Forest for plenty of outdoor adventure. 

2. Parker

The census-designated place (CDP) Parker is part of Greenville County, and while Greenville itself is somewhat expensive, Parker isn’t. The median home cost in Parker is $101,300, and you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and a diverse population of 12,466. 

Parker has many parks and highly-ranked public schools. Many residents rent their homes, and those prices are often lower than the national average.

3. Orangeburg

With a median home price of $147,581 and a much lower cost of living than the national average, Orangeburg is an affordable place to live in South Carolina. The population in Orangeburg is 14,219, with many families living in the area. It’s also one of the most beautiful places, featuring Edisto Memorial Gardens and plenty of natural sights. 

4. Cheraw

Cheraw, SC, has a medium home price of $130,400 and multiple school options, making it ideal for families. The population is only 4,969, spanning six square miles, and you’ll find charming historic homes throughout town.

This city is nestled along the Pee Dee River, so people who like boating, fishing, and spending time outside love it. It is near Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge and Cheraw State Park, providing gorgeous sights and plenty of outdoor exploration opportunities.

5. Gaffney

If you want to live in an affordable and beautiful place in South Carolina, Gaffney might be the spot for you. The median home price is $161,808, and the cost of living is much lower than the national average. Plus, the area is well-known for investment opportunities and excellent employee benefits, adding to the financial appeal. 

There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, and the city is picturesque year-round. Gaffney’s 12,222 residents and many visitors also love the local art festivals and frequent community events.

6. Dillon

With an average home price of around $118,500 and plenty of gorgeous natural sights, Dillon is one of the most affordable beautiful places to live in South Carolina. Dillon’s 6,168 residents enjoy a cost of living 28.4% lower than the national average, further contributing to the affordability. 

Little Pee Dee State Park has various trees and plant life, a 54-acre lake, and a beaver pond you can reach by exploring a natural trail. This park also has two playgrounds overlooking another pond, picnic areas, and a campground. There’s also a Heritage Preserve with a Carolina Bay and sand ridge. 

7. Sumter

The average home in Sumter, SC, is $138,900, making it affordable for the 41,913 people who live there. There’s also a low unemployment rate of 3.5% in this city, so it’s an ideal place to live. 

One reason for Sumter’s beauty is its diverse natural landscape. Poinsett Park, where you can spend your days hiking and exploring, features sandhills and oak-hickory forests. The Palmetto Trail, one of the state’s longest pedestrian and bicycle trails, is also nearby. 

8. Conway

Even as the most expensive on this list at $209,800, the median home price in Conway is still well below the overall South Carolina median. It’s also the closest on this list to the coast, only 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach. Conway’s 30,810 residents enjoy the beauty of the location, including walking through Riverfront Park and many other scenic places.