SC real estate is popular in a recent report by US News and World Report. The agency lists three South Carolina cities in the most recent ranking of “best places to live in the United States.” In a list of the 100 best cities, Charleston was ranked 19th, with an overall score of 6.9 out of 10. The score was based on quality of life, job market, value and desirability of living in each city ranked. Greenville was ranked 35th, and Columbia was at 46th.
Charleston, a SC Real Estate Favorite
The US News profile (http://realestate.usnews.com/places/south-carolina/charleston) states “there is no place quite like Charleston.” It highlights its “unique blend of historic preservation and new development, displayed in its cobblestone walkways and eerie cemeteries, buzzy nightlife and sophisticated art galleries.” Charleston’s King Street business corridor is known for its “unique brand of Southern style” and its “Southern hospitality radiates from the award winning dining establishments.”
Charleston ranked high on the scale for desirability of living at 8.9, and net migration at 9.0. Charlestonians earn less than the average American, while the cost of living is “noticeably higher than the national average.” On average, Charleston residents pay more for housing, and everyday expenses such as food and transportation than residents of other cities. The “value of living” score of 6.5 brought the overall ranking for Charleston down to 6.9 out of 10.
Charleston is a very active town, with its close location to South Carolina beaches. Water sports, such as surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing, are very popular among residents in Charleston and surrounding towns (Mt. Pleasant, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms).
Greenville Ranks 35th
Greenville, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been “transformed from a blip on the national map to a bustling metropolis.” Greenville now has new manufacturing jobs and economic growth, with companies like GE and Michelin. “Greenville emcompasses big-city amenities without attracting the same unpleasantries that come with a more populated, urban city,” notes the US News report. Greenville ranked at 35th with an overall score of 6.7 out of 10 (http://realestate.usnews.com/places/south-carolina/greenville). The city ranked high for value of living at 7.6, and for net migration at 7.2. The median home price in Greenville is lower than the national average, with 66 percent of residents owning a home.
Columbia Makes the List at #46
Columbia ranked 46th in the report with an overall score of 6.6 out of 10 (http://realestate.usnews.com/places/south-carolina/columbia). The city scored high in value of living (7.7), and net migration (6.8), but lower on availability of jobs, quality of life, and desirability.
The report notes the “abundance of oak, pecan and magnolia trees help the city retain rural flavor, while the skyline is representative of the state capital’s role as a growing industrial hub.” Columbia residents pay less for a home than the national average, but more on groceries and utilities than other major cities.
Caldwell Commercial Real Estate aims to keep abreast of local economic conditions and SC real estate trends. To learn more about our properties and services, email us at info@caldwellcommercial.com.
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