South Carolina, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Small towns in South Carolina are becoming increasingly popular for new residents due to their affordable living, community charm, and diverse lifestyle options. Towns like Aiken and Conway offer proximity to major attractions with significantly lower home prices compared to urban areas. With excellent educational and healthcare facilities, these towns provide a welcoming environment for families and individuals seeking a high quality of life.
South Carolina is witnessing a notable trend in 2025, as small towns throughout the state are attracting new residents with their affordable living, community charm, and appealing lifestyle options. Many of these towns offer proximity to major attractions, including the beaches of the Atlantic coast and urban centers like Charleston and Columbia, without the high costs associated with city living.
The affordability and opportunities available in South Carolina are significant draws for many. For instance, Aiken, located around 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia, features a family-friendly community comprising approximately 32,000 residents. The average home value in Aiken stands at about $367,000. The town prides itself on its local public schools that provide specialized programs along with dual-enrollment options at the nearby USC Aiken, facilitating early college experiences for students. Moreover, Aiken Regional Medical Centers ensure access to healthcare, offering both emergency and specialty services.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Aiken can explore extensive recreational spaces such as Hitchcock Woods, which boasts miles of equestrian trails, alongside the picturesque Hopelands Gardens.
Moving to Conway, located only 15 miles from Myrtle Beach, the town offers a low median housing price of about $289,000. Conway boasts a diversified job market encompassing sectors like education, healthcare, county government, and light manufacturing. Residents enjoy the scenic Waccamaw River, vibrant downtown dining, and tranquil Riverfront Park.
Gaffney, famously known as the “Peach Capital of the State,” features median housing prices around $201,000. The healthcare landscape includes Cherokee Medical Center and the Gibbs Cancer Center branch. Outdoor attractions such as Irene Ball Park and Thompson Park complement community events like the popular Peach Festival.
In Bennettsville, median listing prices hover around $169,000. The town also has local primary-care clinics and showcases a Historic Courthouse District, perfect for photography enthusiasts, alongside the serene Lake Wallace for leisure walks.
Union, located in the north-west corner of South Carolina, offers an average home value of approximately $213,000 and educational opportunities via USC Union. The newly constructed Union Medical Center provides essential hospital-level emergency and specialty care services.
Laurens, which is part of the Greenville-Mauldin-Easley metropolitan area, sees median housing values at around $287,000 and features a diverse job market. Outdoor activities abound at Lake Rabon Park, which offers facilities for boating and picnicking.
Newberry offers modern educational options from the local School District of Newberry County, alongside a median home value of around $165,000. The economy thrives with major employers such as Samsung and Kraft Heinz, complemented by vibrant community events and numerous outdoor parks.
Additionally, Orangeburg is distinguished by its educational institutions, including two universities, maintaining median home values around $247,000 and showcasing a vibrant local culture.
Finally, Dillon, known for its historic districts, offers an impressively low median home value of around $115,000. The town features the City of Dillon Sports Complex and accessible healthcare through local clinics.
South Carolina’s charm lies primarily in its 15 quaint small towns, which emphasize affordability, community connection, and diverse opportunities for residents of all ages, making them ideal for those seeking a high quality of life without the corresponding high costs.
FAQ
What are the main attractions of living in South Carolina’s small towns?
South Carolina’s small towns offer affordable housing, community charm, outdoor recreational spaces, and strong educational and healthcare facilities, making them appealing for new residents.
How affordable are home prices in these towns?
Median home prices in South Carolina’s small towns vary significantly, ranging from approximately $115,000 in Dillon to around $367,000 in Aiken, allowing for various budget options.
What are the educational opportunities in these small towns?
Many towns provide access to local schools with specialized programs and partnerships with universities, offering residents early college options and quality education.
What recreational activities are available in these towns?
Residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including parks for picnicking, trails for hiking and biking, and waterways for boating and fishing.
Key Features of South Carolina’s Small Towns
| Town | Median Home Value | Notable Features | Healthcare Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken | $367,000 | Family-friendly community, outdoor spaces like Hitchcock Woods | Aiken Regional Medical Centers |
| Conway | $289,000 | Close to Myrtle Beach, diversified job market | Local healthcare network |
| Gaffney | $201,000 | Peach Festival, outdoor parks | Cherokee Medical Center |
| Bennettsville | $169,000 | Historic areas, Lake Wallace | Primary care clinics |
| Union | $213,000 | Union Medical Center for emergency care | Union Medical Center |
| Laurens | $287,000 | Lake Rabon Park, diverse job options | Local healthcare facilities |
| Newberry | $165,000 | Modern education, parks | Major employers in the area |
| Orangeburg | $247,000 | Two universities, vibrant local culture | University-affiliated hospitals |
| Dillon | $115,000 | Historic districts, sports complex | Local clinics |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Parents Invest in Real Estate for College Housing
Surchero’s Fresh-Mex Expands to Boiling Springs
Mungo Homes Launches Fairway Woods at Wyboo in South Carolina
Mungo Homes Launches Fairway Woods at Wyboo Community
Planning Meeting for Brighton Multi-Use Development in Chapin
South Carolina Surpasses Texas as Fastest-Growing State
South Carolina Emerges as Fastest-Growing State
Chapin-Newberry American Legion Baseball Team Launches Season
South Carolina Named Fastest-Growing State
South Carolina Named Fastest Growing State in the US
Additional Resources
- World Atlas: Best Small Towns in South Carolina
- Southern Living: Best Small Towns in South Carolina
- Greenville Online: Upstate Areas in South Carolina
- Travel + Leisure: Best Places to Live in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
