8 Things to Know Before Moving to South Carolina

South Carolina is a hospitable state, eager to welcome you, that is for sure. It is also known under the name the Palmetto State, due to its famous subtropical palm tree. There are many things that you will love about this state, and we will show you all that you need to know before moving here. We will see what the job market is like, what is the education like, as well as the weather. It is important that you know as much as possible about the state before you move, and also, we recommend that you hire reliable movers for relocation. This will make your move stress-free.

Reasons for moving to South Carolina

Weather

Let us start by talking about the weather. If you are a fan of long, sunny days with a temperature higher than 60 degrees in the winter South Carolina is the right state for you. Here, you can wear t-shirts almost all year around, which is amazing. The summers are hot, and the winters are mild, so you will be able to enjoy excellent weather most of the time. We must warn you, though, this region is prone to have tornadoes and hurricanes. Tornadoes are typical in early spring, whereas the season of hurricanes lasts from August to October.

Job market

If you want to move to South Carolina in order to find a better job, you are making the right decision. For starters, the unemployment rate here is just 2,6 %. This is lower than the national average which is 3.6%.

Industries such as aerospace, automotive, and tourism are booming in this state, so you will not have any issues with finding a job in these sectors at all. Other prosperous industries include transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, call centers, etc. Healthcare is also one of the sectors which is in high demand in South Carolina. Samsung, Bosch, Nucor, University of South Carolina, Hilton and Marriot are among the top employers of the state.

Real estate market

You may be pleased to know that over 70% of residents are actually homeowners in South Carolina. If you want to buy a house here, you should know that the average home price is $166, 000. This is almost 15 % lower than the national average. Of course, this depends on the location, as for example in Charleston, the house price can easily go more than $300, 000. If you are interested to rent, the price is around $1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment. Note that the prices tend to be at their peak between May and August, so if you want to purchase a house, it is best to do it anywhere between September and April. Consult a real estate agent before any purchase as they will help you buy the right house at the right price.

Transportation and food costs

We spend a lot of our money on these two things. Transportation and food costs are the biggest costs that we have, next to the rent, of course. You will be pleased to know that transportation costs in South Carolina are actually 13,2% lower than the national average. A gallon of gas can go up to $2.20, whereas you would pay $2.55 nationwide.

When it comes to groceries, the cost is much cheaper here as well.  You will pay around 4,2% less than the national average. When you save money on these things, you will have more of it to spend on leisure and travel. And in South Carolina, you have so many places to visit and explore, that we recommend that you pack and move here right away.

South Carolina is crazy about golf

Much of South Carolina`s income comes from golf actually. There are hundreds of golf courses around the state. If you are a golf lover, seek no more. You will find the finest golf courses here and you will be able to enjoy yourself at tournaments, or just for fun. In Charleston, you will find some of the best Golden Age golf courses, and the second oldest golf course is said to be the Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken.

And about the barbecue, as well

If you are a fan of barbecue, then South Carolina is a country you should definitely live in. They have their own barbecue sauce recipe, and they claim it is the best one in the world. There is even a South Carolina barbecue trail with over 200 restaurants where you can try different barbecues. We know that you will enjoy yourself every step of the way.

What should you do before moving to South Carolina?

Hire a professional moving company

Before you move to South Carolina it is really important that you have reliable movers on your side. Compare several moving companies, ask a friend for a recommendation, google the NYC moving companies reviews. Hire a moving company that is licensed and registered with the FMCSA. You will avoid any issues and speed up the moving process. With reliable movers, the risk of damage and loss of your belongings is down to a bare minimum, but only if you choose a reputable moving company.

Throw a farewell party

Before you head off to the Palmetto State to enjoy the sun, barbecue and lovely beaches, throw a farewell party for your friends and family. It is important that you gather all the people that you love and say a proper goodbye. This will make the entire move emotional, but it will also help you cope with the changes in front of you. You do not have to spend a lot of money, just invite a few of your dearest people over for pizza. Or you can take them out for a drink at your favorite bar. It is best to do this a week and a half before the actual move because it will give you time to process the emotions.

Moving to South Carolina is the best decision that you can make for so many reasons that we have seen above. Whatever you do, just try to keep the stress out of the equation as everything will turn out to be just as it is supposed to be. Dumbo NYC wishes you good luck!!