South Carolina, September 9, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina’s charming small towns are seeing a surge in new residents lured by their affordability, community spirit, and quality of life. With picturesque landscapes and family-friendly environments, towns like Aiken, Conway, Gaffney, and Dillon are becoming increasingly appealing to families, retirees, and young professionals. These towns offer a mix of affordable housing, recreational activities, healthcare services, and educational institutions, making them ideal places to settle down.
Small Towns in South Carolina Attract New Residents with Affordable Living and Quality of Life in 2025
South Carolina is witnessing a surge in new residents drawn to its charming small towns, natural beauty, and rich community life. The combination of scenic landscapes, close-knit neighborhoods, and affordability makes these towns appealing to families, retirees, and young professionals alike.
Top Attractors in South Carolina
Among the notable towns experiencing this trend, Aiken stands out as a prime example. Located just 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia, Aiken has a thriving population of approximately 32,000 residents. Home values in Aiken have a median price of around $367,000, a reasonable figure considering its family-friendly neighborhoods and high-quality public schools that offer specialized programs and dual-enrollment options with the University of South Carolina Aiken. Aiken Regional Medical Centers provides both emergency and specialty healthcare services, contributing to a well-rounded community.
Conway, situated a mere 15 miles from the popular beaches of Myrtle Beach, boasts a median home value of about $289,000. Conway benefits from a diversified job market, particularly in education, health care, and light manufacturing sectors. Residents enjoy recreational activities at Riverfront Park and proximity to Coastal Carolina University, further enhancing the town’s appeal.
Affordability and Community Spirit
Gaffney, renowned as the “Peach Capital of the State,” presents an even more affordable option for prospective buyers with median housing values around $201,000. The town’s healthcare services, provided by Cherokee Medical Center and Gibbs Cancer Center, are vital for residents. Local parks and community events, including the annually celebrated Peach Festival, contribute to Gaffney’s vibrant community life.
Bennettsville offers a slower pace of life with an inviting setting where median home prices are approximately $169,000, making it an attractive prospect for first-time buyers. Residents benefit from a range of local clinics for healthcare services. Architecture enthusiasts will find the Historic Courthouse District appealing, while Lake Wallace offers opportunities for peaceful walks in nature.
Healthcare and Education Access
Union, with average home values around $213,000, is another small town with strong community roots and accessibility to education through the University of South Carolina Union. The newly constructed Union Medical Center, established in 2025, provides comprehensive healthcare services, enhancing quality of life for residents.
Meanwhile, Laurens, with median home values around $287,000, features a robust job market supported by major employers. Recreational opportunities abound at Lake Rabon Park, while the local art scene in downtown Laurens offers cultural enrichment.
Newberry presents an even more budget-friendly option with median home values roughly around $165,000, supported by several major employers. Not only do residents enjoy a vibrant farmers’ market and Oktoberfest celebrations, but they also have access to serene parks like the Wells Japanese Garden.
Growing Potential
Orangeburg, home to two universities and various K-12 education options, has median home values around $247,000. Residents can unwind at the Edisto Memorial Gardens and indulge in cultural experiences at local museums. Dillon, situated near the North Carolina border, is exceptionally affordable, with median home values around $115,000. The healthcare landscape in Dillon includes McLeod Dillon Medical and various clinics catering to low-income residents, alongside an Amtrak train station that connects locals to larger cities.
The common thread weaving through these small towns is a commitment to affordability, community spirit, and expansion opportunities. As South Carolina’s small towns continue to attract new residents, they are becoming an increasingly desirable places to settle, offering a perfect blend of economic viability, quality education, and healthcare access.
FAQ
What are the major draws for new residents in South Carolina’s small towns?
Residents are attracted by affordable living, community spirit, access to nature, and proximity to larger cities.
Which town has the highest median home value?
Aiken has the highest median home value, approximately $367,000.
What healthcare options are available in these towns?
Most towns have local healthcare facilities offering a range of services, including emergency and specialized care.
How accessible are educational institutions in these small towns?
Many towns provide access to higher education through local universities and community colleges.
Which town has the most affordable median home value?
Dillon features the most affordable median home value, around $115,000.
Key Features of Small Towns in South Carolina (Table)
| Town | Median Home Value | Key Attractions | Healthcare Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken | $367,000 | Hitchcock Woods, Hopelands Gardens | Aiken Regional Medical Centers |
| Conway | $289,000 | Riverfront Park, Coastal Carolina University | Local healthcare providers |
| Gaffney | $201,000 | Peach Festival, local parks | Cherokee Medical Center |
| Bennettsville | $169,000 | Historic Courthouse District, Lake Wallace | Local clinics |
| Union | $213,000 | University of South Carolina Union | Union Medical Center |
| Laurens | $287,000 | Lake Rabon Park | Major local healthcare facilities |
| Newberry | $165,000 | Farmers’ markets, Wells Japanese Garden | Healthcare providers |
| Orangeburg | $247,000 | Edisto Memorial Gardens, local museums | University healthcare options |
| Dillon | $115,000 | Amtrak station, local clinics | McLeod Dillon Medical |
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Additional Resources
- World Atlas: Best Small Towns in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Southern Living: Best Small Towns in South Carolina
- Google Search: Small Towns in South Carolina
- Only in Your State: Small Towns in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Explore Beaufort SC: Most Charming Small City
- Google News: Charming Small Towns South Carolina
- Travel + Leisure: Best Places to Live in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Affordable Living in South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
