Between 2010 and 2015, the population of South Carolina exploded by an astounding 5.9%. The Palmetto State is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting and inviting places to live in America. Marked by gorgeous, sprawling landscapes, lively residents, and a warm culture that simply feels like home, it’s truly no wonder why so many people are eager to become official South Carolinians.
Are you thinking about making the move to sweet South Carolina? Whether you’ve committed to your move or just weighing your options, be sure to check out these 6 things to expect when moving to the Palmetto State.
1. The culture is rich and diverse
If you’re a history buff interested in learning more about Native American history, African-American history, or the harrowing contention of the Civil War, South Carolina is a bustling hub for all of your knowledge needs. Home to a rich and diverse community, you’ll be able to immerse yourself into varied aspects of the Palmetto State’s cultural scene regardless of whether you’re moving to Greenville, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or any other city in this gorgeous Southern state.
2. There’s plenty to love about the food scene
Foodies will be overjoyed to find the bursting paradise of cuisine culture alive and well within South Carolina. With a restaurant scene that boasts some of the finest Lowcountry cuisine, you’ll find delicious food to eat all across the Palmetto state. In addition to being rich in history and culture, South Carolina’s eats are rooted in long-celebrated history.
Across the state, you’ll be able to feast on everything from fresh locally grown produce and Gullah food, to fried desserts and some of the best Southern sweet tea money can buy.
When it comes to must-eats in South Carolina, three dishes reign supreme: biscuits, she-crab soup, and oysters.
- Biscuits
There are few foods more conic in South Carolina than buttery, home-made biscuits whipped up from scratch. Served to you either sweet or savory, you’ll immediately fall in love with each bite of a fall-apart flaky biscuit. Sometimes grilled, stuffed with egg, served, with jelly, or smothered with gravy, South Carolina knows its way around an amazing biscuit dish.
- She-Crab Soup
She-crab soup is most traditionally compared to bisque—blending cream, fresh crab meat, red-orange roe from the female crab (hence the ‘she-crab’ name), and a splash of sherry, she-crab soup is like nothing else you’ve ever eaten. Whether you’re taking up residence in Lowcountry or the Upstate, you’ll be able to sink your teeth into a delicious South Carolinian she-crab soup across the great Palmetto state.
- Oysters
For the seafood lovers out there, you can rest assured knowing South Carolina’s coastal landscape makes it perfectly privy to some of the most indulgent seafood eats in the nation. Roasting oysters and slurping them up on the half shell are South Carolina rites of passage that you’ll never get tired of—no matter how many shells you’ve shucked.
3. The weather is perfect
There’s simply no beating South Carolina in the summertime. With temperatures averaging in the upper 70s, you’ll never find yourself too hot to enjoy a day in the sunshine. You can revel in the glory of mild winters that bring average temperatures in the 50s. Such agreeable weather gives you so little to complain about, you’ll likely never find yourself chatting about the weather as small talk.
It is worth noting that South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate. This means that depending on the region, the state sees anywhere between 40 and 80 inches of precipitation per year. The springtime can bring tornadoes while the summertime is often accompanied by tropical cyclones and thunderstorms.
4. The southern hospitality
If there’s one thing the South is known for, it’s the warm hospitality you can expect from each and every passerby and resident. While most would describe Southern hospitality as being kind-hearted and neighborly, this term comes with a myriad of definitions.
In fact, a survey conducted by Twiddy narrowed it down to six definitive qualities: politeness, delicious home cooking, kindness, helpfulness, charm, and charity. Southern hospitality is much more of a lifestyle than an offering, and when you make the move to the Palmetto State, we can guarantee you’ll be happy to make the switch.
5. The bountiful landscape
South Carolina is home to some of America’s most impressive national parks, monuments, and more protected land. South Carolina State Parks together comprise 80,000 acres of vast protected lands. Whether you’re looking for challenging hikes, coastal views, or secluded swimming holes, you’ll find every natural wonder within the Palmetto State.
Make sure to visit these must-see parks when you finally make your move and settle in:
- Sesquicentennial State Park
- Table Rock State Park
- Dreher Island State Park
- Sadlers Creek State Park
- Paris Mountain State Park
6. The weird laws
Despite being one of the most refined and relaxed places to live in the United States, South Carolina is home to a surprisingly long list of strange, outdated laws. Even after many after several attempts to have these frivolous laws removed from South Carolina law books, these crazy laws are still active, though very loosely policed.
Check out these wacky South Carolina laws dating all the way back to the late 1800s.
- It is illegal to work or attend a dance hall on Sundays.
- It is a capital offense to accidentally kill someone other than yourself while attempting suicide.
- Making a U-turn within 1,000 feet of an intersection is illegal.
- One must obtain a permit to be able to fire a missile.
- Anyone involved in a duel could be subject to losing their right to vote.
Wrapping up
The beautiful, sunshiny state of South Carolina offers up a sweet plate of rich history, gorgeous sights, friendly residents, and food you’ll never get enough of. Striking the perfect blend of culture and natural beauty, it’s truly no wonder why so many are flocking to the Palmetto State. If the opportunity arises, we encourage you to take the leap of faith, move to South Carolina, and enjoy life to its fullest.
Author Bio
Samantha Rupp holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is the managing editor for 365businesstips.com. She lives in San Diego, California and enjoys spending time on the beach, reading up on current industry trends, and traveling.
