Moving from Texas to South Carolina is an easy transition. You may experience a change in weather, culture, taxes, and food preferences. However, neither of the factors is overwhelming.
To help you prepare for the move, here are 10 things to know about moving from Texas to South Carolina.
Changes in Climate
Though it depends on which part of Texas you are moving from and which part of South Carolina (SC) you are moving to, the overall climate transition won’t be too difficult.
Texas is known for its hot and humid summers and mild winters. If you are moving closer to the coastal region of South Carolina, you may experience the same. South Carolina is known for hot summers in all parts of the state. However, the maximum temperature does not cross 24 degrees. The winters in the eastern and southern parts of SC are mild, whereas they are occasionally cold in the northwestern cities of SC.
Yes, you may also enjoy snow in South Carolina without getting tired of it.
Lower Cost of Living
Moving to South Carolina from Texas would be a little relief for your pocket. South Carolina’s living cost is around 5 to 6% lower than the national average. However, a better comparison could be made depending on the city you are moving from.
For instance, the cost of living in Charleston, SC, is 2% less than in Dallas, TX. At the same time, the cost of living in Columbia, SC, is said to be 1.8% higher than in Houston, TX.
SC Beaches are a Big Plus
If you’re a beach person moving to one of the coastal towns in South Carolina, you have nothing to miss out on. SC is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, like Kiawah Island and Myrtle Beach.
South Carolina is known for its beaches and mountain ranges, like the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains. These mountain ranges are located at the border of North Carolina and South Carolina.
Other lesser-known mountains in South Carolina worth visiting are Glassy Mountain, Table Rock, Cleveland Cliff, Chimneytop, and many more. Whether you are a beach or mountain person, South Carolina has it all.
Be Ready to Pay Income Tax in SC
Texas individuals need not pay income tax, but in South Carolina, residents have to. The individual income tax rates in South Carolina range from 0% to 6.50%, depending on your income level.
If you are starting a business in South Carolina, you may have to pay a flat 5% corporate tax rate. However, South Carolina has a lower sales tax in comparison with Texas. Texas has an average combined state and local sales tax of 8.20%, whereas South Carolina has a combined average state and local sales tax of 7.43%.
Job Opportunities are Ample
You need not worry about job hunting in SC if you’re relocating as part of a job offer. However, in the other case, you should know that the job market in South Carolina is booming. Big cities like Charleston and Greenville have an unemployment rate of around 6.5%, lower than the national average of 8.8%.
In Greenville, the textile industry is the most popular for seeking employment, whereas in Charleston, the tourism industry thrives better. The average annual salary required to live in Charleston, SC, is $51,850, whereas in Greenville, it is $48,350, per US News ratings. A few of the largest employers in the state include Prisma Health, The Boeing Company, Greenville County Schools, Publix, United Parcel Service, GE Power, and many more.
The SC government also provides an average weekly benefit of $236 to the eligible unemployed under the South Carolina Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.
Real Estate is Thriving
Moving to South Carolina means you also need a decent place to live. If your job covers the housing rent expenses, that’s a plus, as housing prices in South Carolina are at their all-time high.
As per the latest data as of October 2023, the median housing price in SC is $288,342. The interest rate has also surged to 7.97% for a 30-year fixed mortgage. These rates were the highest recorded mortgage rates since 2000.
If you are considering renting a house, the average one-bedroom apartment rent in SC is around $941 per month. The rent varies from state to state. However, SC’s average rent is slightly higher than in Texas.
Daily Commuting is Time-Consuming
In cities like Greenville and Charleston, traffic congestion is real. Though the congestion is not as bad as in some big cities in Texas, the average commute time in SC is still around 24.6 minutes. On the other hand, the average commute time is 26.6 minutes, close to the average commute time in the US.
This makes both Texas and SC fairly close when it comes to commuting. For commuting in SC, you can use your car, hire a rental cab like Uber or Lyft, or use local buses. It’s always better to plan your travels to avoid rush hour.
SC Has a lot to Explore
South Carolina is home to many recognized national parks by the US National Park Service. A few of the names include:
- Charles Pickney, Mt. Pleasant (national historic site)
- Congaree, Hopkins (national park)
- Overmountain Victory (National Historic Trail)
- Ninety-Six (National Historic Site)
- Kings Mountain (National Military Park), etc.
Besides these, SC has some brilliant must-visit places like Broadway at the Beach, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Falls Park on the Reddy, EdVenture, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, and much more.
SC Has Some Popular Colleges and Universities
Relocating to South Carolina with children? South Carolina is known for its quality education. It has many nationally ranked schools like Academic Magnet High School (ranked 8), Charleston School of the Arts (ranked 142), Spring Hill High School, and Wando High School, to name a few.
South Carolina has 60 colleges and universities for higher education, including some of the most reputed ones. The popular names include the University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, Clemson University, Wofford College, and Furman University.
Stay Safer in South Carolina
South Carolina is ranked among the top 10 states with the highest crime rates, with 530.7 incidents per 100,000 people, higher than the national average of 366 per 100,000.
On the contrary, Texas is ranked 16th in worst crime rates, with 446.5 per 100,000 people. But there are always certain neighborhoods that are more prone to violent crimes. Research well and settle in the safest cities in South Carolina for peaceful living.
The top safest cities in South Carolina include Fort Mill, Mount Plesant, Lexington, Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, Bluffton, and Tega Cay. SC cities with the highest crime rates include Myrtle Beach, Orangeburg, Florence, Spartanburg, Georgetown, and North Charleston. Decide wisely.
Get Moving!
As you embark on this new journey from Texas to South Carolina, we hope the new experience is fulfilling and fruitful.
But before that, have you decided on a moving company yet? If not, choose Ward North American, with 40+ years of moving experience, for a smooth moving experience.
