What is the perfect South Carolina town (Columbia, Greenville: best city, crime)

[mrnini]

My family is looking to relocate from Pittsburgh, and we would love to live down South. I spent some time living in Louisiana and loved the slower pace, interesting people and the charm of place. I would love to raise my 2 boys in the South. The only problem is we are short on the time and money needed to scout out the 'perfect' place. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

I like the community feeling you get from a walkable city. I like mountains and/or water and friendly people who talk to each other. I do not like sprawl, stripmalls, crime or closed-mindedness. I also need good public schools and moderate home prices. I have no preference for the size of the city, but I am looking for something with a special kind of charm. Any recommendations?

Thanks for your help!

[g-man430]

Pendleton or Clemson in upstate South Carolina. CAT bus system is the largest fare-free bus system in the country. That's right. It's FREE to ride. It goes to Seneca, Clemson, Anderson, Pendleton, etc.: Clemson Area Transit - Home Not much if any sprawl in these two cities.

[southerngentleman]

Most of the Moonlight and magnolia towns of southern lore have grown with the times and changed as walmarts have destroyed the down towns and big box stores have replaced the family owned stores,but there are still a few towns that take you back to another forgotten era. Here are a Few that I have been to in person.
Georgetown maybe if you want a small southern town that is still intact. www.seaportgeorgetown.com
Also look at Summerville www.summerville.sc.us
Also there is Beaufort www.beaufort.com
Just to name a few but there are many Great small southern towns that still have a walkable down town and a Southern flair.

[scyogi]

The Greater Aiken Chamber - Home

Aiken,SC is our vote............

[pvjd]

Though it is prety close to the beach and all the touristy things that go with it, I thought Conway was really nice. Didn't stay long, but I liked what I saw.

[CarolinaSouth803]

Camden has a wonder feel and a nice quaint downtowna area...Lake Wateree State Park is not to far away from it and Camden isn't too far from the North East area of Columbia with the Village of Sandhills and other restaurants there also.

[Skyliner]

Hi mrnini!

First off, I need to point out that there really is no place in South Carolina (or elsewhere in the U.S.) that is truly "perfect" You will find that every city and town in the state has its negative elements just like any other city in the U.S., most of which I trust will be outweighed by the many positive elements.

If you want to be near the mountains, you will definitely need to look at Upstate towns. The City of Greenville fits every aspect of your criteria, although it may seem a bit too large for you if you are strictly interested in small towns. Greenville was recently named the "Best City for Walking in South Carolina." It has one of the most refreshingly charming "small town feelings" you could ever find in a bustling business and economic center its size. Downtown is home to over 80 great restaurants, plus many fantastic small boutique shops, small theatres, galleries, and much more. The park system flowing through the heart of downtown and beyond along the river is absolutely beautiful and easily navigable on foot or bicycle. Here are a couple of additional good links to find more information about Greenville and a large gallery of photos from downtown.

Other cities and towns in the Upstate to consider include:

• Anderson
• Clemson
• Seneca
• Walhalla
• Landrum
• Spartanburg
• Greer (possibly)

[OconeeMountains]

I agree with Skyliner. If you like mountains and natural landscapes the Upstate is your best bet by far. It is an affordable area and Greenville is a great, walkable city. It is a large city by S. Carolina standards but many small towns, including those mentioned by Skyliner above, are within an hours drive and are worth looking at if you are in the area. The combination of mountains, lakes, quaint small towns, and a walkable, beautiful metro area are very hard to beat.

[aggienanoo]

Ridgeway SC has one stop light and several houses downtown for sell. It is a quiet town and close enough to columbia for you to be able to find good work and schools. Also Blythewood is close to Ridgeway and they have great schools and a new YMCA