Looking for warmer climes (Charleston, Myrtle Beach: apartment, renting, low crime)

[tsigon]

Hello

I'm a physician working in Connecticut and I'm sick of the winters here. I'm looking to relocate somewhere warm. My first choice was Florida, however I'm having a difficult time finding a decent paying job in a nice location. I've been researching the West Coast and also considering the South. I've never visited South Carolina but have driven through it on a couple of road trips from CT to FL and back so don't really know much about the state. The big problem with California is the exorbitant cost of living so I'm having a look at SC and other southern states.

My ideal location would be a small-mid size town on the coast. I definitely don't want to live in a big congested city and have to deal with traffic.

What's the SC coast like? Are there some decent small-mid sized towns that are usually overlooked by tourists all headed to Myrtle Beach? From what I remember when I drove past Charleston is that it is a typical congested city that didn't seem appealing to me. Perhaps there are nice parts that I didn't see.

How's the cost of living in SC compared to CT? Right now I'm renting an apartment (2b/1b) on the beach (Long Island Sound) in a small town for $1500 and am living very comfortably. In fact, if it weren't for the winters I would just stay here because the summers in CT are amazing.

How cold does it get down in SC on the coast in the winter?

Are there nice beaches in SC comparable to FL?

Is the SC coast prone to storms/tornadoes?

I'm married and no kids yet but they are in the future. Where would you guys suggest is a good place to raise kids?

So my priorities are the following:
- close to a nice beach
- decent weather (doesn't have to be perfect Miami weather but better than the NE in the winter)
- low crime
- affordable housing (eventually would like to buy some acreage)
- has some culture or at least within driving distance to a city with culture
- great place to raise a family

Thanks!

[Carolina Knight]

Where in South Carolina are are seeking to locate?

[tsigon]

Somewhere on the coast

[Carolina Knight]

Where along South Carolina's coast are you considering?

[tsigon]

I don't know yet. I was hoping to get some suggestions from people who know the state better than I do. As I mentioned in the original post, I'm looking for a place close to a nice beach, with low crime, affordable housing, good place to raise kids, and has some culture (or at least within driving distance to a city with culture). Any suggestions?

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by tsigon

I don't know yet. I was hoping to get some suggestions from people who know the state better than I do. As I mentioned in the original post, I'm looking for a place close to a nice beach, with low crime, affordable housing, good place to raise kids, and has some culture (or at least within driving distance to a city with culture). Any suggestions?

What home price range are you looking at? Typically you will not be able to get near the water (within 5 miles) for less than $300K and not on the water for less than $600K.

[Carolina Knight]

Originally Posted by tsigon

I don't know yet. I was hoping to get some suggestions from people who know the state better than I do. As I mentioned in the original post, I'm looking for a place close to a nice beach, with low crime, affordable housing, good place to raise kids, and has some culture (or at least within driving distance to a city with culture). Any suggestions?

Have you visited South Carolina?

[Jandrew5]

Originally Posted by tsigon

So my priorities are the following:
- close to a nice beach
- decent weather (doesn't have to be perfect Miami weather but better than the NE in the winter)
- low crime
- affordable housing (eventually would like to buy some acreage)
- has some culture or at least within driving distance to a city with culture
- great place to raise a family

Thanks!

There's no city I can personally think of that matches everything you want. Imo Beaufort is the closest to what you want, but still not perfect. You can also try Conway and Bluffton.

[tsigon]

Originally Posted by Carolina Knight

Have you visited South Carolina?

No I've never visited SC but as I mentioned I have driven through it on my way to FL from CT and back. I don't really know anything about the state other than that it is supposed to be warmer than the NE which is why I'm considering it in my search.

[tsigon]

Originally Posted by Jandrew5

There's no city I can personally think of that matches everything you want. Imo Beaufort is the closest to what you want, but still not perfect. You can also try Conway and Bluffton.

Thank you for your suggestion. I'll look into those towns. In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of the towns you mentioned?