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So I am trying to find the best place to raise my children. My hubby and I are from Upstate NY and have really had it with this place. I was really hoping someone could help us out because I have been trying to research and all the cities are starting to run together at this point...lol. Here is what we are looking for: a real 'family' town(playgrounds, safety, stores in walking distance, lots of activities, great schools ect...), My husband would like to be somewhat near the ocean(no more than 2 hr drive), We are Christian and would like to be close to church, and I understand that schools are not allowed to teach religion but I really would like a place that is tolerant of others religion. For example:my childrens school would not even allow a santa this year! Also, we are going to be renting until our house in NY sells so we are hoping to find something nice for around $900 a month (3bdr). I can't even begin to tell you how much I would appreciate some direction Thank you soooooo much in advance and God bless!
For good schools in the Charleston area I would check out Mount Pleasant (but 900 a month rent may be hard to find a decent size house for a family in Mt P) and Summerville area.
You could also check out Pawleys Island and the Myrtle Beach area which to me is much cheaper than the Charleston area. The schools in Pawleys Island as well as in Horry County (i.e. Myrtle Beach) are very excellent.
Jobs are not easy to come by down here right now so be sure to do the due diligence with regards to lining up work or you may be disappointed. Jobs do not typically pay as much and our unemployment was 3rd in the nation a few months back. Closer to the Charleston area will be better for employment opps but more expensive cost of living. Upstate SC has better employment opps and lower cost of living but it's 4 hours from the beach. Columbia is about 2 hours from the beach and, as the state capital, may have more employment opps that the coastal areas. SC is a great place to live...good weather, good cost of living for the most part, beaches and mountains, lakes and nature..... Good luck to your family.
Make sure you check on homeowner's insurance if you choose to live close to the ocean. We here in FL have been pounded in recent years (ours went up 400%, despite being on high ground). I love the Upstate, but it's a ways to the beach, unless you go to one of the large lakes over toward the GA border. The lakes are very deep, and thus clean, but tain't the same as salt water. Columbia would fill all of your needs, but it can be brutally hot during the summer.
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Thank you soooooo much in advance and God bless!
