Thinking of moving to SC, question? (Columbia, Charleston: fit in, transplants, insurance)

[BayHill]

My wife and I moved to West Palm Beach from rural very friendly northern NJ 14 years ago.
We loved it when we first moved here but now it has changed, taxes, insurance, crime the people the hole nine yards.
We are on an acre in a "Gated Community" and would like to stay on no less than 3/4 acre.
We started our search up in NC but were told that the people up there did not take kindly at all to transplants.
I have read many forums on this site on NC and from the comments that I have read it seem this may be true.
I have not read as many negative comments about transplants in SC.
Is SC a friendlier place to live?
We do not want to move from one un-friendly enviorment to another at this stage of our life.
Comments?

[kat2k]

It basically depends on the area, and you, most importantly. Yes, in a lot of rural areas and smaller towns in NC and SC, there is resentment towards transplants [and heck, to some extent even in the larger cities], but it's mainly towards the ones who talk bad about us, try to change the way we do things, etc. I'm sure you are friendly and wouldn't act that way, but there are some that are that way. Most people are nice. It mainly depends on you, and how willing you are to adapt to a different area and different people. Be nice, try to fit in, and you should do fine.

Would you be more comfortable in an area with a lot of transplanted Northerners?

I think Fort Mill, SC [just south of Charlotte] has quite a few Northern transplants these days, doesn't it?

[Skyliner]

I think you would find that you are welcome in most - if not all - of the larger cities in SC. Transplants from the Northeast and Florida are a very common occurrance in Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, and the Charlotte area. These metros each have plenty of transplants living in towns outside the main urban areas as well, so if you prefer less of the "city life," you have numerous options.

In the Greenville area, I recommend checking out places such as The Cliffs Communities, The Reserve at Lake Keowee, MonteLago, Acadia, Verdae, and Thornblade (broken link).

[BayHill]

Thank you for the reply.
We came from a small town in NJ where you could have horses on your property and people when out of their way to be friendly.
Its gotten to the point in South Florida where people go out of their way to be un-friendly.
We would rather be with friendly people than transplanted Northerners.
Thanks again.

[BayHill]

Thanks for the information Skyliner.
We were think about the McCormick-Aiken area.

[backtofla]

bayhill, the demographics are changing in sc and nc, so i wouldnt worry about it. lots of transplants. harder to spot a native now than it used to be, that's for sure.

in the bigger cities like charlotte, that's all there is. many, many transplants from up north. many transplants in fla, sc, and nc. unfortunately, i think a lot of the ny'ers and nj'ians that have invaded south fla are the rude ppl you speak of. but there are some friendly ones too i'm sure

[waccamatt]

I don't think the people in either of the Carolinas are unfriendly, but you will find that in small towns most anywhere, there is a distrust of newcomers. In the Columbia area I think Blythewood might be a place you might like or maybe Camden. There are alot of horse farms in both areas, since it seems you like horses.

[Theresejenkins]

My parents moved to Mt. Pleasant, SC from Monmouth Beach, NJ, as well as a few other people they know. Although Monmouth Beach is loved by all, so is here! Please email me directly at theresejenkins@aol.com if you would like to hear more about our relocation and anything else I can help you with.....we love it!

[foxhilldreams]

We are also in Palm Beach County. Just bought a small horse property in Aiken. It is a beautiful friendly town.....

[Michael T]

My honest opinion, based on 3 visits to S.C. and doing a little research on the state as a possible retirement destination, is that your odds of being accepted and feeling comfortable there will increase dramatically if you are a white, politically consrevative, christian. Not a slam on the entire state, just a conclusion drawn from my admittedly small amount of research.