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Best Places To Live In South Carolina And #1 Isn’t Charleston

Author Debbie Nance

South Carolina has become a hot spot for folks looking to relocate.  But, while real estate experts agree about the state’s popularity, their list of best places to live South Carolina says number 1 might not be what you assume.

After all, every time we see a list of the best everything in South Carolina, the crown usually goes to Charleston.  And, I admit Charleston is beautiful.  The city has plenty of historical charm, culinary delights and exciting events.  However, we shouldn’t overlook other deserving areas in the state.

What’s Number 1 Among Best Places To Live South Carolina?

Travel+Leisure polled local real estate agents to find the ‘9 Best Places To Live South Carolina.’  And, coming in at number 1 on their list is capital city Columbia.  So, why does it rank so high among best places to live South Carolina?  Well, the experts point to its location making it perfect for folks to easily access ocean or mountains.  And, it’s flush with fantastic culinary spots and festivals.

Cost Of Living And Other Appealing Factors

Plus, with median sales value of homes hovering around $216,000, cost of living is good.  And, one of my hubby’s passions is met with more than a dozen golf courses.  Also, the publication points out that Columbia was named ‘second most popular with Gen Z.’

According to Travel+Leisure, South Carolina earned the rank of third fastest growing state in the country in 2022.  And, new residents flocked to the Palmetto State numbering in the tens of thousands each year.  Of course, if you live here or even visit you probably understand the attraction.  The climate is pleasant for the most part.  Plus, there’s something for every lifestyle.

Not only do we live in South Carolina, we spend a lot of time in Myrtle Beach for vacations.  And, our son lives in nearby Conway for school.  We have beaches, lakes, golf, great local music and so much more.

See The Whole List Of Best Places To Live South Carolina

So, there’s plenty to love about the state.  But, to see more about the best places to live South Carolina, check out the full article.  And, you’ll find other popular cities along with what makes them appealing.  By the way, you won’t have to scroll too far to find our beloved Charleston!

South Carolina Is Home To Several Of The Nation's Top Rated Seafood Restaurants

Oh, seafood. When it is good- it’s good, when it’s bad though it’s bad. It can also be a little pricey. So if you are planning on indulging in some fresh delicious seafood you want to know that it’s going to be worth the money. And luckily for you, we know some spots. It’s no secret that South Carolina is home to some great seafood. Especially in the Charleston area which is known (and often recognized) for its culinary scene. So when Yelp published their top 100 seafood spots I knew we’d find at least a few restaurants mentioned. But what are the best top-rated South Carolina seafood restaurants? Keep reading to find out.

What I found after skimming the list is that the Palmetto State scored 6 restaurants on the list including one that made the top 5. And spoiler alert they aren’t all in Charleston or the surrounding area. This is good as it means great seafood delicacies are accessible no matter what part of the state you call home. And whether it’s raw oysters, fried seafood platters, crab cakes, lobster rolls, the Lowcountry classic shrimp and grits, or anything else you can find it in the state!

The Best South Carolina Seafood Restaurants

To create this list Yelp identified businesses in their seafood category that had an abundance of reviews praising the term “seafood”. From there restaurants were ranked using factors like the total rankings. Only 10 restaurants per state we able to be included in this list to ensure “geographical diversity”.

It’s now past daylight savings time, it’s warm, and what better way to celebrate that than some fresh seafood, a cold drink, and perhaps a patio? Your next spot to do just that is waiting. So give this list featuring the best of the best South Carolina top-rated seafood restaurants a look. You can view the full Yelp list here. Did your favorite make the list? Let us know!

  • 100. The Royal Tern

    You’ll find The Royal Tern in Johns Island, SC. This dinner-only restaurant features fried seafood, a raw bar, and a variety of entrees like swordfish, yellowfin tuna, and scallops. They also offer steaks for the land lovers. They describe as a “family restaurant and neighborhood eatery”. View the full menu here.

  • 89. Low Country Fish Camp

    Staying in the Charleston area you’ll find Summerville’s Low Country Fish Camp known for its outdoor dining in addition to the delightful seafood. Low Country Fish Camp prides itself on the “laid back, rustic and eclectic” feel of the restaurant and bar. On the menu you’ll find a variety of platters served fried, grilled or blackened, as well as dished like the Lowcountry classic shrimp and grits, or a poy boy sandwich. View the full menu here.

  • 65. Acme Lowcounty Kitchen

    At Isle of Palms Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, you can choose to dine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the welcoming laid back beach atmosphere. They even have a swim-up bar and I may or may not be planning a trip now. Acme describes its food as having casual elements of traditional coastal cuisine with classic fare. The menu features numerous versions of shrimp and grits, fried seafood platters, and a “Lowcountry favorites” section that includes a seafood pasta that sounds divine. View the full menus here.

  • 57. Tubb's Shrimp & Fish Co.

    There’s a good chance you drive through Florence on your way from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach or the surrounding area. Next time, time your trip to be there around meal time and you can get your high-quality seafood before you reach the beach. Tubb’s began as a supplier for a pop-up seafood market in Florence and transitioned into a full-service restaurant the following year. The menu features “regionally styled seafood platters” reminiscent of those you’d find in Calabash, NC as well as dishes that reflect the Lowcountry cuisine of South Carolina. View the full menu here. 

  • 36. Hutto Seafood Market and Kitchen

    Orangeburg is home to the 2nd highest rated seafood in North Carolina. That’s where you’ll find Hutto Seafood Market & Kitchen. According to its website whether you are looking for “fried whole fish with head-on or off, fish fillets, shrimp, or steamed black mussels, green mussels, clams, blue crab, crawfish, crab legs, king crab legs”, or anything else they have it all. They even offer drive-thru take out which I fully support! View the menu here.

  • 4. 167 Raw Oyster Bar

    This isn’t the first recognition 167 Raw or its family of restaurants has received. So if we keep hearing about it it must be top-notch! 167 Raw Oyster Bar is located in historic downtown Charleston, SC. They are a New England-style oyster bar featuring only the freshest locally sourced seafood. It’s by far the priciest restaurant featured on this list from SC, and the inclusion of caviar on their menu confirms that. In addition to raw bar offerings, they also offer dishes like seafood tacos, scallops, po boys, and a fish of the day. View the full menu here.

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

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