South Carolina is well known for its beautiful beaches, gardens, tasty food, and stunning palmetto trees. Whether you’re here for the barbecue, hiking trails, or even the golf courses, South Carolina has something to offer everyone. If you’re looking to move to The Palmetto State, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top ten most affordable cities to help inform your decision so you can buy or build your dream home and have a great place to live.
10 Most Affordable Cities
1. Newberry
Median House Value: $124,600
Average Property Tax: $1,295
Median Effective Tax Rate: 1.12%
Median Household Income: $$47,885
Newberry is located approximately 38 miles east of Greenwood. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll be pleased to know that Newberry is home to great hiking trails and green spaces like the Wells Japanese Garden.
2. Gaffney
Median House Value: $141,100
Average Property Tax: $602
Median Effective Tax Rate: 0.46%
Median Household Income: $41,214
Life is peachy in Gaffney. The city gained its nickname of “Peach Capital of South Carolina” from its large amount of peach orchards. Other highlights of this sweet city include a local history and art museum, a veteran’s museum, and a community performing arts theater.
3. Anderson
Median House Value: $199,600
Average Property Tax: $1,185
Median Effective Tax Rate: 0.64%
Median Household Income: $44,321
Located in western South Carolina, Anderson is home to over 26,000 residents. Enjoy spending days exploring the historic district, shopping at the local malls, or brushing up on local history at their museums. On warm summer days, don’t forget to cool down at Lake Hartwell, which is a convenient drive just north of town.
4. Spartanburg
Median House Value: $185,300
Average Property Tax: $1,444
Median Effective Tax Rate: 0.84%
Median Household Income: $64,195
Spartanburg is a northern city bursting with character. You’ll find several parks and nature preserves throughout town, each containing unique features such as an amphitheater, hiking trails, and sculptures. Other interesting details from Spartanburg include the Hub City Railroad Museum, TJC Gallery, and the Piedmont Interstate Fair.
5. Orangeburg
Median House Value: $145,000
Average Property Tax: $1,574
Median Effective Tax Rate: 1.17%
Median Household Income: $43,214
Orangeburg is located in central South Carolina and has a population of roughly 13,000 residents. The city is called “The Garden City” for its illustrious and bountiful flowers and gardens, such as the ones in Edisto Memorial Gardens. Orangeburg is also home to South Carolina State University, which includes a free on-campus museum and planetarium.
6. Sumter
Median House Value: $188,400
Average Property Tax: $1,294
Median Effective Tax Rate: 0.74%
Median Household Income: $53,071
Approximately 43 miles east of Columbia, Sumter is home to around 20,000 residents. Enjoy relaxing at the tranquil Swan Lake Iris Gardens, shopping at the Sumter Mall, or viewing the displays at the Sumter County Gallery of Art.
7. North Augusta
Median House Value: $220,500
Average Property Tax: $839
Median Effective Tax Rate: 0.41%
Median Household Income: $90,132
North Augusta resides along the Georgia-South Carolina border, just north of Augusta, Georgia. The Savannah River lines the city’s southern border, and you’ll find plenty of riverside parks and sports courts along the shore.
8. Cayce
Median House Value: $158,900
Average Property Tax: $1,062
Median Effective Tax Rate: 0.72%
Median Household Income: $58,095
Cayce is located directly south of Columbia and along the Congaree River. Outdoor lovers will love work up a sweat hiking along the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve trails or relax and cheer for your favorite driver at the Historic Columbia Speedway.
9. Easley
Median House Value: $243,100
Average Property Tax: $1,123
Median Effective Tax Rate: 0.5%
Median Household Income: $65,330
It’s easy living in Easley. You’ll find all the urban amenities you love, as well as plenty of entertainment opportunities lsucha roller skating rink, movie theater, parks, and sports complexes.
10. Greenwood
Median House Value: $123,400
Average Property Tax: $2,428
Median Effective Tax Rate: 2.12%
Median Household Income: $40,253
Greenwood lands the title of most affordable city in South Carolina. Located in western South Carolina, Greenwood is the home of Lander University. Check out the museums and stores located along Main Street, or spend a day relaxing at West Cambridge Park.
Check out NewHomeSource for the most complete listings of new home communities.
Sarah Scott
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.