The 10 best places to live in SC in 2022, according to Forbes. See which spot came out on top

Perennial favorite Charleston topped Forbes’ best places to live in South Carolina, a state the magazine called appealing because of its beaches and mountains and a “reasonable” cost of living.

They used data such as median home price, income, unemployment and crime rate to rank the best cities to live in South Carolina.

Charleston had the highest average home price in the state at $527,000 and estimated monthly expenses at $6,779, but it had a low unemployment rate, 2.8% and higher average income of $72,071 a year.

“South Carolina’s most significant economic hub and tourism area is Charleston,” the magazine said, mentioning as “notable employers” Boeing and Joint Base Charleston.

Museums, nightlife, colleges (The Citadel, College of Charleston, Charleston Southern add to the quality of life.

And area beaches were not overlooked, with the magazine mentioning Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island.

No. 2 was Myrtle Beach, which the magazine called one of the most affordable coastal cities. It had an average home price of $384,950, average monthly expenses $5,843 and average income $43,378.

Industries include aerospace, healthcare and technology.

“Admittedly, this is a tourist town with approximately 12 to 20 million visitors per year seeking to enjoy the various restaurants, boardwalk attractions and 60 miles of beachfront access,” the magazine said. “If the constant activity doesn’t bother you, the area has everything you need along with mild winters.”

Greenville, often first on many lists of this kind, came in third with home price of $349,550, expenses $6,108, income %8,259 and unemployment 2.9%.

The magazine cited a “promising job market, plenty of outdoor activities and a family-friendly atmosphere.” Notable employers include BMW, Lockheed, General Electric and IBM.

“If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, a bike trail (Swamp Rabbit) covers the entire town (and most of the county), which passes through the iconic Falls Park on the Reedy in the downtown area,” the magazine said.

Columbia came in fourth.

Average home price was listed as $318,182, expenses $6,347, income $47416 and unemployment 3.1%.

The magazine noted the city’s location — three hours from the beach, two from the mountains.

They listed as fun things to do: Congaree National Park, city museums and sporting events.

“Insurance, software and biotechnology are pivotal industries in Columbia,” the magazine said. Also, the University of South Carolina.

“However, the summers can get quite toasty as it’s the hottest place in the state,” Forbes said.

Summerville was 5th. House price $380,900. Expenses $6,626, $60,271 income and unemployment rate 2.8%

“Summerville is a thriving and affordable suburb approximately 30 minutes outside Charleston,” the magazine said. “While this neighboring city is within commuting distance, local employers include Google, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Bioscience, logistics and marine are thriving industries as well.

Forbes noted easy access to an international airport and the beach.

“At the same time, you can enjoy the enticing historical charm of the Carolina Lowcountry,” they said.

Rock Hill was sixth. Home cost $350,000, expenses $6,606, income $51,874 and unemployment was 3.6%

“If you’re looking to live on the South Carolina side of Charlotte, Rock Hill is an excellent option as the major metroplex is only an hour away,” Forbes said, citing a lower cost of living, reasonable state taxes and city parks. Primary employers are healthcare, logistics and manufacturing.

Also on the list were 7. Bluffton, 8. Spartanburg, 9. Clemson and 10. Sumter.

Forbes also considered the number of crimes reported in each community. Columbia had the highest with 12,479, followed by Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Spartanburg, Summerville, Sumter, Rock Hill, Clemson, and Bluffton, which reported 830 crimes.

The crime data came from the FBI.