South Carolina is known for Southern hospitality, soul food, historical cities and monuments, and, of course, breathtaking, beautiful beaches. These South Carolina beach towns are some of the best in the country to live in and the most affordable among beach communities on the East Coast.
Although most dream of moving to Florida, South Carolina is a fantastic choice for most. While you will get a cooler winter than you expect farther south, South Carolina’s weather tends to be more mild. The hardpacked sand is also better for long walks, bike riding, and building sandcastles than the powdery sand Florida is known for.
We’ll cover a variety of places from quiet islands to busy cities for you to choose which of these beaches in South Carolina would be best for you and your family.
Here are the best beaches to live in South Carolina.
1. Beaufort
Best for families that want a slowpaced kind of life.
Beaufort is both a small southern town and the name of a county that encompasses much of the southern tip of South Carolina. Here, I’m referring specifically to the charming town. Although not specifically on a beach, Beaufort is a port town located on the inlet so you’ll have great boat access.
Beaufort has a rich history and stunning architecture. Known for their antebellum mansions, these homes were built before the Civil War and feature columns and wrap-around porches. Home to the Gullah culture, this vibrant African American culture includes a Creole language unique to their community and traditions like basketry and quilt making.
Enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, cycling, walking, jogging, or running down the 10-mile paved Spanish Moss trail. It has museums, a theater, galleries, and delectable restaurants with some of the best seafood on the Eastern Seaboard.
Known for its welcoming southern hospitality, this tight-knit community offers a relaxed place to live and grow a family.
2. Myrtle Beach
Best for those that want an endless choice of restaurants, shopping, and things to do.
While a major tourist destination, locals love the resort-free section of the beach known as the Golden Mile. This community is much more than just beaches. It’s great for those who love to live an active lifestyle, whether golfing, water sports, biking, or hiking. There’s a community feel with a relaxed vibe.
But head just a little bit north and you’ll be right in the heart of Myrtle Beach, complete with the mile-long promenade and buzzing boardwalk.
It’s a perfect place to live for singles, families, couples, or seniors with endless shopping, dining, live theatre, and nightlife.
For an even more balanced feel, try North Myrtle Beach, a more family-friendly alternative offering easy access to Cherry Grove Beach. It’s located away from most tourist attractions and hotels.
3. Hilton Head Island
Best for families looking for great schools on even better beaches.
Looking for Southern charm with coastal living vibes? This barrier island offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with tons of golfing options, including the RBC Heritage PGA Tour Event. It also features the natural beauty of the Lowcountry, including its salt marshes where you can find fresh seafood.
The Instracoastal is home to a variety of different mammals, including storks, blue herons, dolphins, and sea turtles.
It’s family-friendly because it has good schools, many parks, including Coligny Beach Park, and many different family-oriented activities like go-karting, horseback riding, and miniature golf.
This makes Hilton Head Island great for those looking to live in an upscale coastal place that is more tranquil and focused on community. It’s a sustainable place to live, and while others see it as a place to vacation, many others live there year-round.
4. Folly Beach
Best for laidback families that want to spend their time on quiet beaches.
A short drive from Charleston, this town features six miles of beach perfect for swimming, fishing, surfing, and boating. For many, it’s a surfer’s paradise as it offers a slow pace of life with endless opportunities to surf.
Folly Beach Pier features fishing rod rentals, a tackle shop, a snack shop, and oceanfront dining at Pier 101. It has a thriving music and art scene with a charming downtown with locally owned restaurants and live music.
With highly rated public schools, it’s perfect for anyone looking for laid-back living yet with easy access to Charleston when you need city amenities. Plus, there’s a lot of things to do in Folly Beach, especially for those that prefer a laid-back lifestyle.
For added fun, Folly Beach is also one of the best beaches for shark teeth in South Carolina.
5. Surfside Beach
Best for those that want a quintessential beach house.
Residents love that it’s more affordable than other South Carolina beach towns. It gives a nostalgic, family vibe, hence why it’s called “The Family Beach.”
This makes it feel like a throwback to older folks.
Many call it the Grand Strand’s hidden gem, as this beachside community offers two miles of beach with a laid-back atmosphere with vintage arcades and ice cream shops.
It’s a short drive south from Myrtle Beach but not nearly as popular with tourists. Many love it here because it’s close enough to the fun attractions of Myrtle Beach, but it offers the Lowcountry charm.
6. Isle of Palms
Best for retirees who want tranquility and easy access to Charleston.
What is unique about this town is that it offers a suburban feel while still having seven miles of public beaches where locals can kayak, paddleboard, fish, play beach volleyball, surf, and beachcomb.
For golf enthusiasts, there are two world-class golf courses: the Wild Dune Links and the Wild Dunes Harbor courses.
Many retirees choose to live here as it’s a slower pace of life with scenic views and close to Charleston. Since it’s considered one of the quietest beaches in South Carolina, it’s ideal for those looking for a laid-back lifestyle.
7. Kiawah Island
Best for those that have a large budget and want country club perks.
This resort-like atmosphere features 10 miles of quiet beaches. Many love this community as it feels private and exclusive.
Great for those who love their privacy, it offers a relaxed lifestyle for those looking for an outdoor-focused and high-end lifestyle.
The best perk of purchasing a home here is the full access to Kiawah Island Club, which offers golfing and the use of the golfing learning center, the clubhouse, the beach club, Sasanqua Spa, and the Two Meeting Street Inn.
8. Pawleys Island
Best for those that want a no fuss lifestyle.
When you want a serene place to enjoy the beach and nature with a rich history, Pawleys Island is it.
It’s one of the oldest summer resorts on the entire East Coast. Best of all, it has minimal traffic and very little commercial development, which keeps the cost of homes down. The Hammock Shops Village offers local shopping experiences with local boutiques.
While it has become more popular in the last decade, it remains a peaceful place to live on the beachfront in South Carolina.
9. Sullivan’s Island
Best for history buffs.
For those looking for a place to enjoy the natural habitat with small-town charm, Sullivan’s Island offers a great place to live. This close-knit community has historic homes dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
It’s considered one of the best places for public schools throughout the state, making it a great place for families to enjoy.
Many people love it because it is only a 20-minute drive from Charleston. This allows them to enjoy the history of the city and come home to the peaceful beaches of the Atlantic.
History buffs enjoy it as it was settled in the late 17th century, where the famous Fort Moultrie was held, a historical landmark important for the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. Fort Sumpter is also here.
10. Edisto Beach
Best for those that prioritize nature above all else.
Edisto Island is full of culture and history alongside the Edisto Beach State Park, which has four miles of ADA-accessible trails for both biking and hiking. For those looking to move here, there are different real estate options available, including cottages, family homes, and beachfront properties.
On top of the pristine beaches, there are wildlife habitats that you can enjoy and learn about local wildlife.
Unlike other towns and cities on this list, Edisto is pretty secluded and more about the nature and beaches than anything else. For some, that’s paradise, for others it might be too quiet.
Which Beach Will You Call Home?
When you’re looking for the best beaches to live in South Carolina, take time to learn about each of the communities mentioned. They all offer a different experience. Whether a single person, a recently married couple, a family with young kids, empty nesters, or retirees, the South Carolina beach town communities offer a great place to enjoy life and make memories.