Your Guide to Relocating to South Carolina’s Midlands

Are you considering relocating to South Carolina but unsure where to start? Whether you’re moving for work, family, or a lifestyle change, finding the right neighborhood is one of the most important—and challenging—decisions. We’ve helped over a thousand families relocate to the Midlands of South Carolina, and what we’ve learned is that choosing the right area depends on several factors: lifestyle, budget, proximity to the best schools, and the overall feel of the neighborhood.

In our latest video, we dive deep into the best areas of the Midlands, providing insider knowledge and personal insights to help you decide where you and your family will thrive. Keep reading for a quick overview of the regions we cover and some key highlights from the video.

The Midlands: South Carolina’s Hidden Gem

The Midlands of South Carolina is home to the state’s capital, Columbia, and offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Columbia’s central location gives residents easy access to the beach, mountains, Charlotte, Augusta, and Atlanta. It's also one of the most affordable areas in the state—and even the country—making it an ideal spot for young professionals, business owners, college students, and families seeking a slower-paced lifestyle with access to big-city amenities.

In 2023, Columbia was ranked as one of the top cities for overall growth and Gen Z buyers, thanks to its growing job market, great schools, and vibrant downtown scene. Whether you're into attending USC sporting events, exploring local breweries, or shopping at locally owned businesses, Columbia has something for everyone.

Best Neighborhoods for Families in Columbia

If you're considering Columbia for your move, downtown is a great place to start, especially for young professionals and college students. The area offers condos, townhomes, and apartments with a variety of price points, from the low $200Ks to well over $1 million.

For families, we recommend the Forest Acres area, known for its proximity to top public schools like AC Flora and Dreher High School, as well as private institutions like Hammond and Heathwood. This area is perfect for those who want to be close to excellent schools, family-friendly parks, and a slower pace of life.

Lake Murray: Affordable Waterfront Living

If you love the idea of living near water, Lake Murray is a must-consider. This man-made lake is one of the most affordable in the country, with over 650 miles of shoreline. The towns surrounding Lake Murray—Irmo, Chapin, and Lexington—offer a variety of living options, from waterfront condos starting in the mid-$200Ks to million-dollar homes.

What makes Lake Murray particularly appealing is that it’s not a major tourist destination, which means it retains a peaceful, residential feel with few rentals and limited hotel options. It's a fantastic spot for families looking for a long-term home away from the hustle and bustle.

Exploring Lexington: Where Growth Meets Tradition

Both Patrick and I grew up in Lexington, so we’re especially passionate about this town. Lexington offers fantastic schools, a welcoming community, and a thriving downtown area. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midlands, yet the town is taking steps to manage growth, such as building new schools and improving roads to reduce traffic.

Lexington has neighborhoods for all budgets, from affordable homes in rural areas to multi-million-dollar waterfront properties along Lake Murray and the Saluda River. The average home price in Lexington as of 2023 is around $317,000. Plus, it’s a great location for commuters, as it’s just a short drive to Columbia, where many top employers are located.

Irmo: A Convenient Option for Commuters

If you're looking for something close to Columbia but with more of a suburban feel, Irmo is a great option. Irmo offers access to Lake Murray, great parks like Saluda Shoals, and a variety of shopping and dining options, including big-box stores like Costco and HomeGoods.

Irmo is split into several zip codes, with 29210 being home to older, more affordable homes in the low to mid-$200Ks. For those seeking waterfront properties, neighborhoods like Regatta Shores offer homes in the $1 million range. Whether you're looking for a starter home or a luxury waterfront property, Irmo has something for every budget.

Chapin: Small-Town Charm with Big Potential

Chapin, the smallest of the towns surrounding Lake Murray, offers a true hometown feel. With its new schools, a strong sense of community, and easy access to Columbia (about 30 minutes away), Chapin is a fantastic place for families who want a quieter, more rural lifestyle but still need to be close to the city for work.

Chapin also offers great options for new construction homes and is growing rapidly, with new neighborhoods constantly popping up. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood or a property with more acreage, Chapin has a lot to offer.

Northeast Columbia: A Diverse and Growing Area

Northeast Columbia is a diverse area with many neighborhoods to choose from. It’s especially popular among military families, thanks to its proximity to Fort Jackson, the largest military base in South Carolina, as well as Shaw Air Force Base. The area offers a mix of housing options, from affordable homes in established neighborhoods to luxury properties in master-planned communities like Lake Carolina and Wildwood.

Northeast Columbia also boasts excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options, with places like the Sandhills area and the Columbiana Center Mall. Additionally, with new developments like Scout Motors bringing thousands of jobs to the area, this part of Columbia is set to continue growing and offering new opportunities for residents.

Final Thoughts: Where Will You Call Home?

The Midlands of South Carolina offers a variety of living options for all kinds of families. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling city life of downtown Columbia, the peaceful lakeside living at Lake Murray, or the suburban charm of Lexington, Irmo, or Chapin, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.

If you have any questions or want more personalized advice on which area is the best fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to be your relocation guide for everything South Carolina! You can also find links to follow us on Instagram for more content and updates.

Watch the Full Video
For a deeper dive into these areas and to see what each has to offer, check out our full video! It’s packed with insider info to help you make the best decision for your relocation.

Contact Us
We’d love to help guide you through the relocation process. Reach out to us anytime for assistance with finding your perfect home in the Midlands of South Carolina!