Overview

From the upcountry of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the low country of Charleston, South Carolina is a state of great natural beauty, interesting history and plenty of true Southern charm. It's called the Palmetto State in honor of the official state tree, the Sabal Palmetto, which also appears on the state flag. There are apartments with various amenities and rent ranges available across the strate, but the greatest variety is to be found in the state's largest cities of Columbia, Charleston, Rock Hill, Greenville and Mount Pleasant.

What to Expect

Agriculture has long been an important part of South Carolina's economy. The state is a major producer of peaches and tobacco. Other agricultural products include tea, cattle, poultry, watermelons and peanuts. In the past, agriculture was the main force of South Carolina's economy, but today other industries, including textiles, steel and chemicals, have far exceeded the cash value of farms. However, it is the tourist industry that ranks as the highest source of income in the state. Visitors come to see the many historic and natural sites, the state's many famous gardens and historic homes and beach resorts on Myrtle Beach and Sea Island.

South Carolina is generally a very comfortable place to live, thanks to its humid subtropical climate. The summers are long and hot, and the winters are short and mild. That means there's pleasant weather year-round for enjoying the state's scenic cypress swamps, moss-hung oaks, flowering gardens, antebellum plantations and historic seaports. South Carolina has an overall cost of living below the national average.

Columbia

Columbia is South Carolina's state capital. It was founded in 1786 to be the center of government, education and commerce for the state, and this designation remains true today. The city offers many attractions for visitors and residents alike, including the world-famous Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, which is often rated as one of the best zoos in the nation. You'll find plenty of Southern charm and friendly faces in Columbia, as well as relatively affordable apartments.

Charleston

"The Most Mannerly City in America" is the home to just over 150,000 South Carolinians and is the state’s largest. It is also the oldest city in the state and one of the chief ports of entry into the southeastern portion of the country. Charleston is a city rich in history, beauty, great lowcountry restaurants and Southern culture. From historic landmarks and cobblestone streets to beautifully preserved antebellum homes, from the waterfront Battery to numerous museums and galleries, Charleston is a city of graceful beauty.

South Carolina State Map With Cities

View an interactive map of the state of South Carolina