Long Distance Moving to South Carolina

Are you considering moving to South Carolina? Whether it is because of a job or school opportunity, or a change of lifestyle, moving to South Carolina has several benefits. Read more about a long distance move to South Carolina so you can picture exactly what your new life can look like.

LIVING
Generally speaking, South Carolina ranks as being a fairly inexpensive place to live within the United States. Cities like Charleston and Columbia might try to disprove that rank, especially in terms of affordable housing, but the state as a whole more than earns it. Unless someone moving to South Carolina has their sights set on a major city, they will probably find their paychecks can go pretty far here.

When residing in such a populous state, getting around can be seen as a challenge. Like public transportation can be accessed in the cities, commuting through the state can be relatively stress free compared to the more densely-populated regions to the north of south of the Palmetto State. Some state websites estimate commuting times in big cities range less than 20 minutes, and the numerous small towns enjoy even less travel time.

Also, and this can’t be stressed enough, always have some bug spray available. The geography of South Carolina includes plenty of swamps, lowlands, and wooded areas, and mosquitos and other stinger-happy insects reside in all three areas. And mind the gators, too; bug spray won’t do much accept annoy them.

Bugs and gators aside, living in South Carolina means residing in an area rich with history and tradition while a plan for its future. South Carolina has one foot in the past while the other steps toward what comes next, and living here affords anyone the chance of being part of that next step.

And the best way to assess the potential of that next step involves looking at the local markets.

WORKING
As of March 2019, the statewide unemployment level for South Carolina stood at 3.2 percent, a few spots lower than the national level of 3.8 percent. The low level certainly owes that reading thanks in part to larger areas like Charleston, which traditionally has enjoyed a strong job market, and for the state’s slow economic turn away from being primarily agricultural in nature. The technology sectors in particular have found a good home in South Carolina, adding to the low unemployment percentage.

WEATHER
It’s warm and rainy in South Carolina, especially during the summer.

South Carolina rests a humid subtropical climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. And by mild, we mean “little chance of snow,” which makes it amusing if and when snow enters the forecast and everyone starts panicking about driving on the roads.

Unplanned weather can make for some fun people watching, though. Go visit Florida a few days before a hurricane makes landfall. You’ll see what we mean. Better yet, go visit someplace in South Carolina.

On average, July earns double honors for being the hottest month of the year and the month with the most rainfall. January, by comparison, ranks as the coldest, and the state experiences everything from heavy rainfall to hurricanes. And while snowfall tends to be rare, it’s not unheard of.

THINGS TO DO
Living in South Carolina affords one the opportunity to root for the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks, learn history by visiting the Naval Bases or Magnolia Plantation, visit Issaqueena Falls, or take a walk through historic downtown Charleston. It would be wise to take advantage of any seafood boil offered, but if seafood isn’t your thing, we have it on good authority the grits are fantastic, too.

And since we’re speaking about regional foods, a word on nuts: at some point in the past, South Carolinians discovered the joys of boiling peanuts in salted water, thus creating one of the tastiest food addictions ever offered in the U.S. And if you’re looking for a grocery store like Wal-Mart in the more rural areas, you may be shocked to discover that large parts of South Carolina still make use of general stores.

CULTURE
When moving to South Carolina, be prepared to be sir’d.

Not served, not serviced, and not Siri’d, which we’re assuming means having a smart phone thrown at your head in retaliation for a rude comment. No, living in South Carolina means being addressed as either “sir” or “ma’am.” While such titles can be seen as offensive in certain parts of the county where they get reserved for the more wizened members of the community like AARP members in good standing, they’ll be polite terms offered in respect.

When you order lunch in South Carolina, you may get offered dinner. Don’t be misled; dinner can mean lunch, and supper will be used instead of dinner. If you order iced tea, you will receive sweet tea. It’s possible they make unsweetened ice tea in South Carolina, but you might have to ask for it. Hot sauce will be the condiment of choice the way ketchup normally would be in other parts of the country, but that will be acceptable since most of the culinary offerings go better with a dab of the stuff. Also, yes, that is probably mustard you’re tasting in the barbeque sauce.

Also, if you’ve never encountered Spanish moss hanging from a tree, you should know it’s perfectly safe and natural for it to dangling from the trees like that. True, the stuff does resemble something not unlike a spider’s web from some of the better horror movies, but it’s just moss. Just don’t use it when lighting fires; you won’t get anything but smoke.

READY TO GO? LET US KNOW!
Sold on the idea of moving to South Carolina? Or does the idea of trying to get yourself, your family, and all your stuff to South Carolina sound like more trouble than its worth? Don’t let the stress of taking the next big step in your life stop you from making it. If you need help, Colonial Van Lines has you covered. We’ve got the experience and the expertise to make sure your moving experience will be solid, straight forward, and above all, stress free. Call a Colonial Van Lines professional and find out how easy a move to South Carolina can be.