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Best places to raise a family in South Carolina
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in South Carolina using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Mauldin
- Population: 25,217
- Median home value: $163,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,002 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $67,860
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Mauldin Christian Academy (unavailable), Montessori School of Mauldin (unavailable), Mauldin United Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 218 Horse Tack Trl, Mauldin ($465,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $163,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,002 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $67,860
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Mauldin Christian Academy (unavailable), Montessori School of Mauldin (unavailable), Mauldin United Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 218 Horse Tack Trl, Mauldin ($465,000, 3 bedrooms)
#24. Chapin
- Population: 1,940
- Median home value: $143,200 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,202 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $60,139
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Lake Murray Elementary School (A), Chapin Intermediate (A)
- Pictured: 301 Westwoods Dr, Chapin ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $143,200 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,202 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $60,139
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Lake Murray Elementary School (A), Chapin Intermediate (A)
- Pictured: 301 Westwoods Dr, Chapin ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
#23. Duncan
- Population: 3,473
- Median home value: $121,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $834 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $45,036
- Top public schools: Abner Creek Academy (A), Berry Shoals Intermediate School (A-), Florence Chapel Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 310 Dillard Rd, Duncan ($750,000, 1 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $121,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $834 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $45,036
- Top public schools: Abner Creek Academy (A), Berry Shoals Intermediate School (A-), Florence Chapel Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 310 Dillard Rd, Duncan ($750,000, 1 bedrooms)
#22. Boiling Springs
- Population: 9,508
- Median home value: $162,600 (73% own)
- Median rent: $780 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $61,946
- Top public schools: Boiling Springs Elementary School (A-), Boiling Springs Middle School (A-), James H. Hendrix Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Springs Christian Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 307 N Fredrick Way, Boiling Springs ($485,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $162,600 (73% own)
- Median rent: $780 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $61,946
- Top public schools: Boiling Springs Elementary School (A-), Boiling Springs Middle School (A-), James H. Hendrix Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Springs Christian Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 307 N Fredrick Way, Boiling Springs ($485,000, 4 bedrooms)
#21. India Hook
- Population: 4,006
- Median home value: $199,400 (96% own)
- Median rent: $934 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $87,897
- Top public schools: Oakridge Middle School (A), Bethel Elementary School (A-), Clover High School (A-)
- Pictured: 740 Millstream Dr, Rock Hill ($329,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $199,400 (96% own)
- Median rent: $934 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $87,897
- Top public schools: Oakridge Middle School (A), Bethel Elementary School (A-), Clover High School (A-)
- Pictured: 740 Millstream Dr, Rock Hill ($329,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. Simpsonville
- Population: 22,234
- Median home value: $173,400 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,059 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $71,990
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Simpsonville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 205 Sanders Pl, Simpsonville ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $173,400 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,059 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $71,990
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Simpsonville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 205 Sanders Pl, Simpsonville ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
#19. Seven Oaks
- Population: 15,484
- Median home value: $150,100 (62% own)
- Median rent: $937 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $56,048
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Nursery Road Elementary School (A), Crossroads Intermediate (A)
- Pictured: 407 Lydgate Dr, Columbia ($239,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $150,100 (62% own)
- Median rent: $937 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $56,048
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Nursery Road Elementary School (A), Crossroads Intermediate (A)
- Pictured: 407 Lydgate Dr, Columbia ($239,000, 4 bedrooms)
#18. Wade Hampton
- Population: 20,906
- Median home value: $185,900 (63% own)
- Median rent: $907 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $54,331
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Mitchell Road Christian Academy (unavailable), Edward Road Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable), John Knox Weekday Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1 Bonaventure Dr, Greenville ($679,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $185,900 (63% own)
- Median rent: $907 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $54,331
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Mitchell Road Christian Academy (unavailable), Edward Road Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable), John Knox Weekday Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1 Bonaventure Dr, Greenville ($679,900, 5 bedrooms)
#17. Taylors
- Population: 22,230
- Median home value: $165,200 (73% own)
- Median rent: $917 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $61,667
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Prince of Peace Catholic School (unavailable), Taylors First Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Taylors (unavailable)
- Pictured: Chastain Hill Rd Lot 1, Taylors ($775,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,200 (73% own)
- Median rent: $917 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $61,667
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Prince of Peace Catholic School (unavailable), Taylors First Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Taylors (unavailable)
- Pictured: Chastain Hill Rd Lot 1, Taylors ($775,000, 4 bedrooms)
#16. James Island
- Population: 12,076
- Median home value: $300,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,374 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $81,674
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 668 Cedar Point Dr, Charleston ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $300,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,374 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $81,674
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 668 Cedar Point Dr, Charleston ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Clemson
- Population: 16,463
- Median home value: $236,500 (42% own)
- Median rent: $928 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $43,568
- Top public schools: D.W. Daniel High School (A), Clemson Elementary School (A), R.C. Edwards Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Clemson Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 111 Hunnicutt Ln, Clemson ($749,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $236,500 (42% own)
- Median rent: $928 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $43,568
- Top public schools: D.W. Daniel High School (A), Clemson Elementary School (A), R.C. Edwards Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Clemson Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 111 Hunnicutt Ln, Clemson ($749,000, 6 bedrooms)
#14. Isle of Palms
- Population: 4,360
- Median home value: $852,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,994 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $122,228
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Pictured: 2914 Palm Blvd, Isle Of Palms ($6.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $852,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,994 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $122,228
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Pictured: 2914 Palm Blvd, Isle Of Palms ($6.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
#13. Powdersville
- Population: 9,632
- Median home value: $188,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $816 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $67,424
- Top public schools: Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Powdersville Middle School (A), Powdersville Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 100 Walnut Creek Way, Greenville ($690,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $188,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $816 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $67,424
- Top public schools: Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Powdersville Middle School (A), Powdersville Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 100 Walnut Creek Way, Greenville ($690,000, 5 bedrooms)
#12. Blythewood
- Population: 3,324
- Median home value: $284,900 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,792 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $104,049
- Top public schools: Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School (A), Blythewood High School (A), Langford Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 284 Woodlander Dr, Blythewood ($649,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $284,900 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,792 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $104,049
- Top public schools: Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School (A), Blythewood High School (A), Langford Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 284 Woodlander Dr, Blythewood ($649,000, 6 bedrooms)
#11. Forest Acres
- Population: 10,412
- Median home value: $193,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $959 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $69,212
- Top public schools: Brockman Elementary School (A-), A.C. Flora High School (A-), Satchel Ford Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: The Timmerman School (unavailable), Columbia Jewish Day School (unavailable), Harmony School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1514 Greenhill Rd, Columbia ($645,500, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $193,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $959 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $69,212
- Top public schools: Brockman Elementary School (A-), A.C. Flora High School (A-), Satchel Ford Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: The Timmerman School (unavailable), Columbia Jewish Day School (unavailable), Harmony School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1514 Greenhill Rd, Columbia ($645,500, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Sullivan's Island
- Population: 2,203
- Median home value: $1,773,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,167 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $136,528
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Pictured: 910 Middle St, Sullivans Island ($6.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,773,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,167 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $136,528
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Pictured: 910 Middle St, Sullivans Island ($6.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#9. Irmo
- Population: 12,215
- Median home value: $125,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,126 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $66,313
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Dutch Fork High School (A+), Ballentine Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Union United Methodist Church Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5 Cotting Ct, Irmo ($950,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $125,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,126 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $66,313
- Top public schools: Spring Hill High School (A+), Dutch Fork High School (A+), Ballentine Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Union United Methodist Church Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5 Cotting Ct, Irmo ($950,000, 4 bedrooms)
#8. Lexington
- Population: 21,334
- Median home value: $190,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $72,996
- Top public schools: River Bluff High School (A), Meadow Glen Elementary School (A), New Providence Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Northside Christian Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 315 Porth Cir, Lexington ($1.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $190,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $72,996
- Top public schools: River Bluff High School (A), Meadow Glen Elementary School (A), New Providence Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Northside Christian Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 315 Porth Cir, Lexington ($1.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
#7. Mount Pleasant
- Population: 86,982
- Median home value: $461,000 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,629 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $103,232
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Top private schools: Palmetto Christian Academy (A-), Coastal Christian Preparatory School (A), University School of the Lowcountry (B)
- Pictured: 1954 Sandy Point Ln, Mount Pleasant ($4.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $461,000 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,629 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $103,232
- Top public schools: Academic Magnet High School (A+), Charleston School of the Arts (A+), Wando High School (A)
- Top private schools: Palmetto Christian Academy (A-), Coastal Christian Preparatory School (A), University School of the Lowcountry (B)
- Pictured: 1954 Sandy Point Ln, Mount Pleasant ($4.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#6. Reidville
- Population: 1,002
- Median home value: $222,100 (88% own)
- Median rent: $756 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $96,875
- Top public schools: Reidville Elementary School (A), Berry Shoals Intermediate School (A-), Florence Chapel Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 755 Lightwood Knot Rd, Woodruff ($340,500, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $222,100 (88% own)
- Median rent: $756 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $96,875
- Top public schools: Reidville Elementary School (A), Berry Shoals Intermediate School (A-), Florence Chapel Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 755 Lightwood Knot Rd, Woodruff ($340,500, 3 bedrooms)
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#5. Lake Wylie
- Population: 12,885
- Median home value: $322,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,156 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $99,335
- Top public schools: Crowders Creek Elementary School (A), Oakridge Middle School (A), Bethel Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Lake Wylie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3712 Rivergrass Ln, York ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $322,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,156 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $99,335
- Top public schools: Crowders Creek Elementary School (A), Oakridge Middle School (A), Bethel Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Lake Wylie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3712 Rivergrass Ln, York ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
#4. Fort Mill
- Population: 17,692
- Median home value: $289,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,073 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $91,061
- Top public schools: Pleasant Knoll Middle (A+), Pleasant Knoll Elementary School (A+), Springfield Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Fort Mill (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2064 McKee Rd, Fort Mill ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $289,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,073 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $91,061
- Top public schools: Pleasant Knoll Middle (A+), Pleasant Knoll Elementary School (A+), Springfield Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Fort Mill (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2064 McKee Rd, Fort Mill ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Five Forks
- Population: 17,844
- Median home value: $300,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,635 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $114,049
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Southside Christian School (A), Greenville Classical Academy (B), Hope Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 613 Brixton Cir, Simpsonville ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $300,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,635 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $114,049
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), Greenville Technical Charter High School (A), Riverside High School (A)
- Top private schools: Southside Christian School (A), Greenville Classical Academy (B), Hope Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 613 Brixton Cir, Simpsonville ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Riverview
- Population: 1,112
- Median home value: $128,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $884 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $110,500
- Top public schools: Banks Trail Middle School (A), Orchard Park Elementary School (A), Fort Mill High School (A)
- Pictured: 1856 Masons Bend Drive, Fort Mill ($613,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $128,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $884 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $110,500
- Top public schools: Banks Trail Middle School (A), Orchard Park Elementary School (A), Fort Mill High School (A)
- Pictured: 1856 Masons Bend Drive, Fort Mill ($613,900, 4 bedrooms)
#1. Tega Cay
- Population: 10,412
- Median home value: $331,100 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,453 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $130,918
- Top public schools: Gold Hill Elementary School (A+), Tega Cay Elementary School (A+), Gold Hill Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: The Learning Experience - Tega Cay (unavailable)
- Pictured: 133 Forsythia Ln, Tega Cay ($950,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $331,100 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,453 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $130,918
- Top public schools: Gold Hill Elementary School (A+), Tega Cay Elementary School (A+), Gold Hill Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: The Learning Experience - Tega Cay (unavailable)
- Pictured: 133 Forsythia Ln, Tega Cay ($950,000, 5 bedrooms)
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