Ever dream about moving out of the city to a place where life seems less complicated? South Carolina has some great cities for when you want to live in the fast lane. We also have some amazing small towns where the pace is slower and the living is easy. Check out these 15 for starters...
1. Awendaw
Busy coastal Highway 17 cuts right through Awendaw in the Lowcountry. But you wouldn't know it by the calm, laid-back demeanor of the nearly 1,300 people who live here. They're alway nice, friendly and welcoming.
2. Aynor
The Town of Aynor is located in western Horry County. US 501 rolls through this little town of approximately 560 people. If you've made your way to Myrtle Beach from Interstate 95 the chances are good that you already know how small and charming Aynor can be. Stop by Ned's for one their famous burgers.
3. Bethune
Over in Kershaw County there's a quiet little place originally settled in the 1800s and called "Lynchwood." The town got its official charter in 1900 and the name was changed to "Bethune." In 1910, the US Census reported 313 people living in Bethune. The most recent population estimate from the US Census is 343. Small, quiet and beautiful.
4. Bonneau
Not to be confused with Bonneau BEACH, the small picturesque town of Bonneau in Berkeley County is reported to have only 507 people living on its three square miles. Life moves at a nice pace in Bonneau...especially since there's a beach right down the road.
5. Brunson
Population: 531. This wonderfully preserved building was the town's first Town Hall. Today, it's home to the Brunson Museum and Visitor's Center.
6. Cowpens
The Town of Cowpens is located 9 miles south of the historic site of the Battle of Cowpens but it's a great place to stop on your way. To recharge, have a burger at the Wagon Wheel Fish Camp in Historic Cowpens.
7. Due West
Due West, a small town of approximately 1,250 people in Abbeville County, is home to Erskine College. The small town charm is evident in the brick-lined streets of the downtown area.
8. Holly Hill
Things are so quiet you could say the livin' is easy in Holly Hill, SC. Even if you're not from Holly Hill, you've probably heard of their famous BBQ joint called "Sweatman's BBQ."
9. McColl
Life may be slower in McColl, but bustling Bennettsville is right next door for when McCollians want to step it up a notch.
10. Meggett
With a total land mass just shy of 18 square miles (so far) the little town of Meggett is small in population (about 1,200 people) but not size. The population density here is 69 people per square mile. Compare that to neighboring Charleston at 1,152 people per square mile and you can bet things are quiet and simple over in Meggett.
11. Monetta
You know you've found a great small town when you see homes on Main Street...in town. Monetta, SC straddles Aiken and Saluda Counties, a feat that's pretty amazing given the town is only .7 square miles in size and has a population of approximately 233.
12. Norris
The quiet small town of Norris is in the Northwestern part of the state in Pickens County. It's a stone's throw from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The atmosphere here is fueled by the friendly nature of Norris' 900+ residents.
13. Pageland
Folks in Pageland like it quiet, except during the Annual Watermelon Festival in July, of course. This small town of nearly 3,000 people is just inside the South Carolina state line at the North Carolina border.
14. Prosperity
Just under 1,200 people live in the Town of Propsperity in Newberry County. The towns streets are lined with antique and other fun stores.
15. Westminster
Population: approximately 2,500. Westminster is actually a very small city (not a town) in Oconee County. It was once a bustling town filled with people who got off the railway to get a drink or something to eat. These days, people still want to eat or drink in Westminster, but not because they've been riding in a hot non-airconditioned railcar for hours...
Where else in South Carolina can you find slow-paced living? We'd love to hear about your favorite places in the comments!
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