Charming Charleston, South Carolina, defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel antebellum houses, is a port city that was founded in 1670. Now encompassing 156.6 square miles, it’s been nicknamed “Holy City,” the result of having more than 400 churches. It’s also the largest city in South Carolina, with a median age of 35.3 (2022). Aerospace, energy, automotive, life sciences, and IT and defense fuel its economy.

Nestled at the confluence of the Saluda River and the Broad River is South Carolina’s capital, Columbia. Often abbreviated as Cola, it features compact, easily navigable streets, Southern charm, and hospitality. Founded in 1786, it lies across 140.7 square miles and has a median age of 28.2 (2022). Its main industries include healthcare, advanced manufacturing, green energy production, and research and development.

Greenville is a city in South Carolina, that lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Incorporated as a village in 1831, it has seen rapid development over the past 20 years, and has ranked among Forbes’ “The South’s Most ‘Tasteful’ Small Towns.” Spanning 30 square miles, its median age is 35 (2022), and main industries include manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and transport.

Kirkwood has become one of the hottest neighborhoods in Atlanta. Why is everyone flocking there? Many are introduced to the community due to its charming and quaint strip of locally-owned businesses. But families, young professionals, and savvy investors are seeing more than that. They see a diverse and eclectic neighborhood of beautifully renovated Victorian and Craftsman homes with a strong local economy, good schools, and conveniently located five miles from downtown Atlanta.

The hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beaches, is the coastal city of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. It’s one of the most visited destinations in the U.S., thanks to its beaches, 86 golf courses, subtropical climate, and 1,800 restaurants. Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938 and became a city in 1957. It covers 23.6 square miles, and has a median age of 44.4 (2022). Tourism is its main industry.

Spartanburg is a city in northern South Carolina, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its nickname is “Hub City,” because its railroad junctions were so numerous that the surrounding area appeared to be covered in wheel hubs. Founded in 1787 and now lying across 20.3 square miles, Spartanburg’s median age is 35.1 (2022). Its economy is mainly driven by agriculture, manufacturing, textile mills, and metalworking plants.

Known as “Flower Town in the Pines” for its beautiful gardens and woodlands, Summerville, South Carolina, is a small town with big charm. Spanning 22.6 square miles, the village became an official town in 1847. Today, it’s situated just a short drive from Charleston, and has a median age of 36.7 (2022). Its main industries include healthcare, retail trade, and manufacturing.