South Carolina, September 3, 2025
News Summary
In South Carolina, small towns are becoming increasingly popular among new residents seeking affordability, job opportunities, and a better quality of life. Towns like Aiken, Conway, and Gaffney are attracting families with their affordable housing, community amenities, and proximity to larger cities. As the state evolves, these small towns offer a welcoming environment for those looking to relocate.
South Carolina’s Small Towns: A Growing Attraction for New Residents in 2025
In 2025, South Carolina is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for new residents seeking affordable living, employment opportunities, and an enhanced quality of life. The state’s small towns are appealing to individuals and families wanting to enjoy the benefits of proximity to larger urban areas, such as Charleston and Columbia, without the accompanying high living costs.
Aiken: A Family-Friendly Community
Located around 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia, Aiken stands out as a family-oriented town with a population of approximately 32,000. Its median home values are about $367,000, which reflects a growing interest in the area. Aiken is renowned for its local public schools, which offer specialized educational programs and dual-enrollment options with the nearby USC Aiken. The town also boasts the Aiken Regional Medical Centers, a full-service hospital providing essential emergency and specialty healthcare.
Aiken features outdoor recreational areas such as Hitchcock Woods, well-known for its picturesque trails suitable for horse riding, and Hopelands Gardens, offering green spaces for outdoor activities.
Conway: A Growing Job Market
Situated just 15 miles from Myrtle Beach, Conway attracts new residents with a median home value of around $289,000. The town benefits from a diversified job market including education, healthcare, local government, and light manufacturing. Residents of Conway can take advantage of local amenities, including the scenic Waccamaw River, a vibrant downtown dining scene, and the family-friendly Riverfront Park.
Gaffney: The Peach Capital
Known as South Carolina’s “Peach Capital,” Gaffney offers affordable living with median housing costs approximately $201,000. The town is famous for hosting the annual Peach Festival and running numerous community events, such as a spring vendor market, which help foster a strong sense of community.
Bennettsville: Supportive Education
Bennettsville presents a very affordable option with median listing prices around $169,000. The town features a supportive local education system provided by the Marlboro County public schools, promoting a stable community environment for families.
Other Noteworthy Towns
- Union: Located in the northwest corner of South Carolina, Union features average home values of about $213,000 and a newly built medical center established in 2025.
- Bennetsville: Housing is priced around $287,000 with opportunities for leisure at Lake Rabon Park.
- Newberry: Residents enjoy a median home value of approximately $165,000. Major employers include Samsung and Kraft Heinz, supplemented by numerous historic venues and outdoor parks.
- Orangeburg: A community focusing on education, healthcare, and agriculture which features median home values around $247,000. Attractions such as Edisto Memorial Gardens and the Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum enrich the area.
- Dillon: Notable for its beautiful architecture and incredibly low median home values around $115,000, Dillon also offers healthcare services through McLeod Dillon Medical and features an Amtrak station connecting residents to larger cities like New York and Savannah.
These small towns in South Carolina share essential characteristics of affordability, a strong sense of community, and excellent opportunities for residents, making them appealing choices for those considering relocation.
FAQs
- What factors are attracting new residents to South Carolina’s small towns?
- Affordability, availability of job opportunities, and enhanced quality of life are primary attractions.
- What amenities can residents in Aiken expect?
- Aiken offers quality schooling, a full-service hospital, and recreational areas such as Hitchcock Woods and Hopelands Gardens.
- What is the median home value in Conway?
- The median home value in Conway is approximately $289,000.
- What unique events does Gaffney host?
- Gaffney is famous for the annual Peach Festival and seasonal community events like a spring vendor market.
- What recreational opportunities are available in Newberry?
- Newberry offers parks, outdoor venues, and is home to historic sites like the Ritz Theatre and Newberry Opera House.
Key Features of South Carolina’s Small Towns
| Town | Median Home Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Aiken | $367,000 | Family-friendly, specialized public school programs, parks |
| Conway | $289,000 | Diverse job market, Riverfront Park, Waccamaw River |
| Gaffney | $201,000 | Annual Peach Festival, community events |
| Bennettsville | $169,000 | Strong local education, community engagement |
| Union | $213,000 | Newly built medical center |
| Newberry | $165,000 | Major employers, historic venues |
| Orangeburg | $247,000 | Educational and healthcare opportunities |
| Dillon | $115,000 | Amtrak station, architectural beauty |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Free events near Aiken: Outdoor Concerts and Scenic Walks to Explore
Things to do in Aiken: 12 Solo Activities to Explore
New businesses in Aiken: Redevelopment, jobs and mixed-use growth
Events in Aiken this weekend: Laurens Street After Dark Market, Brass Band & Family Hike
Aiken high school football schedule: Road-Trip Planner, Directions & Tailgate Tips
Aiken, South Carolina: A Weekend Destination for Horse Lovers
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts for Aiken and Edgefield Counties
Exploring South Carolina: 11 Charming Towns for Sunshine Getaways
Exploring Affordable Retirement Options in Aiken, SC
Aiken, South Carolina: Equestrian Paradise and Cultural Gem
Additional Resources
- World Atlas: Most Captivating Small Towns in the Southern United States
- Southern Living: Best Small Towns in South Carolina
- WLTX: Beaufort Named Most Beautiful Towns 2025
- Explore Beaufort: Beaufort Named One of Most Beautiful Small Towns in America
- Travel + Leisure: Best Places to Live in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Google Search: South Carolina small towns
- Google Scholar: Small Towns in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Google News: South Carolina small towns
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
