When my wife Jami and I decided to pack up our lives in Fort Myers, Florida, and head north to Greenville, South Carolina, in 2021, it wasn’t a decision we took lightly. We were chasing a dream, a vision of a better life for our family, away from the mounting pressures that had slowly, almost imperceptibly, started to erode our love for the Sunshine State. What we found was a refreshing change of pace, a place that instantly felt more like home in many ways, but also an unexpected social hurdle that many transplants like us face.
For us, the breaking point in Florida had been a long time coming. Jami summed it up perfectly: “We left Fort Myers in 2021 because we wanted to live in a more family-oriented place.” As someone who was retiring from the Army at the time, I was diligently researching schools for our kids, and to be frank, we weren’t impressed with the options in our area. We’re Michigan kids originally, and while the idea of returning to the freezing cold was a non-starter, we knew we needed something different, a “somewhere in the middle” solution.
The problems in Southwest Florida weren’t just about the schools or the family-oriented vibe we craved. The place we once knew and loved had transformed. It was simply too hot, there were too many people, and the roads were perpetually congested. Jami remembers how we practically stopped going to the beach because the traffic would stretch for miles, and finding a place to park was next to impossible. If you did find a spot, they were often “charging $30 to $40 to park for the day.” It wasn’t the laid-back Florida we’d first moved to in 2009, when the traffic wasn’t bad. Those last four years we were there, it just got worse, a direct result of people who traditionally came down for the winter deciding to stay year-round.
Even simple pleasures, like a dinner out with Jami, became an exercise in strategic planning. We’d literally aim to go out around 8 p.m. and tell the babysitter to show up an hour earlier, just to navigate the crowds. Beyond the sheer volume of people, the financial burden was also becoming unbearable. “The cost of everything was going up,” relentlessly chipping away at our sense of security. And then there were the hurricanes. We got hit by Irma, and I still remember my fence blowing off on one side. It felt like a constant battle against both nature and the ever-inflating cost of living.
Our story, it turns out, is far from unique. Across Florida, families and individuals are grappling with these same frustrations, leading to a noticeable exodus. Sascha Bennemann and his family recently made the leap from Florida to South Carolina, echoing our sentiments exactly. He noted, “It was being flooded by people from elsewhere, and I thought that the vibe was a little bit different than it had been in the past. I just wanted something different for our family.” Sascha and his family are now happily settled in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston, and he gleefully shared that they “essentially doubled our square footage” of their home. This resonates deeply with our own experience, as I’ll explain shortly.
Samantha Mahnke, a bartender whose husband works as a special effects designer, also found herself packing up her life in Florida, though her family headed to Georgia. For them, it was a similar quest for “better finances and desired schools.” She explicitly stated, “That’s really what forced our hand to sell our house in Florida and pack up.” It paints a clear picture: if you’re making “$200,000 or less, our area is challenging,” as South Florida real estate agent Holly Meyer Lucas put it. She admits it sounds “absolutely bananas coming out of my mouth,” but highlights the stark difference in income brackets compared to states just north of Florida.
Real estate agents in these southern states are certainly noticing the trend. Christi Hill, a real estate agent in Jacksonville, North Carolina, confirmed she’s seeing “More so now than I’d say three or four years ago” when asked about Floridians moving in. Dan Hamilton, a real estate agent right here in Greenville, South Carolina, where Jami and I settled, described our new home state as “a hotspot for Floridians.” The consistent message he hears from these newcomers is “just quality of life issues.” And it’s not just the cost of housing; Peter Larson, a real estate agent in Augusta, Georgia, shared that at closings, clients often talk about the skyrocketing “insurance [costs in Florida].”
It’s clear that the dream of Florida has, for many, turned into a financial and logistical nightmare. Real estate agents in places like Atlanta and Alabama chime in with similar stories, with Skylar Topper in Atlanta noting the “wow moment” when Floridians realize a starter home in Georgia would be “$200,000 more” in Florida. Amanda Howard, a real estate agent in Huntsville, Alabama, even mentioned hearing that people are “sad about the idea of not being able to see the beach, but because of the affordability, they’ve had to work such longer hours.” The hope is that by moving, they’ll “have a better life.” It speaks volumes about the trade-offs people are willing to make to escape the financial squeeze.
Interestingly, Dan Hamilton, our real estate agent in Greenville, touched upon another fascinating demographic: the “halfway backers.” He explained that “Some of them moved to Florida, kind of looking for something different maybe from up North and have come sort of halfway back up.” Christi Hill from North Carolina even has a name for them: “We call those halfway backers.” It’s a testament to the complex journey people are undertaking, trying to find that elusive perfect balance after initial moves don’t quite pan out. As Sascha Bennemann wisely reflected on his own big move after 40 years in Florida, “It was a really positive experience, to be honest with you. A little scary at first, you know, 40 years in Florida.” It’s a significant leap, but for many, it’s a leap worth taking.
So, with Florida in our rearview mirror, why South Carolina? Why Greenville? My sister lived in Asheville, North Carolina, which is only about an hour away, so we initially looked for homes there. But the prices were “astronomical,” so we broadened our search. When we visited Greenville, Jami and I flew back and forth a few times, and we just fell in love with the downtown area. There’s a river literally flowing right through the middle, creating this vibrant, appealing core. It felt like the perfect fit for the “family-oriented place” Jami had envisioned.
The financial benefits were immediate and substantial. We sold our Fort Myers home, a three-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot house on a quarter acre, for about $425,000. We had paid nearly half that, in 2016. It was a frenzied market, with an all-cash buyer snapping it up for over asking price, even paying us an extra $10,000 for the furniture. This really highlights the “peak of the homebuying frenzy in Florida” that Jami mentioned, where “Every house that was in our neighborhood was a cash offer.”
With that nest egg, we were able to buy a much larger, four-bedroom, 2,400-square-foot home in Greenville for roughly the same price. And here’s the kicker: my mortgage only went up by $200 a month. Plus, our new home is on a full acre of land, which is “much more than we had in Florida.” The only downside Jami mentioned? “We don’t have a pool, though, and I do miss the pool.” But that’s a small trade-off for the increased space and affordability.
Our experience isn’t an isolated incident; it reflects a broader truth about South Carolina’s appeal. The state offers a remarkably “low cost of living,” which is a huge draw. The cost of living is “12% lower than the national average,” translating to “extra dollars in your bank account.” This isn’t just about big purchases; you save on everything from “groceries to clothes to transportation.” Gas prices are lower than average, and for families like ours, “the cost of childcare is one of the biggest monthly expenses,” and South Carolina boasts “some of the lowest childcare costs in the country.” All these factors mean you can “squirrel away a bit more every year,” using those funds for “fun activities, trips, and future emergencies.”
Housing, as we discovered, is a major component of this affordability. The median home price in South Carolina is “just under $300,000,” a stark contrast to the national median of “$428,700.” For renters, the savings are equally significant, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being “$918 per month,” compared to the American average of around “$1,300.” This affordability “makes it easier to put back funds for a downpayment on a home or keep up with your other bills.” While utilities are slightly higher in South Carolina, the overall housing savings more than compensate.
Beyond the finances, South Carolina offers a different kind of lifestyle that resonated with us. We get to “escape the bone-chilling temperatures of the North while still getting to experience the changing seasons.” Winters are mild, with average temperatures ranging from the 30s in the mountains to the 50s along the coast, and it’s not unusual to see 60-degree days. You might not always get a white Christmas, but you also won’t be “scraping snow and ice off your windshield” daily. And for those who love a winter wonderland, most parts of the state see at least one snowy day a year, with North Carolina ski resorts just over the border.
The natural beauty is another huge draw. South Carolina boasts “187 miles of coastline,” offering “miles and miles of sandy beaches” to explore. From charming beach towns like Folly Beach to bustling cities like Charleston and quiet islands like Edisto, there’s a beach for every mood. And let’s not forget the “12 major lakes that dot the state’s landscape.” Whether you’re into fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, or just soaking up the sun, the options are plentiful.
Then there’s the rich tapestry of “history and culture.” As one of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina has “over 1,400 listings in the National Register of Historic Places.” This means endless opportunities to explore sites like Fort Sumter, King’s Mountain National Military Park, and Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Charleston, in particular, is a treasure trove of cultural landmarks, from the Charleston Library Society, one of the oldest libraries, to the Dock Street Theater, possibly the stage for America’s first official play.
And as a food enthusiast, I can tell you, the “top-notch seafood” here is something to celebrate. South Carolina is a paradise for those who love “delicious shrimp, crab, mussels, lobster, and oysters.” Charleston is renowned as “one of the best places for seafood on the East Coast,” serving up fresh catches from the Atlantic. Inland, the numerous lakes and rivers provide a bounty of freshwater fish like bream, striped bass, catfish, crappie, and trout. It’s a culinary journey in itself.
For many, South Carolina also presents itself as “a great place to retire.” The state offers appealing tax policies, including not taxing Social Security, allowing retirees to deduct up to $10,000 in retirement income, and up to $15,000 in state income tax deductions for residents over 65. Combine these financial incentives with the beautiful landscapes, mild winters, and low cost of living, and it’s easy to see why so many seniors are choosing the Palmetto State for their golden years.
The emphasis on a clean environment is also a breath of fresh air, quite literally. If you’re concerned about pollution, you can “breathe easy” here, as South Carolina is “one of the least polluted states in the country.” This means more worry-free enjoyment of the outdoors. And for those looking for new career paths, the job market is promising. Columbia, for instance, “ranks second on a list of cities with the most job opportunities in the country,” outperforming even major hubs like Atlanta and Orlando. Experts predict “hundreds of thousands of jobs” will be added in the coming years, offering “plenty of chances to get your foot in the door, change career paths, or pursue a lifelong passion.”
But of course, a move isn’t just about the big picture; it’s also about the daily practicalities, especially when it comes to something as fundamental as food. Comparing Florida and South Carolina’s local foodie scenes reveals interesting contrasts. In Florida, you’re looking at iconic items like Key Lime Pie, the Cuban Sandwich, and Cubanos as popular street food. The vegan scene leans towards Açai Bowls. Their top restaurants include Joe’s Stone Crab, Bern’s Steak House, and Latitudes on Sunset Key. South Carolina, on the other hand, proudly offers Shrimp and Grits, Pulled Pork BBQ, and Fried Green Tomatoes. Vegans here can look forward to Collard Greens. Acclaimed eateries include Husk, Bowens Island Restaurant, and The Ordinary.
What’s clear from the comparison is that while both states offer vibrant culinary experiences, they cater to different tastes. Florida seems to have a higher emphasis on fitness and health consciousness, with more food trucks and a generally more bustling “overall foodie scene.” South Carolina, while offering its own delicious fare, presents a slightly different vibe in these areas. For us, it was about embracing the new, savoring the local delights like “Carolina-style barbecue, particularly pulled pork with a tangy mustard-based sauce,” and fresh seafood, even if it meant saying goodbye to our favorite Cuban sandwich joint. This transition, from the frantic energy of a rapidly growing Florida to the grounded charm of South Carolina, felt like a genuine upgrade in quality of life for our family, despite the missing pool. We found a place that aligned with our values, offered more space, and promised a more stable financial future. The search for a better life had led us to the Palmetto State, and so far, it was a decision we felt great about.
Navigating the Nuances of South Carolina Life: Unexpected Challenges and Future Horizons
While the financial relief and natural beauty of South Carolina were immediate and undeniable boons, settling into a new state is rarely without its growing pains. We quickly discovered that the Palmetto State, for all its charms and welcoming smiles, presented a unique set of challenges that went beyond adjusting to a new grocery store or finding our favorite coffee shop. It’s a testament to the complexity of relocation that even when so much is better, some aspects can prove surprisingly difficult to navigate, particularly when it comes to forming new social connections.
Our biggest surprise, as Ryan recounted, was the social landscape. “What we were most surprised by when we moved here was the hospitality of everyone in Greenville. People are just genuinely nice.” This inherent Southern hospitality is definitely a breath of fresh air compared to the more fast-paced, sometimes anonymous, vibe of South Florida, which has seen a large influx of people from places like New York. Yet, despite the initial warmth, actually *making friends* has been a tougher nut to crack than we anticipated. We’re transplants, and in many ways, we felt like the new kids on the block in a community with deep roots.
“The hardest part is that we’ve had trouble making friends,” Ryan explained, shedding light on a common experience for newcomers. The reality is that a significant portion of the population here – about 60% to 70% – are folks who were born, raised, and have chosen to stay in South Carolina. They’ve cultivated lifelong friendships and established social circles, which means they’re not necessarily looking to expand their existing networks. For us, and for many families like ours, that makes breaking in a genuine hurdle.
Adding another layer of complexity to our social quest is the fact that we have young children. This means we’re not just looking for any friends; we’re trying to find other families with children who are of compatible ages and interests. It’s like a dual search: connecting with adults we click with, while also hoping our kids hit it off. This specific requirement narrows the field considerably, making the process of building a new community feel a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack, albeit a very hospitable haystack.
Beyond the social realm, South Carolina, like any place, has its environmental quirks that require adjusting to. Coming from Florida, we were no strangers to intense weather, but the Palmetto State brings its own brand of atmospheric drama. “People living in South Carolina face an almost 80% chance of being impacted by a tropical storm every year,” the data tells us. While coastal areas like Myrtle Beach and Charleston are most vulnerable, the high winds and heavy rains from hurricane season can sweep across the entire state. And then there are tornadoes, with the state averaging around 11 each year. It’s a reminder that while the winters are mild, you still need to be prepared for nature’s more extreme moods, echoing our own experience with Irma in Florida, where my fence blew off.
For those with seasonal sniffles and sneezes, South Carolina’s lush greenery can be a mixed blessing. The state is beautiful, but that beauty comes with a price for allergy sufferers. Greenville, where we live, ranks as the 10th worst city in the country for allergies, and Columbia isn’t far behind at 33rd. Locals are accustomed to waking up to a fine coating of yellow pollen on their cars and patio furniture during peak season. And unlike in some northern states, allergy season kicks off early here, with tree pollen making its debut as early as February and continuing its reign throughout the spring. It’s a good idea to stock up on tissues and eye drops well in advance of moving day if you’re prone to allergies.
And let’s be frank: the summers here are no joke. While escaping the brutal cold of Michigan was a priority, South Carolina offers a different kind of heat. It’s the eighth hottest state in the country, and when you factor in the notoriously muggy air, those summer days can feel truly oppressive. Average annual temperatures might hover in the low 60s, but summer highs frequently hit the 90s or even low 100s. The extremely high humidity, particularly along the coast, magnifies the heat, making a dip in one of the state’s many lakes, rivers, or the ocean an absolute necessity rather than a luxury.
Speaking of water, a word to the wise about the local wildlife: alligators are a real presence in South Carolina. The marsh and wetland areas are home to a hefty population, estimated at around 100,000 gators. While they typically keep to themselves, warmer seasons can see them venturing out into surrounding beaches, marshes, and even golf courses. It’s not uncommon to spot them basking in the sun, a sight that definitely keeps you on your toes. Caution is key, as these creatures can be dangerous if approached too closely or if one accidentally stumbles into their territory. The tragic incidents, like a man being pulled into a pond in Myrtle Beach in 2022, or the capture of a massive 625-pound gator in Lake Marion the same year, serve as stark reminders of the respect these powerful animals command.
Then there’s the seemingly endless array of biting insects. The muggy climate that helps plants thrive also creates a sweet home for a variety of creepy crawlies. Mosquitoes, fire ants, and spiders are just the beginning. The state boasts at least 61 different species of mosquitoes alone, posing risks beyond an irritating itch, including diseases like West Nile virus. For those who love camping and hiking, chiggers are a nuisance that leave uncomfortable red welts, while fleas can quickly overwhelm a household if not prevented and treated. And of course, ticks, carriers of Lyme disease, require diligent checks after outdoor excursions. It’s a constant battle against the buggy inhabitants of the Palmetto State, a factor that certainly impacts how much time you might comfortably spend outdoors, especially during peak season.
Another significant consideration for any family moving is safety and security. South Carolina, unfortunately, has higher crime rates compared to many other states, ranking fifth highest in property crime and sixth highest in violent crime nationally. This can certainly be a concern for families evaluating potential new homes. However, it’s important to remember that these are statewide averages, and safety varies significantly by location. Many cities, such as Fort Mill, Travelers Rest, Seneca, and Simpsonville, are considered very safe. The key, as with any major move, is to conduct thorough research into specific cities and neighborhoods before making a final decision, ensuring you find a community where you feel secure and comfortable raising your family.
And while our story, and Sascha Bennemann’s, largely paint a positive picture of moving to South Carolina, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the grass isn’t always greener for everyone. Leanne McClaren, for instance, moved to South Carolina but eventually returned to Florida, offering a sobering perspective. “I really would say to really, really think about it before you do it,” she advised, reflecting on her somewhat impulsive decision. The financial repercussions of moving back can be substantial, as she noted, “Because ultimately, at this point in time, buying my house back would be double.” Her experience underscores the importance of not acting on a whim and truly weighing all the pros and cons before making such a significant life change.
Despite these challenges – the social hurdles, the intense weather, the allergies, the wildlife, the bugs, and the safety considerations – our overall sentiment, and that of others like Sascha Bennemann, remains overwhelmingly positive. “We love Greenville,” Ryan happily declares. Just this morning, he and Jami enjoyed a bike ride right downtown, a cherished routine that lets them soak in the city’s charm before picking up their children. “Yep, we’ll go 5 or 6 miles, get lunch, and then go pick our babies up,” he added, painting a picture of contentment and a balanced family life that was harder to achieve in Florida.
Sascha Bennemann, reflecting on his own significant move after 40 years in Florida, also emphasized the positive. “It was a really positive experience, to be honest with you. A little scary at first, you know, 40 years in Florida,” he shared. That initial trepidation is a natural part of any major transition, but the ultimate satisfaction speaks volumes. For us, Greenville isn’t just a destination; it’s a stepping stone. “Ultimately, we want land or a lake house, so this is definitely a stepping stone in the right direction,” Ryan revealed, pointing to future aspirations that South Carolina’s affordability and natural beauty make achievable.
Moving to a new state is a multifaceted journey, a blend of dreams realized and unexpected lessons learned. While the allure of affordability, space, and a family-oriented lifestyle drew us and many others to South Carolina, it’s the honest recognition and navigation of its unique challenges that truly shapes the experience. From the quest for genuine friendships in a well-established community to adapting to the demands of its climate and wildlife, life in the Palmetto State is a continuous process of discovery and adjustment. But for our family, and for many like us, the gains in quality of life, financial stability, and the pursuit of future dreams continue to affirm that our leap of faith was indeed a step in the right direction.
