I'm looking to move to South Carolina- what's a good area for jobs that isn't too small or expensive?

Question

I currently live in Baltimore Maryland. I don't like really anything about Maryland and have been thinking about moving to SC but I'm only familiar with Myrtle Beach. I would like to live in an area with decent jobs, corporate businesses, but still within 30 minutes from the beach. Also I know from research that Myrtle Beach has very affordable apts (they cost a lot in Baltimore).
What are some other good places to live in SC? Is Myrtle Beach okay for jobs or is it mostly touristy? What about nearby Myrtle Beach? Will also look at NC or GA- Any suggestions?
I need stuff nearby- it can't be too small a town- I'm a 24yr old female and I like to have a good time.

Answer 1

As you eluded, Myrtle Beach's economy is mostly tourist and retirement related. We used to call it Dirtle Beach because it was so seedy and run down. That image is quickly changing and there are a lot of younger people moving there, but mostly to work in the hospitality industry.

Not knowing your specific employment qualifications, it's going to be a little difficult to place you in the best location, but I'll give you a quick run down on areas within 30 miles of the ocean.

Charleston - Largest and oldest urban area on the SC coast with lots of jobs, but a higher cost of living. It's a major tourist area, but it isn't the cheesy kind of tourism like in Myrtle Beach as it's a year-round city that caters to a different type of visitor. It's also a major shipping port with many different industries. There's a lot more crime and traffic, but there are three major beach islands within minutes of the harbor. Several large colleges downtown with a great nightlife. Go there once, and you'll probably never want to leave.

Summerville - About 25 miles inland from Charleston with a booming economy and more affordable housing. Not much of a nightlife as it's a suburb of Charleston, but it's an easy drive down I-26 to downtown Charleston.

Beaufort (pronounced beau- like in beauty and -fort like in the military structure) - Very old coastal town that has only recently seen a boom due to the high cost of living in Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Also very close to Hilton Head Island, the ultra-expensive resort island). Very similar to Charleston but without the college and nightlife. Very limited beach access. Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot is located here as well as a Marine Air Base.

Savannah, GA - Almost as prestigious as Charleston, but a lot more affordable. Major shipping port, decent nightlife but There's Savannah State University (a historically black college), but I'm not aware of any colleges other than a small design school and a technical school. It's more touristy than Beaufort, but further from the beach, the closest being Tybee Island.

I hope that this helps give you some ideas on where to look for your relocation. Believe me, you're just one of tens of thousands of people who are relocating to the South Carolina coast. I've included a few links below to help you do more research on the places I've named. Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

I know what you mean about Maryland, and it's only going to get worse with all the new taxes coming on line.

The area south of Myrtle Beach is very nice (Litchfield Beach/Pawley's Island) but jobs are mainly in golf or service industries. You might want to visit Charleston, there are some nice areas around there to live and Charleston is a great city. Fall is a nice time to visit, so is April. Good luck.