Many times, the big towns and cities in South Carolina get billed as having all the attractions and fun things to see and do. But we know that’s not the case, right? The small towns in the Palmetto State have some fun and interesting things, too. Take a look at the following list, which includes the 11 best places to live in rural South Carolina. They sure are delightful!

  1. Blackville

Wikimedia Commons/Efy96001 Blackville has a Mennonite restaurant that’s worthy of a stop. Miller’s Bread Basket is located at 483 Main Street and won’t disappoint. And of course, any visit to Blackville in Barnwell County, South Carolina should include a visit to God’s Acre Healing Springs, an artesian well that was left to God in the previous owners’ will. For centuries, the well has been thought to have special healing powers. You can stop and fill your own bottles with the waters that folk tales say have healing properties. Blackville, SC 29817, USA

  1. Bowman

Wikimedia Commons/Attitude2000/Justin Felder/Public Domain Bowman may be infamous for a bizarre roadside attraction known as the UFO Welcome Center, but there’s actually some bonafide things to see in Bowman. This little town of around 1,200 residents banned together and built an eternal flame war memorial to honor neighbors who’ve died serving our country. That cancels out the bizarre roadside attraction, right? Bowman, SC 29018, USA

  1. Chesterfield

Wikimedia Commons/Bill Fitzpatrick Chesterfield was established in 1785 and still boasts some pretty fantastic architecture from the 19th century. At 716 W. Main, you’ll find the Dr. Thomas Lucas house, which was built in 1868. The Chesterfield County Courthouse shown above, the third of its kind since the first two are long gone, sports a stunning cupola. Chesterfield, SC 29709, USA

Due West

Flickr/McCain Library @ Erskine College and Seminary Many of South Carolina’s towns got their start because they were a natural place for a railway to stop. But Due West is different. This charming small town was built around a church at the end of the 18th century. Today, the ties to the church remain in this quaint community. Due West is home to Erskine College and Seminary. Due West, SC 29639, USA

  1. Estill

Wikimedia Commons/Efy96001 The Town of Estill is the quintessential South Carolina rural small town. The area was settled in 1900 when the railroad established a depot here. Being small and being rural doesn’t mean Estill is behind the times. Elizabeth’s Ice Cream Shop and Deli has a Facebook page that’s on fire with everything from daily specials in the deli to community events. Elizabeth’s is located at 205 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd S, Estill, South Carolina. Estill, SC 29918, USA

  1. Lake View

Wikimedia Commons/Gerry D Incorporated in 1907 as Page’s Mill, the tiny town of Lake View, South Carolina does have a water view. The town limits circle half of Page’s Mill Pond. The beautiful body of water is laden with cypress trees and is a photographer’s dream. Lake View, SC 29563, USA

  1. McConnells

Wikimedia Commons/Bill Fitzpatrick Who says tiny towns can’t have an exciting attraction? The rural town of McConnells, population 270, includes the beautiful Brattonsville Historic District. The site includes a home built in 1776. Visit the museum and grounds of this notable plantation. More information. McConnells, SC 29726, USA

  1. North

Google Maps [streetview] Yes, Virginia, there is a town in South Carolina that’s called “North.” North, South Carolina is a charming little place in spite of having such a confusing name. Even more confusing would be living on North Road in North, South Carolina. North, South Carolina is noted as the birthplace of singer Eartha Kitt. North, SC 29112, USA

  1. Peak

Flickr/Glenna Barlow Step into the past in this tiny community just off I-26 between Columbia and Greenville. Noted for a popular passage of the Palmetto Trail called the “Peak to Prosperity Passage,” Peak is also home to this wonderful abandoned church, St. Simon’s Church. Peak’s population in 2015 was estimated to be 65 residents. Peak, SC, USA

  1. Pinewood

Wikimedia Commons/Jack Boucher Over in Sumter County on the southern side of the area known as the High Hills of the Santee, sits the small town of Pinewood, which has a population of less than 500. Notable spots of interest here include the Pinewood Depot in “downtown” and the Millwood Plantation (above) located on Hwy 261 west of town. Pinewood, SC 29125, USA

  1. Rockville

Flickr/William Most noted for the annual Rockville Regatta that takes place at the yacht club in this small community, Rockville was an old summer resort town. Today, it’s filled with the private homes of its population of roughly 125, residents that value their privacy. Even the church shown above is situated on private property. Rockville, SC 29487, USA

Rural South Carolina is definitely where it’s at, according to some people. These 11 rural towns most certainly offer a chance to get away from it all.

Wikimedia Commons/Efy96001

Blackville has a Mennonite restaurant that’s worthy of a stop. Miller’s Bread Basket is located at 483 Main Street and won’t disappoint. And of course, any visit to Blackville in Barnwell County, South Carolina should include a visit to God’s Acre Healing Springs, an artesian well that was left to God in the previous owners’ will. For centuries, the well has been thought to have special healing powers. You can stop and fill your own bottles with the waters that folk tales say have healing properties.

Blackville, SC 29817, USA

Wikimedia Commons/Attitude2000/Justin Felder/Public Domain

Bowman may be infamous for a bizarre roadside attraction known as the UFO Welcome Center, but there’s actually some bonafide things to see in Bowman. This little town of around 1,200 residents banned together and built an eternal flame war memorial to honor neighbors who’ve died serving our country. That cancels out the bizarre roadside attraction, right?

Bowman, SC 29018, USA

Wikimedia Commons/Bill Fitzpatrick

Chesterfield was established in 1785 and still boasts some pretty fantastic architecture from the 19th century. At 716 W. Main, you’ll find the Dr. Thomas Lucas house, which was built in 1868. The Chesterfield County Courthouse shown above, the third of its kind since the first two are long gone, sports a stunning cupola.

Chesterfield, SC 29709, USA

Flickr/McCain Library @ Erskine College and Seminary

Many of South Carolina’s towns got their start because they were a natural place for a railway to stop. But Due West is different. This charming small town was built around a church at the end of the 18th century. Today, the ties to the church remain in this quaint community. Due West is home to Erskine College and Seminary.

Due West, SC 29639, USA

The Town of Estill is the quintessential South Carolina rural small town. The area was settled in 1900 when the railroad established a depot here. Being small and being rural doesn’t mean Estill is behind the times. Elizabeth’s Ice Cream Shop and Deli has a Facebook page that’s on fire with everything from daily specials in the deli to community events. Elizabeth’s is located at 205 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd S, Estill, South Carolina.

Estill, SC 29918, USA

Wikimedia Commons/Gerry D

Incorporated in 1907 as Page’s Mill, the tiny town of Lake View, South Carolina does have a water view. The town limits circle half of Page’s Mill Pond. The beautiful body of water is laden with cypress trees and is a photographer’s dream.

Lake View, SC 29563, USA

Who says tiny towns can’t have an exciting attraction? The rural town of McConnells, population 270, includes the beautiful Brattonsville Historic District. The site includes a home built in 1776. Visit the museum and grounds of this notable plantation. More information.

McConnells, SC 29726, USA

Google Maps [streetview]

Yes, Virginia, there is a town in South Carolina that’s called “North.” North, South Carolina is a charming little place in spite of having such a confusing name. Even more confusing would be living on North Road in North, South Carolina. North, South Carolina is noted as the birthplace of singer Eartha Kitt.

North, SC 29112, USA

Flickr/Glenna Barlow

Step into the past in this tiny community just off I-26 between Columbia and Greenville. Noted for a popular passage of the Palmetto Trail called the “Peak to Prosperity Passage,” Peak is also home to this wonderful abandoned church, St. Simon’s Church. Peak’s population in 2015 was estimated to be 65 residents.

Peak, SC, USA

Wikimedia Commons/Jack Boucher

Over in Sumter County on the southern side of the area known as the High Hills of the Santee, sits the small town of Pinewood, which has a population of less than 500. Notable spots of interest here include the Pinewood Depot in “downtown” and the Millwood Plantation (above) located on Hwy 261 west of town.

Pinewood, SC 29125, USA

Flickr/William

Most noted for the annual Rockville Regatta that takes place at the yacht club in this small community, Rockville was an old summer resort town. Today, it’s filled with the private homes of its population of roughly 125, residents that value their privacy. Even the church shown above is situated on private property.

Rockville, SC 29487, USA

Bonus: Want one more fabulous small town to visit? You’ll Never Run Out Of Things To Do In This Tiny Town In South Carolina.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best places to live in rural south carolina September 18, 2022 Jennifer Young What are three of the most charming towns in rural South Carolina? There are many towns in rural South Carolina that are filled with lots of charm. Listed below are three of the most charming towns in rural South Carolina that are perfect for calling home.

  1. Due West Due West in Abbeville County, South Carolina is a great place to live because it offers an affordable cost of living. The housing costs alone are much cheaper than in many other areas of the state.
  2. Honea Path Honea Path, which is located in both Anderson County and Abbeville County, South Carolina is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. The community is filled with many kind and generous people, and it’s such a quiet and peaceful place to call home. In fact, it’s easily the kind of place you’d want to raise a family.
  3. Hilda Hilda, founded in 1910, is a tiny town that’s located in Barnwell County, South Carolina. It’s only a few miles from a cozy downtown area and grocery stores. What are some of the best things about living in South Carolina, specifically the rural areas? There’s something truly special about living in South Carolina, especially in the rural areas. Listed below are five reasons why living in rural South Carolina can’t be beat.
  4. In rural South Carolina, home prices are much more affordable when compared to homes for sale in much larger cities.
  5. There’s also more land available. In larger cities, homes are mostly in suburbs. Many rural areas have more land area for children to play and for animals to roam.
  6. Rural South Carolina has a much slower pace of life when compared to the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities.
  7. In rural South Carolina, we’re able to enjoy more of the great outdoors and have a much more active lifestyle.
  8. Also in rural South Carolina, there’s much less pollution because there’s less people. We don’t have to worry about all of the smog and pollution, and instead we get to enjoy seeing all of the beautiful stars at night.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best places to live in rural south carolina

September 18, 2022

Jennifer Young

What are three of the most charming towns in rural South Carolina? There are many towns in rural South Carolina that are filled with lots of charm. Listed below are three of the most charming towns in rural South Carolina that are perfect for calling home.

  1. Due West Due West in Abbeville County, South Carolina is a great place to live because it offers an affordable cost of living. The housing costs alone are much cheaper than in many other areas of the state.
  2. Honea Path Honea Path, which is located in both Anderson County and Abbeville County, South Carolina is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. The community is filled with many kind and generous people, and it’s such a quiet and peaceful place to call home. In fact, it’s easily the kind of place you’d want to raise a family.
  3. Hilda Hilda, founded in 1910, is a tiny town that’s located in Barnwell County, South Carolina. It’s only a few miles from a cozy downtown area and grocery stores. What are some of the best things about living in South Carolina, specifically the rural areas? There’s something truly special about living in South Carolina, especially in the rural areas. Listed below are five reasons why living in rural South Carolina can’t be beat.
  4. In rural South Carolina, home prices are much more affordable when compared to homes for sale in much larger cities.
  5. There’s also more land available. In larger cities, homes are mostly in suburbs. Many rural areas have more land area for children to play and for animals to roam.
  6. Rural South Carolina has a much slower pace of life when compared to the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities.
  7. In rural South Carolina, we’re able to enjoy more of the great outdoors and have a much more active lifestyle.
  8. Also in rural South Carolina, there’s much less pollution because there’s less people. We don’t have to worry about all of the smog and pollution, and instead we get to enjoy seeing all of the beautiful stars at night.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are many towns in rural South Carolina that are filled with lots of charm. Listed below are three of the most charming towns in rural South Carolina that are perfect for calling home.

  1. Due West

Due West in Abbeville County, South Carolina is a great place to live because it offers an affordable cost of living. The housing costs alone are much cheaper than in many other areas of the state.

  1. Honea Path

Honea Path, which is located in both Anderson County and Abbeville County, South Carolina is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. The community is filled with many kind and generous people, and it’s such a quiet and peaceful place to call home. In fact, it’s easily the kind of place you’d want to raise a family.

  1. Hilda

Hilda, founded in 1910, is a tiny town that’s located in Barnwell County, South Carolina. It’s only a few miles from a cozy downtown area and grocery stores.

What are some of the best things about living in South Carolina, specifically the rural areas?

There’s something truly special about living in South Carolina, especially in the rural areas. Listed below are five reasons why living in rural South Carolina can’t be beat.

  1. In rural South Carolina, home prices are much more affordable when compared to homes for sale in much larger cities.

  2. There’s also more land available. In larger cities, homes are mostly in suburbs. Many rural areas have more land area for children to play and for animals to roam.

  3. Rural South Carolina has a much slower pace of life when compared to the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities.

  4. In rural South Carolina, we’re able to enjoy more of the great outdoors and have a much more active lifestyle.

  5. Also in rural South Carolina, there’s much less pollution because there’s less people. We don’t have to worry about all of the smog and pollution, and instead we get to enjoy seeing all of the beautiful stars at night.