Surprise! Arin Solange At Home is moving to South Carolina! Our family is so excited for this next adventure and can’t wait to share it with all of you.
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Moving To South Carolina: Relocation & Things To Know
If you would have asked me two months ago where we would be this summer, I would have looked at you like you were crazy.
We have almost completed our historic home renovation. We finally got each of the kids their own rooms. More importantly, our pool just went into the ground in November. We have big plans for epic pool parties.
Of course, we would be living in our current home. Why would we ever leave?
The Big Question: Why Are You Moving?
When we announced that our family would be moving from Saint Louis, MO to a suburb of Charleston, South Carolina, we heard the same question over and over, “Why?”
Why would we move away? Your kids have their school. Your family is in the Midwest. Your friends are all in St. Louis. Why would you want to leave that behind?
I don’t have any tea to spill with you regarding why we would leave such a great place. All in all, the reason why is because we felt compelled to make this move for our family.
We are fortunate to be able to work from home and can live anywhere we want. We are happy in our home, love being near friends and family, and adore our kid’s school.
At the same time, there has always been a gut feeling deep in our bones that something was missing.
Following God’s Presence
Sam and I got married and lived in Destin, Florida many years ago. We have always loved the beach and our family is happiest around water.
Each time we’ve gone to the beach for vacation, we’ve made the best memories and have struggled to come back.
As a family, we knew that we wouldn’t want to live in Florida. However, we have loved Charleston. When we brought up the idea to our kids, instead of moans of despair, we heard excitement in their voices.
After praying over the idea and discussing it as a family, we made the decision to visit Charleston. Avé’ and I decided to take a girl’s trip together to see if our feelings would change.
We looked at schools for the kids and found one that is a dream. That same day, we found our forever home. It is absolutely perfect in every way. I can truly see our family living there and making memories for many years to come.
You can say the stars aligned, or fate stepped in to make this move possible.
At the end of the day, we undoubtedly felt God’s hand moving us in this direction and His presence along this journey.
All About South Carolina
If you are thinking of moving to South Carolina, you may be weighing the pros and cons.
Here are a few fun facts about our soon to be home state.
- South Carolina is known as the “Palmetto State”
- It is nestled in the southeastern part of the United States.
- It shares a border with North Carolina (N), Georgia (SW) and the Atlantic Ocean (E).
- Its diverse range of landscapes includes the coastal plains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Piedmont Region.
- Columbia is the state capital and known for its historic architecture and rich cultural scene.
- The state is known for its traditional Southern hospitality and delicious cuisine, with specialties such as shrimp and grits, barbecue, and sweet tea.
- The history of South Carolina is deeply intertwined with the story of the United States. It was one of the original 13 colonies and played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.
- Prior to manufacturing, tourism, and technology sectors being the leading economic sources, the original economy was dependent on agriculture, mainly rice, indigo, and cotton.
- South Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The state typically has four distinct seasons.
- One of the standout features of South Carolina’s cost of living is its favorable housing market. With a median home price below the national average, South Carolina provides an affordable opportunity for homeownership, making it an attractive prospect for individuals and families seeking to establish roots in the state
- Quirky regulations in South Carolina state that it is illegal to keep a horse in a bathtub. Another curious law in South Carolina prohibits the use of profanity in public places, with potential fines for those who violate this statute.
Beyond The Facts
Beyond the tangible aspects of cost of living, South Carolina’s allure lies in its exceptional quality of life.
The state’s charm, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities contribute to a lifestyle that is both enriching and fulfilling.
South Carolina offers a rich tapestry of experiences for individuals and families seeking a balanced and affordable way of life. Families will love the scenic beauty of its coastline and the tranquility of its inland regions.
We know our family will be content living in South Carolina for years to come.
Top Cities in South Carolina
From the historical streets of Charleston to the college town vibrancy of Clemson, South Carolina’s cities are as diverse as they are dynamic. If you are thinking of visiting South Carolina or moving, here are some favorite cities to check out:
Charleston
Charleston is known for cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. It stands as a timeless gem among South Carolina’s cities.
Filled with history and southern charm, this coastal city is not short on places to explore. Visitor can stroll along its waterfront promenades, explore historic plantations, and savor in a renowned culinary scene.
Between the historic French Quarter to the picturesque Battery, Charleston captivates with its blend of elegance, history, and Lowcountry allure.
Columbia
As the capital of South Carolina, Columbia exudes a dynamic energy. It offers a blend of urban sophistication and splendor.
Columbia is home to a thriving arts and culinary scene. It boasts an array of museums, galleries, and vibrant festivals that celebrate the city’s cultural diversity.
Columbia is filled with lush parks, riverfront vistas, and a burgeoning culinary landscape. Overall, residents and visitors can savor its eclectic offerings and embrace its welcoming spirit.
Greenville
Greenville is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains which offers a harmonious blend of captivation and urban vitality.
The city’s charming downtown is lined with tree-shaded streets. You’ll have an array of dining and entertainment options that creates a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
Greenville’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has contributed to its reputation as a hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and outdoor recreation.
Overall, Greenville is a desirable destination for those seeking a balanced and vibrant lifestyle.
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant epitomizes the essence of coastal living, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern allure.
Nestled along the stunning shores of the Lowcountry, this vibrant town beckons residents and visitors with its picturesque waterfront vistas, rich cultural heritage, and a welcoming community spirit.
From the quaint streets of the Old Village to the bustling Towne Centre, Mount Pleasant offers a harmonious fusion of timeless elegance and contemporary amenities, making it a captivating destination for those seeking the perfect balance between coastal tranquility and vibrant living.
Top Beaches in South Carolina
The beaches of South Carolina are among the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. Specifically, Folly Beach is near our new home and offers an unforgettable mix of scenic views, surfing, and laid-back vibes.
While we will live near Folly Beach, out crew is excited to explore all of the surrounding beaches in South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a beloved destination for families and offers a plethora of attractions, including amusement parks, water sports, and lively boardwalk entertainment. Most notably, Myrtle Beach is known for its extensive stretch of pristine sand.
Hilton Head Island
With upscale resorts, championship golf courses, and serene ambiance, Hilton Head Island is the epitome of luxury coastal living. Visitors and residents are drawn to the beautiful beaches and thriving nature preserves.
Kiawah Island
If you are seeking a tranquil and unspoiled coastal retreat, Kiawah Island’s is perfect spot. You’ll escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life being surrounded by pristine beaches, expansive marshlands, and lush maritime forests.
Hunting Island State Park
Nature enthusiasts will find paradise at Hunting Island, where an iconic lighthouse, maritime forest trails, and a natural beach create an idyllic setting for exploration and relaxation.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach stands out as a gem among the state’s many picturesque beaches. We are moving close to this beach and are so excited to do so! With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beauty, and vibrant local culture, Folly Beach offers an unforgettable coastal experience for all who visit.
Folly Beach is also known as “The Edge of America,” and stretches for six miles along the Atlantic Ocean. This beach offers something for everyone.
The warm, sandy shores provide the perfect setting for relaxing strolls, beach-combing, or building sandcastles with the family.
Savoring the Flavors of South Carolina
While I’m going to miss some of my favorite restaurants in Saint Louis, I have eaten many of my favorite meals in South Carolina.
Despite the sadness I feel for leaving behind my favorite Mexican restaurant in St. Louis, Malinche, I do look forward to enjoying more meals.
Given that I’m a big foodie, I’ve picked out some of my favorites spots for South Carolina dining:
Charleston Restaurants
Charleston’s historic charm and vibrant culinary scene makes it a popular destination for foodies.
Charleston is a hotspot for exceptional dining experiences. From award-winning restaurants to beloved local eateries, the city offers a diverse range of culinary delights, including Lowcountry cuisine, fresh seafood, and innovative farm-to-table fare.
Some of my favorite restaurants include: Magnolias, Delaney Oyster House, Berkleys, Lewis Barbecue, and Neon Tiger.
Greenville Restaurants
Greenville has earned a reputation as a foodie paradise. Foodies will love the thriving downtown dining district and a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Visitors can indulge in a wide variety of cuisines, from upscale dining to casual bistros, showcasing the city’s culinary diversity.
Make sure you check out these amazing Greenville restaurants: Green Lettuce, O-Ku, The Anchorage, and Fork and Plough.
Myrtle Beach Restaurants
Myrtle Beach is a great destination to go from the beach to fine dining. Spend the day under the sun and enjoy the finest meals that Myrtle Beach has to offer with the freshest seafood.
Notable restaurants include: SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar, Ciao Italian Restaurant, Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro, and Hook & Barrel.
Favorite South Carolina Dishes
Whether you eat out or make your own fare at home, make sure you check out the local dishes of South Carolina: shrimp and grits, mustard barbecue, she-crab soup, and low-country boil.
Shrimp & Grits
A quintessential Southern dish, shrimp and grits is a beloved delicacy. It combines plump, flavorful shrimp with creamy, stone-ground grits, often enriched with a savory gravy or a hint of spice. Many restaurants across South Carolina offer their own take on this classic dish, making it a must-try for visitors.
Carolina Barbecue
South Carolina’s barbecue tradition is deeply rooted in history and flavor. The state is famous for its unique mustard-based barbecue sauce, which adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to slow-cooked pulled pork or tender ribs.
Personally, I love a Carolina sandwich with pulled pork and coleslaw.
She-Crab Soup
A coastal delicacy, she-crab soup is a creamy, bisque-like dish made with blue crab meat and crab roe, delicately seasoned to create a rich and indulgent flavor. This iconic soup is a staple on menus throughout South Carolina’s coastal regions.
Low-Country Boil
Lowcountry boil, also known as Frogmore stew, is a hearty one-pot meal that features a mouthwatering combination of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, seasoned with Old Bay and other spices. This communal dish is a true celebration of South Carolina’s seafood and Southern culinary traditions.
Festivals and Celebrations
South Carolina knows how to throw a party. The state’s calendar is dotted with festivals celebrating everything from history and culture to food and music.
Particularly, festivals are a great way to explore a new community’s culture. Here are a few festivals our family are excited to check out once we are settled:
Spoleto Festival USA
Held annually in Charleston, the Spoleto Festival USA is a prestigious performing arts festival that presents a diverse array of music, dance, theater, and visual arts performances, attracting artists and audiences from around the world.
The Spoleto Festival returns the end of May to early June.
South Carolina State Fair
Celebrating the best of South Carolina’s agriculture, food, entertainment, and art, the South Carolina State Fair offers a fun-filled experience with live music, thrilling rides, agricultural exhibits, and delicious fair fare.
The fair returns in October.
Gullah Festival
Embracing the rich Gullah Geechee heritage of the Lowcountry, the Gullah Festival in Beaufort highlights the unique culture, traditions, music, and cuisine of the Gullah community through performances, art, and educational programs.
Make sure to check it out February to March.
Kid-Friendly Activities in South Carolina
There are plenty of fun kid activities in St. Louis. So, making the transition to South Carolina, it was important for me to make sure there would still be plenty of kid-friendly activities to entertain my crew.
If you are ever in South Carolina, these are undeniably some of the best places for kids:
Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, & Theme Parks
South Carolina is home to several hands-on museums that provide engaging and educational experiences for kids.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville offers interactive exhibits focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), providing a stimulating environment for young minds to explore and learn.
The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston provides an immersive experience with marine life, while the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia offers a chance to encounter fascinating animals from around the world.
Theme parks and attractions such as Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach and the EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia offer exciting rides, interactive exhibits, and educational programs designed specifically for kids, ensuring a day filled with laughter and unforgettable experiences.
State Parks & Beaches
South Carolina’s beautiful coastline provides ample opportunities for family beach outings.
Destinations such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island offer family-friendly beaches with calm waters and a variety of activities, including sandcastle building, seashell collecting, and water sports suitable for kids.
State and national parks in South Carolina, such as Congaree National Park and Table Rock State Park, offer family-friendly hiking trails, nature walks, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
These outdoor adventures provide kids with a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the state’s lure.
Pros and Cons of Life in the Palmetto State
After visiting South Carolina and seeing all of the perks it offered, our family knew this was the right place for us to plant our roots.
If you are still on the fence or considering a move to South Carolina, make sure you weigh all of your options.
For us, living in South Carolina comes with its fair share of perks. The mild climate, low crime rates, affordable housing, and high quality of life are significant draws.
However, no place is perfect. South Carolina’s humid summers can be intense, with afternoon thunderstorms a common occurrence. At the same time, we are used to humid summers from Missouri, so this wasn’t really a draw back for our family.
While the cost of living is generally low, some coastal towns may have higher real estate costs. Additionally, the state’s unemployment rate, although improving, may still be a concern for those seeking job opportunities.
FAQ
These are some of the top FAQ’s I’ve been getting regarding the move. If you have a question or fun place to share in South Carolina, make sure you leave me a comment below.
We were pulled to live someplace closer to the beach and had a slower pace of living. At the same time, we wanted to still feel the seasons. The size of the area, culture, and entertainment was also important. For this reason, Mt. Pleasant checked all of those boxes. We are so excited to explore a lot of areas in the region and live in one of the best places!
While, we aren’t moving until summer, we will be doing a staged move. Since we have to be out of our current home in February, we will need to span the bridge until our official move date. Once we are out of our current home, we will be staying with family in the area for a few months before we move officially. We can’t wait for our first summer at the beach.
Firstly, we love our kids’ school. This was the hardest part of a move. However, we found an amazing private school. We have loved our school in St. Louis, so if we weren’t able to find something that was just as wonderful, we wouldn’t move. Fortunately, when we visited the school it felt like home. So that was another sign that we were going in the right direction.
Currently, no we don’t have any friends in the area. I actually “know of” other people in the area through the influencer world, but that’s about it. We are so fortunate to have amazing friends here, and I know we can continue those friendships just in a different capacity. I’m excited to find friendships that happen organically once we get settled. I know it will take time and I’m okay with that.
Presently, they are actually all so excited! They can’t wait for a new adventure and to meet new friends. Once they saw the house, their eyes lit up. The new house will have quite a lot of land and the kids are looking forward to playing outside more. While I know they are excited, I also know that they will miss their friends and it will take some adjusting. But, in the end they can’t wait too!
Presently, no. Nothing is going to change with ASAH. We are lucky in that we can work from anywhere and our team is also remote. As far as content, I will still focus on organization, Amazon finds, and you’ll get a lot more home decor content of our new place.
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Lastly, South Carolina presents an ideal place for those seeking the charm of a small town feel with the benefits of living in a bustling and vibrant state.
With its beautiful landscape, rich history, and southern hospitality, it’s no surprise that many find their perfect place in this diverse southern state. South Carolina offers a heart-warming welcome that might just convince you to call a moving company and make it your new home.
Overall, we are so excited to start this new adventure. There are certainly nerves, but we can’t wait to make new memories in our new home.
