Living in the Southeast.. SC/NC/GA

After the girls are out of college , I'm planning to leave the midwest gloom and build a lakehouse where (hopefully) grandkids can come and spend a few weeks in the summers. My preference is somewhat inland (within 1.5-2 hours max) of the coast.

My thoughts are:
1. South Carolina
2. North Carolina
3. Eastern Georgia

As far as living, SC fits my preferences as far as available lakeside property and proximity to a metro area (airport) for work etc..

For those that live in these areas, any pros/cons of living in those states?

 

Yeah, all the dead bodies, stench and pestilence are almost bearable in the area. If it weren't for all the damn people just south of me it would be alright. I suggest somewhere on the west side of 575 but then you could probably smell Mongo from there.

 

1.5 hours from the beach in any of those states put you in hot as hell agrarian territory. Most inland cities developed around the fall line of rivers. Stuff between the coast and fall line is the epitome of rural south. 30 minutes and closer to the beach is high rent.

And define coast. Saltwater and coastal marsh, or dipping toes in the proper Atlantic.

 

When did 575 move that close to the beach?

 

For any of those three options you'd be facing high humidity in Summer. I live in NC and like it except for summertime when I feel like I'm trapped indoors. I've been escaping to Colorado for the summers since I retired.

 

Lake Marion or Moultrie area in SC

 

We have a lakehouse in the Grand Rapids area. We will float between the two. Permanent residence will be in SC.

 

Good areas but can be really rural, but it depends on your benchmark. Mine is how far away is the nearest Target. When I lived in Charleston I worked with a guy who lived in Marion and commuted every day.

 

Mine is a Costco. I've looked at the properties and somewhat rural is fine with me. Most of the McMansions, etc.. don't have room for a shop. I want to have a small detached pole barn so I can still work on things.

 

It's not. That's my move anywhere but here response.

 

one of my biggest supporters early in my career sold his dealership and moved to Santee, SC… he was a boat guy…built a house there on the water in a gated golf course community that he could get to the ocean from… he had like a 60’ boat that was a yacht to me…

anyway I’ve been a few places and never have I ever experienced the drastic contrast of the haves and have nots like there… a really odd acceptance of status quo and no noticeable incentive or ambition of anyone to work and build like the Midwest blue collar culture you’re used to…

my buddy moved there because his in laws were there for his wife… the place drove him nuts with boredom… he was retired and loaded but was using my dealer number to buy and sell cars and bikes to have something to do… he was murdered by a thug over a car… shot in the back as he got out of the car the guy was stealing from him… had three kids and the youngest only 6 years old…

so whatever you do make sure you’re ready for the culture change as well is the geographical one

 

best bet in SC would be somewhat around Columbia, still a good drive to Charleston, but in proximity of civilization. You have Lake Murray or Lake Marion close by. and CMP if you need a track. that being said, I would not move to Columbia. or anywhere between Columbia and Charleston. also @stickboy274 lives in the neck of those woods, so be careful. Charleston has grown like crazy since C19, so it's pretty much overrun. We are headed to Wilmington for vacation soon, i will report back.

 

Columbia does have the things you are looking for. There's a Costco near Irmo, Lake Murray has an Irmo side. That's where I grew up. We have a good airport. The capital city is just down the street. 3h from mountains or beach. Cheap to live here, unless you live on the lake. There are many places where you can place a camper on the lake and rent the lot annually. You can do that and check out the areas to see where you want to buy. We have some good mountain bike options also.

Lake Murray Dam to Costco. My mom and sister have houses along this route.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Lak...1.139221!2d34.071145!3e0?authuser=0&entry=ttu

See if that works.

 

Funny you posted this.
My wife is retiring from her Healthcare job at the end of the year.
I told my job that I will probably leaving them sometime early/mid 2025.
We are looking to move to the Aiken, SC area.
Our son lives in Atlanta... so that is close enough for us to have a easy visit distance.
So we are thinking of the "south" South Carolina region.

 

If you want someplace you can afford, I'd suggest you look at Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana.

Everyplace in the S.E. states you mention is either already being developed or the owners know their land is worth big money.

I have a friend building a 'shouse' outside of Moulton, AL, on the north side of the Bankhead National Forest. Lots of lakes in north AL. And you can work or volunteer at Barber...

My requirements have shifted these days. After a M.D. friend of mine passed because the small hospital near his mountain home couldn't address his symptoms and he was airlifted to a bigger hospital, I want to be close to a hospital my RN daughter approves of.

Besides, like Mongo said:

 

Our yard is just like CMP. All sand, no water. My moms yard is hard packed and rocky.

Aiken is nice. Lots of horse people. F.A.T.S. Is down there. Great place to ride the MTB.

 

Hmmm. I see a "Yacht Cove" near there. The name implies its a bit out of my budget.

Do you have any Meth Cove or a Camaro on Cinder Blocks Peninsula perhaps? Or maybe a White Trash but still goes to work Beach that might have some housing available? The housing may have arrived on wheels, as is expected for this area for this area. Preferably these would be Strip Club adjacent. Bonus points if there is also a convenience store run by Southwestern Asia Immigrants and constructed in the 50's from cinder blocks and never remodeled within walking distance.
Thanks,