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Southern living and the elbow room that comes with it might become more complicated after move-in, a new nationwide study suggests.
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Five South Carolina cities made the top 150 biggest housing reality checks in the country, according to research conducted by Oregon-based Matin Real Estate, shedding some light on what potential homebuyers might not expect before moving to the Palmetto State.
The firm surveyed more than 3,000 recent homebuyers nationwide, and found that nearly half of homeowners questioned their decision to move due to the reality of housing.
“Moving to a new city is often sold as a lifestyle decision, but housing is where that lifestyle becomes real,” said Jordan Matin, Matin Real Estate consultant. “People may picture sunshine, space, walkability, scenery, or a slower pace, but the home itself can quickly change how settled they feel. Smaller rooms, less storage, different weather demands, parking issues, or stricter neighborhood rules may sound like practical details, but they affect everyday comfort.”
South Carolina once again earned the title of the fastest-growing state in the country this year according to U.S. Census Data, but that influx hasn’t come entirely without its challenges, raising home prices and creating heavy traffic in areas that are still considered to be more affordable, less densely-populated markets.
The state outpaced net population growth nationally by more than double in 2025, a trend mostly driven by migration from other U.S. states, but it might be a good idea for some potential homebuyers to be aware of the less glamorous aspects of living in some South Carolina cities before making a commitment.
Charleston
Charleston topped the list at 26th nationally, with homeowners attracted by the historic city’s charm most often surprised by the intense demand for high-quality housing and unexpected stress of living in a city regularly rocked by hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding.
The median home price in Charleston is just under $640,000, up more than 5% from the same time period last year, according to real estate brokerage Redfin.
Tack on parking costs and an average humidity of 72% annually, and there are a few factors that might not have originally crossed transplants’ minds.
Rock Hill
Rock Hill is an attractive option for many people, located in a prime location for job opportunities between the Columbia and Charlotte metros.
However, this city is evidently not immune to the pitfalls of rapid growth, ranking 74th on the list for its gap between housing expectation and reality.
Traffic and the changing character of the neighborhoods were some of the reasons homeowners were surprised when they settled in Rock Hill. The city has added more than 8,000 residents since 2010, and is showing no signs of slowing down, so those looking to move might want to let go of some hopes for small town living.
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Columbia
Columbia, while still considered one of the most affordable markets in the state, still ranked 3rd in South Carolina and 87th nationally for the largest discrepancies between the life homeowners imagined and the one they lived after move-in.
One culprit – housing turnover due to the high concentration of students living in the area, including those at the University of South Carolina, Benedict College and Allen University. However, the good news is that owning a home in the state’s capital city is generally more affordable than renting according to data from Zillow and Freddie Mac, with student living mainly inflating rent for apartments or duplexes.
The city’s famously hot weather also came into play – might be worth it to visit in the summer to see if you can handle the heat.
North Charleston
North Charleston may be seen by many as a more-affordable alternative to downtown, but the area comes with its own challenges when trying to find a place to settle.
Ranking 107th, the area has also been subject to rapid development as some homeowners are priced out of other areas around the Charleston area.
Additionally, flood risk and storm preparation also caught some people unawares – the Charleston County area ranks among the top 15 U.S. metros for hurricane storm-surge exposure and insurance costs can reach up to $4,000 in high-risk areas, according to Statewide Flood Insurance.
Some of the area’s historic homes also now must share space with modern developments, leaving large differences between established neighborhoods and new residents, which may catch some homebuyers off guard after move-in.
Mount Pleasant
One of the most sought-after locations for its school system and proximity to the beach, Mount Pleasant came in with the most homeowner satisfaction of the five South Carolina cities on the list.
However, skyrocketing home prices, traffic and potentially restrictive HOA communities have all found a way to frustrate some homeowners, earning it a place as 128th in the country for housing reality checks.
Don’t get discouraged, however, managing expectations and planning carefully can help you avoid regret, a statement from researchers said.
“For anyone planning a move, the lesson is simple: do not just research prices,” it read. “Research how people actually live in those homes.”
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