Thinking about moving to the Greater Charlotte area but unsure whether North Carolina or South Carolina is the better fit?
You’re not alone. Homebuyers researching areas like Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, Indian Land, Ballantyne, and South Park often weigh key factors like taxes, cost of living, schools, and lifestyle differences between the two states.
While both offer incredible communities, there are important distinctions that can impact your decision. Before you make your move, here’s what you need to know about living in NC vs. SC—so you can choose the right side of the state line for your needs.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about living in North Carolina vs. South Carolina
Cost of Living and Housing in North Carolina and South Carolina
It will always come down to where you are looking in the area as each neighborhood and market behaves differently. South Carolina generally offers a lower cost of living compared to North Carolina.
This affordability extends to housing, with budget-friendly options, better taxes for primary residents, and manageable commute times for those working in Uptown.
Charlotte, NC is in the top 15 largest cities in the U.S. with 5 counties surrounding Charlotte-Mecklenburg County (proper)- meaning there’s no shortage of options when looking at the cost of living and housing in the area.
Like most major metropolitan areas- the closer you are to the city, you can expect to see prices get higher. It’s all about location, location, location.
Looking for more Charlotte-area resources? I’ve put together a few pages you might find helpful here:
What are the Taxes Like in North Carolina Vs. South Carolina?
South Carolina can offer tax incentives that are exceptionally appealing to home buyers. The caveat being, if you’re looking at buying a second home or investment property in South Carolina- a second home on Lake Wylie for example – the property tax rate doubles and can impact your purchase ability drastically if it’s not accounted for ahead of time.
Primary residents in South Carolina are able to lower their property taxes by filing a form with their county within 30 days of their home purchase. Many new homeowners have opted for better tax rates in exchange for a manageable commute to Charlotte for work, which is a common trend amongst working individuals and families.
North Carolina taxes tend to be consistent across the board. The thing to check for is whether you are paying city and county taxes, or just county taxes, which can make a big difference for many. This is an important conversation to have with me and your lender to make sure you can prepare accordingly.
Which State Has Better Schools? (Hint: It’s a Tie)
For many families with school-aged children, the quality of education is paramount. The Carolinas are home to 13 of the top universities in the U.S.- schools like Duke, the University of North Carolina, and N.C. State, to name a few.
There is no shortage of public and private schools in the Greater Charlotte North Carolina and South Carolina Region along with several lab and hyper-focused- micro schools for children with specific interests. It’s important to write out what is important to your family and do your own due diligence on academic areas in schools that best suit you and your family’s needs.
Learn more about Charlotte-area schools with my school resource page right here.
What is the Climate Like in the Carolinas?
The Carolinas are known for their hot summers and mild winters. The central portion of the Carolinas, where Charlotte is located, typically experience a humid, subtropical climate with the occasional cold snap during traditional winter months. Both the NC and SC portions of Charlotte are conveniently, centrally located- right between the mountains and the beautiful Carolina coast- which often allows more favorable weather conditions when other areas on the East Coast might be subject to harsher weather and storms.
The area is not without a bad thunderstorm or two, but folks moving around the city and into the state have favored Charlotte for its ideal location and weather.
I have answers to all your Charlotte-area questions. From helpful resources to free downladable guides, here are some more links you might like:
Employment Opportunities in South Vs. North Carolina
Charlotte is the 2nd largest banking capital in the U.S., right behind New York City and is known for its abundance of employers in the finance sector. Charlotte is also becoming a well-known tech hub and is drawing in employees from areas like Silicon Valley, Pittsburg, Chicago and other popular regions with roots in technology.
The Charlotte area, being situated neatly between so many military bases in the Carolinas- has made the city an ideal landing place for many veterans who are transitioning into the civilian workforce, or retiring, and Charlotte has quickly come to house one of the largest, non-military base, veteran populations in the U.S.
Finally, Charlotte- and surrounding areas- are home to many international employers and enterprises. The 5 largest international employer presences in the area are from Germany, Canada, Italy, Japan and the U.K. This alone contributes to many people’s decision to call Charlotte, and South Carolina, home.
Relocating to Charlotte for work? Book a relocation consultation with me right here and see how I can make the process easy and stress-free.
What is Traffic and Transportation Like in NC and SC?
Urban centers in North Carolina, such as Charlotte, offer more developed public transportation systems including train, light rail and buses (CATS).
Currently, there are proposed transit expansions in Charlotte that aim to provide more efficient commuting options and to reduce congestion and reliance on personal vehicles.
On the other hand, SC has less developed public transportation options thus increasing dependence on personal vehicles.
The primary routes for those commuting from areas like Fort Mill and Tega Cay are I-77 North and Highway 521 and I-485 for areas like Indian Land and Lancaster, SC. Many parts of Charlotte’s major interstates are working to include express lanes and tolls to provide faster commuting options and to control traffic flow.
While Charlotte is actively making strides to improve and expand public transportation and manage traffic, options are still limited in comparison to some major cities across the U.S. South Carolina commuters have even fewer options, currently, and heavily rely on having a personal means of transportation.
Cultural and Recreational Activities in The Carolinas
Both states have a rich cultural history and ample recreational opportunities for all ages. North Carolina offers diverse landscapes and versatile weather from the mountains of Western North Carolina to the beautiful Carolina coast. The state offers plenty of outdoor adventures and historic sites to visit, like the Biltmore House or the war site at Black Mountain- to the relaxing coastal beaches and places in between.
South Carolina is renowned for its historic towns, coastal charm, and ‘laid back’ Carolina way of life. South Carolina is home to Lake Wylie, one of the two major lakes in the Charlotte area- and one of the hottest waterfront areas to find places to call home, go fishing, or simply spend a day floating on a tube or a boat.
There’s a diverse range of recreational amenities and quick access to popular destinations within the state- you’ll surely find something for everyone.
What Healthcare Options are There in North Carolina Vs. South Carolina?
The Charlotte NC & SC regions are home to several major healthcare systems. In Charlotte, you can find healthcare titans such as Atrium and Novant Health– both having expansive medical campuses and specialty practices in their Uptown hospitals. Other healthcare groups are Tryon Medical Group, CarolinaEast, and Caromont Health.
Veterans have 2 major VA hospitals in Charlotte– one in Salisbury and a new facility in South Charlotte. These are supported by a VA outpatient clinic in University- the Northeast area of Charlotte.
What the Future Holds: Population Growth and Development
Charlotte is rapidly expanding and is currently ranked as the 8th fastest growing city in the U.S.
With so many people going to and from Charlotte, the Charlotte Douglas Airport has expanded numerous times and is now ranked the 11th busiest airport in the world.
Charlotte also has the 9th largest veteran population in the U.S.- which includes areas with designated military bases (which Charlotte does not have).
To accommodate this rapid growth, Charlottes suburbs and more rural areas have seen rapid development to facilitate this growth with housing, employment, roads and accessibility. Areas like Waxhaw, Belmont, Lancaster, and York have seen exponential growth thus they have seen rapid development to provide housing, amenities or conveniences, medical needs, roads and accessibility.
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What to Know About the Local Lifestyle and Community
Your desired lifestyle plays a crucial role in choosing between the two states. Charlotte’s larger city offers urban living with diverse dining, entertainment and cultural experiences. South Carolina provides a more relaxed, easy going pace with smaller towns and cities- emphasizing community and tradition.
As the previous article referenced, knowing what is important to you is key as each neighborhood behaves differently and each neighborhood is unique in how it feels and what it offers.
Choosing between NC and SC involves more than just comparing home prices and taxes. Factors like healthcare access, public transportation, traffic congestion, population growth, and veteran resources all shape the day-to-day experience of living in this region.
While Charlotte continues to expand as a major metropolitan hub, both sides of the border offer distinct advantages depending on lifestyle preferences, community and commuting needs. Whether you’re drawn to the urban energy of North Carolina or the tax benefits and relaxed pace of South Carolina, understanding these key differences can help you make an informed decision.
North Carolina Vs. South Carolina: It’s All About What You’re Looking For
Choosing between North Carolina and South Carolina, especially in the Greater Charlotte area, requires careful consideration of various factors, including cost of living, taxes, education, climate, and employment opportunities.
Are you curious about living in North or South Carolina? Watch this space as I continue the conversation with more blogs coming soon. And if there’s an NC vs. SC question you want answered, feel free to get in touch via the form on this page.
You can also get in touch with me directly by calling me or emailing me here.
Ashley Horton Real Estate
Meet the only agent you need to ensure your real estate success in Charlotte and upstate South Carolina.
