“Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places,” reads the cheerful sign you pass when entering the state of South Carolina. Among the state’s diverse traits that standout, Southern hospitality and some of the country’s most stunning terrain. Miles of beautiful shoreline, quiet streets shaded by old growth oaks dripping in Spanish moss and the resonant scent of the salt marshes, from mountains to meadows, South Carolina has a magic to its landscape that is unmatched by any other place.
      An estimated population of around 4.5 million enjoys the unique quality of life in South Carolina. One of the original 13 American Colonies, the state has a rich history and culture rooted in a mixture of European, African and Caribbean influences. The “Palmetto State,” as it is dubbed for its official state tree, is comprised of a portion of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range in its northernmost region, where locals and visitors go for long scenic drives to view the colorful autumn foliage. Further south, the state softens to rolling green hills and then to the flat marshy lowlands along the coast, leading to endless miles of sandy shoreline, home to some of the east coast’s favorite vacation beaches.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Palmetto State State Capital: Columbia State Flower: Yellow Jessamine State Bird: Great Carolina Wren

      The quality of life in South Carolina is attributed to the state’s rich history, lush landscape and mild year-round climate. One of the most rapidly growing cities in the country, Charlotte, also known as the “Queen City,” has a reputation as a business leader. Ranking high on several publications’ lists of the best cities for living in the country, Charlotte is vibrant, welcoming and well-maintained. Embracing growth and change, agriculture is still an important part of Charlotte’s economy,

but the industries of manufacturing, education and health care have also developed.
      Residents and commuters take advantage of an excellent transportation infrastructure, an exciting nightlife and a wealth of shopping, dining, fitness, sporting and other recreational activities in Charlotte’s metropolis. Southern hospitality and progressive city management combine to create a lifestyle that locals consider the perfect happy medium.
      Similarly, the capital city of Columbia is a mixture of an old-fashioned southern foundation and a positive momentum that keeps progress and development at the top of the city’s list. Columbia’s charming downtown and vibrant Riverwalk are both popular places. The city’s transportation infrastructure is known for being smooth and efficient just about all the time.
      The Beaufort Lowcountry is made up of 64 main Sea and Barrier Islands, as well as hundreds of smaller islands, including Fripp, Harbor and Dataw. Neighboring islands include Polawana, Distant and Bermuda Bluff. These communities are all connected by bridges and waterways, which wind their way among the canals and wetlands. A traditional Southern charisma is apparent in both the people and the environment of the Lowcountry, drawing visitors and part-time residents in and providing a chance for people to slow down, relax and absorb the natural beauty of South Carolina.

      It is hard to find a residence on Distant Island without a spectacular view. Filled with native oak trees and lush wetland vegetation, private boat docks and storage, fishing piers, miles of beach and Intracoastal Waterway access, golf courses, tennis courts and delightful walking paths connecting homes to neighborhood parks, are among the amenities here. Polawana Island features the same untouched beauty of the other islands, but with a more peaceful atmosphere, which residents and visitors prize like a deep secret. Nearby, Bermuda Bluff Island lies quietly along the Beaufort River. About 150 acres of the familiar Lowcountry vegetation and character with a community pool, lookout tower, tennis courts and a boat dock. Only a few minutes from downtown Beaufort, shopping and entertainment are readily available.
      The state’s economy thrives largely on agriculture, the largest output coming from farms are cattle and dairy products, tobacco and soybeans. Industries producing machinery, chemical products, textile goods and paper products help support the state as well. Lastly, considered one of the most popular vacation destinations in the US, popular spots like Myrtle Beach and hundreds of top notch golf courses generate a large percentage of the state’s income in tourism.