Why South Carolina's Fastest Growing City Should Be On Your Radar

Several small cities across the US have continued to appeal to people of all ages for many reasons, ranging from lower cost of living to lesser road traffic, reduced noise, and cleaner air. Over the last decade, young people particularly have been fleeing big cities into the warm, welcoming hands of small towns. This has led to the rapid growth of some smaller cities like Waukee in Iowa and Parkland in Florida. In South Carolina, one town stands at the forefront of this growth trend and is worth being on your radar.

Between 2000 and 2010, the population of this town grew 882.7% and also rose from 12,893 in 2010 to 34,493 in 2022, making it South Carolina's fastest-growing town and one of the top fastest-growing towns in the US. Numbers don’t lie, and rightfully so; this town has many things that appeal to a lot of people. From its strategic location to its multitude of attractions, here is what to know about South Carolina’s fastest-growing city and why it should certainly be on your radar.

About Bluffton, South Carolina’s Fastest Growing City

Bluffton is a town on a bluff along the May River between Hilton Head Island and Interstate 95. As early as the 1600s, this town has appealed to people, including the Yamasee people, mainly because of its location along the May River, where it enjoys a humid subtropical climate and cool river breezes. In the 1800s, colonial plantation owners and their families were drawn to the area and soon built summer homes to escape the hot summer weather. By 1852, the town was incorporated but was devastated by the Civil War after years of being a hotbed for separatist movements. After the Civil War, the town slowly recovered, and by 1998, it had a population of about 750 people.

Today, Bluffton has transformed into a haven for people seeking a high quality of life and easy access to exciting outdoor attractions. According to the 2023 census, Bluffton had a population of about 35,243, a more than 4,500 percent increase from its population in 1998. There are many reasons for this town’s popularity. Read on to find out why Bluffton’s current population is still on the rise and why it should be on your radar.

Why Bluffton Is Growing So Rapidly

People move in droves to certain destinations for various reasons. For Bluffton, the climate is certainly one of the appeals. This town has a humid subtropical climate, with short and mild winters and average daily high summer temperatures of around 84 degrees Fahrenheit. So, even in winter, it rarely snows, and the weather is usually ideal for exploring. The May River offers great ways to cool off during summer. There are plenty of other reasons to move to Bluffton.

A Thriving Job Market

Bluffton is a thriving market for job opportunities, particularly in the tourism industry. With hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors, this town has several hotels, resorts, and restaurants that offer opportunities in areas such as guest service, food and beverage, and management. Bluffton’s swelling population is also opening up more opportunities in the healthcare, construction, and retail industries.

Furthermore, Bluffton is a great place for entrepreneurs as it is home to the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, which specializes in helping innovative startups or companies in their early stages with resources, business guidance, and partnerships.

Low Crime Rate

The low crime rate is one of Bluffton’s biggest appeals. According to AreaVibes, the crime rate of Bluffton is around 72% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in the United States and an ideal place for families, travelers, and retirees seeking a peaceful life. Here, the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 1,215, and 1 in 97 for property crime, according to Neighorhoodsout. This is in part due to the town's low unemployment rate, which stands at around 3.7%, a bit lower than the national average of around 4%.

Bluffton Offers So Many Things To See And Do

Tourism is the major reason for the rapid growth of Bluffton. This coastal town is positioned on a bluff along the May River, which sets the stage for fishing, boating, and paddling. The Oyster Factory Park and Calhoun Street Dock offer access to this river, and many guided and self-guided tours are available. Additionally, the May River Golf Club is along the river and features an 18-hole course with impressive scenery characterized by manicured fields, century-old live oaks, and palmetto trees.

Beside the river, historic downtown Bluffton is a great place to walk through and explore landmarks like the Heyward House, which was built by slaves in 1841 and now serves as a museum and the town’s welcome center. The Church of the Cross is another stunning landmark in this part of town worth visiting. This architecturally stunning structure was built in 1857 and is perhaps the town's most famous landmark, where visitors are invited to experience an authentic Anglican service.

Bluffton is also a thriving arts town with several art galleries located in the historic downtown. Unique among these galleries is the Pluff Mudd Art which is located in an old cottage and offers a wide variety of local artworks from paintings to pottery. The Maye River Gallery is also a worthy mention as it exhibits paintings, jewelry, textiles, photography, ceramics, and more artworks made by local artists.

In the meantime, the Bluffton Oyster Company is always a great place in town to enjoy fresh seafood like clams, shrimps, and oysters. Tanger Outlet Center is also in Bluffton for those seeking a shop-till-you-drop experience. This shopping destination features dozens of stores stocked with items ranging from apparel to accessories, jewelry, home decor, and lots more.

Bluffton is also barely eight miles from Hilton Head Island, one of the country's most beloved coastal destinations where travelers can spend all summer lazying about or frolicking at gorgeous beaches like Coligny Beach and Folly Field Beach Park.

Is Bluffton Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Bluffton is one of the best towns in America to visit year-round. This town checks all the right boxes, from a conducive climate to numerous natural and cultural attractions. While its cost of living may be slightly higher than the US average, this town is safer than 86% of cities in the country, according to the latest report by AreaVibes based on the 2023 crime statistics released by the FBI in September 2024.

Bluffton also offers a blend of small-town charm and modern facilities, including dozens of art galleries, boutique stores, and restaurants, as well as proximity to more superb destinations like Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, and Savannah, Georgia. Year-round, multiple events are even held in the town to bolster community bonds and to keep locals and visitors entertained. The Bluffton Mayfest is one such exciting event. It is held in May and features local and regional arts and crafts, music, food, and lots more. Whether you are seeking a peaceful town to live your golden years, a safe place to raise a family, or adventures in a laid-back atmosphere, Bluffton may be the perfect destination for you.