Aerial view of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Image credit Arina P Habich via shutterstock

9 Best Small Towns to Live in the Carolinas

If you're looking for a small town to call home in the Carolinas, you can't go wrong with any of these nine charming communities. From the historic streets of Beaufort to the sunny beaches of Sullivan's Island, each of these towns has its own unique appeal. And with a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities to enjoy, you'll never find yourself bored in any of these delightful places.

Waxhaw, NC

Waxhaw, NC
Waxhaw, NC- Image Credit Rick C Lanier via Shutterstock

Nestled in the heart of Union County, Waxhaw is a remarkable small town with a population of just over 16,000 people. This picturesque community is known for its beautiful historic homes, brick-lined streets, and friendly Southern hospitality. With its close proximity to Charlotte, Waxhaw is the perfect place to call home for those who want to experience all the benefits of city living while still enjoying the peace and quiet of a small town.

Summerville, SC

Summerville, SC
Summerville, SC- Image Credit Joseph Creamer via Shutterstock

With its idyllic setting and friendly Southern charm, it's no wonder that Summerville has been nicknamed the "Flowertown in the Pines." This picturesque small town, which is located just 30 minutes from Charleston, is home to more than 53,000 people. Summerville is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, as well as its variety of shops and restaurants. And with a number of annual festivals and events, there's always something going on in this lively community.

Pinehurst, NC

Pinehurst, NC
Pinehurst, NC- Image Credit KAD Photo via Shutterstock

Pinehurst is a historic small town located in the heart of North Carolina's sandhills region. This charming community is home to just over 16,000 people and is known for its beautiful pine trees and golf courses. In fact, Pinehurst is home to some championship golf courses, making it a haven for golf enthusiasts from all over the world. If you're looking for a small town with a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere, Pinehurst is the perfect place for you.

Aiken, SC

Aiken, SC
Aiken, SC - Image Credit Silvio Ligutti via Shutterstock

Aiken is a small city with a lot to offer. Located in the heart of South Carolina's horse country, Aiken is home to more than 30,000 people. This historic community is known for its beautiful antebellum homes, as well as its lively downtown area, which features a variety of shops and restaurants. Aiken is also a popular destination for equestrians, as it is home to several world-class equestrian facilities.

Beaufort, SC

Beaufort, SC
Beaufort, SC - Image Credit Deborah McCague via Shutterstock

Beaufort is a small city with a big history. Located on the coast of South Carolina, Beaufort is home to more than 13,000 people. This historic community is known for its beautiful homes, as well as its scenic waterfront setting. Beaufort is also a popular destination for those who enjoy the outdoors, as it offers a variety of opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

Davidson, NC

Davidson, NC
Davidson, NC - Image Credit Rex K. Williams via Shutterstock

Davidson is a small town with a big heart. Located just 25 minutes from Charlotte, IT is home to less than 13,000 people but is packed with charm. This vibrant community is known for its lively downtown area, which features a variety of shops and restaurants. Davidson College, a highly respected liberal arts school, also calls Davidson home. And with its close proximity to Lake Norman, residents of Davidson have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Sullivan's Island, SC

Sullivan's Island, SC
Sullivan's Island, SC - Image Credit EWY Media via Shutterstock

Sullivan's Island is a small island community located off the coast of South Carolina. This beautiful island is home to more than 2,100 people and is known for its sandy beaches, historic fortifications, and lush forests. Sullivan's Island is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to a variety of unique and interesting bird species. If you're looking for a small town with a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, Sullivan's Island is the perfect place for you.

Isle of Palms, SC

Isle of Palms, SC
Isle of Palms, SC - Image Credit Marco Menezes via Shutterstock

Isle of Palms is a small island village also located off the coast of South Carolina. This lovely island is home to more than 4,000 people and is known for its sandy beaches, golf courses, and luxury resorts. Isle of Palms is also a popular destination for nature lovers, as it features a variety of parks and nature trails.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC- Image Credit Arina P Habich via Shutterstock

Myrtle Beach is a small town located in South Carolina. It was voted the best small town to live in the Carolinas. Myrtle Beach is well known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and family-friendly attractions. With a population of just over 30,000, the town is home to several famous golf courses and is also known for Ripley's Aquarium, Broadway at the Beach, and Barefoot Landing, to name a few.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to live if you're looking for a small town with a lot to offer. 

In Summary

If you’re looking for a small town to call home in the Carolinas, you can’t go wrong with any of these nine charming communities. With a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities to enjoy, you’ll never find yourself bored in any of these delightful places. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring today! Do you have any tips or tricks for living in a small town? Let us know in the comments below!

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