These 2 cities are the best places to rent apartments in SC, new report shows. Here’s why

If you’re looking for a place to rent, South Carolina has at least two cities worth your attention, a new report shows.

And one of those cities is apparently your overall best option in the nation.

RentCafe recently unveiled its annual ranking of the 50 best cities for renters. To help renters pick their ideal city, the nationwide apartment search website looked at 20 metrics across 150 U.S. cities. The metrics, including apartment quality, economic strength, traffic, air quality and natural amenities, were grouped into three categories — cost of living and housing, local economy, and quality of life.

Overall, the South claimed 38 of the 50 positions in the 2024 ranking, establishing itself as the best region for renters in 2024.

“From popular rental hot spots like Atlanta and highly competitive Miami to small locales — such as McKinney, TX; Marietta, GA; and Daytona Beach, FL — the South offers options that cater to nearly every renter’s preference,” RentCafe wrote in an article.

Here’s a look at the South Carolina cities that made the list.

#1 Charleston

Charleston snagged the spot as the best city for renters for the second year in a row, due in part to its strong local economy (ranked #2) and affordability (ranked #7). Besides having a cost of living that’s below the national average, the city is loaded with career opportunities from major employers like Boeing, Benefitfocus, Blackbaud, and BoomTown, which has earned it the nickname of Silicon Harbor, RentCafe writes. Charleston has a thriving tourism industry with plenty of job opportunities too.

“The city also excels in quality of life by offering spacious apartments, quality schools and abundant green spaces, making it all the more appealing to renters,” RentCafe writes. “Furthermore, young adults can look forward to living in a socially active city, with plenty of fitness centers, cultural events and fairs, as well as museums to keep them busy — clear reasons why Charleston remains the #1 city for renters in 2024.”

#16 Greenville

RentCafe didn’t have anything specific to say about Greenville , but for those who are familiar with South Carolina, it’s not hard to understand why the city made it so far up on the ranking. The city has been booming for years and has routinely been featured on seemingly endless “best of” lists .

“Greenville is at the center of everything,” Southern Living wrote earlier this year. “You can be in Asheville in an hour, Atlanta in two, and Charleston in three. But with the city’s gorgeous Falls Park on the Reedy, a walkable and lively downtown, and the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail connecting major attractions throughout the city, there’s really no reason to leave.”

According to RentCafe, Greenville ranked 11th in housing and cost of living, 23rd in local economy and 37th in quality of life.

Top 10 best cities for renters in 2024

1. Charleston, SC
2. Atlanta, GA
3. Sarasota, FL
4. McKinney, TX
5. Scottsdale, AZ
6. Round Rock, TX
7. Austin, TX
8. Chapel Hill, NC
9. Gilbert, AZ
10. Miami, FL