SC has 2 of the most envied places in the US to live a middle class life, survey says
South Carolina has plenty of affordable areas to settle down and raise a family, and a new study shows that two of SC cities’ middle-class lifestyles were the most envied in the nation.
This study comes from Calgary Homes, an online real estate marketplace. They surveyed over 3,000 respondents across the U.S. and Canada this month.
Participants were asked to identify the towns, suburbs and smaller cities they believe represent the most aspirational and envied middle-class lifestyles, places that have an attainable balance between affordability, space, comfort and overall quality of life, according to the real estate team.
“The most envied middle-class places that stand out aren’t about excess or status, but about balance - access to nature, strong communities, and a lifestyle that feels both comfortable and attainable,” said a spokesperson at Calgary Homes. “In a time where affordability feels increasingly out of reach, these locations represent a version of success that still feels possible.”
Here are the cities that made it on the ranking. One SC city made it to the top 5:
5 most envied middle-class lifestyles in US
#1. Colorado Spring, Colorado
According to the study, America’s most envied middle-class lifestyle is that of Colorado Springs. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and the Rocky Mountains as a backyard, Colorado Springs offers an outdoor lifestyle and spectacular natural beauty that few cities can match.
#2. St. Augustine, Florida
As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine offers a sense of history and character that’s difficult to replicate. The walkable downtown is flooded with restaurants, shops and landmarks, while 42 miles of pristine beaches add the coastal lifestyle that draws people to Florida in the first place.
#3. Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo offers a Hawaiian lifestyle far removed from resort tourism and crowds. Waterfalls, farmers’ markets and a diverse local community define daily life, while the cost of living remains more accessible than in most of the state.
Families drawn to natural beauty, a slower pace and a genuine sense of place find Hilo rewards those willing to embrace island living on its own terms.
#4. Greenville, SC
The City of Greenville is not just SC’s most enviable mid-sized city, it is a favorite in the South. With a walkable downtown that’s filled with restaurants, bars, shops and a beautiful environment, Greenville has earned national acclaim that make families want to stay permanently.
Greenville’s culinary scene rivals cities twice its size, the surrounding Blue Ridge foothills provide year-round outdoor access and the cost of living allows families to truly enjoy what the community offers.
#5. Fort Collins, Colorado
A thriving craft beer scene, Colorado State University and easy access to the Rocky Mountains make Fort Collins one of the most desirable mid-sized cities in the West.
The cost of living remains more manageable than in Boulder, while the community offers excellent schools, a bikable downtown and a culture that prioritizes outdoor living.
#65. Clemson, SC
Clemson wasn’t in the top 5, but the quiet city still ended up on the leaderboard.
USC fans might disagree, but Clemson has a way of life that’s difficult to find anywhere else in SC. Between tiger football Saturdays, Lake Hartwell access and a passionate community that bleeds orange and purple, Clemson offers a college-town lifestyle that alumni and locals alike find impossible to leave.
According to the study, people can’t help but feel a twinge of envy when they visit due to the city’s athletic excitement, economic stability, cultural events and natural beauty.