Orangeburg, SC

Known as "The Garden City," Orangeburg sits along the North Fork of the Edisto River, roughly 40 miles south of Columbia. With around 14,000 residents, it offers an easygoing, small-town pace while keeping you within an easy drive of both the state capital and Charleston. Local favorites like the Edisto Memorial Gardens highlight the area's natural charm, drawing people year-round for quiet walks among thousands of blooming roses and towering cypress trees.

ATTRAkhenaton06 at English Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0

Much of the local character comes from its college-town roots, anchored by Claflin University and South Carolina State University. These two historic HBCUs bring athletics, arts, and community events to the area, alongside a rich civil rights history that residents take pride in. Combined with an affordable cost of living and a central location, Orangeburg makes for a comfortable, grounded place to settle down in the South Carolina Midlands.