Beaufort 68 Good
Beaufort Livability #78 ranked city in South Carolina#9,118 ranked city in the USARanks better than 68% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Beaufort

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.

  • Ratings Ratings

    AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

What's it like Living in Beaufort?

Beaufort, South Carolina is a mid-sized city with a population of 13,805 people. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Beaufort is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Beaufort could be a positive experience compared to other cities in South Carolina if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Beaufort and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the South Carolina and national averages.

With a livability score of 71 out of 100, Beaufort is ranked #6,267 in the United States and #47 in South Carolina. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Beaufort ranks very well for amenities (A) and housing (A).

If you're considering living in Beaufort, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Beaufort provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

The unemployment rate in Beaufort has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.8%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Beaufort can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Beaufort. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Beaufort are affordable. Median real estate prices in Beaufort come in at $423,220, which is 62.7% higher than the South Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Beaufort, the home price to income ratio is 5.3, which is 39.5% higher than the South Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Beaufort

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Compare Beaufort, SC Livability

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      Beaufort transportation information

      Statistic Beaufort South Carolina National
      Average one way commute17min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.6%82.8%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.0%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%0.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.2%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home7.8%3.6%4.6%
      Source: The Beaufort, SC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.