It is apparent that the selection of residence is an important decision that should not be taken lightly but instead should involve consideration of a lot of factors. A very important factor for most people when they are seeking homes is the ability to secure an area with little or no incidences of criminal activities. This is particularly the case considering a family that has children or seniors who will be seeking permanent residency.

Some of the famous features of South Carolina include warmth in its people, and a stunning coastline, and compared to other states, it is much cheaper to live here. Yes, the state does have some dangerous cities, but the state has safe cities with record-low crime rates. This guide will aim to discuss the safety aspect of the communities in South Carolina so that you can make an informed choice.

Evaluating Crime Statistics

If the safety of the city is to be assessed, then it is crucial to examine its crime statistics. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collates this information in its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and an annual report. These are expressed per 1,000 inhabitants about the typical crimes that people experience, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and auto theft.

Other useful numerical values include property crime per capita, violent crime per capita, and the odds of becoming a victim of a crime in that city. When you delve into the facts and figures, it is much more useful than being influenced by people’s feelings or old data about crimes in certain regions.

1. Greer

The suburb of Greer does not perform badly on crime, it performs poorly. Moreover, on the page of the AreaVibes portal, the city received an ‘A+’ for its very high level of liveability and security. It is notably lower than the national and state averages for the rates of property and personal crimes.

Because M. Hart is located between Spartanburg and Greenville, people are offered convenient facilities and jobs in the neighboring towns. The area is also characterized by good schools, parks, health facilities, and infrastructure but still, it possesses all the feel of a small town.

2. Mount Pleasant

Adjacent to the revived seaport of Charleston lies Mount Pleasant, a suburb located on the other side of the Cooper River. Technically, Mount Pleasant is included under the Charleston Metro Area, however, it still possesses a rural atmosphere in some parts even though sections of it are occupied by new homes, shopping malls, and other commercial buildings.

The violent and property crime rates are below the national average here by a staggering percent. It gave me an insight into the fact that public safety initiatives along with community outreach programs can be very efficient in minimizing the cases of such incidents arising as well as promoting good relations. Maintenance services for the area are also of high quality to ensure that the area is presentable.

The safest small cities and towns in the United States:

Lying outside the main metropolitan areas of South Carolina are several dozens of towns and cities where people are not shy to discuss safety. Three of the safest small cities and towns in the state are: 

1. Fort Mill

Fort Mill is a town situated in York County on the border of North Carolina and only 30 minutes away from Charlotte; it has the lowest crime rates in South Carolina. Crime in Fort Mill is significantly lower than the national average; the crime rate is approximately 25 percent lower than the average. This is because of the active involvement of the community groups, competent public safety departments, and a strong sense of unity exhibited by the people of the community.

2. Hanahan

Heading north of Charleston there is the small residential city which is located in Berkeley County known as Hanahan. Hanahan has the lowest rate of property crimes in the whole state and this is made possible with the help of alert neighborhood watch groups. The population may increase, but the small-town environment is still an essential aspect of the daily life of its inhabitants and the most valued priorities are a friendly atmosphere and security.

3. Pawleys Island

People looking for safety close to the sea will be able to take refuge in the relatively low-key town of Pawleys Island. Having a population that barely crosses the 100 mark, there were only four criminal incidents reported in this area in the whole of 2018. That is the lowest crime rate in South Carolina, not something one would expect from a town that’s not easily accessible by road and located right by the sea. Especially, avoid hurricanes as they require evacuation and can disrupt your normal routines.

Safety Precautions to Take

However, to establish the validity of an area, property, and violent crime rates do provide an insight into an area and its safety even though there is actual safety beyond the numbers. Luckily, the South Carolina communities demonstrate great performance in the organization of such events. This means that one can prevent problems from arising in the first place by participating in the neighborhood watch, reporting to local police often, or just getting to know your neighbor.

Buying a home security system will be of great benefit in discouraging and preventing any unwanted incidences as well as letting you know when something is afoot. Search for the offers from the providers that would best suit your needs whether for professional systems installation or easy-to-install kits.

Last but not least, some personal safety practices include practicing door and window locks, hiding any valuable items and not leaving them in plain sight, avoiding a routine, and always being vigilant in public places. It is advisable not to walk alone at night, do not flaunt in your car, or any other place items of great value and it is useful to know how to defend yourself in case of an attack.

Welcome to South Carolina, The Palmetto State, home to some of the nation’s safest cities.

This is what citizens of the safest cities of South Carolina expect while waiting for the new neighbors. They all continue to be proactive in implementing measures of public safety for the inhabitants of these communities to have a better quality of life. No matter if the residents are moving to a large suburb or a small town, they will feel the warm welcome of the Palmetto State.

So do not be put off by the so-called conventionality and the fear of danger as defined by modern society. Thus, equipped with the facts and statistics, one can successfully avoid danger and embrace charms all over South Carolina. Use your intuition, follow the statistics, and consult with people about what they like about their town. Soon enough, you are going to find a brand-new home in one of the best safe-haven states in South Carolina.