These Are The 20 Biggest Risks Of Living In South Carolina
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Gwen Tennille
Author
There are plenty of good aspects to life in the Palmetto State, but it’s not all beaches and mountains – there are some bad things about living in South Carolina, too. It’s no surprise that living on the coast is going to come with some obvious risks, but you may wonder, especially if you’re considering moving here, about what are some of the cons of life in South Carolina. Here are some of the worst things about living in South Carolina. Some may surprise you!
1. Fire ants
They are EVERYWHERE and invade EVERYTHING! Their bite is painful and some people are highly allergic. Growing up in South Carolina, you learn to watch out for these little tiny terrors.
2. Mosquitos
Having to get used to bugs is certainly one of the bad things about living in South Carolina for some. Getting eaten alive by mosquitos will really put a damper on your day, and the next few days after, come to think of it.
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3. Gnats and flies
Gnats... These horrendous little bits of flying things that invade your personal space. They stick to you like glue and, yes, people have eaten one or two in their lifetimes.
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Flies are just as bad. When the storms are rolling in, they are worse! They may not be one of the most dangerous things in South Carolina, but they sure are one of the most irritating. Seriously, though, with all the problem bugs we have here, you should always be prepared with the right insect protection.
4. Alligators
Now THIS is one of the most dangerous things in South Carolina. Somehow they get in the unlikeliest of places and take up residence there. You see them sunning themselves on the golfing green and swimming in backyard swimming pools. These creatures are a danger to be mindful of when visiting this beautiful state, as well, as they are often seen in many of our parks, preserves, and other nature attractions. Keep an eye out for them and always keep a very healthy distance! In fact, take a moment for some advice from one of our South Carolina State Park Rangers:
5. Black bears
These curious bears tend to get in the most trouble. In fact, a very large one was once picked up in the Sonic parking lot in Florence, SC. Before that, they were seen walking down Irby Street as if they owned the entire place. Oh, sure, they look cute and cuddly, but we wouldn't attempt to hug one.
6. Deer
Ever tried to drive down a dark country road? The risk to life and limb can be great because of these four-legged creatures. Sure, they look idyllic, but not so much when you're driving down the highway, and one darts out into your path.
7. Brown recluse spiders or spiders in general.
Here in South Carolina, we are home to many kinds of spiders, but the two that we need to worry about the most are the brown recluse and the black widow. The biggest phobia most have is arachnophobia. So, be forewarned you are going to see a lot of spiders and most of them will make you hurt yourself, but will not actually hurt you.
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8. The Palmetto Bug
These may not kill you, but they will terrify you. We'll never understand why evolution decided to give these suckers wings!
9. Snakes
Rattlesnakes, water moccasins, and coral snakes are some of the most dangerous things in South Carolina, but even the non-venomous variety can cause a panic attack.
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10. Drivers
Laugh if you must, but it is risky business driving in South Carolina. It is like taking your life in your hands when you hit the road.
11. Rogue golf alls
Due to the amount of golf courses here in South Carolina, it is definitely a risk that you, your house (specifically a window), or your car may be hit by a rogue golf ball. Definitely one of the lesser-known bummers about living in South Carolina.
12. Coyotes
And, no, we are actually talking about the animals here guys and gals. They are plentiful here. They are thieves and worse... much, much worse. They are definitely a nuisance to farmers.
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13. Bobcats
The babies will randomly come out of the woods and appear on your doorstep. Awww! They are so cute and cuddly! Until momma appears, and then things can get quite ugly real fast.
14. Bees
Spring arrives and everything blooms. This is when the bees come alive with activity and they are not so discerning between you and a flower. We keep yelling, "I'm not a flower!" but it doesn't seem to help. Running does help... sometimes.
15. Yellow flies/deer flies
If you have ever taken a hike in the woods you know the feeling. These things will sneak up on you and leave you scratching an itch forever!
16. Horseflies
The bites from these things just hurt! Fortunately, you can usually feel them land on you unless you are distracted with something else. However, when they are done being mean you will definitely know they have been there!
17. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
Talk about itching... We have an abundance of these plants here in South Carolina. We think it is the wonderful weather that we have here they love so much. They will love you too by the way.
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18. Sunburn
Living in South Carolina means having access to beautiful beaches, but if you're not careful, you'll pay the price. This picture pretty much sums up what it feels like here when summer is kicking full steam ahead. One of the bad things about South Carolina is definitely the risk of horrible sunburn or just melting into a puddle. But thankfully, this can be managed with proper usage of great sunscreen!
19. Carolina/Clemson
The risk of angering one or the other is great and it is sometimes very difficult to spot them. So Beware!
20. Hurricanes
Last, but not least, there is a very real risk of hurricanes. Hurricanes are a risk for any coastal state, but it's especially a risk of living in South Carolina.
Of course, not everything about life in South Carolina is bad.
Of course, not everything about life in South Carolina is bad.
Now that we’ve covered some of the bad things about life in South Carolina, how about we flip the script and talk about how living in South Carolina is the absolute best? It’s a state with a high rate of people moving into – and with good reason!
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More to Explore
Living In South Carolina
What are the best things about living in South Carolina?
Living in South Carolina is the best! Depending on where you are in the state, you’ll see warm weather for 7-8 months of the year. Some of the ways to take advantage of the beautiful weather include:
- Spending the days at one of the many state parks in South Carolina
- Sink your toes in the sand along the beautiful South Carolina beaches
- Take a hiking trail up to the top of a mountain.
Combine the natural landscape with South Carolina’s incredible culinary landscape, and you’ve got liquid gold. Carolina Gold.
What are the most beautiful places in South Carolina?
From the coast to the mountains, there are so many beautiful places in South Carolina, that it would take a lifetime to explore them all! A few to consider include:
- The Angel Oak of St. John’s Island, one of the oldest living trees in North America. This 400+-year-old tree needs to be seen in person to be believed.
- For endless mountain views, you can’t top the views from Caesar’s Head State Park or Table Rock.
What is South Carolina known for?
If we had to narrow it down to just three, it would have to be:
- Beaches – Hilton Head is a very popular island for living that beach life, but if you want to take the path less traveled, head to one of South Carolina’s lesser-known beaches, like Edisto. In addition to beautiful beaches, you’ll also enjoy Edisto Beach State Park where you can rent a cabin, hike the trails through the marsh, and more.
- Golf courses
- History – For history, you can’t go wrong with spending a few days in Charleston. Not only is Charleston one of the most beautiful towns in the country, but it has a rich history that is unparalleled…and may be haunted.