Destination South Carolina

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in South Carolina, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

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Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

The Palmetto State, an original of the Thirteen Colonies, a land of Southern charm steeped in a rich history: this is South Carolina, whose motto Animus Opibusque Parati, "Prepared in mind and resources", reflects its promise of great success for the future.

Industry Snapshot

South Carolina boasts a burgeoning biotechnology and life science industry. With organizations designed to foster growth, high quality academic resources, and numerous companies, the Palmetto State seems assured of an exciting future in the field.

Economy/Cost of Living

Over 4.3 million people help to make South Carolina the 24th most populous state in the U.S. The largest cities in the Palmetto State are Columbia, Charleston, North Charleston, Greenville, Rock Hill, Mount Pleasant, Spartanburg, Sumter, Hilton Head Island, and Florence.

Education

Many remarkable opportunities for education exist in South Carolina, whether public or private. School children may be educated in public, private, or home schools. The state contains several options for higher education.

Recreation & Entertainment

While South Carolina may not be the largest state, it offers amazing choices for recreation and entertainment, from the mountains to the coast. With its rich history, splendid white beaches, scenic forested mountains, waterfalls and whitewater, black water rivers, Low Country culture, and vibrant metropolitan areas, the Palmetto State offers endless possibilities for anyone’s taste.

Transportation

South Carolina offers numerous options for transportation within its borders. For traveling and commerce, the state offers the fifth largest maintained highway system in the U.S., with over 64,000 miles (102,998 kilometers) of roads aiding business throughout the state and to points beyond. Major automobile routes include several Interstates: east-west routes I-20 and I-26; and north-south routes I-77, I-85, I-385, and I-95.

Geography & Climate

Located in the Southeast region of the U.S., South Carolina ranks 40th in total area among the states, at 32,007 square miles. South Carolina shares borders with North Carolina to the north, Georgia to the south and west, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

History

The Spanish first explored what is now South Carolina in the 16th century. In 1562, the Huguenots, led by Jean Ribaut, established a brief settlement on Parris Island in Port Royal Sound. This failed, and the Spanish built Fort San Felipe on Parris Island in 1566 and named the settlement Santa Elena.

Suggested Reading List

A list of select guides and reference books about South Carolina.