I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify South Carolina’s fastest-appreciating real estate markets from 2016 to 2025. This analysis reveals remarkable growth patterns across diverse communities, from small inland towns to prestigious coastal destinations.
South Carolina’s real estate boom reflects a perfect storm of factors: low property taxes, no state estate tax, favorable weather, natural beauty, and relatively affordable entry points compared to northeastern and western markets. The pandemic-era shift to remote work has further accelerated demand.
Below are the 25 towns that delivered the strongest returns on investment over this decade-long period, ranked from lowest to highest percentage growth. Each listing includes detailed annual valuations and investment insights.
25. Round O
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 113.31%
- Home value in 2016: $100,071
- Home value in 2017: $109,756
- Home value in 2018: $113,041
- Home value in 2019: $124,100
- Home value in 2020: $133,387
- Home value in 2021: $163,735
- Home value in 2022: $179,235
- Home value in 2023: $183,720
- Home value in 2024: $196,454
- Home value in 2025: $213,467
Your investment would have more than doubled in Round O, delivering consistent annual returns averaging 12.6% without significant volatility. The market showed remarkable resilience during economic fluctuations, with acceleration post-2020 suggesting continued momentum. This rural community northwest of Charleston combines affordability with appreciation potential that outperforms many higher-profile markets.
24. Harleyville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 114.16%
- Home value in 2016: $119,226
- Home value in 2017: $129,895
- Home value in 2018: $143,264
- Home value in 2019: $153,803
- Home value in 2020: $172,322
- Home value in 2021: $197,030
- Home value in 2022: $199,446
- Home value in 2023: $216,035
- Home value in 2024: $230,775
- Home value in 2025: $255,331
Harleyville’s 114% appreciation translates to a $136,105 equity gain for early investors, with particularly strong performance during 2019-2021. The town’s growth trajectory indicates opportune entry points during brief plateaus, followed by renewed appreciation cycles. Situated near I-26 between Charleston and Columbia, Harleyville benefits from strategic location advantages while maintaining a price point well below regional medians.
23. Galivants Ferry
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 115.22%
- Home value in 2016: $127,223
- Home value in 2017: $132,770
- Home value in 2018: $140,814
- Home value in 2019: $150,223
- Home value in 2020: $160,283
- Home value in 2021: $189,748
- Home value in 2022: $236,759
- Home value in 2023: $256,812
- Home value in 2024: $270,304
- Home value in 2025: $273,809
Galivants Ferry demonstrates exceptional investment dynamics with a dramatic 47% value surge between 2020-2022 alone. The market has recently moderated to more sustainable growth rates, suggesting a maturing cycle ideal for long-term holds rather than quick flips. This historic community near Myrtle Beach offers investors rural charm with spillover benefits from coastal tourism, creating a unique value proposition in the broader market.
22. Salem
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 116.05%
- Home value in 2016: $244,498
- Home value in 2017: $248,501
- Home value in 2018: $253,717
- Home value in 2019: $272,460
- Home value in 2020: $289,463
- Home value in 2021: $353,414
- Home value in 2022: $437,201
- Home value in 2023: $479,899
- Home value in 2024: $509,269
- Home value in 2025: $528,231
Salem stands out with absolute equity growth of $283,734, making it one of the top dollar-value gainers on this list despite its modest percentage ranking. The town experienced remarkable 51% appreciation between 2020-2022, coinciding with pandemic-driven migration patterns. Nestled near Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee, Salem offers lakefront investment opportunities with strong returns and vacation rental potential that subsidizes ownership costs.
21. Spartanburg
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 116.26%
- Home value in 2016: $101,920
- Home value in 2017: $107,696
- Home value in 2018: $117,904
- Home value in 2019: $128,019
- Home value in 2020: $139,369
- Home value in 2021: $158,232
- Home value in 2022: $180,928
- Home value in 2023: $201,325
- Home value in 2024: $213,496
- Home value in 2025: $220,417
Spartanburg’s steady 13% average annual growth demonstrates remarkable consistency without the boom-bust cycles seen in other markets. This economic hub offers investors a rare combination of metropolitan amenities with entry prices still below $250,000, creating excellent cash flow potential. The city’s industrial expansion and BMW manufacturing presence have created a diversified economy that underpins real estate values even during broader market corrections.
20. Wellford
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 117.37%
- Home value in 2016: $112,386
- Home value in 2017: $119,807
- Home value in 2018: $127,193
- Home value in 2019: $139,112
- Home value in 2020: $149,623
- Home value in 2021: $172,375
- Home value in 2022: $198,610
- Home value in 2023: $217,465
- Home value in 2024: $233,241
- Home value in 2025: $244,288
Wellford exemplifies the profit potential in Upstate’s secondary markets, delivering a $131,903 equity gain on a modest initial investment. The risk-adjusted returns here outperform many higher-priced markets, with capitalization rates favorable for rental property investors. Located in Spartanburg County near major employers and transportation corridors, Wellford’s growth reflects strategic positioning within one of South Carolina’s most economically vibrant regions.
19. North Charleston
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 117.65%
- Home value in 2016: $140,540
- Home value in 2017: $151,507
- Home value in 2018: $165,426
- Home value in 2019: $175,420
- Home value in 2020: $186,607
- Home value in 2021: $208,755
- Home value in 2022: $249,216
- Home value in 2023: $277,605
- Home value in 2024: $298,368
- Home value in 2025: $305,886
North Charleston represents an urban growth success story, with values more than doubling while still maintaining relative affordability compared to neighboring Charleston. The 2021-2023 period saw particularly aggressive appreciation of 33%, creating substantial equity for investors who entered pre-pandemic. This industrial and commercial center benefits from Boeing’s manufacturing presence, port activities, and significant revitalization initiatives that continue to drive property values upward.
18. Seabrook Island
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 118.23%
- Home value in 2016: $439,278
- Home value in 2017: $432,908
- Home value in 2018: $451,570
- Home value in 2019: $459,597
- Home value in 2020: $460,563
- Home value in 2021: $533,489
- Home value in 2022: $738,106
- Home value in 2023: $876,772
- Home value in 2024: $959,799
- Home value in 2025: $958,632
Seabrook Island generated exceptional absolute returns, with invested capital growing by $519,354 despite minimal appreciation before 2020. The explosive 108% growth from 2020-2024 demonstrates how luxury coastal markets can deliver compressed appreciation cycles that outpace decades of historical trends. This gated beach community south of Charleston appeals to affluent retirees and second-home buyers, with values benefitting from limited development opportunities and prestigious amenities.
17. Port Royal
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 119.87%
- Home value in 2016: $151,172
- Home value in 2017: $158,539
- Home value in 2018: $172,494
- Home value in 2019: $177,915
- Home value in 2020: $187,208
- Home value in 2021: $215,361
- Home value in 2022: $255,260
- Home value in 2023: $282,546
- Home value in 2024: $322,106
- Home value in 2025: $332,381
Port Royal’s investment profile reveals accelerating momentum, with a remarkable 77% value increase just since 2020. The data shows three distinct growth phases, suggesting savvy investors should watch for similar pattern repetition for optimal entry timing. This historic seaside town near Beaufort offers waterfront living at prices substantially below comparable coastal communities, with significant upside potential as development continues along the former naval base property.
16. Edisto Beach
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.56%
- Home value in 2016: $318,418
- Home value in 2017: $321,934
- Home value in 2018: $336,884
- Home value in 2019: $352,544
- Home value in 2020: $365,483
- Home value in 2021: $418,083
- Home value in 2022: $521,158
- Home value in 2023: $590,506
- Home value in 2024: $635,375
- Home value in 2025: $702,301
Edisto Beach demonstrates exceptional wealth-building potential with a $383,882 equity gain representing a 120.56% return on initial capital. The barrier island location creates natural supply constraints that supported 92% appreciation between 2020-2025 despite broader market headwinds. As one of South Carolina’s less commercialized beach communities, Edisto offers investors a unique combination of rental income potential and personal enjoyment, with values benefitting from limited development options.
15. Liberty
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 121.65%
- Home value in 2016: $112,322
- Home value in 2017: $120,262
- Home value in 2018: $129,780
- Home value in 2019: $136,963
- Home value in 2020: $148,803
- Home value in 2021: $167,845
- Home value in 2022: $192,109
- Home value in 2023: $218,664
- Home value in 2024: $230,695
- Home value in 2025: $248,957
Liberty demonstrates consistent year-over-year growth with minimal volatility, creating a predictable investment pattern ideal for long-term wealth building. With values still under $250,000 even after 121% appreciation, the town offers exceptional cash flow potential for rental property investors. Located near Clemson University in Pickens County, Liberty benefits from educational institution proximity while maintaining small-town affordability that appeals to first-time homebuyers and retirees alike.
14. Pickens
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 122.53%
- Home value in 2016: $116,586
- Home value in 2017: $122,037
- Home value in 2018: $134,128
- Home value in 2019: $141,462
- Home value in 2020: $152,886
- Home value in 2021: $174,140
- Home value in 2022: $201,084
- Home value in 2023: $225,266
- Home value in 2024: $240,023
- Home value in 2025: $259,436
Pickens has delivered extraordinary value growth while remaining accessible to middle-income buyers, with current values still under $260,000 despite 122% appreciation. A $116,586 investment has generated $142,850 in equity, showcasing exceptional ROI compared to traditional investment vehicles. This Upstate gem benefits from proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Table Rock and Sassafras Mountain, with values supported by limited developable land due to mountainous terrain.
13. Iva
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 123.80%
- Home value in 2016: $90,801
- Home value in 2017: $100,150
- Home value in 2018: $107,824
- Home value in 2019: $109,910
- Home value in 2020: $127,126
- Home value in 2021: $159,352
- Home value in 2022: $182,656
- Home value in 2023: $189,700
- Home value in 2024: $196,627
- Home value in 2025: $203,213
Iva represents exceptional value creation from a low entry point, turning a $90,801 investment into $203,213 over nine years. The remarkable 60% surge from 2019-2022 demonstrates how previously overlooked markets can experience compressed appreciation cycles. This small town near Anderson offers investors affordable entry to the growing Upstate market, with rental yields substantially outperforming larger cities despite more modest absolute property values.
12. Belton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 124.36%
- Home value in 2016: $105,183
- Home value in 2017: $110,632
- Home value in 2018: $113,791
- Home value in 2019: $123,869
- Home value in 2020: $132,089
- Home value in 2021: $152,568
- Home value in 2022: $176,562
- Home value in 2023: $196,434
- Home value in 2024: $220,771
- Home value in 2025: $235,992
Belton showcases exceptional investment metrics with values increasing $130,809 on a modest initial investment while maintaining price points below regional averages. The 78% appreciation since 2020 suggests accelerating momentum that makes current valuations potentially attractive entry points despite historical gains. This Anderson County town offers investors small-town charm with proximity to Greenville-Spartanburg’s economic opportunities, creating a value proposition that balances affordability with growth potential.
11. Chester
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 124.68%
- Home value in 2016: $67,985
- Home value in 2017: $67,722
- Home value in 2018: $78,086
- Home value in 2019: $80,294
- Home value in 2020: $82,817
- Home value in 2021: $101,475
- Home value in 2022: $129,643
- Home value in 2023: $135,710
- Home value in 2024: $142,916
- Home value in 2025: $152,750
Chester demonstrates exceptional ROI from an ultra-low entry point, transforming a $67,985 investment into $152,750 with minimal initial capital requirements. The dramatic 84% surge from 2020-2025 indicates accelerating interest in affordable markets within Charlotte’s expanding commuter radius. Located halfway between Columbia and Charlotte, Chester offers investors small-town affordability with strategic positioning between major employment centers, a combination that continues attracting both retirees and remote workers.
10. Hardeeville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 125.19%
- Home value in 2016: $195,393
- Home value in 2017: $204,612
- Home value in 2018: $210,509
- Home value in 2019: $222,595
- Home value in 2020: $231,065
- Home value in 2021: $266,127
- Home value in 2022: $323,436
- Home value in 2023: $347,548
- Home value in 2024: $418,503
- Home value in 2025: $440,000
Hardeeville has delivered exceptional absolute returns with $244,607 in equity creation over nine years, representing 125% growth on invested capital. The remarkable 90% acceleration since 2020 highlights the area’s emergence as a high-demand location adjacent to both Hilton Head and Savannah. This strategic position at the intersection of I-95 and US-278 offers investors proximity to coastal amenities at significantly lower entry points than neighboring resort communities, with substantial development pipeline suggesting continued appreciation.
9. Hemingway
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 128.57%
- Home value in 2016: $70,798
- Home value in 2017: $69,281
- Home value in 2018: $71,354
- Home value in 2019: $82,464
- Home value in 2020: $88,782
- Home value in 2021: $97,983
- Home value in 2022: $115,169
- Home value in 2023: $129,990
- Home value in 2024: $139,990
- Home value in 2025: $161,820
Hemingway exemplifies extraordinary percentage growth from minimal initial capital, with a modest $70,798 investment appreciating 128% to $161,820. The exceptional performance despite rural location demonstrates how overlooked markets can deliver superior returns with minimal competition. Located between Florence and Myrtle Beach, Hemingway offers investors extraordinary value with prices still below $200,000 despite consistent year-over-year gains accelerating from 2019 onward.
8. Isle of Palms
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 131.74%
- Home value in 2016: $673,600
- Home value in 2017: $674,641
- Home value in 2018: $727,729
- Home value in 2019: $755,018
- Home value in 2020: $760,054
- Home value in 2021: $879,594
- Home value in 2022: $1,237,946
- Home value in 2023: $1,431,985
- Home value in 2024: $1,511,074
- Home value in 2025: $1,561,034
Isle of Palms represents wealth multiplication at scale, generating extraordinary absolute returns of $887,434 on high-value coastal properties. The explosive 105% appreciation from 2020-2024 demonstrates how luxury coastal markets can experience compressed value surges during demographic shifts. This barrier island near Charleston combines investment-grade appreciation with substantial rental income potential, offering both wealth preservation and cash flow for high-net-worth investors seeking premium coastal assets.
7. Folly Beach
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.16%
- Home value in 2016: $466,756
- Home value in 2017: $494,620
- Home value in 2018: $529,049
- Home value in 2019: $552,538
- Home value in 2020: $578,926
- Home value in 2021: $685,760
- Home value in 2022: $958,160
- Home value in 2023: $1,107,114
- Home value in 2024: $1,121,909
- Home value in 2025: $1,102,301
Folly Beach demonstrates exceptional wealth creation with $635,545 in equity growth over nine years, translating to approximately $70,616 annually in passive appreciation. The dramatic 91% surge between 2020-2023 exemplifies how supply-constrained coastal markets can experience compressed appreciation cycles. This oceanfront community offers investors a rare combination of exceptional rental yields during tourist seasons plus substantial long-term appreciation due to limited developable land and Charleston’s continuing population growth.
6. Sunset
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.29%
- Home value in 2016: $540,002
- Home value in 2017: $529,388
- Home value in 2018: $565,642
- Home value in 2019: $596,576
- Home value in 2020: $610,961
- Home value in 2021: $706,481
- Home value in 2022: $878,544
- Home value in 2023: $1,019,764
- Home value in 2024: $1,136,620
- Home value in 2025: $1,286,788
Sunset demonstrates extraordinary wealth multiplication with values increasing $746,785 over the study period, representing 138% growth on invested capital. The accelerating 111% appreciation since 2020 showcases how scenic lakefront communities can experience compressed value surges during demographic shifts. Located on Lake Keowee in the picturesque foothills region, Sunset offers investors premium lakefront living with exceptional appreciation potential driven by limited inventory and sustained demand from affluent retirees and vacation home buyers.
5. West Pelzer
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 149.59%
- Home value in 2016: $80,188
- Home value in 2017: $86,548
- Home value in 2018: $96,855
- Home value in 2019: $106,638
- Home value in 2020: $122,846
- Home value in 2021: $143,794
- Home value in 2022: $176,433
- Home value in 2023: $201,741
- Home value in 2024: $204,084
- Home value in 2025: $200,139
West Pelzer showcases extraordinary percentage returns from minimal initial capital, growing $119,951 from a modest $80,188 investment for remarkable 149.6% appreciation. The 2020-2024 period saw an exceptional 66% surge despite broader market headwinds after 2022. This small town between Greenville and Anderson benefits from its strategic position within the booming I-85 corridor while maintaining entry prices below $200,000 even after nearly 150% appreciation.
4. Woodruff
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 180.70%
- Home value in 2016: $96,332
- Home value in 2017: $105,690
- Home value in 2018: $126,801
- Home value in 2019: $140,135
- Home value in 2020: $158,752
- Home value in 2021: $190,252
- Home value in 2022: $215,961
- Home value in 2023: $239,950
- Home value in 2024: $258,736
- Home value in 2025: $270,402
Woodruff has delivered extraordinary investment performance with a $174,070 equity gain representing 180.7% return on initial capital. The market demonstrated consistent momentum across economic cycles, with no year showing less than 8% growth. This rapidly developing town near Spartanburg offers exceptional value with current prices still under $300,000 despite nearly tripling in value, making it attractive for both rental investors and first-time homebuyers priced out of larger markets.
3. Sullivans Island
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 181.17%
- Home value in 2016: $1,378,653
- Home value in 2017: $1,432,921
- Home value in 2018: $1,590,088
- Home value in 2019: $1,729,917
- Home value in 2020: $1,739,914
- Home value in 2021: $2,089,585
- Home value in 2022: $2,969,846
- Home value in 2023: $3,445,381
- Home value in 2024: $3,553,780
- Home value in 2025: $3,876,310
Sullivans Island demonstrates exceptional wealth creation at scale, generating nearly $2.5 million in passive appreciation over nine years from premium coastal property. The explosive 123% surge since 2020 showcases the extraordinary post-pandemic demand for luxury coastal enclaves. This exclusive barrier island near Charleston combines ultra-limited inventory, strict building restrictions, and prestigious status to create consistent value growth even during broader market corrections, appealing primarily to high-net-worth investors.
2. Startex
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 216.62%
- Home value in 2016: $42,653
- Home value in 2017: $46,123
- Home value in 2018: $55,206
- Home value in 2019: $60,441
- Home value in 2020: $68,945
- Home value in 2021: $85,508
- Home value in 2022: $88,797
- Home value in 2023: $105,601
- Home value in 2024: $116,246
- Home value in 2025: $135,050
Startex represents extraordinary percentage growth from minimal capital, with values more than tripling from an exceptionally low $42,653 entry point. The remarkable 96% appreciation since 2020 demonstrates how overlooked locations can deliver outsized returns during market cycles. This small community near Spartanburg offers investors exceptional value with current prices still under $150,000 despite 216% growth, creating exceptional rental yields and investment metrics unmatched in larger markets.
1. Eastover
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 221.73%
- Home value in 2016: $25,733
- Home value in 2017: $29,454
- Home value in 2018: $31,446
- Home value in 2019: $35,724
- Home value in 2020: $34,881
- Home value in 2021: $47,587
- Home value in 2022: $60,938
- Home value in 2023: $76,570
- Home value in 2024: $81,142
- Home value in 2025: $82,793
Eastover demonstrates exceptional investment potential with minimal capital requirements, turning a mere $25,733 investment into $82,793 for a state-leading 221.7% return. The dramatic 137% surge since 2020 showcases accelerating momentum in previously overlooked markets. Located southeast of Columbia, Eastover combines extraordinarily low entry prices with robust appreciation potential, creating unmatched ROI metrics for investors willing to consider emerging markets outside traditional growth centers.
