Moving to South Carolina.
What it costs to arrive. State consumer protections. Scam patterns flagged by the AG.
The migration context.
South Carolina is a steady top-20 in-migration state. Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach (retiree) are arrival markets. Common origins: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida (some), North Carolina (cross-state). Retiree migration is meaningful in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head.
What it costs to move here.
NY→SC 2BR long-distance (~800 miles to Charleston) $5,000-$8,500. NJ→SC similar. FL→SC 2BR regional-to-long-distance $3,500-$6,500. NC→SC 2BR local-to-regional $2,000-$4,000. Peak-season is March-October (retiree relocation pattern); coastal SC sees hurricane-season insurance complications June-November.
State-specific regulations and verification.
South Carolina Public Service Commission regulates intrastate movers. Movers must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Verify at psc.sc.gov. Interstate arrivals: FMCSA SAFER + SC AG.
What state AG complaints flag.
SC AG flagged 'retiree-targeted' scam patterns in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head — unlicensed movers targeting older arrivals, demanding cash, no BOL. Verify SAFER registration AND ask for in-person business address (not PO box). The AARP publishes additional scam-pattern guidance for SC coastal retirees.