Moving to South Carolina.
What it costs to arrive. State consumer protections. Scam patterns flagged by the AG.
The migration context.
South Carolina is now one of the strongest US net-domestic-migration destinations: 66,622 net domestic in-migrants in 2025 (3rd by volume and the fastest-growing US state by rate) per US Census Vintage 2025 population estimates. 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.