Georgetown, South Carolina Real Estate Attorney
Residential Properties • Local Amenities • Cost of Living • Climate
Relocating to the Georgetown area makes sense for many reasons: the pleasant climate, a favorable cost of living, a low crime rate, and all the nearby amenities. Nothing could be finer, as the song goes.
Tidelands Law serves clients nationwide who are moving or considering moving to Georgetown County or Horry County. Our real estate lawyer can handle every aspect of your residential transaction. Call (843) 485-0977 for a free phone consultation.
Residential Variety in the Tidelands Area
Once a thriving port in a booming rice plantation economy, Georgetown is experiencing a new boom as retirees and many people throughout the U.S. are discovering the treasures of Georgetown County and the Tidelands.
In the city of Georgetown and countywide are many existing homes with distinctive architecture, some dating back 200 years. (Much of the city's downtown historic district is preserved and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.) Also, many new golf villas, condos, and townhomes are being built in Georgetown, Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, and all along the "Grand Strand." Our attorney, Turner Perrow, is a licensed real estate broker who can represent you in negotiating the purchase (or sale) of your Tidelands area property.
The Amenities of Georgetown
Within 30 miles of Georgetown are more than 115 golf courses, including several breathtaking layouts listed among the Top 100 Courses in America. The Tidelands are also known for historic sites and architecture, fishing, hunting, yachting, and sandy beaches. The entertainment center of Myrtle Beach is just 30 minutes north, and historic Charleston is just an hour south. See Moving to South Carolina.
Cost of Living: A Haven from High Taxes
The cost of living index in Georgetown is 95.0 (100.0 being the national average). South Carolina ranks 30th in the U.S. in state and local tax burden, and 38th in total tax burden.* The state sales tax is 6 percent, and the top state income tax rate is 7 percent. Unlike many states, Social Security benefits are not taxed in South Carolina.
* Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce
Georgetown and South Carolina in general are highly ranked for affordability of property taxes.
- For example, 2006 taxes on a $141,000 home (the median value in Georgetown County) would have been about $1,500 in the city of Georgetown and $1,100 in Myrtle Beach (if primary residence). In many unincorporated communities, such as Pawley's Island, Murrells Inlet, and Litchfield Beach — taxes for the same $141,000 home would have been under $1,000 in 2006. The Georgetown County (843-545-3014) or Horry County (843-915-5040) assessor can estimate your property tax based on market value and current local mileage rates.
- Homestead vs. Second Home — The assessment rate for homestead property is 4 percent (multiplied by the local mill rate). Non-homestead property (vacation home) is assessed at 6 percent. The first $100,000 in fair market value of a primary residence is exempt from school levies. (This tax relief does not apply to a second home.)
- Exemption for the Elderly — Homeowners over age 65 are eligible for an (additional) homestead exemption on the first $20,000 of market value once they have lived in South Carolina for one year.
* Source: South Carolina Department of Revenue
Climate in the Tidelands
South Carolina's coast has four distinct seasons, though snowfall is rare. The average high temperature in Georgetown is 90 degrees in July and 58 degrees in January. Annual rainfall is 52 inches, and the Tidelands area has an average of 300 clear days a year.
Potential Issues with Your Georgetown County Property
Hurricanes are rare in South Carolina, but Hurricane Hugo hit the Charleston area hard in 1989, and other tropical storms have made their way up the Atlantic Coast. Mr. Perrow can discuss the merits of purchasing flood or storm damage insurance, as well as homeowner's liability insurance.
Because of the area's long history (Georgetown was established in 1729) and claims against certain lands by Native American tribes, certifying clear title to the property requires a knowledgeable real estate attorney. We provide thorough title searches and title insurance.
Free Phone Consultation at (843) 485-0977
For more information about Georgetown County properties, or for legal representation in your residential transaction, contact Tidelands Law today to speak directly with a qualified attorney.
