According to the Zillow Home Value Index, South Carolina still has towns where buying a home won’t break the bank. In 2025, we’ve pinpointed 15 communities with some of the state’s most affordable home prices—places where value still outweighs hype. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a downsizing retiree, or just looking to stretch your dollar, these towns offer a mix of charm and cost-effectiveness. Some have flown under the radar for years; others are just starting to pop onto buyers’ maps. With year-by-year price trends and local insights, this list reveals where affordability and livability still go hand in hand.
15. Windsor – 24% Home Price Decrease Since 2017
- 2017: $133,031
- 2018: $146,763 (+$13,732, +10.32% from previous year)
- 2019: $149,931 (+$3,168, +2.16% from previous year)
- 2020: $166,256 (+$16,324, +10.89% from previous year)
- 2021: $162,479 (-$3,777, -2.27% from previous year)
- 2022: $163,548 (+$1,069, +0.66% from previous year)
- 2023: $140,446 (-$23,102, -14.13% from previous year)
- 2024: $118,588 (-$21,859, -15.56% from previous year)
- 2025: $101,127 (-$17,460, -14.72% from previous year)
After a strong climb in value between 2017 and 2020, Windsor’s housing market has taken a steep dive. Prices have fallen nearly 40% from their peak, settling at just over $101,000 in 2025. While this might raise eyebrows, it also opens the door for buyers looking to get into a market where affordability is back on the table.
Windsor – A Market Correction Creates Opportunity
Windsor is a small, rural town in Aiken County, tucked into the quiet southern corner of South Carolina. While it lacks the hustle of bigger cities, it’s surrounded by farmland and woodlands, offering peaceful surroundings for residents who value space and simplicity. The recent drop in home values follows several years of strong growth, likely accelerated by national buying trends during the early pandemic years.
The town’s affordability may be tied to its limited commercial development and slower population growth, both of which can impact long-term demand. That said, homes here now cost a fraction of the state average, and the sharp correction could represent a rebalancing rather than a permanent slump.
14. Estill – 53% Home Price Increase Since 2017
- 2017: $63,184
- 2018: $67,823 (+$4,639, +7.34% from previous year)
- 2019: $83,874 (+$16,051, +23.67% from previous year)
- 2020: $84,950 (+$1,076, +1.28% from previous year)
- 2021: $99,774 (+$14,824, +17.45% from previous year)
- 2022: $104,386 (+$4,611, +4.62% from previous year)
- 2023: $101,229 (-$3,156, -3.02% from previous year)
- 2024: $89,429 (-$11,801, -11.66% from previous year)
- 2025: $96,550 (+$7,121, +7.96% from previous year)
Estill’s real estate market has seen considerable growth since 2017, despite some recent turbulence. The 2025 price of $96,550 is more than 50% higher than it was eight years ago. After two down years, prices began to rebound in 2025, signaling renewed interest or market stabilization in this small town.
Estill – Recovery After a Dip
Located in Hampton County near the Georgia border, Estill is a town with deep agricultural roots and a close-knit community. Its affordable housing market makes it attractive to buyers seeking lower costs without giving up Southern charm. The town’s recent rebound in home values may reflect shifting demand as buyers explore alternatives to larger urban areas.
Estill experienced strong appreciation between 2017 and 2021, followed by a noticeable pullback. Still, with values inching back up in 2025, it suggests that interest in the area remains steady. A modest infrastructure and rural setting keep prices low, but access to nearby highways adds some convenience for commuters or those seeking occasional city amenities.
13. Bennettsville – 26% Home Price Increase Since 2014
- 2014: $76,674
- 2015: $86,086 (+$9,413, +12.28% from previous year)
- 2016: $88,212 (+$2,126, +2.47% from previous year)
- 2017: $87,568 (-$644, -0.73% from previous year)
- 2018: $103,798 (+$16,230, +18.53% from previous year)
- 2019: $97,284 (-$6,514, -6.28% from previous year)
- 2020: $98,921 (+$1,637, +1.68% from previous year)
- 2021: $106,670 (+$7,748, +7.83% from previous year)
- 2022: $126,125 (+$19,455, +18.24% from previous year)
- 2023: $125,548 (-$577, -0.46% from previous year)
- 2024: $109,157 (-$16,391, -13.06% from previous year)
- 2025: $95,755 (-$13,401, -12.28% from previous year)
Bennettsville has seen home prices increase by over a quarter since 2014, but recent years have been marked by a steady decline. The town peaked in 2022 and has since lost nearly 25% in value. Still, at under $100,000, it’s an affordable option with a longer-term growth trend still intact.
Bennettsville – A Small City with Historic Appeal
Sitting near the North Carolina border in Marlboro County, Bennettsville is known for its historic buildings and tree-lined streets. As a former cotton hub, it boasts a rich history and Southern architecture that continues to attract buyers looking for charm and value. Though the market cooled recently, Bennettsville had a solid decade of appreciation before the downturn…