c.1951 Two Bedroom South Carolina Fixer Upper Under $25K

405 Love St, Sumter, SC 29150   $24,900

• Contact Realtor: Gail Lee
• Google Map
• Niche

Pros of Sumter, SC

1. Lower Cost of Living / Housing Affordability

   • Sumter’s cost of living is around 8‑11% lower than the U.S. average.

   • Housing is a strong advantage: median home values are ~43‑49% lower than U.S. average.

   • Rent tends to be affordable (e.g. median rent ~$850‑900 in many reports).

2. Amenities & Quality of Life

   • There is a good number of local cultural and recreational offerings: Swan Lake Iris Gardens, state parks, many parks and playgrounds, community events and festivals.

   • Sumter has an industrial and manufacturing base plus Shaw Air Force Base, which bring in stable employment options in certain sectors.

   • Access to nature: the area has trails, parks, mild climate (long warm seasons).

3. “Small‑Town + City” Balance

   • Big enough to have many of the conveniences (shopping, healthcare, restaurants, colleges) but small enough that things are often less hectic than major metropolitan areas.

   • Community feel is noted; friendly neighborhoods are often mentioned.

4. Location

   • Sumter is well placed: relatively central in SC, so drives to larger cities (e.g. Columbia) are manageable.

   • Proximity to Shaw AFB adds some economic diversity and resources tied to the base.

5. Diversity & Cultural History

   • The area is diverse, with a mix of long‑term residents and newcomers, plus some historical/cultural identity.

Cons / Challenges of Sumter, SC

1. Crime / Safety Concerns

   • Sumter has a relatively high violent crime rate: ~ 886 violent crimes per 100,000 in 2023.

   • Property crime is also high: the property crime rate ~ 3,971 per 100,000 in 2023. Still elevated.

   • Some reports of increases in auto thefts / car break‑ins.

2. Lower Median Income & Higher Poverty

   • Median household income is much lower than U.S. average (around $40,760 in recent data) and a sizable share of the population lives below poverty line (~20‑21%).

   • Unemployment rate is relatively high (~9.8%).

3. Education Levels / Opportunities

   • Only ~27% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree; many have some college or high school only.

   • Schools are average or slightly below average in many rankings (Sumter School District gets a “C‑plus”).

4. Utilities & Some Costs Elevated

   • While housing is cheap, utilities are higher than the U.S. average in many reports.

   • Some transportation costs may be higher depending on distance & commute.

5. Amenities Aren’t Uniform / Access Varies by Neighborhood

   • Some neighborhoods are much better than others: amenities, safety, schools can vary considerably depending on location. The walkability, especially to shops/restaurants, is limited in many areas.

   • Public transit is limited; car dependence is high. Commute times for some are longer than ideal.

6. Weather & Environmental Risks

   • Summers are hot and humid. Heavy rains and storms can cause localized flooding especially in certain parts.

   • Some environmental concerns: e.g., water contamination issues linked to firefighting foam from Shaw AFB in certain neighborhoods.