c.1920 Four Bedroom South Carolina Home on 1.92 Acres $199K

Pros

• Extremely affordable housing. Recent Census-based data puts the median owner-occupied home value around $106,600, while other recent estimates are closer to $70,000 depending on the year and dataset. Either way, it’s dramatically cheaper than South Carolina’s roughly $259,000 median.
• Low cost of living. Niche gives the Clio ZIP code an A for cost of living, and housing is particularly inexpensive.
• Quiet, rural atmosphere. If you want peace, privacy and a slower pace, Clio definitely delivers.
• Small-town community. There are still locally owned businesses such as Jaydee’s Cafe & Grill 2.0 and Tiger Mart.
• Basic necessities are available. You have small grocery/convenience options such as Dollar General and Country Cash & Carry.
• Local primary care. Clio Medical Center provides a local option for basic medical care.
• Good for someone who doesn’t need city amenities. If you’re retired, work remotely, or have income that doesn’t depend on the local economy, the economics can be attractive.
• Historic character. Clio has a historic district and several properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Close to larger towns without living in one. Bennettsville, Cheraw and the Florence area provide access to considerably more shopping, healthcare and employment.

Cons

• Very small. With fewer than 1,000 residents, there’s simply not much happening locally.
• Limited employment. Niche gives the area a C for jobs, and local incomes are low. Median household income in the latest Census-based profile is about $36,400, versus roughly $69,300 statewide.
• High poverty. About 29% of residents are below the poverty line, more than twice South Carolina’s rate.
• Population decline is a concern. One Census-based dataset shows Clio falling from 766 residents in 2019 to 591 in 2023, a decline of nearly 23%.
• Schools aren’t a major selling point. Niche rates the ZIP code’s public schools D+, with Clio Elementary receiving a C- in its ratings.
• Limited shopping. You’ll be driving to a larger community for a serious shopping trip.
• Limited restaurants. There are a few local spots, but don’t expect a large restaurant selection.
• Healthcare is limited. Having a local clinic is useful, but you’ll likely travel for specialists, major procedures or more extensive medical services.
• Long commutes can happen. Interestingly, Census-based data reports an average commute of 47.9 minutes, substantially longer than South Carolina’s 25.6-minute average. That suggests many residents travel outside Clio for work.
• Crime/safety deserves investigation. Third-party sources rate the area’s crime situation poorly, although with such a small population, crime statistics can fluctuate substantially from year to year. I would look at the specific property/neighborhood rather than relying solely on a townwide score.
• Resale/appreciation could be a concern. Cheap houses are great, but declining population and limited economic Affordability | prices | Quiet/peaceful I-20 access, but significant poverty and economic decline services and amenities than Clio/Tallulah, but crime and economic problems are substantial healthcare, employment, restaurants, shopping and entertainment, but higher housing costs and substantially more crime I can also growth can make property appreciation less predictable.