Halfback

Halfback does not always mean Football’s running play. The word is also used to label long time Florida residents who are moving to the Carolina's upstate region, since it means they have moved halfway back North.

The Herald Tribune, based in Southwest Florida ran a story about those in that area who are migrating to the halfway states. There are many who are moving from Sarasota and Manatee Counties, but in general it is retirees who are seeking retirement havens. The reasons for the move vary, but halfway states provide a different lifestyle. There is much less congestion with people and traffic, and above all it is less expensive as well as easier to live.

Some may wonder how different it would be to move from a happening city to a rural area, but South Carolina’s region is not all rural. And for the areas that are rural, half of the Hispanics who migrated in the past few years moved to the rural areas. In addition to this, there are many people from around the world, especially corporate retirees who crave the relaxing atmosphere and mountain views.

There are also many international companies including BMW’s plant near Spartanburg.

Properties are much more affordable and though there is a state income tax, the low property taxes make up for it. It is also a buyer’s market in South Carolina, but they have not experienced the over or under stock of inventory that South Florida has.