Let the numbers do the talking.
Summerville, SC vs Sumter, SC
Summerville, SC vs Sumter, SC: What the data shows
Summerville, SC is in Summerville, SC while Sumter, SC is in Sumter, SC — both in the same state. On home prices, Sumter, SC is the more affordable option at $140,700 median — $137,400 less than Summerville, SC's $278,100. WYLT rates Summerville, SC as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Sumter, SC as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Summerville, SC has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Sumter, SC has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Summerville, SC has Low flood risk and Sumter, SC has Low flood risk.
Summerville, SC is the more walkable neighborhood. Summerville, SC scores 43/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Sumter, SC's 7/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Summerville, SC has the higher school rating — Summerville, SC rates 8.3/10 and Sumter, SC rates 8.2/10.
| Category | Summerville, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $278K | $141K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $892 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $76K ✓ Higher income | $46K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 43/100 ✓ More walkable | 7/100 |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 35 min ✓ Shorter commute | 45 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.3/10 ✓ Better schools | 8.2/10 |
| Best for | Families with childrenFirst‑time homebuyersCommuters to Charleston | Families with kidsFirst‑time homebuyersRenters seeking affordable options |
Bottom line
For families with children, Summerville's slightly better school ratings and more affordable homes might make it a preferable choice, though it has a more time-consuming commute to Charleston. If affordability is your top priority and you're willing to forgo most walkable amenities, Sumter might be the better value, despite its comparable school ratings. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you: proximity to Charleston, walkability, or budget.
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