Mullins blends small-town charm with rural roots
Mullins is a small city offering residents a vibrant downtown, plenty of single-family housing and outdoor spaces. Founded in the 1870s as an agricultural community, it was once hailed as the "tobacco capital” of the Palmetto State. It still maintains its rural roots, with old tobacco warehouses being preserved and converted into retail businesses and museums. While it is also within commuting distance to job centers in Marion and Dillon, food processor and packager SOPAKCO has a location in town and announced a multi-million-dollar remodel in the summer of 2025. “It definitely has a small-town country vibe to it,” says Vanessa Jackson, a Realtor with The Litchfield Company, who sells in the area. “ [You’re] only about an hour drive to the beach [and it has] a lot of mom-and-pop local businesses.”
A broad mix of housing styles with low HOA activity
Homes vary from historical Victorians to bungalows, ranch and cabin styles and New Traditionals. The median housing price is about $175,000, lower than the national and state medians. However, depending on factors such as age and condition, homes can generally cost between $60,000 and $460,000. Jackson says there is not a lot of HOA activity. Homes are typically on gridded streets with sizeable lots and oak trees accenting lawns. Properties with more acreage and farmsteads surround the city. Manufactured home communities are also present. Jackson says the locale has attracted a mix of families and retirees, as prices are typically lower in Mullins than in locations closer to Myrtle Beach.
The Marion County School District is the main public system
Public School students can attend the Marion County School District, rated C on Niche. They can start at North Mullins Primary School, graded B. They continue onto McCormick Elementary and then to Palmetto Middle, both earning a C-minus. Mullins High is scored C-plus, and the district has a career academy with courses in nursing, health sciences and culinary arts.
Parks and history form the bulk of Mullins’ fun
Green spaces include the 30-acre Gapway Recreation Complex, featuring multiple baseball diamonds, tennis courts and a football field. Mary Lois Rutland Memorial Park offers courts and a playground. Indoor activities include the South Carolina Tobacco Museum, located in a historic train depot downtown, and containing exhibits on tobacco farming and local history. Martin’s Skating Center is an indoor roller rink. Annual events include the Golden Leaf Festival in September, which consists of a parade, food trucks and live music. Myrtle Beach, roughly 47 miles south, has more events and seaside activities.
Dining and shopping along McIntyre Street and downtown
Dining locations are primarily located along McIntyre Street and Main Street and feature a mix of chains and local spots. Garden Alley serves southern classics buffet style. Fred’s Restaurant offers breakfast items, sandwiches and barbecue. Jin Jin has Chinese dishes. Downtown has several boutiques and antique stores. Grocery stores include Piggly Wiggly and Hometown IGA. Smaller grocers and dollar stores are also present. More shopping options are in Florence, 39 miles west.
Weather risks in Mullins
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood map, certain areas can flood. Tornadoes can also be a factor. A train line cuts through downtown, but Jackson says it does not come through often.
Regional bus service with airports farther away
The Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority provides bus service between Mullins and Marion. Florence Regional Airport is 29 miles west, but it only has flights to Charlotte Douglass International. Myrtle Beach International is 47 miles south. Marion Medical Center is west of downtown, offering various emergency and specialty services.
