Of all the valuable assets that defense industry contractors have, their reputation and credibility with government customers and regulators rank among the highest. That's especially true as it relates to Law of War compliance. In an atmosphere of increasingly pervasive regulation, heightened scrutiny, and aggressive enforcement directed at government contractors, members of the defense industry need to prioritize legal and regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. To do so, it is proactive and strategic to work with a defense contractor attorney Near Daniel Island, SC for tailored guidance.
U.S.-RECOGNIZED COUNTRIES in 2024
ONGOING ARMED CONFLICTS as of 2024
DEATHS FROM ARMED CONFLICT in 2024
If you're a defense contractor using Google to search for a defense contractor compliance attorney, you're probably well-versed in the Laws of War. But if you're unaware of these laws or you're starting a business geared towards DoD contracting, it's crucial that you understand IHL and the compliance standards you must meet. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences and lose your ability to provide goods and services across the domains of land, sea, air, space, and cyber.
The Law of War, often referred to as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), comprises a set of international treaties and customary laws that establish guidelines for conduct during armed conflicts. Its primary aim is to minimize unnecessary suffering for the wounded and sick, prisoners of war (POWs), and civilians caught up in hostilities. In a nutshell, the primary goal of the Laws of War is to help save lives and promote some degree of humanity during armed conflicts.
To achieve this, IHL governs the conduct of wars, striking a balance between weakening the opponent and minimizing suffering. The principles of warfare are global. The Geneva Conventions, which form the foundation of IHL, have been ratified by all 196 states. Very few international agreements enjoy such widespread support.
All parties involved in a conflict must adhere to IHL, including both state forces and nonState armed groups. If the Law of War is violated, there are repercussions. War crimes are recorded and examined by nations and international tribunals, and individuals may face prosecution for war crimes.
The Law of War also applies to defense contractors, who must uphold strict compliance standards in order to sell their services. Sometimes, DoD contractors are unaware of or unprepared to meet these compliance standards. That is why they should consult with a government contractor attorney Near Daniel Island, SC, like Richard Waring, who focuses on Law of War compliance matters.
Some examples of Law of War compliance as it relates to defense contractors include:
Civilian ProtectionDefense contractors, especially private military and security companies (PMSCs), are obligated to follow international humanitarian law (IHL) concerning the safeguarding of civilians and civilian objects. They must promote that they do not engage directly in hostilities if those involved are considered to be civilians.
AccountabilityBoth people employed by defense contractors and the companies they work for may face legal accountability for breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This encompasses possible criminal charges for serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and assigning blame to superiors for the actions of their subordinates.
Use of ForceAlthough defense contractors are typically not permitted to engage in offensive use of force, they may be granted permission to utilize force in situations of self-defense or to safeguard other civilians or their property.
Four of the most basic rules of IHL include the following:
01Parties involved in a conflict must always make a clear distinction between civilians and combatants to protect the civilian population and their property. No attacks should be directed at the civilian population as a whole or at individual civilians. Instead, military actions should be aimed solely at military targets.
02Individuals who are unable or unwilling to engage in combat have the right to life and to be treated with care for their physical and mental health. They should always be safeguarded and treated humanely, without any discrimination. It is prohibited to kill or injure an adversary who has surrendered or who is no longer able to participate in the fighting.
03Neither the conflicting parties nor their military personnel possess an unrestricted right to select their methods and means of warfare. The use of weapons or warfare methods that may result in unnecessary casualties or excessive suffering is prohibited.
04Those who are injured or ill should be gathered and provided care by the party in control of them. Medical staff, health facilities, and transport vehicles are to be protected from attack. Individuals displaying the recognized symbol of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, or Red Crystal on a white background, as well as facilities and vehicles marked with these symbols, must be treated with respect.
Understanding DoD and international Law of War is about more than memorizing complex legal terms. Let's look at a real-life scenario where it applies.
Consider a drone strike aimed at a suspected terrorist hideout nestled within a crowded village. While the strike may be seen as a necessary military action, the risk of civilian casualties raises serious questions about proportionality. In this context, here's how the principles of the Law of War come into play:
ProportionalityIs the expected military benefit greater than the possible harm to civilians? Are there safer alternatives that could accomplish the same goal?
DistinctionIs it possible for intelligence to verify if the hideout contains solely combatants, or might there be civilians unknowingly present as well?
NecessityIs this the only way to tackle the threat, or are there less harmful alternatives that can be considered?
Situations like those outlined above are complicated issues. There are no easy solutions to them. Commanders often face heart-wrenching decisions, weighed down by the potential consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, defense contractors must take significant strides to promote that their products and services comply with DoD and international Law of War mandates.
That's why open and clear communication among military leaders, military companies, legal advisors, and the public is essential. By sharing their thought processes, the factors they consider, and the efforts made to reduce civilian harm, they can promote understanding and foster accountability. If you own a company that supplies the military or DoD, working with a lawyer who specializes in defense contractor compliance could save your business and your reputation.
In 2010, the global market for private military companies (PMC) was estimated to be worth $200 billion and to employ around one million individuals. Today, the PMC sector provides a diverse array of services, with some firms having more than ten thousand employees. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army has depended on private military firms and defense contractors for many reasons, including:
In March 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense cited more defense contractor personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq at 155,000 than active military members, 145,000. In those two regions alone, defense contractors accounted for 52% of the U.S. workforce. With those figures in mind and with increasingly volatile and dangerous attacks in areas like Israel and Iran, military companies are in high demand.
If you're a defense contractor - whether large or small - now is the time to promote compliance with both international and DoD Law of War rules and provide appropriate training to key personnel. Here are just a few ways that defense contractor compliance law firms like Conflict Orbit can help your defense company uphold IHL laws.
Conflict Orbit provides in-depth compliance readiness and policy development support to help your business meet Law of War requirements with confidence. Richard Waring helps create a framework that supports operational integrity and contract security. With the rising scrutiny in federal procurement, now is the time to get your business audit-ready and fully aligned with government expectations.
This service can also include pre-design or post-design legal reviews for organizations designing weapons platforms with the goal of marketing them to the government. The government will require these systems to comply with the Law of War, and performing a front-end compliance review may help ensure alignment with government expectations and mitigate potential legal risks.
For defense contractors, comprehensive risk assessments and mitigation services can mean the difference between being in business and bankruptcy. When tailored to the unique challenges of private military organizations, this service evaluates potential legal, operational, and compliance risks related to Law of War obligations, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending targeted strategies to address them.
Whether assessing technology, weapons systems, or operational practices, experienced attorneys like Richard Waring are needed for many reasons, including:
In-depth Law of War audits are very important for assessing and strengthening an organization's compliance with international and Department of Defense (DoD) Law of War obligations. These audits can carefully evaluate an organization's policies, procedures, training programs, and operational practices to help them better align with Law of War standards. When you hire a defense contractor attorney Near Daniel Island, SC to perform an audit, you're taking proactive steps to promote your operations adhere to Law of War principles. Just as important, you're demonstrating a commitment to lawful conduct in conflict scenarios.
Comprehensive partner due diligence and screening services, help organizations evaluate potential collaborators, contractors, or third parties for Law of War compliance and applicable regulatory standards. Due diligence and screening services may include the following:
By performing thorough due diligence, organizations can reduce the risk of partnering with non-compliant or unreliable entities, ensuring smoother and more lawful operations in conflict-affected environments.
Custom training and education programs from defense contract lawyers help your organization better understand Law of War obligations. Since training is often a necessity for defense contractors, it should always be taken seriously. IHL sessions go over a variety of topics, from following the Geneva and Hague Conventions to navigating ethical conduct in conflict zones, all tailored to fit your specific needs. Whether it's for senior leaders or frontline staff, this type of education and training gives you the knowledge needed to tackle legal challenges and keep practices lawful in highrisk situations.
These Law of War compliance services include in-depth research, detailed report writing, and professional presentations on IHL topics tailored to your defense organization's needs. Whether analyzing complex legal issues, drafting compliance reports, or delivering briefings to leadership, these options provide you with wellsupported insights to inform decision-making. Be sure to ask your government contractor attorney about how they can turn legal and regulatory frameworks into actionable guidance so that your team can stay informed and prepared when it matters most.
Around the globe, conflict is evolving. If you're a defense contractor and you're not making adjustments to secure your operations, you could violate the Law of War. However, with compliance counsel from Conflict Orbit, you can focus on doing what you're best at while lead attorney Richard Waring protects your legal interests.
Throughout Richard's professional career, he has seen a lack of private legal services for companies who need guidance on maintaining federally and internationally mandated compliance with the Law of War. He also observed that many contractors are unaware of these requirements.
As a former Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and a current U.S. Army JAG Officer (National Guard), Richard has had real-life exposure to the Law of War. He is a creative and relentless attorney who also has a background in criminal justice (prosecution, defense, and investigations) and education in drone and space law.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
Richard investigated and prosecuted 1000s of criminal cases with relentlessness, including the most serious violent crimes. As a prolific trial attorney, he held countless criminals accountable for their actions while refining the skills of communication, attention to detail, and persistence in the face of challenging legal scenarios.
Having defended numerous clients accused of wrongdoing, Richard has the ability to view legal scenarios from all sides. He utilized creativity, persuasion, and a strong work ethic to obtain positive results.
Former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) intelligence officer in the Intelligence Community's Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) Analytic Cell. The Cell provides intelligence support to military personnel recovery efforts for POW/MIAs, hostages, and kidnapped individuals worldwide. The Cell also currently supports unresolved U.S. and allied kidnapping cases by politically motivated anti-U.S. groups around the world.
As a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army (National Guard) Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), Richard received formal Law of War military legal training. He currently faithfully serves both his country and state of South Carolina as a Judge Advocate, and Richard feels privileged to be able to serve in this capacity.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
On a personal level, Richard is committed to reducing the amount of harm to the wounded and sick, POWs, and civilians in armed conflict. He has reorganized his law firm to be an innovative option for organizations needing guidance on Law of War compliance. Above all, Richard finds duty to country and service to others the highest callings, and it inspires him to know that his work potentially saves lives.
Is your defense organization ready to withstand what the future holds? If you're unsure, now is the time to act. Contact Conflict Orbit today and protect yourself from an uncertain tomorrow.
DISCLAIMER: This information, which includes non-client endorsements and testimonials from paying clients, should not be construed as a guarantee of any result in your matter. Past results do not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
Whether you like to sing at the top of your lungs with 13,000 of your closest friends at the North Charleston Coliseum or prefer a more intimate setting at the Charleston Pour House — an unforgettable year of live music is planned for the 843.No matter your favorite genre, there’s a concert bound to hit the right note. So break open your piggy bank and check out 15+ must-see musicians, bands, and singers set to take the stage this year.We know summer, fall + winter look a little sparse at the moment, but d...
Whether you like to sing at the top of your lungs with 13,000 of your closest friends at the North Charleston Coliseum or prefer a more intimate setting at the Charleston Pour House — an unforgettable year of live music is planned for the 843.
No matter your favorite genre, there’s a concert bound to hit the right note. So break open your piggy bank and check out 15+ must-see musicians, bands, and singers set to take the stage this year.
We know summer, fall + winter look a little sparse at the moment, but don’t fret. We’ll be adding to the setlist as concerts are announced. Want us to add local acts to this list? Let us know.
| With its large size, this stadium welcomes entertainers from all over the country to perform on Daniel Island.
Note: Credit One Stadium has a clear bag policy in place.
Paid Parking
Free Parking
| These venues share a campus and over both a large space that can hold ~13,000 fans + a smaller, quaint location for more intimate performances.
Paid Parking
Note: Both the North Charleston Coliseum + North Charleston Performing Arts Center have a clear bag policy in place.
|The salty, long-standing venue is perfect for beach views, live music, and good eats.
Note: All events at 6 p.m. and earlier are for those 21 and older unless a parent is present. Additionally, all shows starting at 9 p.m. are for those 21 and older.
| The Deck stage offers a lively experience with diverse acts.
| This 19th-century Gothic Revival building is a downtown staple and hosts a variety of concerts and other performances.
Is there a bag policy? What about a dress code? Before you head to the show, check out some of the frequently asked questions.
| This mixed-use development welcomes various national, regional, and local performing acts to the Lowcountry.
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) — Daniel Island’s Governors Park is getting a $900,000 drainage makeover to solve a persistent problem.Daniel Island’s Governors Park is one of the community’s most-used recreation spots, and for good reason. From weekend soccer games to morning jogs and pickup play, it’s a hub for residents. But all that action has created a challenge: soggy fields that can’t recover quickly, especially during rainy seasons.“It is my go-to spot,” resident Doug Majewski ...
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) — Daniel Island’s Governors Park is getting a $900,000 drainage makeover to solve a persistent problem.
Daniel Island’s Governors Park is one of the community’s most-used recreation spots, and for good reason. From weekend soccer games to morning jogs and pickup play, it’s a hub for residents. But all that action has created a challenge: soggy fields that can’t recover quickly, especially during rainy seasons.
“It is my go-to spot,” resident Doug Majewski said. “I live around the island, and whenever I can get up here, I love the exercise and I love being outside.”
“It is my go-to spot,” Daniel Island resident Doug Majewsk said. “I live around the island and whenever I can get up here, I love the exercise and I love being outside.”
Still, wet fields can quickly put play on pause.
“If it’s a little bit wet and soggy, we’re going to tear up the field… so we don’t want to be out here in the first place,” Majewski said.
To address the issue, the city of Charleston is investing nearly $900,000 in a drainage improvement project focused solely on the soccer fields at Governors Park.
Beth Brownlee, assistant director of capital projects for the city of Charleston, said the issue isn’t just rainfall, but it’s wear and tear from extended use. When the fields were originally built, they did not have lighting. Now that lights have been installed, play continues later into the evenings, increasing overall traffic and compacting the soil.
“One of the issues that we have is that during rainy seasons, those fields can’t recover the way that they normally would, especially given the additional use,” Brownlee said. “This project will give extended use to this needed facility.”
The solution involves installing a system of 50-mm HDPE perforated pipes, spaced 14 feet apart and buried 16 inches. The pipes will collect water beneath the turf and move it away from the field more efficiently.
“Everything that we’re installing is underground,” Brownlee said. “But what this does is it allows us to have a quicker play. Instead of completely demoing the soccer fields and doing larger pipes, this is something a little bit smaller.”
Crews will dig narrow trenches, about three inches wide, minimizing excavation and reducing restoration time.
The improvements are designed to help water drain more quickly so the turf doesn’t stay saturated after storms. Brownlee said the city has used a similar drainage system at Gadsdenboro Park, where fields have remained playable even during wet conditions.
“We want to make sure that we’re giving the community the same playable fields, whether at Daniel Island or throughout the city,” she said.
Construction is scheduled to begin in June and is expected to last up to three months, weather permitting. During that time, access will be restricted to the soccer fields only. Other areas of Governors Park will remain open.
The project will be funded entirely through the county’s general fund reserves. For Majewski and other regulars, the temporary inconvenience is worth it.
“We would be well-served to receive any type of mitigation or enhancement to support the drainage project,” he said. “Most of the neighbors I’m out here with would really appreciate that.”
Once completed, the upgrades are expected to mean fewer rainouts, quicker recovery after storms, and more time on the field for Daniel Island players of all ages.
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. – The NC State women's golf team earned a runner-up finish at the Daniel Island Invitational with a 6-over 870 (297-287-286). The 6-over par and second place showing both mark season bests. Marie Eline Madsen picked up her fourth career win with a 7-under 209 (70-71-68). She now has two wins on the season and the four in her career is now a school record.Madsen finished under par in each round, highlighted by a clean card on Tuesday with a 4-under 68 behind four birdies and 14 pars. She now h...
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. – The NC State women's golf team earned a runner-up finish at the Daniel Island Invitational with a 6-over 870 (297-287-286). The 6-over par and second place showing both mark season bests. Marie Eline Madsen picked up her fourth career win with a 7-under 209 (70-71-68). She now has two wins on the season and the four in her career is now a school record.
Madsen finished under par in each round, highlighted by a clean card on Tuesday with a 4-under 68 behind four birdies and 14 pars. She now has 15 rounds at par or under and seven rounds in the 60s this season. Madsen logged the best par 4s average (3.87), par 5s average (4.58), as well as the most birdies (15) in the field.
Vania Simont followed with a tie for 11th with an even-par 216 (76-66-74). Her showing was highlighted by a career-low 6-under 66 in the second round with seven birdies, 10 pars and one bogey. Simont now has fourth top 20 showings on the season. The 66 is the third lowest round by an NC State player in school history. Simont had the best par 3s average in the field (2.75)
Ellie Hildreth picked up her second career 20th place showing with a tie for 18th behind a 4-over 220 (75-75-70). Her 70 in the third round marked the third at par or under this year, finishing with four birdies, 12 pars and two bogeys in Tuesday's round.
Lindsay McGrath carded a 9-over 225 (76-75-74) to tie for 34th. Lea Ludwig followed with a 17-over 233 (79-78-74) to tie for 66th. She had the fifth best par 5s average in the field (4.67). Leena Stephens played as an individual, her first showing of the season, finishing with a 20-over 236 (82-78-76).
NC State finished with the most birdies (42) and second best par 5s average (4.87).
Individual Scores 1 - Marie Eline Madsen: 70-71-68=209 (-7) T11 - Vania Simont: 76-66-74=216 (E) T18 - Ellie Hildreth: 75-75-70=220 (+4) T34 - Lindsay McGrath: 76-75-74 (+2) T66 - Lea Ludwig: 79-78-76=233 (+17) 72 - Leena Stephens*: 82-78-76=236 (+20) * - played as an individual
Team Scores 1 - High Point: 294-286-284=864 (E) 2 - No. 46 NC State: 297-287-286=870 (+6) T3 - East Carolina: 291-298-287=876 (+12) T3 - Xavier: 292-291-293=876 (+12) 5 - Furman: 298-284-295=877 (+13) 6 - Oral Roberts: 298-292-290=880 (+16) T7 - College of Charleston: 302-288-299=889 (+25) T7 - James Madison: 295-299-295=889 (+25) 9 - Charleston Southern: 298-301-296=895 (+31) T10 - Charlotte: 299-291-306=896 (+32) T10 - Delaware: 301-294-301=896 (+32) 12 - WKU: 308-295-296=899 (+35) 13 - Coastal Carolina: 292-297-311=900 (+36) 14 - Elon: 309-300-302=911 (+47) 15 - Georgetown: 312-310-309=931 (+67)
Upcoming NC State will play at the Briar's Creek Invitational at the Club at Briar's Creek from Monday, March 16 to Tuesday, March 17.
CINCINNATI - Xavier women's golf continues its spring season at the Daniel Island Invitational on March 2-3. The two-day tournament is being hosted by the College of Charleston at Daniel Island Club - Ralston Creek Course.Round one begins at 8:45 a.m. on Monday morning.TOURNAMENT INFORMATION Name: Daniel Island Invitational Dates: March 2-3 Course: Daniel Island Club - Ralston Creek Course Location: Charleston, S.C. Course Par/Ya...
CINCINNATI - Xavier women's golf continues its spring season at the Daniel Island Invitational on March 2-3. The two-day tournament is being hosted by the College of Charleston at Daniel Island Club - Ralston Creek Course.
Round one begins at 8:45 a.m. on Monday morning.
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION Name: Daniel Island Invitational Dates: March 2-3 Course: Daniel Island Club - Ralston Creek Course Location: Charleston, S.C. Course Par/Yardage: 72 / 6,166 Participating Teams (15): Charlotte, Delaware, Oral Roberts, Western Kentucky, Charleston Southern, College of Charleston, Elon, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Xavier, Georgetown, N.C. State, James Madison, High Point, Furman Format: Two-day, 54-hole tournament Tee Times: Monday, March 2: 8:45 a.m. shotgun start; Tuesday, March 3: 9 a.m. shotgun start
LIVE SCORING: bit.ly/3OH552h
XAVIER LINEUP 1. Isabel Brozena 2. Madison Reemsnyder 3. Darrelyn Webster 4. Ashley Kirkland 5. Ivanna Flores
LAST TIME OUT
BIG EAST WEEKLY HONORS
Feb. 26 - Isabel Brozena - Golfer of the Week Oct. 23 - Madison Reemsnyder - BIG EAST Golfer of the Week Sept. 24 - Darrelyn Webster - BIG EAST Golfer of the Week
2025-26 SCHEDULE
FALL SCHEDULE Sept. 1-2 - Boilermaker Classic - West Lafayette, Ind. (Brick Boilermaker Golf Complex/Kampen Course) Sept. 19-21 - Lady Paladin Invitational - Greenville, S.C. (Furman University Golf Club) Oct. 3-5 - Ron Moore Intercollegiate - Denver, Colo. (University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch) Oct. 20-22 - The Ally - Starkville, Miss. (Mississippi State University Golf Couse)
SPRING SCHEDULE Feb. 20-22 - WMU Rio Verde Invitational - Rio Verde, Ariz. (Rio Verde Country Club) March 2-3 - Daniel Island Invitational - Charleston, S.C. (Daniel Island Club) March 14-15 - Valspar Augusta Invitational - Augusta, Ga. (Forest Hills Golf Course) April 5-7 - ECU Ironwood Invitational - Greenville, N.C. (Ironwood Golf and Country Club) April 17-18 - Therese Hession Buckeye Invitational - Columbus, Ohio (OSU Golf Club/Scarlet Course) April 25-27 - BIG EAST Championships - Okatie, S.C. (Callawassie Island)
ABOUT THE MUSKETEERS
XAVIER NCAA HISTORY
2025 NCAA COLUMBUS REGIONAL OSU Golf Club - Scarlet Course - May 5-7 Team Finish: 10 of 12 (893, +29) Top Individual: Isabel Brozena (tied for 18th; 220 [+4] )
2024 NCAA LAS VEGAS REGIONAL Spanish Trail Country Club - May 6-8 Team Finish: 12 of 12 (932, +68) Top Individual: Madison Reemsnyder (tied for 50th; 232 [+16] )
2023 NCAA WESTFIELD REGIONAL The Club at Chatham Hills Golf Course - May 8-10 Team Finish: T-7 of 12 (863, -1) Top Individual: Emma McMyler (tied for ninth; 211 [-5] )
2022 NCAA ANN ARBOR REGIONAL University of Michigan Golf Course - May 9-11 Team Finish: 10 of 12 (905, +23) Top Individual: Emma McMyler (tied for ninth; 216 [+3] )
2021 NCAA LOUISVILLE REGIONAL Simpsonville, Ky. - May 10-12 Team Finish: 17 of 18 (907, +43) Top Individual: Emma McMyler (tied for seventh; 215 [-1] )
2019 NCAA EAST LANSING REGIONAL East Lansing, Mich. - May 6-8 Team Finish: t-14 of 18 (911, +47) Top Individual: Mikayla Fitzpatrick (tied for sixth; 216 [E] )
2019 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS Fayetteville, Ark. - May 17-20 t-90. Mikayla Fitzpatrick - 78 (+5), 78 (+5), 82 (+9): 238 (+19)
UP NEXT
Many U.S. residents were either on the move last year or thinking about a move, and we know which states, counties and cities were the most popular destinations in 2025. Using online search data and accounting for population size, this U.S. News & World Report. research revealed the top 50 state, county and city destinations in the U.S. by their move-in to move-out ratios.Not surprisingly, South Carolina was a popular move destination, with its city of Conway topping the list of migration interest. Also, Horry County, where...
Many U.S. residents were either on the move last year or thinking about a move, and we know which states, counties and cities were the most popular destinations in 2025. Using online search data and accounting for population size, this U.S. News & World Report.
research revealed the top 50 state, county and city destinations in the U.S. by their move-in to move-out ratios.
Not surprisingly, South Carolina was a popular move destination, with its city of Conway topping the list of migration interest. Also, Horry County, where Conway is located, landed in the second spot in our county list of popular move locations.
Other sought-after state destinations ranged from some in the Northeast to the South and West, with less interest in Midwest states like Ohio and Indiana.
Most Sought-After States: Six of Top 10 in South
The appeal of South Carolina is easy to understand, with its mild weather and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean coastline, but some of the other states in the top 10 offer much more rugged conditions, including Idaho, Alaska, Maine and South Dakota. Besides the Palmetto State, other Southern states attracting considerable interest in 2025 included North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Arkansas, with Delaware rounding out the top 10 in migration interest (the U.S. Census Bureau includes Delaware in the South region, specifically the South Atlantic region, though many in the U.S. would consider it a Northeastern state).
The 50 states in our research are shown below. Washington, D.C., is included, with the only state excluded being Hawaii, which came in at No. 51.
1. South Carolina
2. Idaho
3. Alaska
4. North Carolina
5. Maine
6. Tennessee
7. Delaware
8. South Dakota
9. Alabama
10.Arkansas
Most Sought-After Counties
Here are the top 50 counties with the highest migration interest:
1. Brunswick County, North Carolina
2. Horry County, South Carolina
3. Washington County, Tennessee
4. Sumter County, Florida
5. Marion County, Florida
6. Ellis County, Texas
7. Catawba County, North Carolina
8. Greenville County, South Carolina
9. Dorchester County, South Carolina
10. Gaston County, North Carolina
Most Sought-After Cities
The top 50 U.S. cities generating relocation interest in 2025 included:
1. Conway, South Carolina
2. Johnson City, Tennessee
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
4. The Villages, Florida
5. Ocala, Florida
6. Bend, Oregon
7. Portland, Maine
8. New Braunfels, Texas
9. Bluffton, South Carolina
10. Apex, North Carolina
Provided by U.S. News & World Report.
Carl Sagan
Let's be the exception.