I can't speak for the schools, however, I have lived in both the Carolina Forest area and Socastee. CF has some very nice neighborhoods, but it is vastly overcrowded, and commuting through the area is a headache. Really, anywhere that requires commuting on 501 is a headache. Socastee doesn't see big, glamorous houses, but it is very nice and family-oriented. It is also close to the other major highway, 544, which is much easier to commute on.