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What is it like to live in The Palmetto State?
Imagine a climate that’s warm but not sweltering, with mild winters ideal for outdoor adventures like sailing, fishing, and golfing. South Carolina’s diverse landscapes cater to all tastes, whether you crave coastal breezes or mountain valleys.
Add in the warmth of its people, a vibrant culinary scene, and rich historical significance, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable retirement haven.
Let’s look at why South Carolina can be an ideal retirement destination.
Let’s take a closer look at why retirement communities in South Carolina can be an ideal destination for your next chapter.
What to look for in a retirement community in South Carolina?
Navigating the ideal retirement community can be really daunting, especially with so many senior living options ranging from assisted living to home care and nursing homes. Because, from luxury to affordable retirement communities in South Carolina, there is something for everyone.
While looking for the perfect retirement villages in South Carolina for you, there are certain factors that you need to consider ensuring it caters to your unique requirements and needs.
Here’s a list of essential points that you should look into while narrowing down options:
- Location of retirement community (climate, accessibility to recreation and medical centers)
- Access to top-notch healthcare facilities
- Desirable amenities and services including assistance with daily activities
- Established requirements for age eligibility (such as 55+ or other)
- Type of senior living
- Ratings and reviews
- Affordability
City | Population | |||||
Charleston | 150,000 | $4,144 | $6,775 | $9,038 | $4,931 | $2,398 |
Greenville | 71,000 | $4,790 | $6,284 | $9,399 | $4,192 | $2,089 |
Myrtle Beach | 36,000 | $5,794 | $5,499 | $8,616 | $5,146 | $2,974 |
Spartanburg | 39,000 | $4,094 | $5,106 | $8,960 | $4,500 | $2,995 |
Summerville | 51,000 | $4,144 | $6,775 | $9,038 | $4,931 | $2,867 |
Columbia | 140,00 | $5,380 | $5,892 | $8,616 | $4,088 | $2,666 |
Aiken | 32,000 | $4,890 | $5,892 | $7,832 | $4,508 | $2,800 |
** Please note: Nursing home costs in this table are for ‘semi-private’ rooms**
Cost of Living for Retirees
Living in South Carolina can be rewarding in many ways, but the main reward is the state’s affordability.
Palmetto State has one of the lowest costs of living in the U.S.; in fact, it has the 18th lowest cost of living in the U.S., according to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
There are certain financial perks South Carolina has to offer you as a retiree there. Some are mentioned as follows:
- Lowest property tax rates in the U.S. (0.52 percent). About half the national average!
- A property tax deduction of $50,000 from their home’s taxable value for homeowners ages 65 and over.
- Social Security benefits are not taxed at all.
- Residents aged 65 and older can deduct up to $15,000 in retirement income (like 401k, pensions) from their state income tax.
- Those who are 60 and up can take classes at state colleges and universities that are completely tuition-free.
For more financial insights while retirement planning, browse through our blog articles here.
10 Best retirement communities in South Carolina
While South Carolina is not a traditional retirement state, it still has its fair share of retirement communities and senior living options.
South Carolina retirement communities each offer its own unique features paired with an array of amenities and perks to cater to older adults with different lifestyles and preferences.
Here are the top 10 recommended South Carolina retirement community that are located all across the state and are worth considering:
- Atria Forest Lake – Columbia
- Village At Summerville – Summerville
- Brookdale West Ashley – Charleston
- Terrabella Spartanburg – Spartanburg
- Brookdale Brushy Creek – Greer
- Rosewood Assisted Living – Pauline
- Somerby Mount Pleasant – Mount Pleasant
- The Place at Shadow Oaks – Aiken
- Harmony At Five Forks – Simpsonville
- Oaks at Beaufort – Beaufort
5 Lakefront retirement communities South Carolina
For those who dream of coastal living, South Carolina has some amazing places that offer senior living that are on/beside a lake. These are the perfect places to enjoy water activities such as fishing, waterskiing, swimming, camping, or you can just take a stroll by the lake.
Here are 5 top rated and most reviewed retirement communities in South Carolina that are lakefront:
- Del Webb at Grande Dunes – Myrtle Beach
- Sun City Hilton Head by Del Webb – Bluffton
- The Village at Southlake – Lexington
- Oceanside Village – Surfside Beach
- The Lakes at Litchfield – Pawleys Island
Can you expect an active lifestyle here?
Absolutely!
South Carolina has been a haven for seniors, especially veterans. It has the beach, boating, sailing, golf, and all the things that people like to do when they retire. In short, life in South Carolina can be described as Slow and Wonderful!
The temperate climate and long coastline, with lots of islands, give seniors ample opportunity to enjoy a range of outdoor recreational activities like sailing, kayaking, fishing or you can just hang out on the beach and soak in the sun.
Then comes golf, for which the Palmetto State is world-famous. With over 90 courses throughout the state, Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand is known as the World’s Golf Capital.
But southern hospitality is the real deal here which is out in full force within senior living communities in South Carolina!
A few things to know about South Carolina
When you hear warm temperatures, white sand beaches, nature parks, festivals, and golf capital – you would instantly know they are talking about South Carolina! These are the things that usually draw people to visit this beautiful state.
For history buffs, South Carolina is a treasure trove, from Revolutionary War sites to the antebellum charms of Charleston.
But it’s the famed Southern hospitality, rich culture, flavorful cuisine, and laid-back living that inspire them to live here.
Top hospitals
South Carolina offers a variety of healthcare services and resources at their medical centers for seniors. The U.S. News & World Report placed South Carolina 35th in Medicare quality, which measures the effectiveness and availability of Medicare Advantage plans.
Name of Hospitals | City |
MUSC Health-University Medical Center | Charleston |
Roper Hospital | Charleston |
Grand Strand Medical Center | Myrtle Beach |
Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital | Greenville |
Aiken Regional Medical Centers | Aiken |
Prisma Health Richland Hospital | Columbia |
East Cooper Medical Center | Mount Pleasant |
Lexington Medical Center | West Columbia |
Top sightseeing locations
From the historic seaside town of Beaufort to the coastal towns of Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the mountain town of Greenville, South Carolina, has a variety of great places for you to visit while you are enjoying your golden years there.
Some of the top places to visit in South Carolina and their distances from the major cities are mentioned for your convenience. Have a look:
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
- From Columbia: 2 hr 49 min
- From Charleston: 2 hr 5 min
- From Greenville: 4 hr 8 min
- From Myrtle Beach: 6 min
- From Beaufort: 3 hr 31 min
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- From Columbia: 1 hr 50 min
- From Charleston: 10 min
- From Greenville: 3 hr 9 min
- From Myrtle Beach: 2 hr 10 min
- From Beaufort: 1 hr 33 min
Broadway at the Beach
- From Columbia: 2 hr 47 min
- From Charleston: 2 hr 3 min
- From Greenville: 4 hr 4 min
- From Myrtle Beach: 4 min
- From Beaufort: 3 hr 27 min
Fort Sumter National Monument
- From Columbia: 1 hr 49 min
- From Charleston: 4 min
- From Greenville: 3 hr 7 min
- From Myrtle Beach: 2 hr 10 min
- From Beaufort: 1 hr 32 min
Congaree National Park
- From Columbia: 29 min
- From Charleston: 1 hr 49 min
- From Greenville: 1 hr 53 min
- From Myrtle Beach: 2 hr 45 min
- From Beaufort: 2 hr 12 min
Difference between retirement communities and 55+ communities in South Carolina
While these terms are used interchangeably, there are differences. Retirement communities are flexible with the age of the residents and offer a multitude of services from assisted living to nursing home care. Such communities help seniors age in place and shift between levels of care based on their ever changing health. There are more services and amenities to enjoy.
On the other hand, 55+ communities have stricter age restrictions with their residents being 55 years or older. Such communities may be less expensive but support adults who are capable of living independently. There are amenities such as pools, fitness clubs, community events however, the level of specialized care that may be needed for certain residents is not available.
Here are the top three 55+ communities for seniors:
- Sun City Carolina Lakes
- Tree Tops
- Del Webb at Cane Bay
Final thoughts
Retiring in South Carolina offers a cocktail of perks. Tax-wise, it’s a jackpot. Add to that rock-bottom property taxes and the homestead exemption. Plus, living costs are 6% below the national average, saving bucks on essentials.
But it’s not just about finances only. Picture postcard-worthy natural beauty makes every day feel like a vacation, especially with mild winters, and embrace a life that reflects a beneficial retirement.
You may also explore the neighboring states of South Carolina and their top retirement communities for better comparison.
- Retirement communities in North Carolina: Fit for every lifestyle
- 15 Best Retirement Communities in Georgia
FAQs
Where is the best place to retire in South Carolina?
Our top picks for places to retire in South Carolina are the following cities:
- Beaufort.
- Charleston.
- Greenville.
- Columbia.
- Spartanburg.
Is South Carolina a good state to retire in?
Actually, yes! The following factors are the reasons for retirees wanting to move to South Carolina:
- A lower cost of living
- Tax benefits
- A steady climate
- Unlimited access to outdoor activities
What is the largest retirement community in South Carolina?
Currently, Sun City Hilton Head is the largest retirement community in South Carolina.
Does South Carolina have 55+ communities?
Yes, apart from retirement communities, retirees also choose 55+ communities in South Carolina as retirement destinations. There are hundreds of 55+ communities to choose from in areas such as Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Greenville, Columbia and so on. Savannah Lakes Village (McCormick) and Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head (Hardeeville) are among popular 55+ communities in South Carolina.
