Best Places to Live in South Carolina for Retirees

The small Southern state of South Carolina is fast becoming a popular place to retire. According to U.S. Census data, the Palmetto State ranks second only to Florida as a retirement destination. 27% of new residents moving to the state are retirees. In this article, we will examine reasons for the state’s popularity as a retirement destination. Additionally, we will provide information on some of the best places for retirees to settle in the state. We hope that this will allow readers to make an informed decision about whether South Carolina is the perfect place for them to spend their retirement years.

Top Reasons for Choosing South Carolina to Retire

1. Weather: The state’s warm, sunny summers and mild winters make it appealing to many retirees
2. Beaches: With almost 200 miles of stunning coastline, South Carolina beaches will appeal to all types of people. From the pristine coast of Myrtle Beach with its many attractions to the sedate shoreline of Edisto Island, there is a beach to fit all personality types
3. Taxes: South Carolina does not tax social security benefits. Also, residents who are 65 years old or older can get up to $10,000 of their retirement income deducted from the state tax rate. The state does not have an estate tax or an inheritance tax, which can be a draw for many potential retirees. Additionally, the state has a homestead exemption for residents over 65 after they have lived in the state for over[ a year. This allows residents to take a tax exemption of $50,000 off the value of their home. It is important to note, however, that South Carolina does have a state income tax that can range from 0-7%
4. Lower Cost of Living: South Carolina’s overall cost of living is 6% below the national average. Residents appreciate lower gas prices and lower housing costs. However, some prices are higher than the national average, like utility costs
5. Multitude of Outdoor Activities: With numerous state parks and national forests, South Carolina offers great opportunities for hiking and camping. Fishing is popular in the many lakes found across the state. Myrtle Beach and other areas have some of the best golf courses to be found anywhere
6. Free Education: Lifelong learners will appreciate the fact that residents 60 or older can take free courses at any of the state’s public universities or colleges

So, after considering the pros of retiring to South Carolina, we will examine what we consider some of the best places for retirement in the state.

1. Charleston

The oldest city in the state, Charleston is in the low country of South Carolina. The city has some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Residents enjoy numerous outdoor activities like swimming and water sports at Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms. Its many parks give residents opportunities to camp and hike or just enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Charleston is a city with a unique past, and its well-preserved antebellum buildings allow visitors a glimpse of a time lost to history. The Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in the United States and is filled with historical artifacts. Festivals throughout the year highlight the city’s heritage. The Spoleto Festival and the Charleston Wine + Food festival are just two such annual events. 

Charleston’s food scene is extraordinary. Residents can choose from comforting Southern food, outstanding fresh seafood, and a plethora of ethnic cuisines. Also, it is an expanding food scene with new restaurants opening every day.

Charleston has gorgeous surroundings and is known for its Southern hospitality and charm. It is also a place with many cultural attractions, making it a very pleasant city to retire in.

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2. Beaufort

Beaufort is a charming beach town with a history that dates to the early 1700s. Its tree-lined streets, historic houses, and bustling waterfront create a charming atmosphere.

Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Beaufort’s waterfront. Numerous outdoor activities like boating and fishing are popular. The city has charming horse-drawn carriages to take visitors through its amazing historic district. It is located near Huntington State Park, which is an exceedingly popular outdoor destination. Hiking and bike riding are also popular pastimes in the cobblestone streets of the city. 

Beaufort has a thriving arts and cultural scene that includes Parris Island Marine Museum, which highlights the history of the Marine Corps. Beaufort National Cemetery was established in 1863, and it is the final resting grounds for many Civil War soldiers. Beaufort is also home to several art galleries. 

The town hosts lots of festivals throughout the year. These events display Beaufort’s vibrant culture and provide plenty of entertainment for its residents. Two popular festivals are the Beaufort Water Festival and the Shrimp Festival. The Water Festival includes boat races, live music, and a parade, and is held in July. The Shrimp Festival is in October and showcases amazing shrimp dishes. It is an immensely popular event for local arts and crafts vendors. 

No matter if you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just searching for a quiet small town to retire in, Beaufort has it all. Its timeless charm and beauty make it a desirable location to settle in.

3. Greenville 

Located in Upstate South Carolina, Greenville is situated between Atlanta and Charlotte. This makes traveling to these bigger cities a breeze. The city boasts a bustling downtown area that is easy to navigate thanks to its convenient trolley system. Downtown Greenville consists of ten blocks that include breweries, bars, boutiques, and plenty of restaurants.

Among all the bustle of Downtown is Falls Park, a beautiful 32-acre park that has a magnificent waterfall. It is an oasis among all the man-made delights of the city. The park is a popular spot for sunbathing or just relaxing and enjoying nature. Greenville lives up to its name by having lots of greenspaces. There are twenty-eight parks throughout the city, and they cover over 400 acres of land.

Greenville proudly displays the works of local artists in many public spaces throughout the city. Dozens of murals brighten local businesses. The Greenville Center for Creative Arts serves as the epicenter of visual arts in the Greenville area. A historic old mill complex houses exhibits in three different galleries that periodically rotate. 

The city has festivals and events in every season of the year. Artisphere is an art festival that highlights works from visual artists, musicians, and much more. In October, Fall for Greenville is a local festival that lasts three days and is filled with food, beer, and live music.

Greenville has 110 restaurants in the Downtown area alone. It is fast becoming recognized as a foodie city despite its small size. You will find many different cuisines, from down-home, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food to a wide variety of international cuisines.

Greenville, with a population of just over 70,000, is not a large city. However, it has many of the amenities found in larger metro areas, all the while keeping its small-town charm. We feel that this makes Greenville a perfect place to retire.

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4. Columbia

There is no shortage of things to do in Columbia, also known as Soda City:

You will find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities in the South Carolina state capital. Synchronous fireflies viewing is a popular yearly event. Residents can kayak, fish, or sail on  the Congaree, Saluda, and Broad rivers. Hiking in the Congaree National Forest is another popular pastime. Nearby Lake Murray is a wonderful place to enjoy many outdoor activities.

Columbia is home to several museums. You can journey into space at the Planetarium or enjoy the interactive displays of science at the South Carolina State Museum. The Columbia Museum of Art boasts art collections from American, European, and Asian cultures, in addition to hosting numerous jazz performances every year. The South Carolina Military Museum has artifacts from various periods in SC history.

If you are a foodie, you will enjoy the various restaurants in Columbia. You will find down-home Southern cooking places as well as many ethnic restaurants to choose from.

This small Southern capital has the benefits of a large city but the charm of a smaller town. Columbia is conveniently located in the middle of the state, making it an easy commute to many of South Carolina’s attractions, which would be a benefit to retirees.

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5. Spartanburg

Spartanburg is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Residents enjoy the city’s breathtaking natural beauty and its year-round good weather.

Nearby Croft State Park gives residents many chances to enjoy outdoor activities. The park spans over 7,000 acres and is a popular spot for residents to camp, fish, and ride horses. There are also several trails throughout the park for hiking or biking.

Spartanburg is home to a vibrant cultural scene. Residents enjoy many performances and community events at the Chapman Cultural Center throughout the year. Theater lovers appreciate the Spartanburg Little Theatre. The Spartanburg Art Museum has displays of contemporary art from all over the world.

Spartanburg is home to several festivals. One very popular event is the city’s Spring Fling that has live music, arts, crafts, and many food vendors. 

For those interested in visual arts, the Spartanburg Art Museum showcases contemporary art from both national and international artists. The museum often hosts workshops and classes for individuals of all skill levels to explore their creativity.

Spartanburg welcomes retirees to the city. It has lots of clubs and organizations that keep seniors active, allowing them to meet new people and make new friends.

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6. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is an immensely popular retirement destination. Its beautiful landscape, warm coastal living, and outstanding golf courses are just a few of the reasons it is so popular. 

With over 60 miles of coastline, Myrtle Beach is perfect for outdoor lovers. Residents can walk on the beach, sunbathe, or participate in a beachside sport. There is always something to do. In addition to its beautiful shores, Myrtle Beach is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. There are over one hundred courses in the area, earning the city the nickname of “Golf Capital of the World.” Most of the courses are public and do not have membership fees, which can provide substantial savings for seniors on a budget.

Huntington Beach State Park offers outdoor lovers a place to hike its trails and view the lighthouse that is located on the park’s property.

Myrtle Beach also has a diverse arts and cultural scene. The Myrtle Beach Art Museum has over ten galleries that change periodically throughout the year and displays local artists as well as well-known national artists. The Horry County Museum includes exhibits of Southern art from the area and a Living History Farm.

Myrtle Beach has become known as a melting pot of unique food fare. From fresh seafood to Southern classics, the city has offerings to please most diners. There is also a wide range of world cuisines to choose from.

Myrtle Beach is an ideal location for retirees. It has a profound sense of community infused with Southern charm that will make seniors feel welcome.

Conclusion

South Carolina is a popular retirement choice for many reasons. Its pleasant weather, lower cost of living, beautiful landscapes, and Southern hospitality are just a few of those reasons. Each of the cities listed in this article deserves consideration if you are planning for a retirement destination. We hope that the information we have provided will make your decision a little easier.