Best Cities for Retirement in South Carolina  

Choosing the best city for retirement depends on individual preferences and priorities. Luckily for South Carolina, we have no shortage of beautiful, affordable options. The hardest part was whittling the list down to the cream of the crop. This warm and friendly destination has retirement destinations in a coastal setting or the quiet charm of the mountains. Check out these best retirement cities in South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach

How can we talk about retirement and not bring up the coast? No destination in South Carolina is as amenity-packed as Myrtle Beach. For starters, it’s a warm and mild climate all year round. Imagine winter mornings watching sunrises on the “Grand Strand,” the 60 miles of unbroken Atlantic coastline. Spend sunny afternoons at any of the dozens of world-class championship golf courses that make our shores a top vacation destination. Or play tennis, pickleball…go fishing…whatever hobby you have, indulge it here.

Besides beautiful beaches and golf, what else do you gain living in a top vacation destination? The grandchildren will love to visit you because there’s so much to do. If the weather’s bad for swimming, the boardwalk still has an Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and more. When it is nice, dine outside or browse the boutique shops on the beachfront or in one of the shopping districts. Touring celebrity music acts and a thriving arts scene add to the things to do. 

Retirees gain access to this deep entertainment roster, but what about essentials? Rest assured that reputable healthcare facilities in the Myrtle Beach area can meet your medical needs. While living near the beachfront will cost you more, you can manage the cost of living and still be waterfront with the Intracoastal or other lakes. And some neighborhoods are designated at 55+ only, adding a bevy of in-community perks like fitness centers that make living here in retirement more convenient.  

Murrells Inlet

Like the idea of beachfront retirement living but not the crowds? Then check out what Niche.com says is the best place to retire in South Carolina: Murrells Inlet. This beautiful Lowcountry town is just a few miles from Myrtle Beach. Read: laidback coastal living minus the Las Vegas-y lights.

Murrells Inlet launched as a fishing village. Today, it’s still considered the seafood capital of South Carolina. Enjoy fresh catches of the day at local restaurants, or head out on your boat to catch dinner yourself! Other attractions include historic landmarks like Brookgreen Gardens and the Huntington Beach State Park. But this isn’t an entirely sleepy town; the MarshWalk is its downtown waterfront, and live music streams over the breeze from the restaurants and bars. 

Even with these perks, life is more laidback at this Myrtle Beach alternative. You’re still fifteen minutes or so from the golf courses, tourist shops, and festivities. You gain a chance to find an affordable waterfront home with beautiful and natural coastal scenes.

Hilton Head Island

Speaking of the coastal lifestyle, you can’t get more coastal than living on an island. And why not Hilton Head Island, one of the Atlantic Coast’s top island destinations? This 12-mile-long island packs a lot in: 100 miles of bicycle trails, 11 miles of Atlantic beaches, 250 restaurants, and 24 golf courses.

This is where bicycling is a top way of getting around, keeping retirees healthy and active. And what could be more invigorating than the sea breeze rippling through your hair as you bike to meet friends for afternoon tennis and happy hour? 

Hilton Head’s cultural scene is enormous despite its relatively small size. Residents can access multiple art galleries, theaters, and cultural events showcasing Lowcountry arts. The culinary scene is prized, with over 100 quality restaurants on the island.

The most significant drawback may be healthcare access. Facilities and providers do work and operate on the island, but depending on your specific needs, you may need to journey over the bridge for care. That can be daunting during island rush hour.

As for your living, the real estate here does run above national and state averages. That’s a testament to island living’s desirability. But you can find condominiums, active living neighborhoods, and single-family homes in all styles and sizes across Hilton Head Island. 

Sun City Hilton Head

Part of what makes Bluffton an excellent retirement city is this award-winning active adult master-planned community. Designed and managed by Del Webb, a national name in active retirement living, over 16,000 people have made Sun City Hilton Head their golden years home. Located on the mainland, it’s the state’s largest active living community and is packed with recreational activities. 

At the community center awaits an amenity campus, the Town Square. Here, you’ll find buildings with swimming facilities, rooms for social clubs, and more. Magnolia Hall’s auditorium is used for movies, theater, and dance productions. Pickney Hall runs the community Broadcast Studio, a Book Exchange, and has a ballroom. 

Another 7.5 miles of walking trails wind through communities and natural greenways, connecting the fitness centers along the way. For fans of golf, the neighborhood has three 18-hole courses. Chelsea Reservation has courts for tennis, pickleball, and bocce.

Inside Sun City are three restaurants that serve casual and fine dining. Plus, there are excellent places to eat and the southern charm of Bluffton, SC. Retirees have so many choices to dine and enjoy life.

The real estate choices here span 8,200 homes broken into over 50 neighborhoods. Find everything from small studio-like condos to custom single-family homes listed over $1 million. The gated communities have ten total access points for added convenience.

Beaufort

Love sailing or being near the water? Forbes short-listed Beaufort as a top place to retire in the US. Fall in love with a classic Lowcountry town with marshes running for miles, moss-draped trees, and lovingly cared-for old homes. It’s so charming that Beaufort’s served as the backdrop for multiple Blockbuster movies and television shows. Southern Living has consistently rated it as one of the best small towns in the South.

Enjoy a family-oriented community that bursts with southern hospitality. The top activities are boating and fishing–Beaufort is a historic fishing village, after all. But South Carolina’s second-oldest town is modern, with pathways for hiking and cycling, coffee shops, and food truck rallies. The downtown area is charming; you can discover local fashion boutiques and soul food restaurants serving fresh catches of the day. 

Your essentials are covered, too, with Beaufort Memorial as an emergency and specialty care provider. The cost of living may work for your budget, as it’s 4% more than the national average. Housing costs trend higher, but it is a coastal city.

Greenville

Money Magazine ranked Greenville 2023’s second-best retirement city in South Carolina. It’s also been recognized by other media outlets like the New York Times for its high quality of life: affordability, thriving job markets, great schools, and excellent things to do.

Instead of the coastline, you’ll gain a beautiful Upcountry town with a historic downtown on both sides of the Reedy River. The iconic river flows through downtown, creating a walkable space crossed by pedestrian bridges. Think “Southern town in a Hallmark movie,” and chances are, Greenville was the inspiration. 

You’ll also trade in the hot, humid Lowcountry for a more moderate year-round climate. Winters are still mild, and may see an occasional light dusting of snowfall. Most days are pleasant and perfect for hitting golf in the hills or walking the trails.

Prime access to outdoor activities is one of Greenville’s many advantages. Not only do you have a bike-friendly community with multiple hike-and-bike trails, but there are so many parks. Find yourself hiking the hills, birdwatching in the mountains, or trout fishing rustic bubbling creeks.

Greenville’s art scene is just as outstanding. You can’t miss the 125+ public art pieces around town. Art venues are packed along Main Street and around town, from galleries to comedy theaters. The Peace Center for the Performing Arts hosts various cultural events and performances. Enjoy an event calendar packed with award-winning but homegrown events like Artisphere, Euphoria Food and Wine, and the Reedy Reels Film Festival. 

Spartanburg

Another Upcountry addition, Spartanburg, matches the affordable cost of living with a highly walkable and friendly city. The mild year-round climate helps, with July highs averaging 89F. And while snowfall is rare, it does happen. But at an average of two inches a year, there’s no need to break out the snow shovels. It’s just enough to give this Upcountry region a four-season feel if that’s something you want out of retirement. 

For healthcare, Spartanburg has three major healthcare systems, including a research and teaching hospital at Spartanburg Medical Center. This increases your access to innovative and cutting-edge care. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the access they gain by living in Spartanburg for retirement. Multiple parks and nature preserves are within city limits or a short drive. Find hiking trails, river fishing access, canoeing, and mountain biking opportunities. Thousands of acres of lakes and rivers await boating and bass fishing.  

Spartanburg also has a rich cultural past as a leader in the textile industry and with the railroad system. Explore these sites and more culture and art attractions like the Artists’ Collective and Guild. The downtown cultural district has 21 indoor performance spaces, 38 murals, and six historic sites alone.  

Charleston

The beautiful Holy City will win you over with its beautiful year-round weather, southern hospitality, and charming architecture. WalletHub included Charleston in its national top ten places to retire, citing its lower cost of living, lots of activities, and many essential amenities as a prime benefit.

The historic district homes are a testament to the city’s long and storied past as an epicenter of culture. But its true wealth is not in the opulent real estate but the quality of life you’ll enjoy as a retiree. Check out the shops and art galleries on King Street or browse the historic City Market. Its art museum is one of the oldest in the US, and it’s not in every city where you can board a military vessel as a civilian.

Nearby are pristine islands and beaches at Kiawah Island and Folly Beach. Find award-winning golf courses, delicious restaurants with Lowcountry fine dining and global casual choices, and multiple ways to enjoy the water. Annual festivals draw crowds for events like the Spoleto Festival and the Charleston Food + Wine Event.

Charleston is also home to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), meaning you’ll have access to cutting-edge health care thanks to this research and teaching hospital. It’s just one of several health care providers to choose from.

Charleston’s neighborhoods have unique charms for you to explore. Find quiet and gated living on Daniel Island, or go for energy and walkability near Downtown. You may prefer to live in the suburbs like Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, or James Island.

Del Webb Charleston at Nexton

Another top-rated retirement-specific neighborhood, this active adult community is one of the newest and is built near the growing Nexton lifestyle hub. Besides being purpose-built for those 55 and older, its perks include the security of gated living, a 25,000 sq ft clubhouse, and resort-style living. Residents have indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball and tennis courts, fitness centers, clubs, and social groups. As an added bonus, the neighborhood has a fiber network for fast and stable connections. 

Besides the in-community perks, the walking trails connect to the 50+ miles of pedestrian pathways in Nexton. Multiple community green spaces and parks add to the recreation options.

Charleston at Nexton is still under construction as of 2023. Floor plans range from 1,300 to 3,728 sq ft. This could be your option if you want to retire in an amenity-rich neighborhood in South Carolina and have a new construction home.

Best Retirement Cities In South Carolina

From mountains to sea, South Carolina checks the boxes for a high quality of life for active retirees. It has many excellent options for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle, including the ones above. As with any retirement destination, individuals should visit the area and really explore the community. A local real estate agent can help you learn the perks of all these South Carolina retirement cities and others you may be delighted to discover.

FAQs

Does South Carolina tax social security benefits?

Social security benefits are exempt from the state’s individual income tax. Unfortunately, other retirement income withdrawals may not be. There are some deductions, especially for the state’s retirees. Taxes can be a con of retiring to South Carolina.

Do I pay property taxes as a retiree in South Carolina?

All South Carolina residents pay property taxes. If you need to reduce your tax burden, the state has some programs to help lower your debt, like a homestead exemption.

What are the median home costs in South Carolina?

Affordability has always been an advantage of buying a home in South Carolina. Actual median home costs depend on where you live. The 2023 statewide median home price was $325,000. However, a home buyer in Hilton Head Island paid a median of $516,000 for the year, while greater Columbia reported $269,000.

Is there an income tax in South Carolina?

South Carolina residents are levied an individual income tax on a graduated basis. Income tax rates can be as high as 7% for top earners. Retirees over 65 years old do have some special deductions that reduce their individual tax liability. As mentioned, social security income is not taxed.