9 Best Places For Retirement In South Carolina

You might know South Carolina as one of the popular travel destinations in America. But, did you know, it is also an ideal place for retirees to plan their retirement? South Carolina has so much to offer to its visitors – from the spectacular beaches, mountains to thrilling entertainment. The financial leeway it provides to people who want to settle down here is often overlooked. If the tax benefits and the natural charm is not enough to lure new settlers to South Carolina, the slow-paced southern lifestyle will make them think twice. All these conveniences justify South Carolina’s ranking among the top five retirement destinations in the USA. Here we have listed some of the top places in South Carolina that you can consider for your retirement.

What Makes South Carolina Special for Retirement?

South Carolina offers a lucrative tax deduction for retirees; if you are over 65, you can have a $3000 tax deduction on your retirement income. The low property tax is another pro of retiring in South Carolina. In some cases, you can even manage to be completely tax-exempt. Along with a low living cost, you can also enjoy living in a friendly southern neighborhood without spending a lot for buying a home. With its long summer and short winter, the favorable South Carolinian weather is also ideal for relaxing and traveling.

Best Places for Retirement In South Carolina

South Carolina has many cities with excellent tax benefits, retirement facilities, and healthcare facilities. You can also consider a vibrant small town or the countryside for your retirement. Here we have listed some of the best places to consider for your retirement.

Myrtle Beach

If you like golf, you should not miss the chance to retire in Myrtle Beach, SC. Along with splendid beaches, it is also famous for its eighty award-winning golf courses. Myrtle Beach SC real estate prices are well within your reach, and there are different favorable communities you can choose from. The growing number of the retiree community in Myrtle Beach only proves that it can be ideal for an active post-retirement lifestyle.

Charleston

Charleston is a historic city in South Carolina that can provide you with attractive retirement opportunities. Apart from a low tax rate and income tax exemption up to $15000, Charleston can also offer one of the best health care facilities in South Carolina. Health care facilities are often considered a top priority for retirees; in this regard, Charleston has many high-class primary health care facilities, hospitals, and fitness centers. Charleston can also offer plenty of entertainment sources with its historic architecture, museums, galleries, and shopping centers.

Columbia

Columbia is the capital of South Carolina with a distinct college town vibe. If you are planning on enrolling in college after retirement, Columbia can be the best option for you as it houses the University of South Carolina. Columbia can also offer you a vibrant lifestyle as it has many recreation facilities. Columbia’s living cost is relatively low, considering it is the state capital and the hub of all activities.

Camden

Camden is the USA’s oldest inland town, founded back in 1751. This city’s fascinating history justifies its position among the top ten ranked towns for retirement in South Carolina. However, you can’t overlook the tax benefit, social benefits, medical and recreational facilities that Camden can provide. If you want to soak in the countryside lifestyle, you should consider buying a house and settling down in Camden.

Seneca

With 20% of its population being over 60 years of age, Seneca is regarded as one of the best places to retire in South Carolina. With natural adornments of lakes and mountains, Seneca can provide you the perfect living in nature feeling. This ideal little town offers plenty of recreational facilities- kayaking, hiking, boating, and camping. Seneca also offers excellent healthcare facilities, with 5.74 medical facilities per 1000 people.

Anderson

Anderson is both an industrial and a college town vibe. This city was among the first few cities in America which embraced electricity when it was first getting popularized. Anderson has a diverse population, with seniors making 30% of its residents. Anderson’s median property value is 33% below the national average, making it an ideal place for retirement.

Murrells Inlet

Located just thirteen miles away from Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet has one of the USA’s most vibrant maritime communities. Murrells inlet has a population of 8000 people, with 30% of its population being above sixty years of age. Murrells inlet also has adequate healthcare facilities, with 7.25 healthcare facilities per thousand people. If you like seafood, fishing, golf, and the beach, you will love this close-knit community.

Hilton Head Island

With a twelve-mile beach spreading across Hilton Head Island, it can give you the perfect retirement package- an ideal place to relax and explore. With its distinct cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and the opportunity to adopt green living, Hilton Head Island is perfect for undertaking some adventure. Hilton Head Island is also the witness to most historical events in South Carolina; from Native Americans, French colonists, and pirates, to the civil war, you can find all the history traces here.

Spartanburg

Spartanburg is also a viable option for retirees, with 16.1% of its population over 65. This city might not offer Myrtle Beach or Charleston’s glam and entertainment, but it has its perks. It has the distinctive vibe of a historic city, along with different parks and museums. This quiet little city can be an ideal place for retirement if you are not fond of the crowd or excessive tourists.

On a final note, planning for retirement might seem daunting. However, choosing South Carolina for retirement can be a sensible decision considering the tax and retirement friendly facilities.  South Carolina can also offer you the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Be sure to consider other factors such as post-retirement work opportunities and healthcare facilities in your decision-making process. You can also have a trial visit to your desired destination to see if it aligns with your post-retirement lifestyle.