8 Top-Ranked Towns in South Carolina for Retirees
Affordability, favorable climate, and the luxury of an active lifestyle are some advantages of retiring in South Carolina. However, the top-ranked towns in South Carolina for retirees are often overshadowed by major metropolitan cities like Columbia and Charleston for offering a similar lifestyle with more amenities. Despite the advantages of major cities, the best small towns in South Carolina have a calmer atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a relaxed lifestyle away from the bustling metropolis.
From a permanent vacation lifestyle in Myrtle Beach, where senior living is enhanced with sandy shores and endless entertainment options, to the tranquil cityside living experience Camden offers, South Carolina caters to diverse atmospheres. Whether you seek the excitement of coastal living or the peaceful charm of a smaller town, read along to find your ideal small town to call home in the Palmetto State.
Garden City
Located 10 mi from Myrtle Beach, Garden City offers an upscale atmosphere away from the touristy bustle without excluding the beach escape element and waterfront living option. Garden City is an ideal retirement destination for individuals in search of a serene, unhurried town where every day feels like a holiday. Set against an untouched backdrop, it offers a blend of tranquility and leisure, with ample opportunities for wildlife encounters such as birdwatching, fishing, and various watersports. Garden City, stretching just 5.4 Sq Mi, invites prospective residents to explore beyond its borders.
Nearby communities like Murrells Inlet and Surfside Beach, a mere 2 miles from the town center, present similar living experiences, broadening the scope of options for those considering relocation to the area. Unique experiences in these areas include walking the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, birdwatching at Huntington Beach State Park, and strolling the Garden City Pier, one of the best destinations to dine and catch a sunset. A few top-rated senior living options in Garden City include Carolina Gardens on Grandhaven Dr and Garden Manor Village, while the average home price for those looking to own their new retirement house is $356,000.
Spartanburg
Spartanburg stands out for its abundant recreational opportunities while also offering top-notch healthcare facilities. Situated roughly 31 miles from Greenville, it presents an appealing retirement option for those seeking a blend of South Carolina lifestyles. Senior living in Spartanburg enjoys a balance of nature-centric and downtown settings with multiple options located near Ansel St, making for a welcoming community for newcomers.
Top-ranked senior homes in the area include Pacifica Senior Living Skylyn for a homely atmosphere and Summit Hills for an upscale living experience. Active living lifestyle attractions in the town include Hatcher Garden, Woodland Botanical Gardens, and Croft State Park. Walnut Grove Plantation also balances history and nature. Those seeking to own their retirement home can expect to pay $249,500 while living costs are valued at an average of $2,277, making it one of the more affordable retirement communities in South Carolina. With that said, despite the town’s many amenities and affordability, Spartanburg has a significantly higher crime rate than other top-rated towns to retire in South Carolina.
Hilton Head Island
One of the most popular retirement communities in South Carolina, Hilton Head Island ranks for its unique environmental setting that blends the beach escape atmosphere with endless greenery. Places like Lowcountry Celebration Park, Audubon Newhall Preserve, and Sea Pines Forest Preserve qualify the town to be a nature enthusiast’s paradise, accommodating an active retirement lifestyle from hiking to camping and more. Over 30% of the island’s population is 60 years or older, making it a top choice for those prioritizing the community element.
From waterfront senior living options like the fancy Bayshore on Hilton Head Island condominiums to the sophisticated homely ambiance at Cypress of Hilton Head, this top-ranked town in South Carolina for retirees offers a broad range of options that are tailored to all interests and appeals. Despite its many appeals and advantages, Hilton Head Island also ranks as one of the most expensive communities to own a home, with the average home price being $599,000 for its paradise-like setting and desirability.
Georgetown
The 3rd oldest city in South Carolina, Georgetown is a well-rounded community of big city amenities, friendly locals, and a balance of natural settings. Adding to the best destinations to retire in the Palmetto State, Georgetown ranks primarily for its southern charm and historical element that amplifies the small-town experience. East Bay Park, Hobcaw Barony Research Reserve, and Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center are a few of the many attractions that add to the town’s appeal as a well-rounded community for all interests.
Assisted living centers and senior homes in Georgetown also cater to various preferences with relaxed eco-centric options like South Island Assisted Living and centric community-focused options like Oasis Residential Home near the town's senior center. Purr and Pour Cat Cafe, Emma Marie’s Antique Store, and Soco Grille, located near the Rice Museum, are a few of the locally renowned businesses in the area. At the same time, Strand Theater and the Winyah Auditorium offer insights into historical entertainment. Home prices in Georgetown are $332,000, and the cost of living there is lower than the national average.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is the perfect retirement community for those looking to embrace the vacation experience as a permanent lifestyle. The town is one of the main tourist destinations in South Carolina. It ranks #11 on the best places to retire, according to the US News Report, for its abundance of entertainment in the area while offering healthcare options like Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. Subtropical climates, 86 golf courses, and thousands of dining options are a few other contributing factors to the town’s high ranking on lists of the best places to retire in South Carolina.
With over 20 million annual visitors, the lively atmosphere of Myrtle Beach attracts retirees looking for a medium between small-town and big-city living. The highly desirable town enjoys a population of 37,100, with average home prices of $305,000 and an average cost of living of $2304.
Camden
Camden ranks as one of the best places to retire for its lively atmosphere, many community events, and abundance of senior home options. Advantages of retiring in Camden include being located under an hour away from the Capital city of Columbia, beautified with artistic murals like the Camden cultural district featuring six blocks of street art, and the antique street dotted with passionate local vendors. Live Long Well Care, The Colonial at Old Camden Assisted Living, and The Legacy of Camden are a few of the top-rated senior homes in Camden.
Complementing the abundance of assisted living options in town is a well-rounded selection of healthcare options like the South Carolina Free Clinic Association, Colonial Healthcare, USC Health Kershaw Medical Center, and Sandhills Medical Foundation. According to recent reports, average home prices in town are around $320,000, while the annual cost of living is less than the national average.
Beaufort
Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina. It was established in 1711 and is renowned for its cultural heritage and being the filming spot of multiple cinematic classics like Forrest Gump and The Big Chill. Coastal beauty and its Hunting Island State Park are the town’s main distinguishing attractions, inspiring an active lifestyle. Yet, its retirement appeal lies in its suburban atmosphere, historical element, many healthcare options, and booming culinary scene. Beautified with historical buildings like the Gothic Revival First African American Baptist church, the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, and Secession House, relocating to Beaufort is a trip back in time through developing history showcasing multiple important national periods.
AccessHealth Lowcountry, Beaufort Memorial Pratt Emergency Center, and Beaufort Memorial Medical Plaza are some of the town’s main healthcare facilities conveniently located near each other, shaping a central medical hub on Ribaut Rd. Additionally, home prices in Beaufort are valued at $459,000 in 2023, with annual expenses of $47,200.
Seneca
Finally, with its relaxed mountainous setting, Seneca stands out as one of the calmest towns in South Carolina to retire. Located near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the shores of Lake Keowee, Seneca stands out as one of the most naturally abundant towns in South Carolina to retire. The 46-acre High Falls County Park, featuring some of the best vistas in town, is one of the best places to experience the town’s appeal. Med-urgent Care is one of the few healthcare facilities in Seneca. The Oconee Senior Center is one of the main senior centers in town, hosting most activities and gatherings.
Better yet, Seneca is located roughly 37 mi from the major metropolitan city of Greenville, qualifying the town as one of the best options for those looking to enjoy rural living without missing out on the big city element. A home in Seneca costs $369,000, while single-person monthly expenses are $2,226.
South Carolina is a prime destination for retirees, enticing them with its tax benefits such as non-taxable Social Security benefits and property tax exemptions for homeowners aged 65 and older on their first $50,000. While many of the state's top-rated retirement towns cater to active living, South Carolina also caters to the retirement lifestyle with top-notch healthcare amenities, senior assisted living homes, and luxurious residencies.
