South Carolina's 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
South Carolina, known as the “Palmetto State” for the abundant sabal palm trees here, is the ideal location for retirees who are looking to trade the harsh winters for picturesque ocean views. South Carolina hosts several towns that provide safe environments for residents while also harboring unique natural beauty. One of the many perks is that premium views of the Atlantic Ocean are common at many of South Carolina’s accessible retirement locations! Featuring excellent access to quality healthcare and low home prices, come see what this topical oasis has in store for your Golden Years.
Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet is a safe haven boasting low crime rates and a vibrant senior population. Touting the highly sought “A” grade on CrimeGrade.org, Murrells Inlet is recognized in the 91st percentile of safest cities in America. The town hosts a median population age of 60, so you might see fellow seniors enjoying some of the beautiful landmarks nearby. One of these breathtaking landmarks is Brookgreen Gardens, which was rated one of the 10 best attractions in South Carolina by USA Today. The Gardens include gorgeous floral scenery as well as sculptures and historical artifacts! You can also explore the beaches heading north to Myrtle Beach. With median home prices slightly below the average of $357,000, Murrells Inlet proves it is the perfect retirement destination.
Garden City
The pier at Garden City, South Carolina.
Garden City is another beachside destination featuring affordable housing costs and a great healthcare facility nearby. Although this area is a short drive from Myrtle Beach and harbors prime oceanside real estate, housing prices are exceptionally reasonable. The median sold home price is $320,000, which is nearly $100,000 below the national average. Seniors do not have to stress about healthcare in Garden City as the nearby Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital was ranked among the nation’s top 100 spine surgery hospitals. Garden City is home to some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean! Residents love to watch the sunrise over the horizon from the 668-foot fishing pier, which serves as the heart of the community. Surfing is popular among locals, as many residents learn by visiting Village Surf Shoppe, which has been open since 1968.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head is a gorgeous island on the Atlantic Coast with a friendly senior population and golf heaven for those who love the links. Of the 38,000 residents in Hilton Head, 40% of them are over the age of 65. Seniors flock to the area for the award-winning Hilton Head Regional Medical Center healthcare facility, which recently won the Patient Safety Excellence Award. Activities on Hilton Head include strolling the picturesque 12 miles of beach or golfing at some of the world-renowned golf courses. Hilton Head is often referred to as “The Golf Island,” particularly because the island features 33 championship courses! Harbour Town Golf Links is the crown jewel of golf courses on Hilton Head as it has been the location of the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing since 1969. If you want to explore the island, you can head to Hilton Head Bike Rentals and enjoy having a bike delivered right to your door! While the median housing cost is above the national average at $632,000, you will find that the ocean views and activities make the cost of living worth it.
Little River
Little River is a safe, closely knit community where the beauty of nature is on full display. CrimeGrade gives Little River the highly sought “A” grade, noting especially low violent crime rates. Additionally, Little River is placed in the 86th percentile of America’s safest cities. Locals enjoy walking through the lush Vereen Gardens, which feature 1,500 feet of boardwalk that lead you from green forests into rich marshland. For those who want to roll the dice, Big “M” Casino Boat is the perfect place to try your luck on the only gambling boat in the Carolinas. The median listing home price is only $315,000, which is reasonable for being located so close to the Atlantic Ocean. McLeod Seacoast Hospital, located only 3 miles away, specializes in joint replacement surgeries.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach provides all the beautiful ocean views at exceptionally low prices! Being a smaller town comprising 4,000 residents, Surfside Beach gives residents a quaint, safe, affordable environment. Violent crime is remarkably low for being a seaside destination, as there was only one recorded assault in 2022, according to FBI crime statistics. Realtor.com reports the current median sold home price as being $300,000, which is an incredible deal considering the unique views of the Atlantic Ocean. Surfside Beach is known as the “family beach” by locals because of the town’s safe and clean beach landscape. The beauty of these beaches is on full display at the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier, which is at the epicenter of the community and provides a perfect spot for fishing. For those who love to play minigolf with their family, Mulligan's Lagoon is the ideal place that provides a brand-new state-of-the-art course. Quality healthcare is just a short drive away from Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, which was recognized among America’s 100 best hospitals for spine surgery in 2024.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is a scenic retirement destination with a friendly senior population. With the median age being 61, this beachside getaway is one that many retirees call home. The older generation enjoys golfing at the Arcadian Shores Golf Club, where you can play a relaxing game of golf as you bask in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Another hidden gem is Waites Island, which has a vast ecosystem to explore in addition to equestrian opportunities for those who are keen! Crime rates are much lower than the average South Carolina town, especially regarding violent crime. CrimeGrade awards North Myrtle Beach an “A” in the violent crime category for its significantly low rates. Additionally, FBI crime statistics show that in 2023, there was not a single homicide incident in the town. North Strand Emergency is also located in North Myrtle Beach and provides 24-hour emergency services.
Tega Cay
Tega Cay gives retirees a secure community with plenteous activities! FBI crime statistics show that there has not been a homicide in the last 10 years! Because of these low rates of violent crime, CrimeGrade.org awards Tega Cay an “A” grade, placing this town in the 90th percentile of safest places in America. Tega Cay rests on the shores of Lake Wylie, providing beautiful scenery and water-based fun. Windjammer Park lies on Lake Wylie and features stunning views of the water while offering space to host family gatherings. Tega Cay Golf Club is the perfect venue to tee off as it showcases a 27-hole public course. Quality healthcare is only 5 miles away at Piedmont Medical Center, which received the Outpatient Prostate Care Excellence Award in 2025! While the median sold home price is a little high at $512,000, residents will find the safety and lake-based fun well worth it.
Aiken
Aiken is a welcoming retirement location with exciting opportunities for seniors! Seniors enjoy the various parks and natural wonders that encompass this quaint South Carolina town. Aiken Arboretum Trail is perfect for nature enthusiasts because of the diverse collection of tree species it harbors. Aiken State Park is ideal for rafting enthusiasts as locals enjoy canoeing in the spacious 1,000-acre public park. Crime in Aiken is on a downward trend as 2023 saw a 5-year decrease in aggravated assaults. Aiken Regional Medical Center is conveniently located in Aiken and extends premium healthcare for its residents. Property costs are exceptionally lower than the average South Carolina community, as the median sold housing price is $290,000. With a population comprising 30% seniors, Aiken proves to be a reasonable and comfortable oasis for retirees.
South Carolina offers seniors warm weather, safe environments, and one-of-a-kind natural wonders for their retirement. Known for the palm trees that line the stunning oceanside shores, South Carolina features unique avenues to make any retirement feel luxurious. Whether you are longing for a beachside rendezvous at Surfside Beach or inclined to the southern comfort lifestyle at Aiken, South Carolina hosts numerous advantages for any retirement lifestyle.
