The Best Small Towns To Retire In South Carolina

There is so much to look for in the perfect small town to retire in. Significant factors include quality of life, everyday expenses, taxes, health care, and most importantly, the surrounding environment and things to keep you busy. However, out of all factors to consider, South Carolina checks many boxes, from affordability to similar communities with the same objective. With the state’s perfect climate and much more affordable real-estate prices, retirees and residents from bigger cities can boost their quality of life and live a more abundant experience when relocating to The Palmetto State. 

Bluffton

Bluffton is a popular retiring destination with many modernized residential communities, retiree clubs, and plenty to do. It enjoys a medium of city and small-town atmospheres keeping residents from getting bored and leaving for another place. Nestled between Savannah and Hilton Head, this coastal village on the Atlantic Ocean is an easy ride into the city and a quick stroll out to the shores. In one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Bluffton, you can find nature in every corner. Some of the most popular retiree residential communities include Stanley Martin Homes in Oldfield, Belfair, Berkeley Hall, and Riverside Homes.

Charleston 

Charleston is the state’s largest city with plenty to do and see and is home to the country’s oldest community-based historic preservation group. Charleston is situated between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers and faces the Charleston Harbor. Charleston is the place to be if you’re looking for a nature-centric destination with some level of city life. Its proximity to coastal destinations like Sullivan’s Island makes it easy to find calming water activities like boating and fishing and enriches the town’s local cuisine with seafood variety. Charleston’s affordability is a big draw for retirees and local community destinations such as the Charleston City Market, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and The Battery Seawalk. 

Columbia 

The capital city of South Carolina is the perfect place to retire for its beautiful nature and hot summers. Columbia is the business hub of the state, yet, it still has a strong sense of local community in its small businesses, beautiful homefront gardens, and a free opportunity to further your education. Columbia is an uplifting, vibrant place to retire in, with some of the most diverse clubs a community gatherings to keep you busy. The city’s rich history will intrigue you to learn more and indulge in old-school American cultural music, history, or art clubs. Columbia balances modernization while keeping its old-school green American attractions untouched and as emphasized as ever. Experience being surrounded by historic architecture, endless parks, and thousands of students from all over the state. The University of South Carolina, Columbia College, and more educational institutions allows the city a financial advantage and a stronger sense of community.   

Greenville 

Greenville is another excellent option as a retiring city for its proximity to major cities like Charleston and Atlanta while offering a rich green environment of things to do and places to see. Like many previously suggested towns, Greenville is reputable for being affordable and enjoying better climates than many neighboring states. The city is well established with its art scene, offering many aesthetically pleasing destinations to discover. Some of the best things to keep busy include visiting Falls Park and embracing nature, browsing the vibrant community of unique wall murals and patios of West Greenville, and enjoying old-school performances in one of the many local theatres, such as the Warehouse Theater and Centre Stage. 

Summerville

Known as the “Flower Town in the Pines,” Summerville is rich with colonial architecture and abuzz with nature-inspired activities and attractions. The town offers a range of different plantations to visit, such as the Newington Plantation and the Pinehurst Tea Plantation, along with a vast range of family-owned small businesses. Summerville has many museums and galleries, an orchestra, a community theatre, an artist guild, craft shops, and pottery studios for your creative pursuits. However, Summerville’s main advantage compared to other towns in SC is its businesses and investors that tailor to the likability of senior residents. From accessible housing to caretaking services, Summerville is one of your best bets for comfort and a high quality of life.  

Myrtle Beach

Retiring on the beach is everyone’s dream, even those who are yet to start their careers. However, doing so usually comes with a hefty price tag or becoming an expat in a South Asian country. Myrtle Beach is the go-to retiring place for many because of its beach-centric atmosphere that keeps the town alive and gets retirees as close as possible to their goal of retiring on a tropical beach. The coastal escape is more of a touristy destination than anything else, but visitor traffic calms down in Myrtle Beach when the summer is over. Ideal for water lovers and those who enjoy a balance of small-town and beach-escape lifestyles. Like the majority of places on this list of the best towns to retire in SC, Myrtle Beach enjoys a significantly lower property tax rate and a higher quality of life than neighboring states in terms of affordability. Finally, one of the most entertaining things to do as a new resident of Myrtle Beach is to be a tourist in your hometown every now and then. Visit the boardwalk of your new hometown, the local Ripley’s Aquarium, and Myrtle Beach State Park. 

Aiken

Aiken is a destination for those who want to spend most of their day enjoying views of nature, clean environments, and pure air. To many, this may sound like any other town in South Carolina, but enjoying nature in this small town is among the only things to do. The surrounding parks allow for waterfront views, endless outdoor activities, and even some camping grounds if you plan to bring your trailer out with you. The city’s administration supports many senior activities and even offers a guide to some of the best things to do if you’re considering relocation to Aiken. One of the main reasons people retire in Aiken is because of its great weather year-round and friendly locals. In addition to its beautiful climate, the town is conveniently located between the two extremes of mountain or beach vibes, making it a perfect base for retirees looking to explore neighboring states and cities. 

The Palmetto State’s natural beauty and diverse landscape beckon retirees from all across the country who are discovering the advantages of South Carolina’s affordable housing, significant tax benefits, warm climates, abundant outdoor activities, and scores of established and up-and-coming 55+ communities. While the primary motive for relocating to South Carolina remains its fantastic climate, each small town or city has its unique advantage in the experience it offers.