South Carolina is a great state to retire in with a lower cost of living than the national average, plenty of sunshine and mild weather, great golf and other recreational activities, cultural attractions, and more.
Of course, there are many options when it comes to the specific city to move to. Whether you’re looking to retire on the coast or live in the heart of a thriving metropolitan area, these five cities might just be the perfect next place to call home.
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Myrtle Beach
Located on the Atlantic coast, Myrtle Beach is the hub for a 60-mile stretch of beaches known as the Grand Strand. It’s also renowned for its golf courses, providing the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy the sand and days spent teeing off on a world-class, celebrity-designed course.
There are few better ways to start your mornings than with a stroll on the beach or just sipping your coffee gazing out at the endless blue of the sea. With the lower housing costs, it’s more affordable for retirees to live near the ocean. And, those reduced expenses mean more money left to enjoy the area’s many fantastic dining and entertainment options.
Columbia
For those who want easy access to big-city amenities, you’ll want to check out the Columbia houses for sale. Not only are there lots of opportunities for learning something new with many higher education options, but access to quality healthcare and nature. You’ll find wide-open natural spaces and sparkling lakes for enjoying the outdoors too, providing the best of both worlds. Plus, home prices are lower than the state average which means it will be even easier to find the perfect place to live without breaking the bank.
Sumter
A historic town that sits along the banks of Swan Lake just over an hour east of Columbia, Sumter is ideal for those who are looking for a laid-back, relatively inexpensive place to retire. It was named among the most tax-friendly towns in the country by Where to Retire, where the cost of living is low and the quality of life is high.
Sumter is popular with veterans as it’s home to an Air Force base, and it’s also a good spot for nature lovers who don’t want to be too far from the city. It’s surrounded by state forest and home to a 1,000-acre park, providing opportunities for scenic walks as well as fun on the water. Plus, there’s a wealth of cultural attractions and friendly locals.
Spartanburg
Ranked No. 1 on U.S. News’ Best Places to Live in South Carolina in 2021-22, Spartanburg is a thriving metropolitan area offering something for every type of retiree to enjoy. It has a charming historic district with lots of attractive late-19th and early-20th-century architecture, down-home restaurants, lively bars, breweries, and farmers’ markets. There are many museums and plenty of parks throughout the city too.
Beaufort
Located on Port Royal Island, one of the coastal Sea Islands, Beaufort is home to a quarter of the marshlands on the entire U.S. coast. Its historic district is filled with antebellum mansions, while a waterfront park overlooks the Beaufort River. Not surprisingly, its beauty has led to it being the backdrop for hit films like “Forrest Gump” and “The Prince of Tides.”
Beaufort ranks high among the state’s best places to retire in the state and was even named the Best Small Southern Town by Southern Living. Other notable “pros” include no state income tax on Social Security or the first $15,00 of other retirement income, no state estate tax, adequate doctors per capita, and good air quality.