South Carolina's affordable housing, comfortable winter temperatures, and tax-friendly laws make it an attractive state for retirees. People who immigrate from more expensive areas of the country may enjoy a higher quality of life. You can also retire in coastal areas, historic cities, or college towns. Discover the best places to retire in South Carolina in 2024.
5. Colombia
Median monthly mortgage costs: $902
Median monthly rent: $993
South Carolina's capital city is the perfect place to rebuild your retirement with no shortage of activities. The city has a vibrant art and music scene, museums, parks, libraries, and more.
Columbia is also a college town, home to the University of South Carolina, and South Carolinians age 60 and older can take college classes for free.
“There are all kinds of opportunities for people who want to pursue lifelong learning in college,” says Sue Ellen Levkoff, senior smart economic excellence center endowed chair in the School of Social Work at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. . “For those looking to build a second or third career after retirement, Columbia is the perfect place to do it.”
4. Charleston
Median monthly mortgage costs: $1,156
Median monthly rent: $1,274
Charleston has much to offer, including a coastal setting, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and a unique sense of Southern hospitality. Residents are also very active. Outdoor yoga classes are popular, as are water sports such as fishing and paddleboarding.
For those on a tight budget, living here may be difficult. Despite housing costs being much higher than in other parts of South Carolina, Charleston can still feel affordable for people moving here from expensive cities outside the South.
“A big draw to this area for older people is the climate and the low cost of living,” says Heather Borger, interim director of the Center on Aging and a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. “There are many great senior communities in this area that offer amenities specifically for seniors.”
3. Greenville
Median monthly mortgage costs: $909
Median monthly rent: $930
Located in northwestern South Carolina, Greenville is approximately halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte. Greenville offers the benefits of urban living without the high cost of living. The walkable downtown area features a vibrant restaurant scene, boutiques, and other local shops. Locals enjoy strolling through Reedy's Falls Park, which features a curved footbridge overlooking the falls, and the Greenville County Museum of Art. Retirees planning on traveling will appreciate that Greenville has an international airport.
“We find that many retirees are moving here to be closer to their children and grandchildren, who have moved here for job opportunities,” said Steve, a certified financial planner and Greenville resident. says Daniel Harmon, founder of Boundless Financial Services. “It's very affordable, so retirees can reduce expenses from their investment portfolios while still having a very comfortable retirement lifestyle.”
2. Myrtle Beach
Median monthly mortgage costs: $888
Median monthly rent: $1,040
This Atlantic coast city draws tourists to its beaches and golf courses. “There's hardly a day that goes by that I can't play golf or walk on the beach,” says Joe Taylor, founder of Oak Street Advisors. myrtle beach. “Snow is a rare thing and everyone gets excited when it snows. It looks pretty for a few hours, but it melts quickly. There's no need to shovel.”
Although it is a tourist destination, low housing costs make it affordable for retirees to retire near the ocean. “Whether you want to bask in the sun, look for shells, or just enjoy a morning walk that's the perfect way to start your day, we've got it for you,” says Taylor.
Retirement housing options include condos near the beach or golf course, new housing developments, and retirement communities. Low housing costs allow many retirees on a budget to enjoy the region's dining and entertainment options.
1. Spartanburg
Median monthly mortgage costs: $851
Median monthly rent: $878
Situated near the South Carolina-Tennessee border, Spartanburg is a great area if you want to enjoy all four seasons while avoiding the harsh, cold winters. Low housing costs in Spartanburg allow retirees to live comfortably on a shoestring retirement budget.
Known as the Hub City, Spartanburg has picturesque streets lined with a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and seasonal entertainment. If you love music and art, take a stroll downtown to admire the city's collection of colorful murals, or grab tickets to the Spartanburg Philharmonic to hear classical orchestral music, bluegrass, and eclectic music. Why not listen to some popular songs? There's also the Music Trail, a 30-minute self-guided tour through the Downtown Cultural District, showcasing nearly 200 years of music history.
Compare top mortgage lenders
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
