Best Places to Retire in South Carolina (Complete Guide)

July 14th, 2026

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in February 2018 and has been updated to include the latest information and improve comprehensiveness.

Key Takeaways

• No Social Security tax — South Carolina doesn’t tax Social Security benefits for residents, saving eligible retirees thousands annually.
• Exceptional golf and marina access — Over 120 championship courses and world-class waterfront amenities across the state make coastal living Simply Grande.
• Cost of living advantage — At nearly 7% below the national average, your retirement savings stretch further in South Carolina than in most states.
• Top-tier healthcare nearby — Prisma Health and MUSC Health provide nationally recognized medical facilities throughout the state.
• Year-round mild climate — Comfortable temperatures enable active outdoor lifestyles 12 months-a-year without harsh winter restrictions.

South Carolina has emerged as one of the nation’s premier destinations for active adults seeking their ideal coastal or mountain retreat. The Palmetto State combines year-round mild weather, exceptional tax benefits, and world-class amenities that create the perfect backdrop for your next chapter.

With 18.48% of residents already 65 and older South Carolina has proven its appeal to discerning individuals who value quality of life. The state welcomed 66,622 new residents (net) in 2025 alone, with many drawn to communities that offer the sophistication and elegance found in South Carolina home developments like Grande Dunes.

Simply put, South Carolina delivers everything you need for inspired living: from championship golf courses and pristine beaches to vibrant downtown districts and exclusive private clubs.

Should You Retire in South Carolina?

South Carolina is increasingly a popular choice for retirement, and for many good reasons:

• Mild winter climate (all year long!)
• Varied places to live – from beautiful beaches to lakes to enjoying a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Charming little towns and some interesting mid-sized cities
• Lower cost of living and taxes. South Carolina is a very tax-friendly state with the 29th overall in 2026 Tax Foundation State Tax Competitiveness Index. Social Security is not taxable, and people over 65 enjoy favorable tax status . This protection of retirement income makes the South Carolina state a great place for retirees and senior living.

Read our guide here if you’re curious to learn more about all the reasons that make South Carolina the best state for retirement.

7 Best Places to Retire in South Carolina

So maybe you have been thinking about retiring in The Palmetto State – but wondering where are the best places to retire in South Carolina. Here is our Best Places list, formed from nearly 20 years of experience in evaluating places to retire in the United States and across the world.

As always, it is important to recognize that this is our list with our criteria. Your idea of the best city or best place to retire in South Carolina state might not be the same. 

Here is our criteria:

• High “Popularity” ranking on our annual “100 Most Popular Places to Retire” list
• Be an interesting place to live in retirement – is it pretty, does it have an interesting history, or a vital downtown?
• Things to do there – are there a lot of activities, restaurants, or cultural resources?
• How about places to live – are there different neighborhoods or communities suitable for a retirement lifestyle?

Best Cities to Retire in South Carolina: Comparison Chart

1. Myrtle Beach – The Grand Strand Experience

Why retire in Myrtle Beach? For starters, it is a favorite beach and golf resort community as it is home to The Grand Strand – one of the world’s longest sections of perfect beach, and boasts over 80 golf courses. There is always something to do for active adult retirees 55+ in Myrtle Beach – from golf to fishing to shopping to more than 1,800 restaurants. 

It also has a reputation as a hot spot for live family entertainment, music, and celebrity concerts. It was featured in the U.S. News & World Report’s top 150 places to retire in 2024-25. Many retirees are drawn to new homes in Myrtle Beach for sale thanks to the area’s combination of lifestyle and affordability. For inspiration, explore videos of new homes in Myrtle Beach to see what makes this destination so appealing.

• Golf Paradise: Over 80 championship golf courses create a golfer’s dream, from oceanfront layouts to challenging inland designs. Private clubs like those found at Grande Dunes offer exclusive access to world-class facilities and like-minded members.
• Dining and Entertainment: More than 1,800 restaurants serve everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. The area’s reputation for live entertainment includes everything from intimate jazz clubs to major concert venues.
• Active Lifestyle: Year-round mild weather encourages outdoor activities, from morning beach walks to afternoon cycling and outdoor fitness. Private beach clubs and marinas provide exclusive access to coastal recreation.
• Community Options: Numerous master-planned communities offer resort-style amenities, private clubs, and meticulously designed neighborhoods that emphasize both sophistication and comfort.

See why the Grande Dunes community is the perfect place for retirees to spend their golden years near Myrtle Beach. From our world-class amenities, weekly social events, Members Golf Club, you’ll live inspired at Grande Dunes. 

2. Beaufort – Queen of the Sea Islands

The Old South lives on in the quaint seaside charm of Beaufort, Known as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands”. It lies in the Sea Islands or “Low Country” area of South Carolina, just north of Hilton Head. 304 acres of the town have been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Horse-drawn carriages roll along streets in the town’s charming historic district that are overhung with Spanish moss. The area offers a laid back atmosphere that most people find very relaxing.

• Low Country Lifestyle: Located in South Carolina’s Sea Islands region, Beaufort provides the quintessential Low Country experience with its relaxed pace and natural beauty.
• Historic Charm: Horse-drawn carriages navigate streets lined with antebellum homes, creating a uniquely peaceful atmosphere perfect for those seeking tranquility.
• Natural Beauty: The town’s location on Port Royal Island provides water views and access to pristine natural areas that showcase the region’s ecological diversity.
• Intimate Scale: Beaufort’s smaller size creates a close-knit community atmosphere while maintaining access to nearby Hilton Head’s additional amenities.

3. Charleston – The Holy City’s Timeless Elegance

“The Holy City” is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. as well as being one of its top tourist attractions. Located on the coast of South Carolina, until the mid 1800’s it was one of the 10 largest cities in North America. The city and the surrounding area up to Hilton Head is developing rapidly with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers and others looking for vacation homes. The 55+ housing choices are as ample as anywhere in the country.

Also be sure to check out nearby new homes in Goose Creek, just a short drive from Charleston.

• Historic Distinction: The city’s National Historic Landmark district spans 304 acres, featuring antebellum architecture and Spanish moss-draped streets that create an atmosphere of refined Southern living.
• Cultural Richness: World-renowned restaurants, art galleries, and cultural institutions provide endless opportunities for enrichment and social engagement.
• Healthcare Excellence: MUSC Health and other premier medical facilities ensure access to top-tier healthcare services.
• Community Variety: The Charleston area offers diverse residential options, from historic downtown condominiums to new master-planned communities in nearby areas like Goose Creek and Mount Pleasant.

4. Bluffton – Hilton Head’s Hidden Gem

Bluffton, located near Hilton Head Island and the coast, is a charming, walkable, old town on the May River. The area is famous for its Bluffton oysters, and in town the oldest continuous oyster-shucking facility in South Carolina is a local attraction. The University of South Carolina Beaufort-New River campus was a welcome new addition to this area. The area is developing rapidly with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers and active adults 55+.

• May River Setting: Located on the scenic May River, Bluffton provides water access and stunning natural beauty in a more intimate setting than larger coastal cities.
• Culinary Heritage: Famous for Bluffton oysters and home to South Carolina’s oldest continuous oyster-shucking facility, the town celebrates its maritime heritage.
• Growth and Development: Rapid development has brought upscale communities and modern amenities while preserving the town’s historic character.
• Hilton Head Access: Just minutes from Hilton Head Island’s beaches, golf courses, and upscale shopping, residents enjoy the best of both worlds.

5. Summerville – Flower Town in the Pines

Summerville, “The Flower Town in the Pines”, has a charming downtown with many restaurants and unusual shops. Tourists flock to the area to see its azaleas in season. This rapidly growing community of more than 50,000 residents has grown by over 80% since 2000, and is fast becoming a city and suburb of Charleston. It is near the coast and many tourist attractions. Also, be sure to check out nearby new homes in Summerville, just a short drive from Charleston.

• Scenic Beauty: Famous for its azaleas and tree-lined streets, Summerville provides a picturesque setting that changes beautifully with the seasons.
• Charleston Access: Located just 30 minutes from Charleston, residents enjoy easy access to the Holy City’s cultural offerings and amenities.
• Growth and Amenities: Summerville’s rapid expansion has brought upscale shopping, a thriving dining scene, and new master-planned communities with resort-style amenities, all while preserving the historic character and unhurried pace that first put this town on the map.
• Outdoor Recreation: With proximity to Francis Beidler Forest, Givhans Ferry State Park, and a growing network of trails and parks, Summerville gives outdoor enthusiasts easy access to some of the Lowcountry’s most scenic natural landscapes for year-round adventure.

6. Greenville – Mountain Views and Urban Sophistication

Greenville has reinvented itself as one of the South’s most celebrated mid-sized cities, and for retirees seeking an energetic lifestyle with natural beauty at their doorstep, it delivers on every level. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this vibrant city pairs outdoor adventure with a thriving cultural scene that rivals communities twice its size.

The revitalized downtown anchors daily life with award-winning dining, boutique shopping, and cultural venues centered around the stunning Falls Park on the Reedy River. Prisma Health anchors a robust medical ecosystem, giving residents the peace of mind that comes with access to world-class healthcare just minutes from home.

• Downtown Renaissance: The revitalized downtown features award-winning restaurants, boutique shopping, and cultural venues, all centered around the scenic Reedy River Falls.
• Mountain Access: Just 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains, residents enjoy easy access to hiking, scenic drives, and cooler summer temperatures.
• Healthcare Leadership: Prisma Health Greenville provides comprehensive medical services, including specialized care centers and wellness programs.
• Active Community: The city’s commitment to outdoor recreation includes extensive greenway systems, parks, and recreational facilities that encourage year-round activity

7. Columbia – Capital City Advantages

South Carolina’s state capital offers retirees a compelling mix of urban energy, cultural depth, and some of the state’s most advanced healthcare resources. Columbia’s central position puts both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the coastline within easy reach, making it a natural home base for active adults who want a full life without paying big-city prices.

The University of South Carolina lends the city a youthful, intellectually vibrant character, with continuing education programs, live performances, and a steadily evolving restaurant scene that keeps the calendar full year-round. From its flourishing arts district to its nationally recognized medical centers, Columbia rewards retirees who want the breadth of city living at a fraction of the cost.

• Educational Atmosphere: The University of South Carolina brings cultural events, continuing education opportunities, and a youthful energy that keeps the community vibrant.
• Healthcare Hub: Lexington Medical Center and other major facilities provide some of the state’s most advanced medical care, including the USC-Prisma Brain Health Center.
• Cultural Offerings: Museums, theaters, and music venues provide year-round entertainment options, while the city’s restaurant scene continues to evolve and improve.
• Central Location: Columbia’s central position makes it easy to reach both mountains and coast for weekend getaways or day trips.

Where Will You Write Your Next Chapter?

South Carolina’s blend of mild winters, significant tax advantages, and diverse communities makes the Palmetto State one of the most compelling retirement destinations in the country. Whether you are drawn to the Low Country elegance of Beaufort, the cultural richness of Charleston, the mountain energy of Greenville, or moving to Myrtle Beach for the coastal resort lifestyle, the best places to retire in South Carolina offer a retirement experience as unique as you are.

For those considering their options, Grande Dunes also offers move-in ready homes in Myrtle Beach that combine luxury, convenience, and lifestyle for retirees seeking to make the most of their golden years. With championship golf, a private ocean club, an Intracoastal Waterway trail, and a vibrant community of like-minded active adults, Grande Dunes is where inspired living begins.

Where to Retire in South Carolina: FAQs

Is South Carolina A Good Place To Retire?

Yes, South Carolina is a genuinely wonderful place to retire. The mild climate, low tax burden, and sheer variety of landscapes, from the coast to the mountains, give retirees plenty of reasons to call it home. Add in a welcoming culture and a growing number of active adult communities, and it is easy to see why so many people are making the move.

What are the Best Places to Retire in South Carolina Near Water?

South Carolina has no shortage of beautiful waterfront options. Myrtle Beach, Beaufort, and Bluffton are among the most popular for retirees who want coastal or river living built into their daily routine. Each offers its own personality, whether that is the energy of the Grand Strand or the quiet charm of the May River.

Is South Carolina Good for Retirees?

South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the top retirement states in the country, and for good reason. The combination of affordable living, a warm climate, and a genuine sense of community makes it a strong fit for most retirees. Whether you want adventure, culture, or simply a slower pace, there is a place here that feels like home.

Does South Carolina Tax Pensions?

South Carolina offers favorable treatment for pension income, with meaningful deductions available for retirees depending on age and income level. While the specifics can vary, the state is widely regarded as tax-friendly for those living on retirement income. It is always worth speaking with a tax advisor to understand exactly how it applies to your situation.

Does South Carolina Tax Retirement Income?

South Carolina does tax some retirement income, but the state provides significant deductions that reduce the burden for most retirees. Those 65 and older benefit from additional exemptions that make the overall picture quite favorable compared to many other states. For most retirees, South Carolina’s tax structure is a clear advantage worth factoring into your decision.

Does South Carolina Tax Social Security?

No, South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits. That alone is a meaningful financial advantage for retirees who rely on Social Security as part of their income. Combined with the state’s other retirement-friendly tax policies, it is one of the more practical reasons so many people choose South Carolina for their next chapter.