Best Places to Retire in South Carolina

Everyone wants something different from their retirement, but many people generally seek warm weather, a friendly community of like-minded retirees, and a scenic natural setting to explore. South Carolina has all three of these characteristics, and has thus become one of the hottest destinations in the U.S. for retirees. South Carolina has gorgeous coastal scenery, beautiful historic architecture, and a vibrant culture.

Let’s look at some gorgeous towns and cities in South Carolina that are perfect for a pleasant retirement. 

Spartanburg is a hub of culture and nature in northern South Carolina. It is an excellent mid-sized city to explore, with local museums like the Spartanburg Art Museum and the Spartanburg Regional History Museum, as well as gorgeous scenery. Croft State Park is a popular destination for fishing, and Hatcher Garden is ideal for seeing the local butterfly population.

Lexington is a small suburb of Columbia that retirees will adore. It is a quiet and safe town with a population of around 24,000, known for its scenic streets and nature. Lake Murray is a big lake near Lexington that is popular year-round for fishing and boating. Lexington also has plenty of gorgeous public parks and a nearby winery that hosts tastings and tours. It is perfect for retirees that love the outdoors.

If you love the water and want to spend your retirement enjoying the sun on the sandy shores of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is for you. Myrtle Beach residents can enjoy golfing, boating, and fishing. It has excellent restaurants and a huge community of retirees.

Easley is a small city with scenic parks, a vibrant downtown, and affordable real estate options. Easley’s downtown is the heart of the city, with plenty of delicious local restaurants and hand-made artisanal goods. There is also an outdoor amphitheater that hosts various local performances.

Summerville is a thriving mid-sized community near Charleston with real estate that is more affordable than in many other parts of South Carolina. Summerville has numerous excellent restaurants serving tasty Southern classics. There are many nearby golf courses, and the city is famed for the flowers that bloom throughout the year. 

Anderson is a small city home to around 30,000 with a low cost of living and sunny weather throughout the year. It is known for its kind locals, delicious local food options, and scenery. It is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has plenty of hiking trails and nearby bodies of water. It is a hotspot for fishing and outdoor exploration.

Beaufort is a gorgeous setting to spend your retirement. Situated on Port Royal Island, this small city is a coastal haven with historical architecture. Beaufort has sandy beaches and boating areas that will allow retirees to explore the surrounding waters. It is a stunning community that enjoys year-round sun.

Aiken is a gorgeous and historic city in the Central Savannah River Area. It is known for its horse breeding legacy and is a popular destination for polo and horse racing. It also houses the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. Aiken has a thriving downtown district with excellent shops and restaurants and consistent community festivals that make it an exciting place for people of all ages.

Greenville is one of the cultural hearts of South Carolina and perfect for retirees that want to immerse themselves in the art scene of the state. It has numerous highly-regarded art and history museums and major performing arts venues that provide entertainment for residents throughout the year. Greenville also has excellent public parks, such as Falls Park on the Reedy.