7 Most Affordable Towns To Retire In South Carolina

In Upstate South Carolina, a retiree will be in the midst of awe-inspiring mountains, rushing rivers, and sparkling lakes. In Coastal South Carolina, white-sand beaches, historic sites, and incredible waterfront views — define the scenery. Plus, South Carolina does not tax Social Security retirement benefits. Bearing these in mind, retiring in the Palmetto State can be one of life’s best decisions. Yet, picking a specific location can be frustrating. If you are looking for an affordable retirement destination in South Carolina, any of the following seven towns will check the box.

Hartsville

Hartsville is a loving, peaceful town nestled on the glimmering waters of Prestwood Lake about 70 miles east of Columbia. It earns a spot among the most affordable towns in South Carolina because homes are listed for a median price of just $207,000. Considering the amenities it offers, including hospitals such as Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, a three-time, back-to-back recipient of the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery Award, Hartsville is a good bang for the buck. Moreover, if a retiree does not like to sit the day out, delicious eateries such as Crema Coffee Bar offer tasty dishes in relaxed, laid-back settings. And Kalmia Gardens, with its flowers and greenery; trails and hills, can slow down an empty nester’s biological clock. For the academically minded, Coker University is right in town. A senior can enroll in an exciting program to keep the brain active and engaged. Hartsville’s median age is 29; it is, therefore, ideal for retirees who want to retain their young, child-like sparkle. Plus, it is also incredibly diverse as Whites and Blacks make up an equal share of the population — 48%.

Spartanburg

With just about $249,700, the median home listing price in Spartanburg, one can own property in this charming South Carolina town, known for its rich history in the textile industry. With theatres such as NCG Cinema ( the seats are cozy and recline), art venues such as the phenomenal Artists Collective, and educational institutions such as the University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg punches above its weight. Moreover, Spartanburg Medical Center is in town — a two-time back-to-back recipient of the Vascular Surgery Excellence Award. While the town’s median age is 35, those aged 60 and above comprise 24% of the town’s population. Therefore, a retiree will find peers with whom he can chat. The town is also diverse, with Whites and Blacks comprising 46% and 45% of the town’s population, respectively. Remember, the 7,000-acre Croft State Park and Lake Craig are in Spartanburg’s backyard — offering retirees a world of outdoor fun and adventure.

Cayce

Friendly neighbors, great diversity (Blacks comprise 25% of the town’s population), and an easy commute to Columbia — make Cayce worth considering as a retirement venue. It is also affordable. For perspective, homes fetch a median listing price of only $253,000. That price point is unbelievable, particularly because downtown Columbia, South Carolina’s state capital, is just a heartbeat away. Because of its setting, Cayce provides top-notch access to big-city amenities. These include hospitals and shopping venues. Moreover, a retiree will love to bike along the beautifully paved Timmerman Trail, unwind at the Cayce Riverwalk amid scenic views of the Congaree River, and sit for a plate of delicious ribeyes at Kingsman Restaurant, especially if she does not feel like cooking. This town’s median age is 37, and seniors aged 60 and above comprise 26% of its population.

Pendleton

A retiree can save lots of cash when buying property here since Pendleton boasts a median home listing price of just $282,500. This town is small and quaint; the population is just about 3,500. A retiree can be on a first-name basis with neighbors, a restaurant server down the street — and just about anyone. Boasting safe and peaceful neighborhoods, proximity to Clemson University, which is a 5-minute drive away, and outdoor venues — such as the stunning Boscobel Golf & Country Club, Pendleton often exceeds the expectations of empty nesters. On a slow Sunday morning, a delectable brunch at spots such as Ruffage Cafe will morph into a routine. There is also a Dairy Queen, just in case one is worried about accessing delicious ice creams on a whim. Concerning access to healthcare, Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital is next door in Seneca. It has previously been recognized for the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award. Pendleton’s median age is 40, which is where life begins. In a similar vein, residents aged 60 and above comprise 25% of the town’s population.

Seneca

Retiring in Seneca comes with convenient access to tasty outdoor venues and a world of fun and adventure. Lake Keowee, for example, is peaceful and serene — and provides an array of recreational activities, including swimming, canoeing, and camping. On the other hand, Lake Hartwell is one of America’s top fishing lakes and a productive venue for largemouth fishing. On a different note, Ram Cat Alley District is not only a national historic district — with up to 18 contributing buildings — but also a fantastic shopping venue with antique stores such as M. Tannery & Sons offering delightful yesterday-year flavors. While homes here are listed for a median price of $356,300, they are sold for a more affordable median price of just $285,000. In case of a medical emergency, there will be no need to make an out-of-town trip. The award-winning Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital is right in town. Seneca’s median age is 44, and residents aged 60 and above comprise 32% of its population.

Honea Path

Homes in Honea Path are listed for a median price of $199,500. Yet it is not a remote town located in the middle of nowhere. Downtown Anderson and Greenville are just 17 and 36 miles respectively. The former hosts the AnMed Health Medical Center; the latter has numerous health facilities, including St. Francis Downtown, which was previously ranked among America's top 50 best hospitals. Once in a while, a retiree will enjoy sleeping under the stars — amid acres of secluded pastures — at The Farm At Greene Acres. Broadway Lake, perfect for boating and swimming, is just 15 minutes away. The same is true of Boyd Millpond and the Karl H. Dixon Memorial Park, which has a short but scenic hiking trail. Honea Path’s median age is 45, and residents aged 60 and above comprise 28% of its population.

Irmo

If you never imagined you could retire next to the water and yet be 10 minutes from a big city and a top-notch university — you have either never heard of Irmo — or never seriously considered it as a retirement destination. A retiree here will be a heartbeat away from Lake Murray, an awesome venue for summer water fun, 10 minutes from Columbia, and just as close to the University of South Carolina, where seniors can enroll in courses through the university’s free tuition program. Moreover, green spaces such as the Irmo Community Park and the Irmo Town Park — as well as entertainment venues such as the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College — ensure retirees are always active and engaged. Houses in Irmo are listed for a median price of only $295K. On the social front, Irmo’s median age is 39, indicating a scene that is lively but not wild. Considering what it offers, Irmo provides good value for money and, hence, is one of the most affordable retirement venues in South Carolina.

The Takeaway

Aside from Charleston and its charming Colonial architecture, South Carolina boasts a delightful array of towns, most of which are safe, quiet, peaceful, and, hence, ideal for retirement. If cost is a factor, however, one may need to go through the state with a fine-tooth comb, comparing home prices, evaluating outdoor venues, and assessing amenities. Considering what they offer — including their median home listing prices- the seven towns above are among the most affordable towns in South Carolina to retire in.