11 Best South Carolina Towns For Retirees
South Carolina, fondly known as the Palmetto State, continues to be a top choice for retirees, and it’s easy to see why. With mild winters, welcoming communities, and a cost of living that stretches your dollar, the state offers an ideal mix of relaxation and richness in culture, nature, and history. From peaceful inland towns to charming seaside escapes, South Carolina provides a diverse range of retirement lifestyles. It’s not just the slower pace or scenic beauty that draws people in; it’s the tax-friendly retirement policies, access to quality healthcare, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're seeking safety, great amenities, or simply a higher quality of life - the state delivers. Here are 11 of the best towns in South Carolina that stand out as retirement gems.
Florence
Florence sits at the heart of South Carolina’s historic Pee Dee region, offering retirees an affordable and welcoming place to call home. This picture-perfect South Carolina town has a low median listing home price of around $283,000. Beyond affordability, Florence has a large senior population, with 19% of residents aged 65 and older. That means easier access to senior-focused services, social opportunities, and a community that understands the needs of retirees. Retirees here can enjoy leisurely days at the Florence County Public Library, stroll through the revived historic downtown district with its art, history, and performing arts centers, catch live performances at Florence Little Theatre, explore interactive exhibits at the Florence Museum of Art, Science & History, or relax along the scenic Great Pee Dee River and Timrod Park.
Socastee
Socastee is a peaceful suburb of Myrtle Beach, offering an affordable and quiet life with the convenience of nearby coastal attractions. With a population of around 24,600 and a median listing home price of around $332,000, it delivers a cost of living below the national average, a low crime environment, and multiple clinics and hospitals within a short drive, ensuring solid medical support. Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, the iconic Socastee Swing Bridge adds character to the town and invites visitors to enjoy the peaceful rhythm of passing boats and the gentle breeze off the water. Retirees can soak in the serenity with boat tours, casual fishing, or by simply relaxing along the scenic shoreline. The Socastee Historic District captures the town’s rich heritage, featuring charming old buildings and the quiet beauty of Socastee Creek Park, perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and laid-back afternoons. For a more active day out, the nearby Market Common offers shops, diverse dining options, and a vibrant urban park, hosting seasonal events and community gatherings.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a premier retirement destination, home to about 38,000 year-round residents. With over 30% of the population aged 60 and older, it fosters a strong sense of community and shared lifestyle among retirees. While the median listing home value is around $699,000, retirees benefit from no state income tax on social security income and generous property tax exemptions. The island consistently ranks as safe, with low violent crime and year-round law enforcement presence, offering peace of mind. Healthcare needs are well served by facilities like Hilton Head Hospital and Bluffton clinics, which provide high-quality care at costs near national averages. The island offers an ideal backdrop for an active, outdoorsy retirement, with serene spots like Lowcountry Celebration Park, Audubon Newhall Preserve, and Sea Pines Forest Preserve drawing in nature lovers with opportunities for walking, birdwatching, kayaking, and camping.
Beaufort
Beaufort is a retirement gem, charming, safe, and perfectly tailored for seniors. With a thriving 65+ population of about 13,600, it offers small-town tranquility without sacrificing amenities. Housing costs around $495,000, which makes it attractive to seniors. Safety is a key draw, with low crime rates typical of coastal Lowcountry towns, and its healthcare infrastructure is robust, with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, a 197-bed regional medical center, sitting right in town.
Retirees also benefit from valued cultural, recreational, and historic experiences: The town’s historic district is a living museum, where horse-drawn carriages and guided tours bring Beaufort’s Civil War and Reconstruction-era past to life. At the Beaufort History Museum, seniors can explore this rich heritage in depth. Nature lovers can enjoy the serene Spanish Moss Trail, perfect for scenic strolls and bike rides under the canopy of moss-draped oaks. Nearby, Hunting Island State Park features pristine beaches, a historic lighthouse, and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Culturally, the town thrives with events like the Beaufort International Film Festival, local art exhibitions from the Beaufort Arts Council, and a vibrant food scene serving up fresh seafood and Lowcountry cuisine.
Fountain Inn
Fountain Inn is an inviting and retirement-friendly town of approximately 10,400 residents, offering retirees a rural feel in the Upstate region. With a low cost of living and a median listing home price of around $327,000, markedly lower than U.S. averages, Fountain Inn offers exceptional affordability. What truly sets it apart is its balanced mix of small-town charm and cultural richness. Retirees can enjoy relaxing strolls or picnics along the Swamp Rabbit Trail and at Cedar Falls Park, explore local history through landmarks like the Fountain Inn Museum and the historic Robert Quillen Office & Library, and experience the arts with performances at the Younts Center for Performing Arts. The town’s vibrant Main Street hosts monthly events that engage all ages, while the active Fountain Inn Activities Center offers senior programming like Tai Chi, social clubs, and wellness sessions. Healthcare is accessible and competitively priced. Healthcare costs here are slightly below or on par with national norms, and Greenville's well-regarded hospital network is only a short drive away.
Bluffton
Rich history and coastal living make Bluffton one of the prettiest small retirement towns in South Carolina. Known for its pristine coastal location, Bluffton boasts a population of around 32,000, of which over 20% are aged 65 and above, and a median listing home price of $525,000, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. It has a low crime rate, is safer than 40% of U.S. cities, and has a nationally accredited police department, making it safe and secure for retirees. Seniors can spend weekends immersed in local history at the Heyward House Welcome Center or exploring the Bluffton Historic District’s antebellum architecture, including the 1857 Church of the Cross. Art lovers will appreciate browsing galleries along the Calhoun Street Arts District, and foodies can delight in fresh local food at the Bluffton Oyster Company or artisanal cafes. Bluffton’s dining scene is consistently praised. For a day out in nature, retirees enjoy relaxing May River cruises and scenic strolls through Palmetto Bluff, a lush riverside retreat.
Sumter
Sumter’s mild climate and outdoor-friendly lifestyle make it an attractive choice for retirees who love sports and nature. Seniors make up 17% of the population, creating plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded retirees. Affordability is another big draw. The median listing home value here is $265,000, while the median rent is $1,055. What sets Sumter apart is its blend of history, culture, and nature. Seniors can marvel at the colorful swans and lush floral displays in the renowned Swan Lake Iris Gardens, the only U.S. public park housing all eight swan species; explore over 62 architecturally significant buildings in the Sumter Historic District, including the iconic Richardsonian Romanesque Opera House; picnic and stroll through scenic Poinsett State Park in the nearby High Hills of Santee; or enjoy lively events and performances at the Town Hall-Opera House.
Spartanburg
Located near the South Carolina and Tennessee border, Spartanburg is a fantastic area for retirees willing to experience all four seasons without harsh, cold winters. The cost of living here is well below the national average, with a median listing home price of around $274,000, significantly lower than those in many urban areas. Known as the Hub City, Spartanburg has scenic streets with various boutiques, restaurants, and seasonal entertainment. Seniors can enjoy strolls in Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, followed by visits to the Chapman Cultural Center, home to art galleries, history exhibits, theater performances, and concerts. A peaceful ride or walk along the Mary Black Rail Trail offers well-maintained paths and community vibrancy, while history buffs appreciate the charm of the Historic Spartanburg District and the Jammie Seay House, an 18th-century log home dating to around 1785. For seniors, access to top-tier healthcare is seamless thanks to the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, which includes Spartanburg Medical Center’s main campus, cancer and breast health centers, and acute care hospitals.
Georgetown
Georgetown is an attractive coastal town that stands out as one of the most breathtaking towns in South Carolina, and it is great for retirees. With a cost of living below the national average and median home values near $439,000, it offers affordability alongside historic charm. Safety is excellent, and the community enjoys easy access to local care: multiple senior centers, a Bureau of Aging program offering transportation and meals, plus a range of assisted- and independent-living facilities and county healthcare services. Retirees appreciate the Lowcountry’s tranquil lifestyle, scenic Harborwalk and waterfront parks, combined with rich history; from the Old Market Building (Rice Museum) and Prince George Winyah Parish Church to the Georgian architecture dotting the Historic District. Quality-of-life benefits include nearby healthcare, low taxes, and a high homeownership rate. Seniors will find plenty to enjoy: serene walks along the Harborwalk, guided history tram tours with Swamp Fox Tours, peaceful afternoons at Brookgreen Gardens’ sculpture park, and visits to the Gullah Museum celebrating local heritage.
Lexington
Retirees looking for a suburban ambiance sprinkled with modern charms head to Lexington. Witnessing one of the Revolutionary War’s first battles, Lexington is a pleasure if you enjoy history. With a population of around 24,600, it's one of the safest towns in South Carolina for senior living, with crime rates lower than approximately 91% of U.S. cities, making it truly retiree-friendly. The median listing home price of around $349,000 is well below national averages, and healthcare is readily available, anchored by top-rated providers like Lexington Medical Center. What sets Lexington apart is its rich mix of historical charm, lake recreation, and active lifestyle. Seniors can stroll and fish along scenic Lake Murray, with marinas and boat ramps perfect for sunrise outings, visit the Lexington County Museum for historic reenactments and a journey through local history, and explore Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, offering gentle hiking trails and geological wonders.
Greenwood
Greenwood stands out as an affordable, safe, and senior‑friendly retirement destination. The median listing home price is around $296,000, making homeownership much more accessible than in many parts of the country. Safety is strong here, with crime rates generally in line with or below state averages. What truly elevates Greenwood is its appealing mix of culture, history, and nature: retirees can enjoy gentle lakeside strolls or bird-watching at Lake Greenwood State Park, browse local history at the Greenwood Museum & Arts Center, savor the annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers downtown, or tee off on relaxed afternoons at Templewood Golf Course. Seniors benefit from excellent healthcare infrastructure, including Self Regional Healthcare, and multiple assisted-living and nursing facilities such as NHC Greenwood and Elite Home Care & Day Centers, all supported by veteran-friendly in-home services.
Whether you're drawn to the serene beaches of Hilton Head, the historic charm of Beaufort, or the peaceful pace of smaller inland towns, South Carolina offers a retirement experience that balances comfort, culture, and affordability. With its mild climate, low taxes, access to quality healthcare, and strong sense of community, the Palmetto State continues to attract retirees from across the country. From coastal gems to scenic countryside retreats, each of these towns has something unique to offer, making South Carolina not just a place to retire but a place to thrive.
