9 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In South Carolina

Fountain Inn is an affordable small town in South Carolina, originally founded as a modest stagecoach stop and now home to roughly 11,000 residents. The town remains budget-friendly with a median house listing price of about $341,500, noticeably lower than the statewide median. Its manageable size, inclusive community, and lower housing costs make it an appealing option for retirees looking for comfort without overspending.

Fountain Inn features a quaint downtown with preserved historic buildings, while nature lovers enjoy easy access to peaceful greenways like the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Entertainment is close at hand with venues such as the CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park close at hand, and golfers appreciate the inviting fairways of Carolina Springs Golf Club. Retirees also benefit from proximity to quality healthcare, with Fountain Inn Post Acute providing long and short-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and respite as needed.

Set along the Congaree River, Cayce is a serene suburb of Columbia that offers small-town comfort with easy access to city amenities. Cayce’s roots trace back to the early 1700s, when it served as one of the first European settlements in the Midlands region. Today, it blends this rich history with modern growth. With a median home price of $260,000, Cayce stands out as one of the state’s more affordable places to buy a home.

Nature and recreation are at the heart of life here. The scenic Lake Murray draws anglers and boaters alike, famous for its vibrant sunsets and trophy bass. Strolls along Timmerman Trail offer glimpses of local wildlife, while the Riverwalk invites walkers and birdwatchers to enjoy peaceful views of the Congaree. History enthusiasts can explore the Cayce Historical Museum, showcasing artifacts from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. For retirees, the Lexington Regional Rehabilitation Hospital specializes not just in acute care, but in intensive rehabilitation and recovery, offering personalized therapy programs and advanced services close to home.

Located in Lexington County, South Carolina, Batesburg-Leesville is a welcoming small town of around 5,000 residents. Steeped in Southern history and tradition, Batesburg-Leesville was originally two towns, Batesburg and Leesville, that merged in the early 1990s, blending their historic roots into one thriving community. With a median home listing price of $263,000, it’s a smart choice for retirees seeking comfort on a fixed income or limited budget.

Residents enjoy easy access to both tranquil nature and engaging recreation. The Batesburg Reservoir offers peaceful fishing and kayaking spots, while the Ponderosa Country Club is a favorite among golf lovers. Meanwhile, the town’s relative proximity to Columbia means seniors can enjoy cultural events, shopping, and dining in the capital city within an hour's drive from home.

With its wide, oak-lined streets, Aiken feels spacious, relaxed, and perfectly suited for leisurely retirement living. This charming town of roughly 32,000 residents moves at a gentle pace. The median home price hovers around $359,500, offering retirees an affordable alternative to pricier urban markets while still providing a comfortable, small-town lifestyle. The historic train depot reflects the town’s railroad heritage, while The Alley in downtown Aiken offers a pedestrian-friendly mix of shops and restaurants, illuminated by twinkling string lights that create a magical evening atmosphere at no cost.

Hitchcock Woods, one of the nation’s largest urban forests, provides 2,100 acres of trails for walking and horseback riding, while a short stroll takes you to Hopelands Gardens, where paths wind past fountains, 100-year-old oak stands, and the former stables of the historic Iselin estate. Within the gardens, the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame celebrates the town’s enduring love for flat racing and steeplechase. Residents also have easy access to quality care at facilities like Aiken Regional Medical Center, making it a well-rounded and welcoming place for retirees.

Set in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Anderson, South Carolina, is a welcoming town of around 29,500 residents. With a median home price of approximately $313,000, Anderson offers affordable living that makes retirement planning more manageable, allowing Social Security and retirement savings to stretch a bit further.

Anderson’s historic courthouse anchors a vibrant downtown filled with brick buildings that house local shops, boutiques, and restaurants, where classic Southern meals are paired with friendly service. Nature lovers can enjoy the nearby Lake Hartwell, ideal for fishing, with walking trails and breathtaking sunset views, while Carolina Wren Park hosts free concerts, outdoor movies, and other seasonal community events. Retirees also benefit from excellent healthcare facilities, such as AnMed Health Medical Center, and can stay active and socially engaged at the Anderson Senior Center, which offers programs, events, and activities tailored to residents aged 55 and older.

Socastee, a small community within South Carolina’s Grand Strand, offers retirees an affordable coastal lifestyle with a median home price of roughly $335,000, making it one of the more budget-friendly beach-adjacent areas in the Southeast. Adding to its appeal, Socastee sits near several standout attractions, including the peaceful shores of Surfside Beach, the bustling Myrtle Beach boardwalk, the scenic Waccamaw River, and the vast Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, which spans over 50,000 acres of protected natural beauty, including walking trails and wildlife observation decks.

History lovers can explore the town’s roots as part of the Grand Strand’s early settlements, while shoppers and diners enjoy the commercial hubs nearby. Horry County Council on Aging (HCCOA), established in 1975, is an organization that provides comprehensive senior care services throughout the county.

Situated just 15 miles from Myrtle Beach and the Atlantic Coast, Conway is an inviting town of approximately 26,000 residents. Housing remains relatively affordable for retirees, with a median home price of about $310,000, making it an attractive option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without the higher price tag. Conway offers a rich blend of historic, natural, and commercial attractions for residents and visitors alike.

Strolls along the scenic Waccamaw River, dining at charming downtown restaurants, or relaxing at Riverfront Park provide everyday enjoyment, while landmarks such as City Hall, designed by renowned architect Robert Mills, and the campus of Coastal Carolina University add cultural and architectural appeal. For retirees, Conway also features reputable healthcare facilities through McLeod Health and welcoming senior centers, ensuring both convenience and a strong sense of community for older residents.

Union

Located in the northwestern corner of the state, Union is an inviting town with a population of around 8,000, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking a slower pace of life. With a median home price of approximately $200,000, housing is remarkably affordable, allowing residents on fixed incomes to enjoy homeownership without financial strain.

History buffs can explore the Union County Museum, while nature enthusiasts can stroll through the Piedmont Physic Botanical Garden or feed the ducks and geese at the lake in Foster Park. Shopping and dining are centered around Main Street, and casual diners and restaurants like Fat Sam’s and Dairi-O capture the essence of southern hospitality. Meanwhile, Union Medical Center offers comprehensive services, including emergency, primary, and specialty care.

Seneca

Seneca, set in Oconee County between Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell, is a charming small town with a population of approximately 8,900 residents and a median home price of around $390,000. Its peaceful streets, friendly neighborhoods, and accessible amenities make it a welcoming place for those seeking both comfort and community.

The Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum showcases local African American heritage, while the Lunney Museum, a historic home on the National Register of Historic Places, offers heritage gardens and classic architecture. Outdoor enthusiasts have Oconee State Park nearby for gentle hiking, swimming, and picnicking, and the lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Downtown, Ram Cat Alley serves as the town’s social hub, featuring boutiques, restaurants, and events like Jazz on the Alley and Seneca Fest.