9 Best Places To Retire In South Carolina

For retirees who want to spend their golden years in a warm climate with Southern charm, affordable housing, and accessible healthcare, look no further than the following nine best places to retire in South Carolina. From historic downtowns to lakefront communities, enclaves with rich arts districts and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities to equestrian havens, these towns prove that a large population isn’t the only requirement for enjoying a full life. Each city on this list is a standout for its amenities and senior-friendly options.

Aiken

Aiken draws retirees for its mild climate, affordable homes, and its equestrian culture. Seniors with a love for horses and horse racing delight in Aiken’s Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, which spotlights the winning thoroughbred horses trained in the city. The city has several horse racetracks, as well as the Aiken Equine Rescue, the largest horse rescue center in the southeastern United States.

There’s more to the town than horses, too. Hitchcock Woods is a 2,100-acre forest habitat, making it one of the largest urban forests in the nation. The 70 miles of sand trails are welcoming to hikers, runners, and, of course, equestrians. If any injuries arise from horseback riding or racing, Aiken Regional Medical Centers offers care throughout the region and was named a U.S. News & World Report High-Performing Hospital for Pacemaker Implantation. Best of all is its median home value of $265,000 as of November 2025, which is less than the state's median value of around $300,000.

Lexington

Lexington, a town near Columbia, has a median home value of $300,000 and offers small-town perks with access to big-city conveniences. The recently revitalized downtown includes the Icehouse Amphitheater, a 900-seat open-air venue that hosts outdoor festivals, community events, and concerts by local and international musicians. The Lexington County Museum illuminates the town’s history from 1770 to the Civil War. Thirty-six historic buildings cover the museum’s seven acres, including the Old Post Office and the oldest house in Lexington. Take a guided tour or pick up a map for a self-guided one.

The Old Mill Pond Trail is a walking and biking trail that winds over a mile around the pond that supplied water to the former Lexington Manufacturing Co. For top healthcare, the Lexington Medical Center was named the the number one hospital in the Columbia Metro Area by U.S. News & World Report.

Anderson

Anderson, nicknamed the “Electric City” because it was the first town in the South with electricity. It’s located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Piedmont of northern South Carolina and has four seasons, though winters are mild. The multiple historic districts include a 1764 Revolutionary War cannon, the Anderson County Museum, and numerous other buildings that tell the tale of the city’s past. Homes in the city have a median cost of $270,000.

Downtown Anderson is the hub of the city, where seasonal festivals like The Soiree, a two-day event that shines a light on the city's arts and culinary scene. Outdoor theatre productions like Shakespeare in the Park take place in Carolina Wren Park in the summer, and the holidays come alive with lights, decorations, and an ice skating rink. Finding 24 hidden bronze wrens is an entertaining game to play downtown. If looking for all the birds gets you tired, the AnMed Medical Center is a top-rated medical facility.

Florence

A person would be “nuts” to not like Florence, which is at the head of the South Carolina Pecan Trail. The trail, which extends to Lake City, highlights local restaurants and businesses that utilize pecans in their food, crafts, and other products. Coincidentally, Florence is also the venue for the SC Pecan Festival every fall.

Downtown Florence has received the SC Arts Commission Cultural District of SC designation for its accessible cultural offerings. Florence County Museum features exhibits, lectures, and educational explorations of historical artifacts on display. The Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center holds national performing artist concerts, Florence Symphony performances, South Carolina Dance Theatre performances, and more. In addition to its cultural offerings and affordable housing (with a median home value of $220,000), Florence is home to MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, which provides healthcare and wellness programs.

Seneca

Seneca is a paradise for outdoor lovers who want four seasons and plenty of water-based recreation. The city’s best feature is its location on Lake Hartwell and its proximity to Lake Keowee. Both lakes are popular destinations for fishing and boating, with numerous marinas offering parking and boat rentals. Seneca is also in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so mountain activities like hiking and biking are also plentiful.

Oconee Country Club offers 18 holes of golf, Oconee Lanes offers bowling, and High Falls County Park on Lake Keowee is the place to go for camping, with 91 campsites, picnic shelters and tables, mini golf, boat ramps, a fishing pier, and a playground for the grandkids. After a day on the lake, settle in for a meal at Traditions on the Lake, across the lake from Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium.

Newberry

Newberry is a classic southern small town with a historic downtown. Main Street offers everything from antique shops to boutique clothing stores, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the historic buildings is the Newberry Opera House, built in the 1880s and still home to opera performances, concerts by national touring musicians, and theatrical productions. Memorial Park is a shaded green space that hosts festivals, concerts, and other family-friendly events year-round.

Lynch’s Woods Park has 276 acres of trees, trails, and creeks. It’s a popular destination for hikers and bikers, and is part of the Upstate’s link to the Palmetto Trail that runs through the state. The Wells Japanese Garden is a relaxing park to visit and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been fully renovated in recent years. Some of the garden's offerings include a temple, a moon bridge, and a Tea House. For any medical concerns, there is Newberry Health on Kinard Street.

Camden

South Carolina’s oldest inland city was the center of the Battle of Camden during the Revolutionary War. In 1780, more than 2,000 British and Loyalist troops defeated over 4,000 American troops, making it the worst Patriot defeat of the American Revolution. The 476-acre battleground now offers interpretive signage along three miles of walking trails and is known as the Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Preserve. Every November, battle reenactments take place just outside the city, paired with a more modern Barbecue Festival. For a full history of Camden’s place in the war, stop at The Revolutionary War Visitor Center.

Camden is also home to the National Steeplechase Museum, where visitors learn about the breeders, horses, and jockeys who have contributed to the sport of horse racing. For relaxation, Riverfront Environmental Park is a 26-acre park featuring a half-mile waterway, hiking and walking trails, observation areas, wildlife demonstration areas, and a riverfront canoe & kayak launch. Residents enjoy all this history for the median home value of around $240,000.

Easley

Easley is an excellent choice for retirees who have slowed down but still want access to a mid-sized city and its attractions. It’s just a few minutes outside Greenville with all of its shops, restaurants, and delightful downtown festivals and entertainment options.

The Doodle Rail Trail is a 7.5-mile paved trail that starts in Easley and extends to nearby Pickens. It’s a wide trail with room for bikes, walking, strollers, and wheelchairs. Downtown is home to bars, restaurants, and shops, such as Poor Richard’s Booksellers, the site of the county’s first public library, which was converted into a bookstore more than 30 years ago. The Silos is the site of former grain silos that have been repurposed as spaces for restaurants, coffee shops, and a brewery. It’s a truly unique spot for meeting friends and enjoying life in Easley. For medical assistance, Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital is always available.

Conway

Conway is a quieter, slower alternative to Myrtle Beach, which is just 15-20 minutes away. Historic downtown is where the town comes alive, with boutiques, restaurants to suit every taste, and year-round festivals and events. Since Conway sits on the Waccamaw River, plenty of fishing and even duck-hunting opportunities are available from the Conway Riverwalk, a paved boardwalk that offers a way to see and experience the river from benches or by strolling. Home values hover around the median of $285,000.

The Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area is a wooded landscape with nature trails, a boardwalk, and picnic areas. Thompson Farm and Nursery is located on the site of a 156-acre plantation and offers primitive camping, farm tours, a corn maze, and numerous seasonal activities throughout the year. Golfing enthusiasts will love the Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club, as well as all of the golf courses that surround the city in nearby Myrtle Beach.

Settle Down In South Carolina

South Carolina’s smaller communities offer inviting places to retire, whether for waterfront tranquility, walkable historic districts, thriving art scenes, or the quiet rhythm and character of small-town life. These towns pair practical essentials like quality medical care and affordable housing with local character. For retirees eager to stay active, connected, and inspired, each of these destinations provides a unique opportunity to settle into a lifestyle that feels both peaceful and engaging.