5 of the Best 55 Plus Communities in South Carolina
Retiring to South Carolina can be an immense change of pace financially and emotionally. See expert tips for selecting the best 55+ communities in The Palmetto State.
Deciding where to retire can be one of the most significant financial decisions you make. South Carolina is a natural choice for many, offering affordable living, beautiful scenery, and historical charm. With 187 miles of unbroken coastline, the beach is never far away — and winters tend to be mild so that you can enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Get Expert Advice About Choosing a 55 Plus Community
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Kiplingers Personal Finance Magazine notes the tax favorability of South Carolina for retirees, where Social Security income is not taxed. In addition, taxpayers over the age of 65 can exempt up to $10,000 of retirement income each year when filing their return.
With over 150 active retirement communities in The Palmetto State, it’s clear that this has become a hotspot for relocation after age 55. In this post, we’ve researched some of the best 55+ communities in terms of lifestyle, location, affordability, and safety.
To compile this list, we considered the following:
- Location and amenities (proximity to beaches, golf courses, airports, and other points of interest)
- Nearby access to quality healthcare
- Established and enforced age restrictions (55+)
- Ratings and reviews (55places.com and Google)
- Living options available (floor plans, housing types, price points)
- Homebuyer interest (popularity)
- Security and surrounding crime rates
What is a 55+ community?
A 55+ community is an age-restricted community that may not necessarily be exclusive to retirees. These developments require residents to be over 18 and often require full-time residents to be over 55.
Younger visitors are welcome for certain portions of the year. 55+ community members often enjoy convenient hobbies and amenities, including access to outdoor and fitness activities, social life infrastructure, and transportation to nearby places for shopping, entertainment, and healthcare.
These communities are a popular choice for Americans making a move to retire, downsizing as they prepare for retirement, or just simplifying their lives after reaching the age of 55. Housing options may include everything from single detached houses to duplex- or condominium-style units.
