Aiken, November 24, 2025
News Summary
Aiken, South Carolina, is the perfect place for retirees, offering great climate, affordable housing, and a vibrant equestrian culture. Home to horse racetracks and beautiful parks, Aiken also features excellent healthcare facilities. Discover its attractions, including historical sites and nature trails, making it a suitable locale for those who love outdoor activities and golf.
Aiken: A Retiree’s Dream Destination
Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Aiken is a delightful city that boasts a mild climate and affordable homes. If you’re looking for a place that exudes Southern charm and equestrian culture, this is your spot! With attractions like the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and numerous horse racetracks, Aiken is every horse lover’s paradise. It’s also home to the Aiken Equine Rescue, the largest horse rescue center in the Southeastern U.S. But if horses aren’t your thing, the 2,100-acre Hitchcock Woods offers a lush urban forest with over 70 miles of trails for all kinds of outdoor fun.
Healthcare is top-notch here as well, as the Aiken Regional Medical Centers is recognized as a U.S. News & World Report High-Performing Hospital for Pacemaker Implantation. With a median home value of $265,000, Aiken remains more affordable than the state average!
Lexington: A Perfect Blend of Small Town and City Life
If you’re searching for a balance between small-town charm and big-city conveniences, look no further than Lexington. Its median home value is approximately $300,000. The recently revitalized downtown area features the community-friendly Icehouse Amphitheater, where you can enjoy concerts and events throughout the year. History buffs, rejoice! The Lexington County Museum has 36 historic buildings just waiting for you to explore.
Outdoor enthusiasts can soak up nature with a leisurely stroll or bike ride on the Old Mill Pond Trail. As for health services, the Lexington Medical Center is named the top hospital in the Columbia Metro Area!
Anderson: The Electric City
Welcome to Anderson, a town affectionately nicknamed “The Electric City” since it was the first in the South with electricity! Located in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Anderson experiences four seasons, complete with mild winters. The city is rich in history, dotted with several historic districts and the fascinating Anderson County Museum. With a median home cost of $270,000, it’s definitely a place to consider.
Take part in seasonal festivals and enjoy outdoor theater productions in the charming Carolina Wren Park. For health concerns, AnMed Medical Center provides top-rated services, ensuring you have access to the care you need.
Florence: Center of Culinary Delights
Located at the head of the South Carolina Pecan Trail, Florence is a foodie’s dream! The city hosts the beloved annual SC Pecan Festival and has earned a designation as a Cultural District from the SC Arts Commission. With a median home value of just $220,000, it boasts affordable housing options perfect for retirees. Access to healthcare is provided by the local MUSC Health Florence Medical Center.
With a charming downtown area filled with artistic displays, a visit to the Florence County Museum is a must!
Seneca: For the Outdoor Enthusiasts
Get ready for adventure in Seneca, where outdoor activities abound! If you love fishing, boating, hiking, or golfing, this town has access to Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee, making it an ideal spot. It also features High Falls County Park, where you can camp and enjoy nature to the fullest.
Newberry: Small-Town Charm with Cultural Flair
Dive into the delightful world of Newberry, renowned for its small-town charm and historic downtown. Frequent events at the Newberry Opera House offer lively performances, while Memorial Park hosts family-friendly gatherings all year long. Need to stretch your legs? Lynch’s Woods Park offers lovely trails for hiking and biking.
It’s the perfect mix of community spirit and cultural experiences!
Camden: A Historical Haven
As South Carolina’s oldest inland city, Camden is steeped in history, being the site of the Battle of Camden. The battleground has been transformed into a preserve featuring walking trails and historical signs. Each November, the city hosts a fun Barbecue Festival where you can feast to your heart’s content. With a median home value of around $240,000, this charming city combines history with affordability!
Check out the National Steeplechase Museum for a taste of racing history and visit the Riverfront Environmental Park for outdoor fun!
Easley: Close to Greenville
Living in Easley means you have easy access to all that the nearby city of Greenville offers. This delightful spot features the Doodle Rail Trail, a paved path perfect for walking, biking, and even wheelchairs! The downtown is full of delightful shops, restaurants, and community spaces, so there’s never a dull moment!
On the healthcare front, your needs can be taken care of at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.
Conway: The Tranquil Alternative
If you’re looking for a quieter vibe than Myrtle Beach, Conway might just be your ideal retreat. Known for its historic downtown filled with boutiques, Conway hosts yearly festivals that celebrate community spirit. With a median home value of around $285,000, it’s an affordable coastal choice. Fishing enthusiasts will love the recreational opportunities along the Conway Riverwalk, while Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area offers serene nature trails and picnic spots.
So there you have it! These charming cities combine the perfect blend of affordable housing, great healthcare options, and unique local culture, making them exceptionally inviting for retirees. Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast, a foodie, or just love the great outdoors, South Carolina has a perfect spot waiting for you!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina High School Football Results: Week 8 Update
Small Towns in South Carolina Attract New Residents with Affordable Living
Grand Strand Regional Medical Center Recognized as Fourth-Best Hospital in South Carolina
Canadian Retirees Cancel Myrtle Beach Vacation Over Tariffs
Additional Resources
- World Atlas: 9 Best Places to Retire in South Carolina (2025)
- Google Search: Best Places to Retire in South Carolina
- Post and Courier: South Carolina Judge Retirement Supreme Court
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Empower: 10 Best Places to Retire in South Carolina
- Google News: South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
