South Carolina, December 14, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina is becoming a top choice for retirees seeking affordable living and breathtaking golf courses. The state combines mountain tranquility and coastal fun, with charming towns like Little River and Walhalla offering vibrant communities and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Golf enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the engaging scene, highlighted by locations such as Eagle Nest Golf Club and Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf. With competitive home prices and a warm community spirit, South Carolina is the perfect retirement oasis for those passionate about golf.
South Carolina Emerges as a Top Retirement Destination
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful retirement filled with sunshine, affordable homes, and vibrant communities, then South Carolina should be at the top of your list. Nestled between the stunning Appalachian foothills and the enticing Atlantic coastline, this state offers retirees the perfect blend of mountain tranquility and coastal energy.
A Sense of Community Awaits
While big city buzz from urban corridors stretching from Charlotte to Atlanta outlines the northern and western edges of South Carolina, it’s the smaller towns that really steal the show. These charming locales offer a sense of communal bonding through annual festivals, golfing, and a myriad of recreational activities. Most importantly, in these towns, there is a strong emphasis on engagement and friendliness—something that many retirees cherish over isolation.
Affordable Living in Paradise
When it comes to affordable living, South Carolina shines, often offering savings that can easily surpass what you might find in coastal Florida or North Carolina. Take Little River, for example. Located right at the North Carolina state line, Little River features the calm of the Intracoastal Waterway and sandy beaches that are more peaceful than the bustling nearby resort beaches. Here, you’ll find the C.B. Berry Community Center serving as a hub for fitness classes and various community events. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking year-round at the Vereen Memorial Gardens, with its boardwalks winding through breathtaking maritime forests and salt marshes.
Golf enthusiasts have their fair share of recreational options, with the Eagle Nest Golf Club and Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf in town. And for those who enjoy a little thrill, the Big “M” Casino boat offers offshore gaming just a short trip away. When it comes to healthcare, retirees can rest easy knowing that McLeod Seacoast Hospital is there for emergency needs and joint replacement surgeries. With a median home list price slightly above $300,000, Little River is positioned as a highly desirable spot for retirement living.
Cultural Richness in Walhalla
Over in Walhalla, a town founded by German settlers in 1850, heritage is celebrated in style through annual Oktoberfest festivities featuring traditional German food and activities. This community’s median list price rings in at over $222,000, which is lower than South Carolina’s overall median of $299,000. Depot Park provides accessible green spaces and historic structures alongside a scenic pond for the enjoyment of all.
Moving to Ninety Six, budget-conscious retirees will find homes averaging around $160,000. This charming town is host to the Festival of Stars, which kicks off early Independence Day celebrations complete with free admission and delightful carnival rides. History buffs can explore the Ninety Six National Historic Site, featuring Revolutionary War relics that include the remnants of Star Fort.
Outdoor Delights in Lexington County
In Lexington County, residents can indulge in beautiful wetlands and conservation areas that lie between the Blue Ridge foothills and the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque Lake Murray is your playground for fishing and boating, easily accessible for local residents. Lexington also bursts with community events like concerts and family-friendly baseball games at the Icehouse Amphitheatre. As the median home price approaches $300,000, retiring here offers a perfect balance of affordability and access to medical facilities located in Columbia.
For those seeking a slower pace, Seneca provides a backdrop of charm right next to Lake Keowee. Enjoy water activities just a stone’s throw from downtown, which features a vivid social scene with restaurants, cafes, and weekly events like Jazz on the Alley.
Final Thoughts: The Jewel of the Carolinas
With towns like Fountain Inn, where the median home price hovers around nearly $280,000, and North Myrtle Beach, blending tourism and local appeal with median prices just under $400,000, South Carolina has something for every retiree. Here, you can celebrate the outdoors and indulge in diverse community activities, including the popular SOS Shag Festivals.
Add to that the fact that South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits, and you’ve got a state that welcomes retirees with open arms. The influx of newcomers from the Northeast and Florida is contributing to local economic growth, making community involvement a key aspect of life here. So why not explore what South Carolina has to offer and discover your perfect retirement oasis!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- World Atlas: 8 Friendly Towns to Retire in South Carolina
- Kiplinger: 8 Things You Must Know About Retiring to the Carolinas
- AI-CIO: South Carolina Retirement System Returns 11.34% in Fiscal 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Google Search: retirement in 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.
