Murrells Inlet and North Myrtle Beach Shine as Best Places for Middle-Class Retirement
If you’re living in Murrells Inlet or North Myrtle Beach, there’s some exciting news in the air! These lovely towns have made it to the top of the list when it comes to finding the perfect spot for middle-class retirees. According to recent findings, Murrells Inlet ranks a fantastic 11th, while North Myrtle Beach comes in at a sweet 21st among the best retirement towns in the country. How cool is that?
The Numbers That Matter
So, what does it mean to be a middle-income retiree? Well, folks in this category typically earn between two-thirds to double the U.S. median household income, which is about $56,600 to $169,800 in 2022. The Census pegged the average household income at $74,580 for that year. It’s all about enjoying life without breaking the bank!
In Murrells Inlet, the stats show a household median income of $71,019, which is pretty solid. When you factor in the annual cost of living at $49,996 along with average Social Security benefits landing around $26,060, it’s clear why people feel at home here. Speaking of homes, the average price for a single-family crib in this beautiful area is about $438,475. Not too shabby, right?
Now let’s head over to North Myrtle Beach, where retirees are also loving life! With a household median income of $69,792 and an annual cost of living at $54,861, there are plenty of options here too. Even the average Social Security benefits are the cherry on top at $27,638!
Growing Senior Community
Interestingly, both towns are becoming increasingly popular among our seasoned citizens. Data shows that from 2010 to 2022, the proportion of residents aged 65 and older in Murrells Inlet jumped to an impressive 37% of its overall population of 9,740. Over in North Myrtle Beach, seniors make up 38.6% of its 20,303 residents, according to 2023 Census numbers.
This means more activities, social events, and friends to share experiences with for our golden-age folks! Plus, it’s nice living around others who understand the joys of retirement, where relaxing becomes the name of the game.
How Are These Rankings Determined?
You might be wondering how Murrells Inlet and North Myrtle Beach earned their shiny medals. The ranking folks took a good, hard look at federal data and U.S. Census records, considering household median income, average home values, and total cost of living. They kept their eyes peeled for towns with at least 10,000 residents, with 25% or more being lovely retirees over 65. That’s some serious criteria!
What’s Next?
News like this puts a smile on our faces, especially for those contemplating retirement plans. Whether you’re planning to kick back on the beach, enjoy the local community, or catch up with old friends, Murrells Inlet and North Myrtle Beach are where it’s happening!
With all the perks and a thriving community, it’s no wonder these areas have soared in popularity for retirees seeking a bright and fulfilling next chapter. Remember, the good life is right around the corner; you just gotta find it. Happy exploring!
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.
