Conway, SC, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Conway, South Carolina, recognized among the top towns for retirement by WorldAtlas, offers a small-town charm and affordable living, making it a popular choice for retirees. With an average home price of $290,000 and local healthcare services, Conway provides a peaceful alternative to the bustling Myrtle Beach. Additionally, budget-friendly options are available in various towns across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, providing retirees with diverse choices for comfortable living.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has become a popular destination for retirees, with thousands relocating to the area each year to enjoy the coastal charm and warm climate. The allure of beautiful beaches and a leisurely lifestyle attracts many, but surrounding towns like Conway are emerging as budget-friendly alternatives.
Conway, located about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach, has recently been ranked by WorldAtlas among the top 10 towns in South Carolina for comfortable retirement. The rankings take into account factors such as healthcare, home prices, and leisure activities, which are crucial for retirees. Conway is recognized for its small-town charm nestled along the Waccamaw River, where residents can enjoy a picturesque downtown area adorned with live oaks, diverse businesses, and various restaurants, complemented by a scenic Riverwalk for leisurely strolls.
Additionally, Conway enhances its appeal with annual holiday decorations, which contribute to its quaint atmosphere. With a population of under 30,000, the town offers a more tranquil environment compared to the bustling Myrtle Beach. Retirees can also benefit from local medical services provided by two health care centers: Grand Strand Medical Center and Conway Medical Center.
The average home price in Conway stands at $290,000, offering retirees a manageable housing option coupled with lower taxes. This affordability is attractive for many who are downsizing or relocating.
Shifting focus beyond South Carolina, Hermitage, Pennsylvania, is another option for retirees seeking affordability. With a median home value of approximately $153,600, retirees in Hermitage can enjoy significantly lower housing costs. Mercer County, where Hermitage is located, also boasts monthly transportation costs averaging $1,243. For those considering everyday living expenses, the average monthly food cost for a two-person household in this area is about $631. Hermitage offers a laid-back lifestyle with access to amenities and cultural events held in local parks and at the historical society.
Another affordable option for retirees is Johnstown, Pennsylvania, featuring a median home value of $115,900. Residents benefit from the absence of taxes on Social Security benefits or retirement account withdrawals, further easing financial concerns. Living costs in Cambria County, where Johnstown is situated, average $711 for housing and $622 for food monthly.
In the neighboring city of Altoona, Pennsylvania, the median home value is $156,700, while monthly costs for food and transportation average $620 and $1,163 respectively. Retirees seeking cultural amenities can find them in Utica, New York, where the median home value is $171,100, and the city boasts rich cultural attractions, including fine arts centers and theaters.
Further south, in New Jersey, retirees may prefer Vineland, which offers understanding affordability with a median home value of $205,600. New Hampshire’s capital, Concord, has a median home value of $330,600 but lacks a state income tax, a lucrative benefit for retirees. Similarly, Massachusetts taxes retirement income but not Social Security benefits, contributing to its qualified living environment.
Overall, towns across the Northeast and the Myrtle Beach area give retirees a blend of low living costs, access to cultural opportunities, and proximity to major urban spaces. This combination makes it appealing for retirees who seek a vibrant lifestyle without the burden of high expenses.
FAQ
What makes Myrtle Beach a popular destination for retirees?
Thousands of retirees relocate to the Myrtle Beach area annually, drawn by its coastal charm.
What alternatives offer affordability near Myrtle Beach?
Although Myrtle Beach is popular, surrounding towns like Conway may offer more budget-friendly options.
Why was Conway ranked among the top towns in South Carolina for retirement?
WorldAtlas ranked Conway among the top 10 towns in South Carolina for comfortable retirement, based on healthcare, home prices, and leisure activities.
What are the healthcare options in Conway?
Conway has two health care centers, Grand Strand Medical Center and Conway Medical Center, providing local medical services.
What is the average home price in Conway?
The average home price in Conway is $290,000, making it a manageable option for retirees looking for lower taxes.
What is the median home value in Hermitage, Pennsylvania?
Retirees in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, can benefit from lower housing costs, with a median home value around $153,600.
Key Features of Retirement Locations
| Location | Median Home Value | Average Monthly Food Cost (Two-Person Household) | Average Monthly Transportation Cost | State Tax Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conway, SC | $290,000 | N/A | N/A | Lower taxes |
| Hermitage, PA | $153,600 | $631 | $1,243 | No taxes on Social Security and retirement accounts |
| Johnstown, PA | $115,900 | $622 | N/A | No taxes on Social Security |
| Altoona, PA | $156,700 | $620 | $1,163 | N/A |
| Utica, NY | $171,100 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Concord, NH | $330,600 | N/A | N/A | No state income tax |
| Springfield, MA | $276,300 | N/A | N/A | Taxes retirement income but not Social Security |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Teachers Play Free Golf at Ripley’s Attractions!
North Myrtle Beach Golf Community Invited for Plan Update
Port Lavaca: A Budget-Friendly Golf Destination for Retirees
Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf Celebrates 30 Years
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Additional Resources
- Investopedia: 10 Best Cities to Retire in the Northeast
- Wikipedia: Retirement
- Kiplinger: 8 Things You Must Know About Retiring to the Carolinas
- Google Search: Retiring to the Carolinas
- News Nation: Best States to Retire 2025
- Google Scholar: Retirement Locations
- The Crimson: Cost-Cutting Retirement Offers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retirement Locations
- FinanceBuzz: South Carolina Cities and Social Security
- Google News: 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.
