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Top Retirement Communities In South Carolina [OUR LIST]

Top Retirement Communities In South Carolina [OUR LIST]

Looking to retire in South Carolina? Check out the state's top retirement communities that will let you enjoy a peaceful, relaxing, and amenity-filled rest of your life.

The top retirement communities in South Carolina include something for everyone. From active communities to relaxing spaces. From budget-friendly to those appealing to people with high net worth. Everyone will have a slightly different preference.

We've gathered the best retirement communities in South Carolina, making sure to include options for everyone. Explore the top choices in more detail to find your future community.

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Best Retirement Communities In South Carolina: Your Guide

Your retirement is a time for relaxation and enjoying life. You want to be close to amenities and attractions but be able to relax. Buying a property in a retirement community is a great way to do this. Explore the best retirement communities in South Carolina to find the right one for your lifestyle.

How To Choose Among The South Carolina Retirement Communities

Before looking at specific South Carolina retirement communities, you should get an idea of what you are looking for. As mentioned, everyone wants something different in their community. Maybe your priority is a golf course within the community. Or maybe you don't care about on-site entertainment as long as the community has assisted living options you can transition to in the future. The following are some of the considerations to keep in mind as you browse our list of 55+ communities in South Carolina.

  • Budget
  • Amenities (pools, golf, arts and crafts, etc.)
  • On-site and nearby restaurants
  • On-site and nearby shopping
  • Property types
  • Access to medical care
  • Security
  • Age restrictions and guest restrictions

You will also want to keep those factors in mind if you consider a retirement community that didn't make our list.

Bridgewater (Little River, SC)

Little River is right next to Myrtle Beach, giving you easy access to all that city's amenities. Choose from single-family homes or condos built around lakes. You will appreciate the various walking paths. The center of this community features a clubhouse with numerous activities and clubs. Choose from an impressive 11 different floor plans, each with its own price point.

Cresswind At The Ponds Aka Cresswind Charleston (Summerville, SC)

Right by Charleston, this community comes from one of the major retirement community developers in the country. It is conveniently close to shops and golf courses. You can choose from numerous customizable floor plans. No matter how you configure your home, you'll get access to tennis courts, bocce ball, an outdoor pool, and more.

Del Webb Retirement Communities

Del Webb is one of the biggest names in retirement communities no matter where in the country you look. As such, there are several Del Webb retirement communities in South Carolina. We've highlighted a few.

Carolina Orchards By Del Webb (Fort Mill, SC)

This South Carolina retirement community gives you very easy access to Charlotte, NC, as it sits right along the border of the two states. This is among the newest 55+ communities on the list. You can choose from various floor plans, including up to three bathrooms and bedrooms. The fact that this is a newer community means there are more openings, making it easier to find a home within it.

Del Webb At Cane Bay (Summerville, SC)

This community puts you just an hour away from Charleston and two from the ocean. You will find a selection of more than 1,000 homes with your choice of six-floor plans and models. The retirement community has plenty of social activities, including interest groups for line dancing, photography, and cards. You can keep your mind active by attending classes and workshops. Or just relax in the clubhouse, which is where you will find most of the amenities.

Del Webb At Grande Dunes (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Love the atmosphere of Myrtle Beach with its coastal-resort-like atmosphere? If so, consider this Del Webb retirement community. You get the clubhouses, pools, activities, and clubs that you expect from any Del Webb community. You can choose from single-family homes or villas.

Del Webb North Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach, SC)

This is yet another Del Webb option within Myrtle Beach. It is a smaller community than the others on this list, but it is still loaded with amenities. As a bonus, it is closer to Myrtle Beach than the one at Grande Dunes.

Sun City Hilton Head By Del Webb (Bluffton, SC)

If you want to be just minutes from the ocean, consider this Del Webb community. You get the advantages of Sun City Hilton Head but with more affordability due to Del Webb's ability to gather amenities. Within the community itself, you will find a performing arts center that regularly hosts events and 54 holes of golf. There are also several amenity centers, each filled with amenities like pools and space for gatherings.

Four Seasons At Carolina Oaks (Bluffton, SC)

One of the excellent Four Seasons retirement communities in South Carolina made by K Hovnanian Homes where you can expect plenty of luxury. Enjoy various floor plans, with your choice of up to three bedrooms and bathrooms and a two-car garage. You'll get a fitness center, sports facilities, and both indoor and outdoor pools. The location also has plenty of walking trails, a dog park, and a firepit.

Four Seasons At The Lakes Of Cane Bay (Charleston, SC)

This retirement community has very similar amenities to the other Four Seasons on the list. There are nearly 800 homes to choose from, giving you a range of price points and sizes. The clubhouse has a game room and catering kitchen. The community includes courts for playing your favorite sports, walking trails, and outdoor picnic areas.

Hilton Head Plantation (Hilton Head Island, SC)

As with other retirement communities on Hilton Head Island, this one features amazing views of the ocean. You get plenty of amenities for shopping, socializing, and exercising. Enjoy the nature conservatories, clubhouses, fitness centers, and walking trails. There are walking trails along the beach plus multiple pavilions. Choose from detached houses, townhomes, and condos. There are empty lots if you want to build your retirement home yourself.

Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head Island (Hilton Head Island, SC)

One of several Margaritaville retirement communities sprinkled throughout the country, this community was built to embrace beach vibes and create a resort lifestyle. Head to the center of the neighborhood, where the Town Square has socialization spaces, shops, and restaurants. Or enjoy the various social clubs, activity centers, an indoor pool, or a fitness center. Choose from a range of home types, all with two bedrooms, a garage, energy-efficient appliances, and landscaped gardens.

Myrtle Beach Golf And Yacht Club (Myrtle Beach, SC)

This technically isn't a retirement community as there are no age restrictions, but it is incredibly popular among retirees. This is easily among the largest and most popular communities you will find on the East Coast. That means you will have your choice of properties and floor plans, with one to three bedrooms or bathrooms. There are also plenty of community centers throughout the community. Attend hosted parties or workout classes, or just walk along the various trails. Enjoy the picnic area and pool. You will just be seven miles from the beach and a short drive to various golf courses.

Savannah Lakes Village (McCormick, SC)

The 23,000-square-foot community center and recreation area of the Savannah Lakes Village has an aerobics and fitness center. It also has meeting rooms, rooms for clubs, a ballroom, and an indoor pool. The community has more than 40 activities and clubs to enjoy. You will find two golf courses within the community, complete with practice facilities and clubs. You will find miles of trails as well as a lake where you can fish or kayak. Choose from attached and separate homes or condos.

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Other 55+ Communities In South Carolina

While the above retirement communities in South Carolina are among the top options, there are also plenty of others worth considering. The following are also great choices:

  • Bray's Island (Sheldon, SC)
  • Celadon (Beaufort, SC)
  • The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards (Lake Keowee, SC)
  • The Cliffs at Mountain Park (Marietta, SC)
  • The Cottages at Carolina Park (Mt. Pleasant, SC)
  • The Crescent (Bluffton, SC)
  • Daniel Island (Charleston, SC)
  • Haig Point (Daufuskie Island, SC)
  • Hampton Lake (Bluffton, SC)
  • The Haven at New Riverside (Bluffton, SC)
  • Hilton Head Lakes (Hardeeville, SC)
  • Kiawah River Estates (Charleston, SC)
  • Port Royal Plantation (Hilton Head Island, SC)
  • Sea Pines (Hilton Head Island, SC)
  • Seasons at Prince Creek West (Murrells Inlet, SC)
  • Seabrook Island (Seabrook Island, SC)
  • Sun City Carolina Lakes (Fort Mill, SC)
  • Woodside (Aiken, SC)
  • The Woodlands District at Saluda River Club (Lexington, SC)
  • Wyboo Plantation (Manning, SC)

Conclusion

Any of the above retirement communities in South Carolina would be a great choice. To decide which one is right for you, you just have to think about where in the state you want to be as well as the type of home and other amenities you want in your community.