8 Best Places to Retire in South Carolina, According to Real Estate Experts

Columbia

“Columbia is centrally located in the heart of the state and offers excellent healthcare,” says  Cece Zimmerman, realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. Not only is Columbia home to Prisma Health Richland Hospital, Lexington Medical Center, and MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown, but it’s also quite a bit more affordable than some of South Carolina’s coastal destinations. The cost of living in Columbia is 11 percent lower than the national average, and the average home value is $222,940.

Plus, “Soda City” has all the amenities to ensure you live a happy, well-rounded life in retirement. “There are multiple retirement communities—with options from independent to assisted living within the same community—and many recreation options, including golf courses and a several-mile-long walking area known as Riverwalk,” she says. “The University of South Carolina offers SEC sports and cultural events. Lake Murray also provides a resort‑style, lakefront lifestyle.”

Charleston

“Charleston, while the most expensive retirement option in South Carolina, offers coastal living paired with a rich history and architecture. Its walkable historic districts include an amazing dining scene, and there is always something,” says Zimmerman. “And like nearly all of South Carolina, it has fantastic weather.” The average home value in the Holy City is $572,367, a number that also takes into account the areas outside of downtown Charleston (including James Island, Johns Island, West Ashley, and Daniel Island). Expect much higher prices on the peninsula, and look outside the historic city center for homes at more accessible prices.

Seabrook Island

If you like the idea of enjoying Charleston’s amenities—like its famed culinary scene, shopping, and live music—but don’t want to deal with the traffic (and tourists) every day, consider settling down on Seabrook Island for your next chapter. The barrier island is only a 40-minute drive from downtown Charleston. “Seabrook Island is a quaint gated island with a close-knit feel. It offers an equestrian center, expansive tennis and pickleball courts, and beach club access, perfect for retirees looking for an active outdoors lifestyle,” says Kelly Dellinger, a realtor with Akers Ellis Real Estate. You’ll certainly have to pay for this level of privacy, though. The average home value is just under $1 million.

Hilton Head Island

“Hilton Head is one of the most popular retirement destinations in South Carolina, with its beaches, water access, great weather, and numerous golf options,” says Zimmerman. And the area’s demographics certainly prove this to be true: the median age in Hilton Head is 59.9, and 39 percent of the population is 65 and over. She also notes you’ll find a “wide range of communities in several price points, including 55+ neighborhoods.” The average home value is on the higher end—Zillow estimates $762,247—but single-family homes in Sun City Hilton Head (one of the aforementioned 55+ communities) in nearby Bluffton start at $355,990. Hilton Head is also easily accessible from many major U.S. cities, so having family come visit won’t be too big a hassle. Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) has daily direct flights to and from Charlotte (CLT), and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is only about a 50-minute drive away.

Bluffton

As you’re checking out nearby Hilton Head, venture on over to Bluffton, home to the aforementioned Sun City Hilton Head. “Bluffton is also idyllic for retirees, with its lower cost of living, mild winters, natural beauty, access to healthcare providers, and slower pace of life,” says Dellinger. “There are an abundance of 55+ communities, from Margaritaville to Sun City, Okatie Pines, and Four Seasons, as well as a ton of recreational activities, shopping, and access to Hilton Head for beaches.” Zimmerman agrees, adding you’ll get a “small‑town feel along with a historic downtown… and excellent shopping and dining along with several golf community options.” Those retirees (or soon-to-be-retirees) looking to purchase a home should be prepared to find prices around $500,000 and above.

Greenville

“Greenville, located upstate at the foothills of the mountains, is perfect for those retirees who wish to have access to rivers, streams, hiking, and outdoor recreation like fishing,” says Zimmerman. It’s located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the Upcountry region, and puts you within a 30-minute drive of the mountain range. “The city has experienced major downtown development over the past decade, including riverfront hotels and restaurants with outdoor seating,” she adds, noting that Greenville tends to appeal to those retirees moving from Columbia. The real estate market is a bit pricier than in Columbia, though. The average home value in Greenville is $318,309, with a median sale price of $353,333, as of November 2025.

Kiawah Island

Retirees who want to play golf all day, every day, will likely already have the beautiful Kiawah Island on their shortlist. “Kiawah Island is a golfer’s retirement dream. With the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, golfers have the most scenic views,” says Dellinger. “This gated island offers privacy, exclusivity, and a beach-proximity location.” She also shares that both Kiawah and Seabrook are “extremely close to the new MUSC hospital and the Seafields at Kiawah Island by Bishop Gadsden independent and assisted living facility,” so you can feel comfortable knowing quality care is nearby if needed.

Awendaw

Dellinger calls Awendaw a “hidden gem,” one that sits just north of Mount Pleasant. “It offers more affordable prices than the busier suburbs closer to downtown Charleston, properties with land, and the quiet natural beauty of marshes, wetlands, and abundant wildlife,” she says. Still, Awendaw has experienced growing home prices, so it’s not quite as affordable as it once was; it’s a bit more rural and scenic, and its average home value ($780,232) seems to be driven up by multimillion-dollar properties. “Roper St. Francis Hospital is a short drive up North Highway 17, as well as easy access to all of the grocery stores, restaurants, and local businesses in North Mount Pleasant,” Dellinger adds.