South Carolina – A Retiree’s Dream
If you have decided to do your homework on ideal retirement destinations, you may want to consider putting SC close to the top of your list. After all, what is not to love. There are numerous areas of concerns for retirees as well as fulfilling those long-awaited dreams of idyllic daily life enjoying those fruits of labor. Let us explore why SC has become a popular choice for retirement bliss:
Tax advantages
Listed by Kiplinger as one of the top 10 tax friendly states toward retirees. Property taxes are among the lowest in the nation and some seniors can qualify for the Homestead exemption meaning substantially lower taxes. Under 65 are eligible for $3k deduction and over 65 can receive a whooping 15k deduction (for income other than social security)
Cost of Living
US Index – 100
SC overall – 85.5
Grocery – 95.8
Housing – 73.6
This includes groceries/rent, food, utilities and mortgages. Overall SC food costs are 5% cheaper than the US avg. Average gallon of milk/$2.25 eggs/$.88-$1.18 Average lunch in a restaurant /$12-$15
Avg Electric Bill/$145 Gas Bill/$100 Water/$32 Sewer$37
According to the National Association of Realtors the median home value for SC is $265,000(half above and half below) compared to the national average of $374,000.
Free Back to School
All SC residents 60 and older can attend any state-funded college tuition free on a space-available basis. You must apply for enrollment and pay course fees, textbooks, and other mandatory materials.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Life
If you envision retirement as the time when you will finally be able to pursue all those activities that you’ve squeezed into weekends and vacations — hiking, kayaking, fishing, golfing and otherwise immersing yourself in the Great Outdoors — then keep reading. From the miles of sparkling coastline in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, to the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains, SC is an outdoor playground matched by few other states. Within an afternoon ride you can travel from the beach to the mountains and experience 10-15-degree temperature change. Equally known for its diverse species of marshlands as well as being a golfer’s paradise with more than 350 courses to choose from. Grab your rod and head offshore from Charleston to snag a mouth- watering catch or fish right from one of the many piers.
History and Culture
Feel like you have stepped back in time as you walk the original cobble-stoned streets in Charleston and delight in the lavish mansions built in the Antebellum period. Neo-Classical, Georgian, and Greek Revival architecture are well represented throughout the area as well as sprawling plantations and gardens. Learn about the Gullah culture that still exists today in the low country as well as experience one of the nation’s major performing arts festivals that takes place for 17 days in the Spring of each year.
Healthcare
U.S. News evaluated 88 hospitals in South Carolina. Eight meet high U.S. News standards and are ranked in the state. U.S. News also ranked hospitals in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville metro areas. The number 1 hospital in South Carolina is MUSC Health-University Medical Center.
