Surrounded by coastal scenery, calming ocean breezes and beautiful weather year-round, Charleston, SC checks all the boxes for a wholesome retirement.

A recent study by personal finance website WalletHub compared affordability, quality of life, health care, and availability of recreational activities for seniors in more than 180 U.S. cities. It comes as no surprise that Charleston, South Carolina claimed the top spot as the best U.S. city to retire in 2022, with other popular retirement destinations in Florida and Arizona also making it into the top 10.

Charleston, SC has so much going for it! Surrounded by coastal scenery, calming ocean breezes and beautiful weather year-round, this highly sought-after region checks all the boxes for a wholesome retirement. To top things off, South Carolina offers some favorable senior tax breaks and a very affordable overall cost of living.

If you love the conveniences of city life, then Charleston is where you will thrive during your retirement years. With several top tier senior living communities in close proximity to the city center, you will have plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. Live your best life at one of the many 55+ active adult communities, like Overture West Ashley, or plan for your long-term care needs in a continuing care retirement community, like the highly acclaimed Bishop Gadsden. One thing is for sure, this historic port city will not disappoint! Its deep southern roots are widely spread throughout the local community and can even be enjoyed in its stunning architecture and excellent cuisine.

Just a short drive across the Charleston Harbor and you will find yourself in the charming streets of Mount Pleasant. Thanks to North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge, the Ravenel Bridge, you’ll never be more than a few minutes away from the historic Charleston city center. Senior living communities in this area are often nestled in retreat-like settings, like the beautiful grounds of Somerby Mount Pleasant, which will bring a certain peace and tranquility to your days. If you love spending time outdoors, especially golfing or fishing, then the limitless options in and around Mount Pleasant will be sure to get your seal of approval. With a variety of community events hosted throughout the year, the Memorial Waterfront Park and Mount Pleasant Pier also make the perfect social gathering places to catch up with family and friends.

As a more recently developed area of Charleston, Daniel Island is fast becoming the go-to for luxurious retirement living. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of parks, the purpose-built resort lifestyle communities on Daniel Island, like Daniel Pointe Retirement Community, will make you feel as if you’re on an endless vacation. With all the modern facilities and services at your fingertips, you will have everything you need to make the most of your golden years. Enjoy an extensive range of golf courses, country clubs, tennis courts, and so much more in your very own slice of paradise.

Whether you are only just starting out in your search for senior living options, or you are eager and ready to make the move, Kithward can help you seamlessly navigate this next exciting chapter of your life.

The Best Neighborhoods to Retire in Charleston, South Carolina

If you are an avid golfer, then Charleston, SC and its surrounding neighborhoods should be high on your list of senior living communities to consider.

If you are an avid golfer and you are hoping to prioritize your favorite hobby during your retirement years, then Charleston, SC and its surrounding neighborhoods should be high on your list of communities to consider. According to Golfbreaks, the townships of Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms offer some incredible opportunities to tee off all year round. With several top-tier senior living facilities located in this area, you will have plenty of options to choose from to live out your golden years within close proximity of some of the best golf courses in Charleston, and South Carolina as a whole.

Three of the state’s top-rated golf courses can be found tucked away in the northeastern corner of Mount Pleasant. Designed by the legendary Arthur Hills, Dunes West is set amongst the natural wetlands of the South Carolina Lowcountry and its par-72 layout will keep any golfer entertained for hours on end. RiverTowne Country Club is home to Charleston’s only Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, with 18 holes to challenge even the most seasoned putter. Open to the public year round, Charleston National offers one of the best golfing experiences in the region. Its championship course was designed by Rees Jones and visitors can also enjoy a full-size state of the art practice facility and driving range.

If convenient access to these world class courses is what you are looking for, then the brand new 55+ active adult communities in this area, like Restore at Carolina Park, will make you feel right at home with all their modern luxuries. If you are planning ahead for the future, then Somerby Mount Pleasant offers choices that few senior communities in this area can match. Not only do they have several different independent living floor plans for you to consider at this stage of your retirement, but they also provide future care options under their assisted living and memory care umbrellas.

Just a short drive south from Mount Pleasant and 15 miles northeast of Charleston’s city center, you will find yourself in the bustling beach town of Isle of Palms. The Wild Dunes Resort, a high-end gated community on the island, hosts two more of South Carolina’s top-ranked golf courses. Both courses were designed by Tom Fazio and the Links Course at Wild Dunes Resort was his first ever design. It’s a relatively short but tricky 6,500-yard layout with stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean. The secondary Harbor Course at Wild Dunes Resort is located on the other side of the island and sits alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, challenging golfers with complex shots around natural lagoons and salt marshes.

If the island vibe is sounding like the right fit for you, there are several senior living communities located within a stone’s throw of these beautiful golf courses. Franke at Seaside is one of the region’s oldest wellness-based non-profit continuing care retirement communities and offers convenient shuttle bus transportation to your favorite nearby golf courses, while South Bay at Mount Pleasant is a much newer resort-style living community offering all the same services at your fingertips. Take your pick and never be further than a few minutes away from your preferred way to spend the day.

If you are considering senior living options in and around Charleston, Kithward can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect fit for you. With so many exciting opportunities for a healthy outdoor lifestyle, a retirement in Charleston will ensure you don’t just live out your golden year but that you thrive in them!

Retiring to Charleston, South Carolina is a Golfer's Dream

If you're looking to retire to a more comfortable climate, you may consider one of the many stunning beachside locations near Charleston, South Carolina.

If you’re nearing retirement age, you may be starting to think about where you want to retire. Many retirees choose to move to a location where they can benefit from warmer weather as well as peace and quiet. If you’ve grown tired of cold, gray winters and would rather live in a location that’s comfortable all year round, you may want to consider one of the many stunning beachside locations near Charleston, South Carolina.

Just north of the Charleston Peninsula and neighboring the charming town of Mount Pleasant, you’ll find yourself in Isle of Palms. This bustling beach town boasts a large gated community but also offers multiple public beach access locations along the island, like the ones at Isle of Palms County Park, as well as many great places to eat while you spend your days soaking up the sun. The beaches on Isle of Palms are a great option if you are looking for the conveniences of city life while still being able to enjoy day trips to the beach.

With its impressive 60-mile stretch of beach, often referred to as “Grand Strand”, Myrtle Beach is nothing short of an oceanside dream for many retirees. Although the drive to Charleston, SC is just under two hours, you’ll find everything you could ever need in this well-equipped coastal city. Enjoy the clean ocean air while you spend your golden years playing countless rounds of golf with friends, and entertain your children and grandchildren with a visit to the Myrtle Beach State Park to show off your own little slice of paradise.

If you are looking for a slower pace of life, then Pawleys Island has your name written all over it. This small barrier island only stretches across four miles of beachfront access but offers many fantastic opportunities for fishing, shelling, and crabbing during various times of the year. You can also explore the salt marsh that separates Pawleys Island from the mainland on foot, or by kayak or canoe. On your doorstep, you’ll find several county and state parks, like Huntington Beach State Park, where you can spot over 300 different types of birds.

Located on Folly Island and just a short drive south from Charleston’s historic center, Folly Beach is a popular tourist destination for visitors to the region. It can get crowded during weekends and holidays, but it is still a convenient option for anyone looking to retire in the Charleston Peninsula. You can find some less crowded beaches on the western side of the island at Folly Beach County Park and on the eastern side of the island near the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.

Still located in the sunny state of South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is close to the Georgia border and therefore within a short 20-mile drive of Savannah, GA. Charleston, SC is just under two hours away, so it’s still easily accessible if you crave the occasional city trip here and there. Hilton Head Island itself has a rich history of Native American ancestry, European settlement, and Civil War significance, making it a fascinating place to continue your lifelong learning goals. This region also hosts some of the most pristine beaches in the state, like Fish Haul Beach Park, where fishing and boating are enjoyed by many.

Explore these and the many other beautiful areas to retire in and around Charleston, South Carolina. Kithward’s advanced search filters allow you to sort through the numerous senior living options in any given area of interest, and help you narrow down your selection to the ones that match your individual needs.

The Top 5 Beaches to Retire to near Charleston, South Carolina

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Retiring to Charleston, South Carolina is a Golfer's Dream

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