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Guide to Best Places to Retire in South Carolina
Best Places to Live & Retire in South Carolina
Ideal-Living offers a free comprehensive service that begins with helping you find your Ideal Lifestyle. Until you know how you want to live, you can’t know where you want to live. We offer a wide array of tools to help you get answers to the questions that are keeping you from moving to your ideal destination. That includes finding the best place to retire in South Carolina.
We have nearly 40 communities within the state of South Carolina from which to choose, and if you know South Carolina, you know there are plenty of great places to retire to. From Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head to Charleston, we have information on, and can put you in direct contact with representatives from, the top 55 communities in South Carolina. And don’t forget other great locations, such as Greenville, Bluffton and Beaufort. Besides its natural beauty, warm climate and great retirement communities, South Carolina is one of the most tax friendly states for retirees and seniors. The tax benefits of living in South Carolina include:
- No tax on social security benefits
- Limited taxes on retirement income
- Very low property taxes
- Senior homeowners qualify for homestead tax exemption
Idyllic Communities in Ideal Locations
South Carolina is a lowcountry destination known for culture, art, and food. Many people love it for the weather, while others enjoy the coastal palms and scenery. Maybe it’s the food scene and history. It’s easy to see: South Carolina’s got a charm that’s hard to resist.
Prospective residents should choose a community that best fits their lifestyle. Some neighborhoods are only a short walk or ride away from bustling city centers. Others are closer to quieter, small-town shops.
Our free Digital Choose Your Ideal Place Guide and Ideal-Living Magazine offer an abundance of information on which states, towns and cities are the best for retirees, vacationers and second-home buyers.
Sample Communities to Discover
Coosaw Point
Enjoy the Lowcountry lifestyle in this 400 acre community along the Coosaw River on beautiful Lady’s Island in South Carolina. Fall in love! Settle into your very own home by the River. Feel the breeze, breathe in the ocean air, slow down time and know you’re home at Coosaw Point.
Beafort, SC was recently featured in The New York Times and named “Best Small Southern Town”, as well as “Top 25 Small City Arts Destination” and “Top 50 Adventure Town”. Beaufort has charm and intrigue all wrapped up in one package.
Home and homesties are available. The homes in Coosaw Point have been designed to reflect the historic architecture in cities such as Beaufort, SC, Charleston and Savannah. Distinctive details and open floor plans make these homes ideal for families.
Dataw Island
There is a place off the South Carolina coast, near the charming town of Beaufort, where nature and luxury share center stage. Shaped by the Intracoastal Waterway and a rich Southern history, the SC gated golf community of Dataw Island is a pristine parcel of 870 acres waiting to be discovered.
The Dataw Island Club is the perfect choice for you. Golf and Social memberships are available for island residents. If you live in the area and are interested in joining the club, call to find out about the special Country Club Membership incentives. For membership information call (843) 838-3838. Ask about their vacation memberships!
The Dataw Island Club has completed its two year renovation of their golf courses. The Cotton Dike course, designed by Tom Fazio, was completely renovated in 2011, and the Arthur Hills designed Morgan River course has also completed its renovation.
“Top 100 Amenity Communities” – ideal-LIVING Magazine
“Best in Value Golf Community” – Links Magazine
“Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” – The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses
Dataw Island is a luxurious and private residential golf community nestled in an unrivaled South Carolina landscape. Within the gates, there is 24-hour security. There’s vibrancy there, a constant bustle of activity that reflects the area’s rich wildlife and Dataw’s collaborative culture. Residents can walk, bike or travel by golf cart to social gatherings, functions and meetings.
From deepwater slips that lead to blue waters to the manicured golf courses named for legends; from an indoor lap pool to a whirlpool spa; from tennis lessons to Spanish lessons, Dataw Island is humming with leisure. Start the day sunny side up in your Lowcountry residence. Uncover cozy, shaded nooks perfect for soaking in the coastal breeze. Join neighbors for a Yacht Club meeting or challenge friends to a game of croquet on the lawn. From a calendar of social events to thoughtful gathering spots woven throughout, Dataw Island’s connected community is inspired by you.
Callawassie Island
Callawassie Island, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a private, gated island community offering world-class Tom Fazio golf and a full complement of amenities including a tennis center, clubhouse, pools, fitness center, and River Club. Secluded from the noise and congestion of the highway, Callawassie lies miles from Hilton Head and is also convenient to Beaufort and Bluffton (15 minutes away); historic Savannah, GA (a 30-minute drive); and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (40 minutes away). A half-mile causeway provides a relaxing, slow-paced approach to the island, where peace and quiet are as plentiful as vibrant activity.
The community hosts numerous social events, activities and clubs connecting members by their passions for nature, art and giving back locally. Members take full advantage of the island parks, historical sites and recreation areas for enjoying remarkable views of undisturbed nature. Island dwellers have access to four community docks providing leased slips, kayak launches and excellent opportunities for fishing, crabbing and shrimping. The River Club, overlooking the Colleton River, is a warm gathering center with a library and fireplace, family swimming pool, and offers seasonal dining.
For those seeking a golfing experience like no other, the 27-hole, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course is truly spectacular. Voted one of South Carolina’s top 50 courses, Callawassie recently enhanced the design with a four-million-dollar renovation in 2014. This renovation resulted in a brand-new pro shop with three Class A PGA Golf Professionals. The courses meander intimately along the waterways and salt marshes in a way that environmental regulations have made difficult for newer courses; visual interest is natural not manmade.
Callawassie Island is the first South Carolina gated community to have been designated a “Community Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation. This coexistence brings a true community balance with nature. The island is covered with live oaks and palmettos, egrets and herons, and encompasses a thriving salt marsh ecosystem.
Today, Callawassie is one of only four South Carolina communities holding this distinguished designation. The homes and homesites, including waterfront property, are among the best values in the area.
Get Started
Finding and choosing the right active adult community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation package, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the top communities in Tennessee, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey.
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- ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide
The ultimate guide to find your ideal destination, life and home. This annual guide contains more than 15 state maps, a location-based cost of living and climate comparison chart and discovery travel packages.
- ideal-LIVING Magazine
Quarterly print magazine features the best places to retire and/or purchase your ideal second home.
- ideal-LIVING E-Newsletter
Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
- Tickets to ideal-LIVING Live Events
The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.
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