Retiring in South Carolina
Retiring in the beautiful state of South Carolina is becoming an increasingly popular option for seniors. According to AARP, South Carolina had the third highest net migration of people aged 60 and older in one year in 2024 – or, the number of people moving into the state minus the number moving out – behind Florida and Arizona.
When people think of South Carolina, they might picture popular tourist destinations like Myrtle Beach or Charleston. These cities have great qualities, but may not be the right fit for older adults seeking a calm and easy lifestyle. Instead, seniors might consider other regions of South Carolina that are less crowded and offer a more laid-back retirement – such as the northeast or upstate region.
In fact, on Travel + Leisure Magazine’s list of the top eight retirement destinations in South Carolina, four are in the northeast region of the state:
- Greenville, SC (#1)
- Anderson, SC (#4)
- Fort Mill, SC (#7)
- Spartanburg, SC (#8)
Some other popular retirement destinations in Upstate South Carolina include Rock Hill, Greer, Lake Wylie, Travelers Rest, Clemson, Seneca, and Simpsonville.
What to Know About Retiring in Upstate South Carolina
Choosing where to retire is an important decision that takes planning and consideration. Here are 10 things to know about retiring in Upstate South Carolina to help you determine where to spend your golden years.
1. Tax-Friendly for Retirees
South Carolina is a very tax-friendly state for retirees. For example:
- Social Security: South Carolina does not have a state tax on Social Security benefits.
- Inheritance and Estate Tax: South Carolina does not have inheritance or estate tax, which means the assets you pass on will not be taxed by the state.
- Retirement Income Tax Deduction: People aged 65 and older may deduct up to $10,000 of retirement income annually, such as pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs.
- Income Tax Deduction: People aged 65 and older may claim a deduction of $15,000 annually of any South Carolina income.
These tax benefits are often a major perk for seniors who decide to retire in South Carolina.
2. Affordable Cost of Living
One of the benefits of South Carolina – and the Upstate region specifically – is the affordable cost of living. Property taxes in South Carolina are among the lowest in the United States. Plus, in Upstate South Carolina, the cost of housing, utilities, and daily expenses are generally lower than in other areas of the state and country.
For example, according to Payscale.com, the cost of living in Greenville, South Carolina, is 7% lower than the national average. Further, housing expenses in Greenville are 27% lower than the national average, and utility prices in Greenville are 9% lower than the national average.
For these reasons, retiring in Upstate South Carolina could be a wise financial choice for retirement.
3. Mild Climate with Four Seasons
A major consideration when deciding where to retire is the area’s climate. For example, people from states that experience harsh winters tend to seek a warmer year-round climate as they age.
South Carolina is a state known for its temperate climate, with shorter, milder winters than other areas.
Another major draw of Upstate South Carolina is the fact it experiences four seasons, as opposed to states that have less distinction between seasons. Residents of South Carolina can enjoy beautiful fall foliage and spring blooms, as well as warm, sunny summers and occasional snowfall in the winter.
4. Accessible Travel
Upstate South Carolina is conveniently located near many travel hubs, making visiting other cities and states simple and convenient.
For example, the Upstate region of South Carolina has its own international airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), that offers over 100 nonstop flights per day.
Plus, for more extensive flight options and destinations, the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) is only about 30 minutes away from Rock Hill, SC; one hour from Spartanburg, SC; and an hour and a half from Greenville, SC.
The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is also located near Upstate South Carolina, being only one hour from Greenville and Spartanburg.
Between these three major airports, air travel has never been easier for seniors in Upstate South Carolina.
For seniors who prefer traveling by train, there are also Amtrak stations in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Clemson, South Carolina.
5. Excellent Healthcare Options
Upstate South Carolina is conveniently located near many top-rated healthcare systems. Some of these include:
- Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital – Greenville, SC
- Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown Health System – Greenville, SC
- Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System – Spartanburg, SC
- AnMed – Anderson, SC
- Piedmont Medical Center – Rock Hill, SC
- Atrium Health – Charlotte, NC
Among these healthcare systems are plenty of premier medical providers and specialists, such as neurologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, oncologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, geriatric care specialists, and many more.
Seniors can be confident that high-quality medical care is available when retiring in Upstate South Carolina.
6. Strong Sense of Community and Slower Pace
Many retirees who move to Upstate South Carolina are pleasantly surprised by the relaxed, slow pace of life – as opposed to many other fast-paced, metropolitan areas of the country. There is far less traffic and congestion in this area of South Carolina compared to metropolitan areas like Atlanta or Miami. This makes traveling and even running errands much more accessible.
In general, residents of Upstate South Carolina value community and embrace “Southern hospitality.” People are typically welcoming and neighborly, offering support and friendship to fellow residents. They value the “small town feel” and aim to create a strong sense of community in the area.
7. Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Upstate South Carolina is the perfect destination for nature lovers, offering countless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
For example, the state boasts its own version of the Great Lakes, called “The Great Lakes of Upstate South Carolina” – which includes Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and Lake Cherokee. Additionally, Lake Wylie is another notable waterfront area in the northeast region of South Carolina.
These sparkling, picturesque lakes offer plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and simply relaxing in the serene waters.
Plus, for retirees who love camping and hiking through rolling hills, the Blue Ridge Mountains extend into South Carolina’s upstate region, offering plenty of parks, waterfalls, nature trails, and lookout points to enjoy.
8. Many Attractions
Not only is Upstate South Carolina a good place to retire – it’s also a fun destination for children and grandchildren to come visit!
There are many attractions in the Upstate region of South Carolina. Many retirees enjoy bringing their families to the “Great Lakes” described above for watersports, boating, and swimming. Hiking and enjoying parks and trails are always popular options, as well.
Some other popular tourist attractions in Upstate South Carolina include:
- The Children’s Museum of the Upstate: A state-of-the-art children’s museum focused on play-based learning with locations in Greenville and Spartanburg (they even have a senior discount!).
- Greenville Zoo: An impressive zoo offering family-friendly animal adventures in downtown Greenville. Plus, they often host events for adults, like Brew in the Zoo (and they have a senior discount, too!).
- Falls Park on the Reedy: An expansive park in the heart of downtown Greenville, also home to the amazing Liberty Bridge.
- Carowinds: Known as “The Carolinas’ Premier Entertainment Destination,” this giant amusement park on the border of Fort Mill, SC, and Charlotte, NC, offers over 60 thrill rides, an amazing waterpark, a fun kids’ area, and plenty of special events (like “Scarowinds” during Halloween season!).
- South Carolina Peach Festival: An annual 10-day, family-friendly festival in Gaffney, SC, offering live entertainment, food, thrill rides, parades, and even a peach dessert contest!
These are just some of the many tourist attractions in Upstate South Carolina – making it the ideal destination for family members to come visit year round!
9. Rapid Development and Growth
With Upstate South Carolina becoming a popular retirement destination, many areas in the region are seeing rapid development, especially Greenville and Spartanburg. There is a plethora of new construction, including houses, apartments, condos, and 55+ communities – which affords retirees plenty of choices when it comes to living arrangements.
Also, with more people moving to the area comes more economic growth, with new businesses, restaurants, and shops opening up regularly for residents to enjoy.
In addition, economic growth leads to improved infrastructure, such as roads, parks, and public services. More investments are also made into community features like theaters, museums, recreational centers, libraries, and healthcare facilities, as well.
Retirees can feel a sense of stability and long-term security with the region’s economic growth, investments in healthcare facilities, and new amenities that enhance everyday life.
10. Plenty of Senior Living Options
Upstate South Carolina is home to many different senior living options, including active aging (55+) communities, independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facilities, and CCRCs. This means there is a community available for older adults in all stages of their later years.
Older adults who are independent but seeking a social, low-maintenance lifestyle can enjoy one of the region’s many active adult communities or independent living communities.
Click here for more information on the difference between 55+ and independent living communities.
Seniors who need some extra help with activities of daily living can enjoy one of Upstate South Carolina’s many upscale assisted living communities. And those who are experiencing memory-related issues like dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive conditions can receive the care they need at one of the area’s premier memory care communities.
Or, seniors who want to settle into independent living now but still want access to care services as the need emerges can look into one of the region’s luxury Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).
Click below for a list of the top assisted living communities in:
Or search through this directory of senior living communities in South Carolina.
Next Steps for Retirement in Upscale South Carolina
Upscale South Carolina is the ideal retirement destination for many reasons.
If you are considering spending your golden years in Upstate South Carolina but don’t know where to start, Senior Consulting Advisors can help.
Our experts are local to Upstate South Carolina and can help you find your perfect community for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or CCRC.
We make the process of finding a senior living community stress-free and help you make informed decisions for your future. Plus, our services are at no cost to you.
For help finding senior living in Upstate South Carolina, call us today at (800) 969-6285 or visit SeniorConsultingAdvisor.com.
