5 of the Best 55 Plus Communities in South Carolina

What are the most popular retirement cities in South Carolina?

According to U.S. News & World Report, some of the most popular or best cities in South Carolina for retired or older Americans include:

• Columbia (population: 146,563)
• Charleston (population 158,367)
• Myrtle Beach (population 42,179)
• Spartanburg (population 39,328)
• Greenville (population 73,964)

The news site notes a low cost of living available to retirees across the state and favorable weather year-round as reasons why these cities are ideal.

Why do seniors choose South Carolina to retire?

There are many reasons why South Carolina is an appealing destination for Americans making a move to retire or to downsize in anticipation of retirement. Some of the most notable include:

• No or partial state income tax for retirees (includes pension, retirement account, and Social Security income)
• Favorable cost of living
• Four seasons with enjoyable weather
• Outdoor activities accessible throughout the year, including pet-friendly hiking trails and golf
• Historic sites across the state to explore
• Proximity to top healthcare facilities

Our picks for some of the best 55+ communities in South Carolina

There are many 55+ communities in South Carolina. Based on the parameters we listed above, we’ll provide information about some communities we feel are worth extra consideration. We’ll also provide a section on how you can locate 55+ communities in your area.

All prices in this post are based on current listings at the time of writing, along with advertised price ranges from community sales offices.

Tree Tops

Website: treetopscommunity.com
Phone number: 803-547-2707
Location: Lancaster, South Carolina
Price range: High $400K – Mid $700K

About: This uniquely wooded development is comprised of around 800 single-family units with modern finishes. Covering over 600 acres just east of national forest lands, nature lovers will appreciate amenities that include private trails for walking and biking, a private lake, and an outdoor amphitheater.

A cluster of cabins comprises this development’s community center, separate from the clubhouse. Each cabin is dedicated to card games, reading, a business center, arts and crafts, and more. Clubs, interest groups, and fitness classes abound, keeping active residents connected and engaged.

Ratings and reviews: Tree Tops has an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google, with customers liking the easygoing, rustic lifestyle the community offers. Reviewers at 55places mention the convenience of this community’s location, with some even sharing that they walk to the nearest post office every day.

Noteworthy nearby amenities or attractions: Located near the state border, Lancaster is midway between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina. Under 60 miles from both, it is conveniently situated for nature enthusiasts who want easy access to airports, culture, and cuisine in either city. Locally, Lancaster is home to round-the-clock healthcare facilities, hiker-friendly greenways and parks, and ample discount shopping.

Del Webb at Cane Bay

Website: dwctoday.com
Phone number: (800) 354-0257
Location: Summerville, South Carolina
Price range: Low $300K – Mid $600K

About: Del Webb is a known name in real estate development, including the Sun City communities by the same company. This particular community was named to the 55places Top 100 Most Popular Communities list in 2020.

Hobby clubs, fitness groups, and resort amenities keep residents active, and acres of wetlands on the community’s private grounds will appeal to wildlife enthusiasts. A large indoor lap pool and an outdoor pool are available for those who wish to keep up with their swim routine year-round. With over 1,000 properties, this is one of the largest age-restricted communities in the state.

Ratings and reviews: Reviewers online are enthusiastic about this community. In 55places, many residents describe the community as a paradise. Meanwhile, Google reviews, which average 4.6 out of 5 stars, applaud great amenities and strong management.

Noteworthy nearby amenities or attractions: Cane Bay Plantation is a popular area for planned communities. Wetlands, golf courses, and parks are easily accessible, as are healthcare, grocery shopping, and restaurants.

For those willing to look further afield, Charleston, the largest city in the state, is within an hour’s drive. It offers waterfront views, cobblestone streets, and some of the region’s best cuisine, so proximity to the city is a bonus, although Summerville itself retains a less-congested, more suburban feel.

Sun City Hilton Head

Website: suncityhiltonhead.org
Phone number: (843) 203-0360
Location: Bluffton, South Carolina
Price range: Mid $300k – High $2M

About: Sun City Hilton Head is far and away the state’s largest retirement community, with over 10,000 homes. For those looking to have all the conveniences right in their neighborhood, this area offers up: a 45-acre town square with resident-only amenities, and just beyond the gates, shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare are within a five-minute drive.

Investment enthusiasts will enjoy a Wall Street reading room. Meanwhile, art lovers will appreciate the opportunity to participate in a community band, choir, or theater club.

Ratings and reviews: Reviews at 55places are largely five stars, celebrating the community’s many activities and vibrant social life. Those with negative remarks think the community has expanded too much and can feel overcrowded, but there are many reasons why this has become such a hot spot to retire. Google reviewers give Sun City Hilton Head 4.5 out of 5 stars, with many praising the community’s aesthetics, location, and amenities.

Noteworthy nearby amenities or attractions: Outdoor lovers will be thrilled that this development is just a short drive away from state parks, wildlife preserves, and Hilton Head Island. Professional-grade golf clubs abound nearby, but residents can use the 18-hole course on community grounds. A University of South Carolina campus just minutes away offers continuing education for lifelong learners.

Latitude Margaritaville (Hilton Head)

Website: latitudemargaritaville.com/hilton-head
Phone number: (866) 595-4364
Location: Hardeeville, South Carolina (this brand also has communities in Daytona Beach Florida and Watersound, Florida)
Price range: High $300K – High $800K

About: The Margaritaville brand is huge in retirement living, with three campuses in the southeast United States. The Hilton Head area franchise features homes suited to modern living. Residents can choose between single-family homes and attached cottages, and all homes are built through the trusted Minto development company, as with the other two Margaritaville settlements.

Sporting courts, a bandshell, kayaking, and on-site retail are just a few amenities and activities here. With a pet spa and dog park, furry family members may enjoy the retirement life here just as much as their owners do.

Ratings and reviews: Google reviews for this community are mostly positive, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 300 reviews. Neighbors cite a tightly knit community and fun atmosphere as bonuses for living here.

Some reviewers at 55places commend the amenities and expressed how they were able to get the most value for their money. As with the other two Margaritaville communities, many reviewers note a lengthy wait to move in, so interested buyers will want to plan ahead.

Noteworthy nearby amenities or attractions: This community is just a short drive to the beloved Hilton Head Island and beautiful Savannah, Georgia. Homes are within a five-minute drive of Coastal Carolina Hospital, as well as world-class golf clubs and big-box shopping.

Lakeside Crossing

Website: suncommunities.com/south-carolina/lakeside-crossing
Phone number: (888) 698-9177
Location: Conway, South Carolina
Price range: Low to High $200K

About: This welcoming 55+ community offers an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle with beautifully designed manufactured homes. Packed with resort-style amenities, it provides everything needed for an active and enjoyable retirement.

Residents can cool off in the outdoor pool, unwind by the catch-and-release fishing lake, or stay active on the pickleball and shuffleboard courts. A state-of-the-art fitness center makes it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Socializing is effortless with a vibrant clubhouse featuring billiards, bingo, craft clubs, and year-round events. With its blend of relaxation and recreation, this community makes for an ideal place to embrace a fulfilling retirement.

Ratings and reviews: On Google, where the community earned 4.2 out of 5 stars, residents rave about the top-notch amenities and thoughtfully designed homes. Some mentioned that the manufactured homes were built on permanent foundations, indicating excellent stability. Meanwhile, others emphasized the wide range of activities available in the community.

Reviewers at 55 places emphasized that what truly makes this community special is the strong sense of connection, where friendly neighbors create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Noteworthy nearby amenities or attractions: Ideally situated, this 55+ community offers both a peaceful setting and easy access to nearby attractions. Art lovers can admire the striking Teal Alley Mural, while history buffs will enjoy the L.W. Paul Living History Farm, where the past comes to life.

Nature enthusiasts can take a scenic walk along the Conway Riverwalk, soaking in the beauty of the waterfront. With Myrtle Beach International Airport nearby, traveling to see loved ones or exploring new destinations is a breeze.

How can I find a 55+ community near me?

There are many other 55+ communities in South Carolina. One way to see your options is to search the internet with phrases such as “55 and older communities near me” or “retirement communities near me.” Check ratings, reviews, and comments posted on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and industry websites.

Another way to find a quality 55+ or retirement community near you is to consult a top real estate agent in your area. An experienced agent who knows your market can provide valuable insights into community characteristics, such as crime rates, affordability, home construction quality, and the reputation of the governing association.

12 questions to ask before you buy a home in a 55+ community

Here are 12 essential questions to ask before you commit to purchasing a home in a 55+ community.

1. Will I own the home, or is this a lease community?

This may seem obvious, but when it comes to 55+ or retirement communities, various types of property can be available. You may wish to own your home for financial reasons, or you may wish to lease a unit to maximize your flexibility in retirement.

Some communities offer both. Others may allow you to own and lease out your property. You’ll want to be sure to check community rules (see #3 on this list) before renting your property out if that is part of your retirement plan (for instance, if you’re out of state for part of the year). Not all communities permit renting residents.

2. What is included in your monthly payment?

Identifying all the costs of living in the community is important, not just rent or mortgage payments. You will want to consider whether various things are included with your monthly property expenses; a few to consider are:

• Landscaping and pool maintenance
• Homeowners association (HOA) fees
• Community class fees
• Admission to community features like restaurants, classes, clubs, or spas located on the grounds
• Shuttle service to amenities nearby

Be sure to get the most for your dollar and that you aren’t paying for amenities that will go unused.

3. What are the community rules?

Most active adult communities have a set of rules that residents must follow. These might include:

• Visitor restrictions (age, number, and duration of stay for children and grandchildren)
• Pets (limits on the number, breeds, and sizes)
• Parking (how many vehicles can be parked and where, how recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats will be accommodated)
• Exterior paint colors
• Dress codes in public areas
• Lawn and landscaping maintenance enforcement
• Renting (limitations or restrictions)
• Renovation and improvement restrictions
• Noise (daytime and nighttime decibel allowances)

4. What are your new neighbors like?

Good neighbors play a considerable role in your quality of life, especially when you retire. Learn about what life is like in the neighborhood.

If possible, attend some community events and get to know some of the residents in your prospective neighborhood. Many communities offer “discovery” events, including overnight guided tours of various home options and neighborhood amenities.

Many 55+ communities offer social events like book clubs, art classes, fitness activities, cookoffs, and more to connect residents. You may be looking for a community of like-minded people with shared interests or seeking exposure to diversity where you live.

No matter what you’re looking for, knowing what’s in store socially will factor into your decision-making process. For example, some communities value quiet and calm, while others offer a more lively pace.

5. What plans are there for the adjacent property?

This is a crucial question for newly constructed 55+ communities. Knowing what you can expect to find nearby can be increasingly important as your age advances (and potentially your mobility declines). Learn whether properties adjacent to your own are planned for further residential development or if there are other things in store.

If you plan to stay at this property indefinitely, you’ll want to know whether that vacant lot nearby is fated to become an elementary school or a regional airport. Such developments could have a long-term impact on your property’s appeal and value.

6. What type of assessments have been made?

Assessments can be expected for any community development, but for seniors living on a fixed income, being able to predict your property taxes may be crucial to balancing the rest of your budget each month.

Even once your mortgage payment is a thing of the past, property tax bills will continue, and you’ll want to know what to expect. In addition, property taxes vary depending on where you are looking to buy, so be mindful of the cost and whether it has a history of fluctuating.

7. Is the community financially sound?

Before you commit to purchasing or leasing a home, you should know if the developer and association are on solid financial ground. These parties are often responsible for community maintenance and amenities, so you should ensure their solvency as much as you want to ensure your home is the right fit.

In short: do your homework. Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed information about board governance or community financials.

8. Is the community able to keep up with future growth?

Is there sufficient infrastructure, wise planning, and expandable space to grow as needed? What if the interests of the community shift over time? If the community has been established for years, are there long-range plans to repair and replace key infrastructural components like water lines and local streets?

These responsibilities may fall within the purview of your village or community rather than in the city where you reside. Be sure you know who is responsible for these decisions and their costs.

9. Is there a reserve fund for maintenance?

Also known as a sinking fund, a reserve fund is a financial safety net for significant unexpected future expenses incurred at the community level (for instance, re-roofing the community center). Know whether there is a reserve fund set aside for large community maintenance projects like replacing pool furniture after a storm or facilitating an air conditioning replacement at the clubhouse.

While some communities maintain funds for these expenses and address them as needed for residents, others may expect you to actively raise funds as an HOA member. Either way, how large upkeep expenses are handled may impact your decision to buy in a particular development.

10. What other projects belong to this developer?

Research the builder of your home and the larger community, and ask for references. How long has the company been in business, and have they successfully invested in similar communities in other cities or states?

A company or investment group with the proven ability to drive property values upward will likely do the same for your new neighborhood. On the other hand, if the company has allowed its previous investments to decline, you may need extra reassurance that history won’t repeat itself — or you may wish to seek property elsewhere.

11. Is the governing association easy to work with?

You will want a community board with a proven track record of working together and finding solutions. If you discover a dysfunctional board led by power-hungry or inept individuals, it may cause great angst and harm the unity of the entire community.

Ask several different residents. Check with your real estate agent. Find out if the board and its members are competent, effective, and civil. One free resource to research your association or HOA is communityassociations.net.

12. What lifestyles are accommodated?

You will want to consider whether you’d prefer an active community of younger senior residents or a community where you can age into services like assisted living or memory and hospice care if needed.

Do you want a single-family home, or are you looking to purchase a unit within a larger building? Is handicap accessibility vital to you or a family member? Do you need a community that is fully navigable on foot or by a golf cart?

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Check out the community surrounding your neighborhood

Vetting the 55+ community with the questions above will help you uncover crucial insights into what life might be like within the boundaries of those neighborhoods, but you will want to look beyond the front gates.

To truly identify the best 55+ community, you should also research the history, reputation, culture, and amenities of the surrounding host city or town. Then, find out what the area offers that can improve or enhance your retirement years.

• How far away are the nearest hospital and other medical facilities?
• What are the safety and crime rates of the surrounding city or town?
• How easy is it to access major highways and commuting routes?
• Is it located directly on a busy, noisy highway or near other potential noise disturbances like a schoolyard?
• Are there various conveniences nearby, such as restaurants, banks, or grocery stores?
• For pet owners, are there parks, groomers, and veterinarians nearby?
• Is there a bus route or commuter rail that serves the area?
• Are there nearby churches or places of worship that fit your beliefs?
• Are there undesirable businesses or manufacturing facilities nearby?
• Is it near enough to an airport for convenience, or too close with excessive noise?
• Are there connecting bike paths or walking/hiking trails?

Try before you buy in South Carolina

There are so many options for these types of communities in South Carolina. If you can, take the time to visit a few of the locations that are most interesting to you. This will help you discern one from the next and which 55+ community might be the best fit for you.

Working with a trusted real estate agent who is knowledgeable in the local market can help you find what you are looking for with the many options available. Connecting with an SRES agent or a top-performing agent in the area you’re looking to purchase can make the search process much more streamlined — and enjoyable.

To get started, visit our free Agent Match platform to kick off your search for a great 55+ community in South Carolina.

Editor’s note: Links to and mentions of South Carolina 55+ communities are not endorsements. The prices, services, and amenities may change frequently. Visit the community’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Header Image Source: (Leslie Cross / Unsplash)