When you’re finally done with the world of work, and you’re looking forward to retirement, you might be wondering where to spend those golden years.  South Carolina often features on the short list of those retirement plans, and for good reason.

But while it might be easy to imagine yourself living by the glorious Myrtle Beach, are there any downsides you should consider?

In this article, we look at both the pros and cons of living in South Carolina to help you make an informed decision on your next move.

Cost of living – SC is much more affordable than other Northeast and West Coast states.

One of the biggest reasons South Carolina is becoming an increasingly popular place to live is its cost of living. SC ranks significantly lower than other states in the Northeast and on the West Coast for housing, food, transportation, health services, entertainment, and utilities.

This means that you can save money each month when you relocate from high-cost states. In addition to saving money, homeowners in South Carolina benefit from low property taxes that are almost half of the national average.

Glorious Weather

One of the main reasons people choose to retire in SC is because of the warm weather. Along the coast, temperatures rarely dip below 60 degrees, allowing retirees to enjoy fantastic temperatures year-round. This makes it ideal for those who want to spend their retirement outdoors and engage in activities like golfing, swimming, walking, and gardening without worrying about temperature extremes.

The warmer temperatures also make it easier for older adults to maintain their physical health, with the great climate encouraging people to go out and get exercise and socialize with others. On top of that, temperate climates tend to have lower levels of air pollution and fewer extreme weather events than other climates.

You do need to keep in mind that at the peak of summer, it’s going to be hot and humid. So, that’s when you need to do all your chores early morning or later in the evening and make sure that you have a good AC set-up in your home.

Overall, the temperate climate offers retirees an enjoyable weather experience that helps visitors stay healthy while providing them with a comfortable home environment throughout all four seasons.

Culture and activities

South Carolina is a state that’s full of exciting activities, diverse cultures, and fascinating historical sites. For some fun in the sun, visit one of the many beaches along the SC coast and spend your days soaking up the sunshine.

If you prefer something a little more active, then there are plenty of state parks to explore, from mountain trails to freshwater rivers and lakes. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could go on a scenic drive or head off for an unforgettable camping trip.

Alternatively, if you’re more history-inclined, you’ll be able to tour the many monuments and memorials throughout the state: take a peek at Marion Square in Charleston or meander through a Revolutionary War graveyard in Aiken.

However you choose to spend your time in South Carolina, there’s no shortage of fun activities to keep everyone entertained. From fishing excursions to thrilling theme park rides, this vibrant Southern state can entertain locals and visitors alike!

Healthcare

The healthcare system in South Carolina may not be perfect, but it’s one of the most extensive and accessible systems available in the world today. The state’s Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to more than 1 million people, is responsive to the needs of chronically ill individuals, pregnant mothers, and individuals with mental illness.

Meanwhile, Insurance plans are affordable and easy to obtain through open enrollment periods and limited special enrollments throughout the year. This availability of care helps ensure that everyone has access to essential services such as preventive care, prescriptions for medications needed to treat chronic illnesses or disabilities, hospitalizations, and home health treatments.

In contrast to other countries where access to healthcare may require significant out-of-pocket expenses or lengthy waits for service, South Carolina’s robust system can help provide access even in times of financial hardship or illness.

Taxes

As a retiree, South Carolina is a tax-friendly place to be.

Social Security is not taxable.

With no taxation on your Social Security payments, it means your retirement income goes even further in South Carolina.

Retirement Income deductions

If you’re over 65, then there is up to $10,000 to claim on retirement income deductions from pensions, IRAs, and the like.

State income tax deductions

In addition to the $10,000 in income deduction, if you’re over 65, then you can also claim up to $15,000 in deductions from South Carolina’s state income tax.

Crime rates

Researching crime rates in different states is an important step when deciding where to move or visit. Unfortunately, South Carolina’s crime rate is higher than that of many other states in the US, and it actually features in the top 10 list for the highest rates of violent crime.

So, it pays to do your research and be sure of what you’re getting into before making your decision. Luckily, this task isn’t too difficult due to the availability of statistics online.

Digging a little deeper lets you find out which cities are disproportionately impacted by this problem and choose neighborhoods with a lower likelihood of criminal activity. However, ultimately it pays to stay vigilant when traveling or living in any location, as criminals rarely respect regional boundaries; taking sensible precautions can keep you safe no matter where you may find yourself.

Our Verdict?

So, what’s the verdict? South Carolina is a great place to retire! The weather is temperate, there are plenty of things to do, and the healthcare system is much better than in many other parts of the country. Just be sure to do your research before making a final decision – crime rates can vary from city to city.