Greenville

Located in the northwest corner of the state, Greenville is a fantastic destination with a little bit of everything.

​​”Greenville offers retirees a dynamic blend of small-town charm and big-city conveniences, with a rich cultural scene, farm-to-table dining, and vibrant community events,” said Sean Hartness, CEO of Hartness Development, the company responsible for Hartness, a 449-acre master-planned residential community in Greenville.

The city’s walkable downtown is anchored by Falls Park on the Reedy. This centerpiece park features a waterfall, gardens, public art, and Liberty Bridge, a pedestrian-friendly suspension bridge. For those who would like to ride through downtown while checking out the area’s shops and restaurants, there’s a free, open-air trolley (that’s even wheelchair accessible).

Thirty-seven parks are located throughout Greenville, offering residents green spaces, walking and biking trails, disc golf, mini golf, tennis, and playgrounds.

Greenville is home to two major healthcare systems, Bon Secours St. Francis and Prisma Health, which offer locations throughout the city.

For retirees who love to travel, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) offers over 100 daily nonstop flights to 23 destinations across the U.S. Not only that, but Greenville is a great spot for road trippers. Coastal towns, including Charleston, Savannah, and Myrtle Beach, are less than four hours away.

Columbia

Located right in the middle of the state, Columbia is South Carolina’s capital city. While it may be known as a college town, Columbia has a lot to offer retirees.

The city has major healthcare systems, including Prisma Health, Lexington Medical Center, and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

Thanks to the area’s mild climate, there are activities available all year round for retirees who want to stay active. Three rivers meet in Columbia — the Broad, the Saluda, and the Congaree — making it a hot spot for water activities like kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.

Congaree National Park is less than 20 miles outside of the city. This 26,000-acre park, perfect for hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and more, is home to some of the oldest trees in eastern North America.

Columbia is also a great spot for live entertainment. It has numerous theaters, including Trustus Theatre, Columbia Marionette Theater, and Town Theatre, one of the oldest continuously operated community theaters in the country.

Camden

Just 35 miles outside of Columbia lies the small town of Camden, South Carolina.

“Camden is the oldest inland city in South Carolina and offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The town hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as the Carolina Cup and Irish Fest, and has well-preserved architecture,” said Jenny Parrish, executive director of the Olde English District Tourism Commission.

Indeed, Camden offers a blend of history and outdoor activities that will appeal to many retirees. Goodale State Park is a great spot for kayaking and canoeing (there’s even a three-mile paddling trail that winds through cypress trees and aquatic plants).

History buffs will enjoy the tours and reenactments at the Historic Camden Revolutionary War site, while art and theater lovers will flock to the performances, exhibits, and concerts at the Arts Center of Kershaw County.

Anderson

Not far from the Georgia border, about halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, lies the small town of Anderson. Nicknamed “The Friendliest City in South Carolina,” Anderson is a place where retirees can plant roots and build a community. Travel + Leisure even named Anderson, South Carolina, one of the best places to retire in the U.S. in 2022.

Outdoor lovers will enjoy Sadlers Creek State Park, an expansive space with biking and walking trails, fishing, camping, boating, and swimming. Lake Hartwell, located just outside of Anderson on the Georgia-South Carolina border, offers even more opportunities for outdoor recreation. This 56,000-acre lake, which is home to striped and hybrid bass, largemouth, crappie, bream, and catfish, is especially good for fishing.

Downtown Anderson offers shopping, dining, and community events throughout the year.

Anderson’s housing market may be especially attractive to retirees. According to May 2024 data, home prices were down 3.3 percent from the previous year. With a median sale price of $250,000, Anderson, South Carolina, is an affordable place to buy a home.

Charleston

It’s no surprise Charleston is on our list of the best places to retire in South Carolina — it has been voted the best city in the U.S. by T+L readers year after year. It’s a charming, historic city full of natural beauty, art, dining, and outdoor recreation.

Johns Island County Park offers 20 miles of trails for walkers, runners, and horseback riders, while Cooper River County Park offers easy access for boaters. Art lovers will enjoy First Friday ArtWalks, a monthly event hosted by the Charleston Gallery Association (CGA), a collective of dozens of galleries throughout the city. Charleston is also home to numerous spas and golf courses.

When it comes to nightlife, Charleston has something for everyone. Breweries, wine bars, fine dining, rooftop bars, and local restaurants line the downtown streets. After grabbing dinner and a drink, residents have lots of options for entertainment. Try a show at one of the area’s theaters, including Pure Theatre, Charleston Stage Company, or The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre, or listen to live music at Credit One Stadium, Charleston Jazz, or the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. The area is also home to lots of annual festivals and events, including the Charleston Jazz Festival, Charleston Food & Wine Classic, and Charleston Carifest.

Charleston is an excellent destination for retirees who love to travel. Charleston International Airport is the state’s biggest and busiest, with service from 13 airlines offering direct flights to over 45 destinations across the U.S.

Beaufort

If you’re looking for a beach destination for retirement, check out Beaufort, South Carolina, a town that offers scenic views and a slower pace of life. Residents have easy access to nearby beaches, including Sands Beach, Lands End Beach, and Hunting Island State Park.

Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, one of the state’s largest Sea Islands, on the Atlantic Coast. Its well-preserved downtown, which boasts over 50 historic structures, has been designated a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Art galleries, shops, and restaurants line the downtown streets, making this area a great spot for residents and tourists alike.

If that’s not enough, there are fun festivals and annual events throughout the year, including The Annual Beaufort Oyster Festival, Beaufort’s International Film Festival, and A Taste of Beaufort.

Fort Mill

Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a great place to retire for those looking for a small-town lifestyle near big-city conveniences.

“Fort Mill’s proximity to Charlotte [North Carolina] means retirees can easily access urban amenities while enjoying a quieter, more relaxed pace of life,” said Jenny Parrish.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Anne Springs Close Greenway, a nature preserve that’s over twice the size of Central Park in New York City. In addition to hiking on 40 miles of trails, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and horseback riding, there are organized events, including concerts, yoga, and even Sunday brunch.

Locals love Fort Mill Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course, and Springfield Golf Club, a heavily wooded 6,906-yard, par-72 course designed by Clyde Johnston.

For those retirees who love to travel, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is just 30 minutes away. Over a dozen airlines fly from CLT, offering nonstop service to 186 destinations, including 39 international locations.

Spartanburg

Spartanburg was named the best place to retire in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report in 2024.

“Spartanburg offers a lower cost of living with plenty of amenities that speak to a retiree. Just a few of our amenities include great weather, world-class trail systems, ample waterways, a thriving arts and culture scene, emerging downtown with great shops, restaurants, and a Minor League Baseball stadium,” said Billy Dunlap, chief tourism development officer for OneSpartanburg, Inc.

This city, located near the South Carolina-North Carolina border, boasts natural beauty and lots of outdoor activities. Croft State Park covers over 7,000 acres and has over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, a playground, and two lakes for boating and fishing. Hatcher Garden is a 10-acre free public garden located in the heart of Spartanburg.

Retirees who enjoy exploring by bike should consider Spartanburg since The League of American Bicyclists named this city the first bicycle-friendly community in the state. Those who prefer cars to bikes will be delighted to know that Spartanburg is home to a BMW museum (the only one in North America), the BMW Performance Driving School, and the only BMW manufacturing plant in the U.S. (you can even take a factory tour).

In addition to outdoor activities, natural beauty, nightlife, and history, Spartanburg is a practical choice for retirees who want easy access to healthcare. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System has multiple locations throughout the county and even offers free fitness classes each week for seniors over 50.