Is Myrtle Beach a Good Place to Retire? 5 Things Retirees Need to Know

7 minute read

What You’ll Gain From Reading This Article: This article highlights Myrtle Beach as a retirement destination, including its health care options, tax-friendly environment, beautiful beaches, vacation-like atmosphere, and abundance of attractive and affordable 55+ communities.

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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the southeast’s most popular vacation destinations. It offers picturesque beaches, top-notch shopping, world-class entertainment, as well as an impressive seafood scene. So, is Myrtle Beach a good place to retire? Yes! Myrtle Beach is a desirable location for active adults looking for warm weather and waterfront views.

If you want to retire in this part of South Carolina, then here are five things you need to know about Myrtle Beach:

1. Plenty of Health Care Options

Myrtle Beach’s health care options will suit anyone’s needs, from hospitals and general practitioners to rehabilitation centers and clinics. The area has three main hospital systems, each offering specialty care, urgent care, and satellite facilities.

The Grand Strand Regional Medical Center is the area’s only Level 2 Trauma Center and boasts several accolades. Its Chest and Pain Center was ranked as the state’s top hospital for cardiac surgery. Also, it’s been in the top 5% of the country for two years.

There are also two hospitals within the Tidelands Health System. The Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital offers 24-hour emergency services as well as inpatient and outpatient surgery. Additionally, Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital is an acute care facility with 131 beds.

Additionally, McLeod Health’s McLeod Loris facility offers emergency care, critical care, general surgery, women’s services, cardiac rehabilitation, and several types of therapies. Also, the non-profit Conway Medical Center is another option for area residents. This facility provides specialists in digestive health, cardiac care, orthopedics, and more.

2. A Tax-Friendly Retirement

Retiring in Myrtle Beach affords residents several financial benefits. South Carolina doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and it has some of the lowest property taxes in the country. Additionally, there are no inheritance or estate taxes in South Carolina.

Also, the state offers residents a substantial retirement income deduction when it comes to state income taxes. Certain senior homeowners can qualify for a homestead exemption, which allows the first $50,000 of a property’s fair market value to be exempt from local property taxes.

3. Miles of Pristine Beaches

Every year, Myrtle Beach’s shorelines draw hundreds of thousands of visitors looking for some fun in the sun and relaxation. The area delivers just that with 60 miles of oceanfront property. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place with beachside activities, there are many options in Myrtle Beach.

4. A Vacation-Like Atmosphere

Alongside the sandy beaches, Myrtle Beach’s laid-back, vacation-like atmosphere is another reason active adults are drawn to the area. The year-round mild climate allows residents to stay active or lounge on the beach, no matter the time of year.

From live performances and theater productions to aquariums and boardwalks, there are endless entertainment options. The beach town is also a golfer’s paradise with more than 100 golf courses in the area. Moreover, there are countless restaurants serving up fresh seafood every day.

5. Attractive and Affordable 55+ Communities

In the Myrtle Beach area, there are 37 active adult communities. These communities offer potential homeowners a wide variety of home designs, amenities, and price points to suit almost any lifestyle.

Bridgewater – Little River, SC

High $300ks – Low $700ks

Bridgewater offers 1,550 attached and single-family homes across 950 scenic acres. Homebuyers near Myrtle Beach will find a resort-like setting with thoughtfully designed homes, a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse, two pools, outdoor amenities, as well as various home collections.

Also, located near essential amenities and local attractions, Bridgewater provides residents with convenience and leisure opportunities. These include clubs, health care facilities, dining options, nature preserves, golf courses, and easy access to Myrtle Beach and its airport.

Del Webb at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach, SC

Low $400ks – Low $1Ms

Del Webb at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach offers resort-style living with 524 single-family and attached homes within the Grande Dunes master-planned community. Also, residents enjoy a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, fitness center, pools, tennis, and access to the Grande Dunes Ocean Club on the Atlantic coast.

With customizable floor plans as well as nearby amenities like shopping, dining, and golf courses, Del Webb at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach provides active adults with a vibrant coastal lifestyle.

Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club – Myrtle Beach, SC

Below $100k – Low $400ks

Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club is a vibrant active lifestyle community with over 1,000 low-maintenance single-family homes available on a resale basis. Additionally, residents enjoy a clubhouse with indoor and outdoor amenities, including pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and RV/boat parking, fostering a dynamic social and recreational environment.

Conveniently located near beaches, golf courses, shopping centers, as well as medical facilities, this community offers residents a fulfilling coastal lifestyle with a wide range of activities and services.

Carillon at Tuscany – Myrtle Beach, SC

Low $400ks – Mid $400ks

Carillon at Tuscany is an age-restricted neighborhood boasting scenic walking trails, a clubhouse, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and golf courses. Residents enjoy a range of amenities including a fitness center, movie theater, and outdoor pool with tennis courts, all while benefiting from low monthly homeowners association fees covering lawn care and termite protection.

With homes crafted by D.R. Horton, featuring spacious interiors and chef-inspired kitchens, residents can embrace a resort-style lifestyle amidst the vibrant attractions of Myrtle Beach.

Other communities to consider in the area include Berkshire Forest, Cresswind Myrtle Beach, Cameron Village, Park Place, and Waterside Pointe.