Charleston, South Carolina is consistently named one of the best cities to live in the U.S. each year. The postcard-worthy city has everything from rich history and cultural amenities to outdoor recreation options and a robust culinary scene. Charleston oozes Southern charm and hospitality, while also giving off a laid-back coastal town atmosphere at the same time, making it easy to mix and mingle and feel like a part of the community quickly—even as a newcomer.
While it’s one of the most popular destinations in the country and has received plenty of accolades, the question remains: Is Charleston, SC a good place to retire? Here’s everything retirees need to know about Charleston before moving to the Holy City.
Moving to Charleston: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy access to the coast and beaches – Some of the South’s most scenic and beloved beaches like Folly Beach, the Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island are just a short drive away.
- The culinary scene – In Charleston, you’ll find everything from local hole-in-the-walls dishing out some of the country’s best barbecue and decadent comfort food to upscale restaurants with imaginative menus and trendy oyster bars serving fresh seafood straight off the boat.
- Cultural amenities and activities – Charleston has an abundance of cultural amenities whether you like seeing live theater performances or visiting art galleries and museums. It’s also a history lover’s dream with a story from the past around almost every corner and famous historical sites like Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie nearby.
- Walkability – Historic downtown area is extremely walkable, making it easy for residents to get around it.
- Mild winters – Temperatures in Charleston rarely dip below freezing during the winter months, making it a great place to live if you want to escape cold, harsh winter weather and snow storms.
Cons
- Storms and flooding – Charleston’s location on the Atlantic Coast makes it susceptible to severe weather incidents like hurricanes and tropical storms. Being surrounded by water also means the city is prone to tidal and flash flooding.
- The summer weather – During the summer months, the heat and humidity can be stifling in Charleston, but balmy sea breezes are only a short drive away on the coast.
- Influx of tourists – While Charleston is a popular travel destination all year, things start to pick up when the weather warms up. During the summer months, you can expect the city to be full of tourists, especially in the downtown area and nearby beaches, which causes traffic congestion and can make parking and getting around a little more difficult. The city can also feel a bit overcrowded on certain weekends when popular annual events are happening like the Cooper River Bridge Run, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival.
- Limited public transportation options – While the downtown area is walkable, if you live outside of that area, you’ll need to rely on having a car or bike.
Charleston Climate
Charleston has a subtropical climate. Residents can expect comfortable weather during the spring and fall and mild winters with average temperatures ranging between 47 and 52 degrees. Although the city has seen a few snow flurries in recent years, residents won’t have to worry about weathering any major winter storms. The trade-off for mild winters is hot and humid summers with average temperatures regularly reaching the mid to upper 90s.
With 230 days of sunshine each year, retirees have plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities, whether you like going to the beach and sunbathing, participating in watersports, fishing, or golfing. Want to mix your love for history with a nice stroll outside? Countless historic walking tours operate daily and explore different parts of the city. The Battery also offers a picturesque waterfront walkway perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Should you stray from the city, there are many beautiful, stately homes like Drayton Hall that are open to the public and offer beautiful grounds and gardens to meander through.
Charleston Property Taxes
Charleston offers retirees more than just beautiful sights, good food, and a sense of community. There are also plenty of financial perks to living there, including excellent tax benefits and exemptions. South Carolina is considered one of the most tax-friendly states in the U.S. for retirees.
Living in Charleston means retirees can take full advantage of some of the lowest property taxes in the country. According to SmartAsset, the state’s property taxes are 0.52% lower than the national average, helping homeowners spend less on their housing each year.
Charleston Retirement Income Taxes
Aside from property taxes, Charleston is also considered tax-friendly toward retirees because the Palmetto State doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. Retirees get to keep 100% of their retirement income. Pensions, 401(k)s, and IRA Distributions are only partially taxed, according to Kiplinger.
Charleston Tax Exemptions for Seniors
The 65+ crowd can also benefit from the Homestead Exemption Act. This exempts the first $50,000 fair market value of a primary residence from all property taxes.
Charleston Health Care
When it comes to medical needs, Charleston residents have access to several top-notch health care providers like the award-winning and nationally ranked Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health-University Medical Center and Roper Hospital. MUSC is highly regarded as the top hospital in South Carolina and is widely known for its innovative medical research. MUSC also boasts the Health Rehabilitation Hospital, which specializes in using the latest technology and advanced treatment plans to help patients recover from all sorts of medical conditions ranging from strokes and spinal cord injuries to orthopedic injuries and neurological problems.
Where to Live in Charleston
Once you’ve decided Charleston seems like the best fit for your retirement years, it’s time to find the perfect house to fit your ideal lifestyle and budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of active adult communities to consider within Charleston and the surrounding areas.
55+ Communities Within Charleston
The Elms of Charleston
Low $300ks – High $300ks
The Elms of Charleston is an established, age-restricted community that consists of 325 single-family and attached homes. The development offers a prime location as well as many resort-style amenities, including a clubhouse, a fitness center, a library, and a game room. Outdoor amenities include a pool, fishing lakes, tennis courts, and walking and biking trails. Homes within the community have single-level patio layouts that range from 1,490 to 1977 square feet woth two to three bedrooms, two baths, and one- or two-car garages.
Overture West Ashley
Rent Starting At: $1,960
Retirees looking to downsize or rent instead of own should consider Overture West Ashley. The 55+ gated community features almost 200 apartments that range from 681 to 1,272 square feet. There are one- and two-bedroom options available, ideal for anyone looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle. Overture West Ashley’s amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga studio, a movie theater, a heated swimming pool, and pickleball courts. There’s even a hair and nail salon onsite making self-care days even more convenient for residents.
Overture Daniel Island
Rent Starting At: $1,770
The Overture Daniel Island community is another great option for active adults who’d prefer to rent instead of taking on all the added responsibilities of owning a home during their golden years. The development boasts 197 apartments with one- and two-bedroom units available. Layouts range from 678 to 1,331 square feet and offer desirable features like walk-in closets, kitchen islands, private balconies, and extra storage space. Amenities within the community include a community lounge, a game room, a theater, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. There’s also an onsite coffee bar and bistro where residents can grab a bite to eat. Another added perk to living at Overture Daniel Island is that it’s only 13 miles away from the beach.
55+ Communities in the Surrounding Charleston Area
Enclave Park – Johns Island, SC
Low $400ks – High $400ks
If you’re looking for a small, tight-knit community, look no further than Enclave Park. The age-restricted neighborhood is slated to have just seven single-family homes built. The new builds will range from around 1,600 to 1,900 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two-car garages. Plans also include screened porches, giving homeowners the perfect spot to relax and unwind. While the development may be small, the builders didn’t overlook amenities. Enclave Park residents will have access to a community park with a picnic pavilion and barbecue area, a two-story pergola, fire pits, and horseshoe pits. There will also be walking trails throughout the neighborhood.
Liberty Cottages at Park West – Mt. Pleasant, SC
Low $700ks – Low $800ks
Located just outside of Charleston in the popular suburb of Mount Pleasant, the Liberty Cottages at Park West community offers homeowners easy access to surrounding beaches like Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island. The gated and age-restricted neighborhood is made up of 43 single-family homes. There are five distinct floor plans for potential buyers to consider. They range from 2,746 to 3,148 square feet and offer three to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two- or three-car garages. The homeowners’ association (HOA) takes care of all exterior home maintenance and yard work as well as some basic indoor maintenance issues like changing light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries for residents. Amenities at Liberty Cottages at Park West include onsite retail and dining options, a clubhouse, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and more.
Encore – Restore at Carolina Park – Mt. Pleasant, SC
High $800ks – Low $900ks
Encore Restore at Carolina Park is another option in the Mt. Pleasant area. This new community will feature 112 upscale single-family homes once completed. Available models range from 1,610 to 2,511 square feet and have two to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Encore’s lengthy list of resort-style amenities includes a clubhouse, a movie theater, a fitness center, an onsite bar, and a game room. Outdoor amenities include a pool and patio area, pickleball and bocce courts, a pet park, and fishing lakes.
The Cottages at Carolina Park – Mt. Pleasant, SC
Low $600ks – Low $700ks
Located 15 miles from Charleston, the up-and-coming Cottages at Carolina Park community currently features 48 single-family homes and has one- and two-story models for potential buyers to consider. Available layouts range from 1,437 to 2,441 square feet and offer two to three bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and attached one-car garages. Cottages at Carolina Park residents have access to a fitness center and an outdoor pool and patio area.
If Charleston, SC sounds like the perfect place to retire, contact 55places.com today to learn more about homes for sale in Charleston!
