The 14 Best Retirement Communities in South Carolina


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South Carolina is one of the most popular places in the country to retire. The winters are balmy, the summers aren’t too hot, and you are right on the ocean – it’s the ideal destination. There are thousands of retirement communities and suburbs in South Carolina – but which ones are the best?

The best retirement communities in South Carolina include neighborhoods in Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach, and Cane Bay. In addition to the seaside towns, there are communities all over the state ideal for retirees looking for sun and relaxation. 

In the rest of this article, we will look in detail at some of the best retirement communities in South Carolina and what they offer in housing plans, amenities, and the surrounding area. We will also look at the most retirement-friendly cities in the state and the best locations to settle down in your golden years. 

The Best Retirement Communities in South Carolina

The best retirement communities in South Carolina have one thing in common: they are all in the beautiful state of South Carolina. South Carolina is known for mild winters and warm summers. Living on the coast, retirees can take advantage of the oceanside and city life and the amenities of the individual communities. 

Many of these communities have golf courses, clubhouses, and access to pools or the ocean. Located in the most dynamic and bustling cities in South Carolina, these communities are not short on culture and the arts. South Carolina has some of the best active adult communities in the United States, and most of them are near the ocean. 

Del Webb Communities

Del Webb Communities offer some of the highest quality homes in retirement communities around the country. The Del Webb communities are family-friendly, socially-oriented communities with a variety of house plans. They are focused on independent living and maintaining an excellent atmosphere with lower costs. 

Del Webb has four South Carolina communities, located in Summerville, Bluffton, Charleston, and Fort Mill, South Carolina. They each have different features and amenities, but all are excellent choices for anyone looking to retire in South Carolina. Del Webb communities boast a lower price point than other area retirement communities and a very active social life. 

The website for Del Webb Communities in South Carolina can be found here, with links to each location. Del Webb is currently offering both in-person and online tours and has several plans to make buying and selling houses in any of their sites easier. 

Del Webb at Cane Bay

Del Webb at Cane Bay is located in Summerville, South Carolina. It is just under an hour outside of Charleston and two hours from the ocean. Cane Bay has over 1,000 homes and continues to grow, with six models to choose from and a very affordable price point. Charleston is a culturally booming city mere miles from the beach. 

Cane Bay boasts various clubs and interest groups, including card clubs, line dancing, photography, and more. There are also opportunities for continuing education, workshops, and classes. The clubhouse and amenities center activities are varied enough for any active adult looking to start or continue with their hobbies. 

Sun City Hilton Head by Del Webb

Sun City Hilton Head is the biggest active retirement community in South Carolina. Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, it is minutes from the ocean and Hilton Head Island. Sun City Hilton Head has all the conveniences of living in Hilton Head but is much cheaper because of its location and the affordability of Del Webb communities. 

The community offers 54 holes of golf, a performing arts center, and multiple amenities centers, all in a location with a yearly average warmth of 70+ degrees. There are tennis courts, hiking trails, a softball field, and a fishing lake for physical activities. 

Del Webb at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of the most beautiful areas on the eastern seaboard. Living in Myrtle Beach is like living at a coastal resort – the beaches and tourist attractions are delightful. The Grande Dunes community offers all of the same amenities as the other Del Webb communities, with pools, clubhouses, and various clubs and activities. 

Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach is one of the most beautiful communities in the Del Webb collection, with both villas and single-family homes. Del Webb also built a new community nearer to Myrtle Beach, with a resort atmosphere and equally exciting amenities. Called Del Webb North Myrtle Beach, this community is small but beautiful. 

Carolina Orchards by Del Webb

Carolina Orchards is just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Right on the border of the two states, this retirement community is new and still under construction. With up to three bedrooms and three bathrooms, the floor plans are extensive and the largest selection that Del Webb offers. 

Near the airport, the beach, and the city, Carolina Orchards is an excellent community at a great location. Because this community is newer, there are more openings and opportunities for housing available. It is another Del Webb community for active adults looking for a social life with lots of activities. 

Four Seasons Communities

Four Seasons communities are a series of adult communities built by K Hovnanian Homes. K Hovnanian is known for producing quality homes of all sizes, and their Four Seasons retirement communities are some of the best in the country. The two South Carolina locations are close to cities and the beach and offer all the amenities of a great adult community. 

These communities offer several floor plans with a maximum of three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The community provides access to indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and various sports facilities. Four Seasons communities are very similar, but each location has its individualities and the perks of the area. 

Four Seasons are communities that are built specifically for active and independent adults. They are open to virtual and in-person appointments. Their website (found here) makes it easy to schedule and take virtual tours of houses. 

Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks

The Four Seasons of Carolina Oaks is located in Bluffton, just miles from Hilton Head Island (one of the most popular resort cities in South Carolina). Besides the general amenities and specific activities, Carolina Oaks offers a fire pit, a dog park, and walking trails. The location and opportunities of Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks are excellent for retirees. 

Four Seasons at the Lakes of Cane Bay

Cane Bay is located right outside Charleston, near the city and a drivable distance from the ocean. With almost 800 homes of varying sizes and prices, Four Seasons at the Lakes of Cane Bay is a gated community with close access to the necessities of life and culture found in Charleston. 

The clubhouse features a catering kitchen and a game room, and there are multiple outdoor picnic areas, walking trails, and sports courts. The Four Seasons at the Lakes of Cane Bay offers all of the amenities of a great community with a beach resort’s luxury. 

Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head Island

The Margaritaville retirement communities are inspired by Jimmy Buffet’s beachside vibes and built for the resort lifestyle. The town square in the middle of the neighborhood provides restaurants, shops, and places to socialize with other residents. There is also a fitness center, indoor pool, and several activity centers and clubs. 

Latitude Margaritaville is on Hilton Head Island, the center of South Carolina’s beach activities, and near the best golf courses. There are a variety of homes with different floor plans and pricing options. Each house has landscaped gardens, two bedrooms, garages, and energy-efficient appliances and utilities. 

Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head Island is the winner of several awards and has openings now. You can find the website with further information and scheduling opportunities here. If you are interested in living the beach life and staying active, Margaritaville Hilton Head might be the place for you! 

Myrtle Beach Golf and Yacht Club

The 14 Best Retirement Communities in South Carolina

Myrtle Beach Golf and Yacht Club is one of the only communities on this list that isn’t age-restricted. Even though it’s not technically a retirement community, Myrtle Beach Golf Club is one of the most popular communities on the east coast (and the largest). It offers various floor plans and prices, from one bedroom one bathroom residences to three bedrooms and three bathrooms. 

The community centers offer many different ways to stay active and social with clubs and activities. There are workout classes, hosted parties and activities, and many walking trails. The club also offers a pool and picnic area and is located only seven miles from the seaside and the nearby golf courses. 

To buy or rent from Myrtle Beach Golf and Yacht Club, visit their website and book an appointment. There is also more information, an online portal for members, a section for announcements, and a community calendar to give you an idea of what goes on in the community every week.

Bridgewater

The Bridgewater community in Little River is minutes away from Myrtle Beach. The condominiums and single-family homes are built around lakes and walking paths for optimal views and atmosphere. The clubhouse is in the center of the village and hosts clubs and activities throughout the week. 

Bridgewater houses have eleven different sizes and prices, with open floor plans and single-floor suites. An outdoor pool, dining pavilion, and picnic area are available for parties and socializing. If you are looking for a low-key residential community in Myrtle Beach, Bridgewater might be your future home. 

The website for Bridgewater offers more information on the community and how to apply. The community is open by appointment only, but you can look at the different options for houses and floor plans online. They offer an online chat function to ask any questions you might have about the homes or the community.   

Savannah Lakes Village

The highlight of the Savannah Lakes Village community is the recreation center. At 23,000 square feet, it boasts a complete fitness and aerobics center, an indoor pool, a ballroom, and multiple meeting and clubrooms. There are over 40 clubs and scheduled activities, as well as space to plan individual events and social gatherings. 

There is no shortage of outdoor activities within the neighborhood. Two golf courses with clubs and practice facilities exist within the village. The community is located on the edge of Lake Thurmond on the border of Georgia and South Carolina. It boasts miles of walking trails and opportunities to fish, swim, and kayak in and around the lake itself. 

Whether you are looking at a condominium or an attached or separate house, Savannah Lakes has options for you anywhere from one to three bedrooms. You can find more information (and an excellent tour video) at the Savannah Lakes Village website, including the latest announcements on new housing availability.  

Hilton Head Plantation

Yet another wonderful active adult community on Hilton Head Island, Hilton Head Plantation, gives you the best of both worlds: a communal social neighborhood and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you are looking for opportunities to rest, exercise, shop, or socialize, Hilton Head Plantation has something for you. 

The plantation is under an hour from Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, near several golf courses and within view of the Atlantic Ocean. It offers fitness centers, clubhouses, nature conservatories, and walking trails across the different neighborhoods and on the beach. There are several pavilions and areas for social gatherings as well. 

Hilton Head Plantation offers condos, townhouses, and separate houses, as well as empty lots for building a home. The sizes range from small single-family homes to villas overlooking the ocean, and they all offered covered parking options. For more information on Hilton Head Plantation, visit their website and learn how to book a tour.

Cresswind at the Ponds

Located just north of Charleston, Cresswind at the Ponds is a great community for active adults who want to participate in city life without the hassle. It is a quiet neighborhood, conveniently located near the golf courses and shops of downtown Summerville and only a short drive from the larger city of Charleston. 

Every house in the Cresswind neighborhood is customizable in design, with an optional second floor and various floor plans. Cresswind offers a central clubhouse and access to bocce ball, tennis courts, and an athletic center (including an outdoor pool). There are dozens of planned activities and clubs every week. 

To buy a Cresswind home, go to their website and schedule a tour. The housing professionals there will help you decide which house design and location is best for you; they make it easy to choose to live in the lovely community of Cresswind at the Ponds. 

Sun City Carolina Lakes

Directly under the North Carolina state line, Sun City Carolina Lakes is a few miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. It offers two clubhouses, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and many outdoor sports and activities. There are ten lakes throughout the community and trails that wind between the neighborhood, local wetland, and the public gardens. 

The houses have various floor plans and prices, but all include open kitchens, expansive living rooms, and at least two bedrooms and bathrooms (with options to add more). There are also villa townhomes and carriage homes to choose from, with similar options and spacing. 

Sun City Carolina Lakes is a community located near a big city, but you might never need to leave the neighborhood with all of the amenities and activities. It is the only adult community in the Charlotte area that offers the full amount of features. The website has more information on buying a home and living in Sun City Carolina Lakes.  

Hampton Lake

The 14 Best Retirement Communities in South Carolina

Hampton Lake is west of Hilton Head Island, with access to the island itself and the beaches and golf courses. Hampton Lake itself is a beautiful place for water activities and lake living. This community is one of the state’s best locations because it is within driving distance of Charleston and Savannah and only minutes from Hilton Head. 

The community center offers classes ranging from art to yoga to weight lifting, and an in-house spa for massages after exercise. You can borrow kayaks and a Duffy boat for water excursions and dock your boat when it’s not in use near the neighborhood docks. There is also a restaurant with a rooftop bar in the neighborhood, so you don’t have to drive away for a late-night cocktail with friends!

Hampton Lake is a delightful community with amenities worthy of a resort and located in an ideal vacation destination. To learn more about life on Hampton Lake, go to their website and take a tour of the community and surrounding area. 

Final Thoughts 

Whether you decide to live near Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, or another South Carolina location, there are excellent options for adult communities. You can look based on location, amenities, price, or activities. South Carolina is a sunny and lovely state to retire in, with the perfect mix of beach, city, and outdoor life. 

Sources 

Ruth

Hey there, my name is Ruth, I'm in my late fifties. My life was turned upside down a few years ago as I experienced a burn-out. But I saw it as a sign that something had to change in my life. I'm happy I used this tough experience as a stepping stone. I now feel happier than ever and hope to inspire you to do the same, no matter how old you are.

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