Best Cities to Retire in South Carolina

We’ve broken down 10 of the best cities to retire in South Carolina, looking at key factors like housing affordability, senior population, poverty rates, and sales tax.

Looking beyond South Carolina? Check out our guide to the 10 Best U.S. Cities for Retirement and our  Best and Worst States to Retire In for a broader look at retirement-friendly locations.

Best Cities to Retire in South Carolina

Looking for a peaceful, small city with history, charm, and modern conveniences?  South Carolina has plenty of great retirement options. From affordable housing to strong senior communities, each city offers something unique. Here’s how the top 10 cities rank:

1. Florence, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 18.6%
• Median home sale price: $225,490
• Median rent price: $922
• Poverty rate: 18.1%
• Sales tax: 8%

Florence sits at the heart of South Carolina’s historic Pee Dee region, offering retirees an affordable and welcoming place to call home. With a median home price of $225,490 and rent of $922, it has some of the lowest housing costs on this list. Beyond affordability, Florence has a large senior population, with 18.6% of residents aged 65 and older. That means easier access to senior-focused services, social opportunities, and a community that understands the needs of retirees.

But no city is perfect. Florence also has the highest poverty rate on this list at 18.1%, something to factor in when planning for retirement. Still, for those looking for low-cost living and a strong senior presence, Florence remains a top contender in South Carolina.

2.  Sumter, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 16.8%
• Median home sale price: $247,450
• Median rent price: $1,055
• Poverty rate: 15.8%
• Sales tax: 7%

Sumter’s mild climate and outdoor-friendly lifestyle make it an appealing choice for retirees who love sports and nature. Seniors make up 16.8% of the population, creating plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded retirees. Affordability is another big draw. The median home sale price here is $247,450, while the median rent is $1,055.

That said, Sumter’s poverty rate stands at 15.8%, which could be a concern for those prioritizing financial stability in retirement. If you are focused on affordability, community, and an active lifestyle, this city remains a solid option.

3.  Greenville, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 15.1
• Median home sale price: $410,000
• Median rent price: $1,248
• Poverty rate: 14.1%
• Sales tax: 6%

Set against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville blends small-town charm with big-city amenities. With 15.1% of residents aged 65 and older, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with others in your stage of life. Greenville is also the most tax-friendly city on this list, with a sales tax of just 6%. That means everyday expenses are more manageable compared to other cities in South Carolina.

But while Greenville is easy on the wallet in some ways, housing costs are higher. The median rent is $1,248, and if you are looking to buy, the median home price is $410,000, among the highest on this list. If you are prioritizing affordability in homeownership, retiring in Greenville might require some extra budgeting.

4.  Rock Hill, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 14.8%
• Median home sale price: $315,000
• Median rent price: $1,279
• Poverty rate: 13.3%
• Sales tax: 7%

Rock Hill is a former mill town turned thriving city that sits just under 30 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. With a median home price of $315,000 and median rent of $1,279, it provides a more affordable housing market compared to some of the pricier options on this list. Plus, a 7% sales tax helps keep daily expenses in check. 

That said, Rock Hill has a smaller senior population, with only 14.8% of residents aged 65 and older. This could mean fewer retirement-specific amenities compared to other cities. If you’re considering Rock Hill, it’s worth exploring different neighborhoods to find one that best matches your lifestyle and needs.

5. Summerville, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 14.9%
• Median home sale price: $375,000
• Median rent price: $1,414
• Poverty rate: 10.3%
• Sales tax: 7%

Summerville is perfect for retirees looking for peace and charm. The city’s 7% sales tax helps keep day-to-day costs manageable, and with a poverty rate of just 10.3%, many retirees feel a sense of financial stability here. Seniors make up 14.9% of the population, which may mean there are fewer senior-focused amenities.

Housing is on the higher end. The median home price sits at $375,000, while the median rent is at $1,414. But if you value small-town charm, Southern heritage, and a strong community, Summerville could be a great fit despite the slightly higher housing costs.

6.  Charleston, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 16.1%
• Median home sale price: $557,500
• Median rent price: $1,632
• Poverty rate: 12%
• Sales tax: 9%

Charleston is one of the oldest cities in South Carolina and offers retirees a strong sense of history, charm, and community. Seniors make up 16.1% of the total population meaning there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect with fellow retirees. Financial stability is another plus, as Charleston has a poverty rate of just 12%, among the lowest on our list.

That said, finding affordable housing here can be a challenge. The median home price is $557,500, and rent averages $1,632, making it one of the most expensive cities to retire in South Carolina. If Charleston is on your list, careful financial planning will be key to making the most of what this historic city has to offer.

7.  Mouth Pleasant, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 18%
• Median home sale price: $963,812
• Median rent price: $2,026
• Poverty rate: 5.8%
• Sales tax: 9%

Mount Pleasant offers small-town charm with the convenience of city life, sitting just outside Charleston. For retirees looking for a strong sense of community, it’s a great option, as 18% of residents are 65 and older. Additionally, the city has the lowest poverty rate on our list at 5.8%, making it financially stable.

But that stability comes at a price. Mount Pleasant is the most expensive city to retire on our list, with a median home price of $963,812 and a median rent of $2,026.

8.  Goose Creek, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 12.3
• Median home sale price: $405,000
• Median rent price: $1,611
• Poverty rate: 6.6%
• Sales tax: 9%

Goose Creek is a growing suburban city with deep historical roots. With a poverty rate of just 6.6%, the second lowest on our list, it provides a sense of financial security that many retirees value. However, a 9% sales tax means everyday expenses can add up.

Housing costs are another factor to consider. The median home price is $405,000, and the median rent is $1,611, making Goose Creek one of the most expensive cities for retirement in South Carolina. 

9.  North Charleston, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 12.3%
• Median home sale price: $352,500
• Median rent price: $1,364
• Poverty rate: 15.5%
• Sales tax: 9%

North Charleston offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to its neighboring cities, with a median home price of $352,500 and a median rent of $1,364. Housing options range from historic homes in charming neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos, giving retirees plenty of choices.

However, North Charleston may not be the most senior-friendly option. Only 12.3% of its population is 65 or older, making it one of the smaller retirement communities on this list. Another factor to consider is its higher poverty rate of 15.5%, which could affect long-term financial security. 

10.  Columbia, South Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 11%
• Median home sale price: $165,000
• Median rent price: $1,158
• Poverty rate: 23.3%
• Sales tax: 8%

If you’re considering retirement in South Carolina, Columbia deserves a closer look. As the state capital, it offers a blend of history and modern conveniences, making it an appealing choice for retirement. One of Columbia’s biggest advantages is affordability. With a median home price of just $165,000, it has the lowest housing costs on this list. Rent is also reasonable, with a median of $1,158, which means your savings can go further compared to other cities in the state.

If you value a larger senior community, Columbia may not be the best fit. Seniors make up just 11% of the total population, the lowest on our list. Another consideration is the poverty rate, which stands at 23.3%, the highest among these cities and something to factor in for long-term planning.

See Where Your South Carolina City Ranked for Retirement

Here is a ranking of the top 10 cities in South Carolina for retirement: 

Methodology

To determine the best cities for retirement in South Carolina, we analyzed cities with populations over 40,000, focusing on key factors that matter most to retirees. Each metric was weighted based on its importance in the decision-making process.

Our research is built on reliable data sources. Population figures, median rent prices, and poverty rates were sourced from the 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin (as of January 2025), while sales tax rates were gathered from Avalara.

Here’s how each factor contributed to the overall rankings:

• Percentage of Population 65+: 30% 
• Median Home Sale Price: 20% 
• Median Monthly Rent: 20% 
• Poverty Rate: 20% 
• Sales Tax: 10%

Reference policy 

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Sources

1. 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates
2. Redfin 
3. Avalara