The Best of Southern Hospitality
When you’re deciding whether to retire at the beach, one of the many things you probably think about is the people. After all, we are social by nature and enjoy being around others from time to time. And making new friends as an adult can be a little hard sometimes. But in Charleston, human interactions are so easy that you’ll probably find new friends much sooner than you expect. The locals here are very friendly and welcoming towards new residents of their community. It’s safe to say you’ll get to experience hospitality like no other in Charleston.
It’s a Cultural Mecca
The city is extremely rich in culture and history, and it’s not hard to see once you step foot in it. Just imagine cobblestone paths and stunning centuries-old homes and buildings lining the streets. The people here celebrate art in its many forms, and the city is home to a plethora of places dedicated to history, visual arts and music. If you live for culture, Charleston may just be the perfect place for you to retire.
Comfortable Climate
With a sub-tropical climate and access to miles upon miles of beautiful South Carolina shoreline, Charleston remains one of the best beach retirement destinations in America. Summers in Charleston are warm and sunny without being scorching hot thanks to the ocean breeze. Average summer temperatures range between 69°F and 91°F. Winters, on the other hand, are mild and average low temperatures hover between 37°F and 40°F. Snowfall is a rare occurrence that happens less than once per year on average.
Tax-friendly Toward Retirees
In Charleston, you get to enjoy the benefits of retiring in both a major city and by the waters without breaking the bank. One of the most tax-friendly places for retirees, South Carolina doesn’t tax social security benefits. You’ll get to take home 100% of your social security check! Not only that, but retirees over 65 who generate income from other sources can claim a deduction of up to $15,000. Property tax rates are among the lowest in the nation as well.
Public Transportation
Maybe because it’s the largest city in South Carolina, but Charleston boasts a robust and people-friendly transportation system. Regional fixed-route bus systems serve most of the urban area, with another bus system serving the rural areas. Charleston also operates two Amtrak trains—Silver Meteor and The Palmetto—making major cities easily accessible. If you travel quite often, you’ll be glad to know that Charleston International Aiport is just 12 miles northwest of downtown Charleston.
Health and Wellness
Not convinced about retiring in Charleston yet? Maybe the fact that it has several major hospitals will change your mind. The city is actually the main medical center for South Carolina’s eastern parts. No matter where you choose to retire in Charleston, you’ll be within close proximity to a major hospital. On top of that, Charleston has a lot of fitness centers to help you keep in shape and minimize your doctor’s visits.
Fun For the Whole Family
As a major tourist destination, Charleston has attractions and activities for the entire family. The museums alone will take weeks, cumulatively, to tour. If you want to be outdoors, Charleston has 33 county parks you can check out, as well as a high ropes course facility and a park for zip line canopy tours. And if the younger members of the family want to see some avian and marine creatures, you could take them to the Center for Birds of Prey and the South Carolina Aquarium.
Activities for Retirees
Built to accommodate the needs of the growing senior population, Charleston offers countless opportunities for retirees to have fun, make new friends and socialize. With plenty of events and festivals happening throughout the year, retirement life in Charleston never gets dull. Plus the nightlife is so energetic you’re going to want to go out all the time. If you want to satisfy your craving for thrill and adventure, head over to Trophy Lakes, one of the premier destinations for watersports in the area.
Exquisite Dining
The combination of various cultural influences has helped Charleston’s cuisine evolve into something vibrant and exciting. With talented up-and-coming chefs and a distinctive take on Southern flavor, the city offers one-of-a-kind dining experiences all year round. Dress up and head over to Husk Restaurant or FIG for a fine dining experience that revolves around Charleston’s prized seafood, or dig into the unique flavors of Charleston’s famous Lewis Barbecue. From novel takes on American classics to brand new and innovative dishes, there’s plenty to explore in Charleston’s culinary scene.
Sun-kissed Beaches
Just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston lie some of the most breathtaking beaches in the nation. Beautiful and accessible Folly Beach, although very popular, isn’t overly commercialized yet. For deeper, calmer shores, visit Kiawah Beach, rated one of the most romantic beaches in America. For a more luxurious experience, the Isle of Palms offers white sand beaches and proximity to shoreside restaurants, bars and stores.