Surrounded by coastal scenery, calming ocean breezes and beautiful weather year-round, Charleston, SC checks all the boxes for a wholesome retirement.

A recent study by personal finance website WalletHub compared affordability, quality of life, health care, and availability of recreational activities for seniors in more than 180 U.S. cities. It comes as no surprise that Charleston, South Carolina claimed the top spot as the best U.S. city to retire in 2022, with other popular retirement destinations in Florida and Arizona also making it into the top 10.

Charleston, SC has so much going for it! Surrounded by coastal scenery, calming ocean breezes and beautiful weather year-round, this highly sought-after region checks all the boxes for a wholesome retirement. To top things off, South Carolina offers some favorable senior tax breaks and a very affordable overall cost of living.

If you love the conveniences of city life, then Charleston is where you will thrive during your retirement years. With several top tier senior living communities in close proximity to the city center, you will have plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. Live your best life at one of the many 55+ active adult communities, like Overture West Ashley, or plan for your long-term care needs in a continuing care retirement community, like the highly acclaimed Bishop Gadsden. One thing is for sure, this historic port city will not disappoint! Its deep southern roots are widely spread throughout the local community and can even be enjoyed in its stunning architecture and excellent cuisine.

Just a short drive across the Charleston Harbor and you will find yourself in the charming streets of Mount Pleasant. Thanks to North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge, the Ravenel Bridge, you’ll never be more than a few minutes away from the historic Charleston city center. Senior living communities in this area are often nestled in retreat-like settings, like the beautiful grounds of Somerby Mount Pleasant, which will bring a certain peace and tranquility to your days. If you love spending time outdoors, especially golfing or fishing, then the limitless options in and around Mount Pleasant will be sure to get your seal of approval. With a variety of community events hosted throughout the year, the Memorial Waterfront Park and Mount Pleasant Pier also make the perfect social gathering places to catch up with family and friends.

As a more recently developed area of Charleston, Daniel Island is fast becoming the go-to for luxurious retirement living. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of parks, the purpose-built resort lifestyle communities on Daniel Island, like Daniel Pointe Retirement Community, will make you feel as if you’re on an endless vacation. With all the modern facilities and services at your fingertips, you will have everything you need to make the most of your golden years. Enjoy an extensive range of golf courses, country clubs, tennis courts, and so much more in your very own slice of paradise.

Whether you are only just starting out in your search for senior living options, or you are eager and ready to make the move, Kithward can help you seamlessly navigate this next exciting chapter of your life.

The Best Neighborhoods to Retire in Charleston, South Carolina

If you are an avid golfer, then Charleston, SC and its surrounding neighborhoods should be high on your list of senior living communities to consider.

If you are an avid golfer and you are hoping to prioritize your favorite hobby during your retirement years, then Charleston, SC and its surrounding neighborhoods should be high on your list of communities to consider. According to Golfbreaks, the townships of Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms offer some incredible opportunities to tee off all year round. With several top-tier senior living facilities located in this area, you will have plenty of options to choose from to live out your golden years within close proximity of some of the best golf courses in Charleston, and South Carolina as a whole.

Three of the state’s top-rated golf courses can be found tucked away in the northeastern corner of Mount Pleasant. Designed by the legendary Arthur Hills, Dunes West is set amongst the natural wetlands of the South Carolina Lowcountry and its par-72 layout will keep any golfer entertained for hours on end. RiverTowne Country Club is home to Charleston’s only Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, with 18 holes to challenge even the most seasoned putter. Open to the public year round, Charleston National offers one of the best golfing experiences in the region. Its championship course was designed by Rees Jones and visitors can also enjoy a full-size state of the art practice facility and driving range.

If convenient access to these world class courses is what you are looking for, then the brand new 55+ active adult communities in this area, like Restore at Carolina Park, will make you feel right at home with all their modern luxuries. If you are planning ahead for the future, then Somerby Mount Pleasant offers choices that few senior communities in this area can match. Not only do they have several different independent living floor plans for you to consider at this stage of your retirement, but they also provide future care options under their assisted living and memory care umbrellas.

Just a short drive south from Mount Pleasant and 15 miles northeast of Charleston’s city center, you will find yourself in the bustling beach town of Isle of Palms. The Wild Dunes Resort, a high-end gated community on the island, hosts two more of South Carolina’s top-ranked golf courses. Both courses were designed by Tom Fazio and the Links Course at Wild Dunes Resort was his first ever design. It’s a relatively short but tricky 6,500-yard layout with stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean. The secondary Harbor Course at Wild Dunes Resort is located on the other side of the island and sits alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, challenging golfers with complex shots around natural lagoons and salt marshes.

If the island vibe is sounding like the right fit for you, there are several senior living communities located within a stone’s throw of these beautiful golf courses. Franke at Seaside is one of the region’s oldest wellness-based non-profit continuing care retirement communities and offers convenient shuttle bus transportation to your favorite nearby golf courses, while South Bay at Mount Pleasant is a much newer resort-style living community offering all the same services at your fingertips. Take your pick and never be further than a few minutes away from your preferred way to spend the day.

If you are considering senior living options in and around Charleston, Kithward can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect fit for you. With so many exciting opportunities for a healthy outdoor lifestyle, a retirement in Charleston will ensure you don’t just live out your golden year but that you thrive in them!

Retiring to Charleston, South Carolina is a Golfer's Dream

If you're looking to retire to a more comfortable climate, you may consider one of the many stunning beachside locations near Charleston, South Carolina.

If you’re nearing retirement age, you may be starting to think about where you want to retire. Many retirees choose to move to a location where they can benefit from warmer weather as well as peace and quiet. If you’ve grown tired of cold, gray winters and would rather live in a location that’s comfortable all year round, you may want to consider one of the many stunning beachside locations near Charleston, South Carolina.

Just north of the Charleston Peninsula and neighboring the charming town of Mount Pleasant, you’ll find yourself in Isle of Palms. This bustling beach town boasts a large gated community but also offers multiple public beach access locations along the island, like the ones at Isle of Palms County Park, as well as many great places to eat while you spend your days soaking up the sun. The beaches on Isle of Palms are a great option if you are looking for the conveniences of city life while still being able to enjoy day trips to the beach.

With its impressive 60-mile stretch of beach, often referred to as “Grand Strand”, Myrtle Beach is nothing short of an oceanside dream for many retirees. Although the drive to Charleston, SC is just under two hours, you’ll find everything you could ever need in this well-equipped coastal city. Enjoy the clean ocean air while you spend your golden years playing countless rounds of golf with friends, and entertain your children and grandchildren with a visit to the Myrtle Beach State Park to show off your own little slice of paradise.

If you are looking for a slower pace of life, then Pawleys Island has your name written all over it. This small barrier island only stretches across four miles of beachfront access but offers many fantastic opportunities for fishing, shelling, and crabbing during various times of the year. You can also explore the salt marsh that separates Pawleys Island from the mainland on foot, or by kayak or canoe. On your doorstep, you’ll find several county and state parks, like Huntington Beach State Park, where you can spot over 300 different types of birds.

Located on Folly Island and just a short drive south from Charleston’s historic center, Folly Beach is a popular tourist destination for visitors to the region. It can get crowded during weekends and holidays, but it is still a convenient option for anyone looking to retire in the Charleston Peninsula. You can find some less crowded beaches on the western side of the island at Folly Beach County Park and on the eastern side of the island near the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.

Still located in the sunny state of South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is close to the Georgia border and therefore within a short 20-mile drive of Savannah, GA. Charleston, SC is just under two hours away, so it’s still easily accessible if you crave the occasional city trip here and there. Hilton Head Island itself has a rich history of Native American ancestry, European settlement, and Civil War significance, making it a fascinating place to continue your lifelong learning goals. This region also hosts some of the most pristine beaches in the state, like Fish Haul Beach Park, where fishing and boating are enjoyed by many.

Explore these and the many other beautiful areas to retire in and around Charleston, South Carolina. Kithward’s advanced search filters allow you to sort through the numerous senior living options in any given area of interest, and help you narrow down your selection to the ones that match your individual needs.

The Top 5 Beaches to Retire to near Charleston, South Carolina

Sandpiper Village offers a gorgeous, coastal setting for Independent Living in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Our locally owned senior living community provides the ideal combination of enticing amenities and a vibrant team that views every resident as family. A heated swimming pool, resident library, and full-service beauty salon are yours to enjoy at Sandpiper Village. Our expertly maintained grounds provide the perfect backdrop for strolls outdoors with your pup in our pet-friendly community. We’re proud to provide a community you’ll fall in love with for the best value in the Charleston area.

Beach-inspired living is yours at Sandpiper Village. We offer Independent Living for seniors who want more freedom to spend their days as they please. Our community is the destination for those who feel ready to release the responsibilities of homeownership and enjoy a more relaxed stage of life. Embrace the easygoing vibe of our pet-friendly senior living community, where everyone is family.

Sandpiper Village

Atria Mount Pleasant is the premier senior community in Charleston County, enhanced with comfortable amenities including an indoor swimming pool, full-service salon and spa, movie theater, library, chef-prepared meals with Lowcountry flair, and spacious outdoor areas adorned with walking paths and water features.

Set among the natural coastal beauty of the Lowcountry, Atria Mount Pleasant is a modern senior living community thoughtfully designed for comfort and connection. Conveniently located, enjoy easy access and scheduled transportation to the restaurants of Belle Hall, parks, golf courses, medical facilities and more.

Just 10 miles from downtown Charleston, the brand new senior community of Atria Mount Pleasant is an all-inclusive neighborhood offering independent, assisted living, and memory care with amenities and events to help you build a meaningful life.

Atria Mount Pleasant

Located in the 1,700 acre Carolina Park master planned community with shopping, dining and outdoor activities, Merrill Gardens is in the heart of it all. This new community is modern yet intimate with spacious apartments. Relax and enjoy the Carolina Park lifestyle – thoughtfully designed neighborhoods with abundant recreation space, an impressive array of amenities, and a convenient coastal location.

Enjoy a true sense of community as you explore Carolina Park’s pedestrian walkways, boutique shops, restaurants and more. Area beaches, marinas, and waterfront activities are only a few miles away. Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park is conveniently located along Highway 17, minutes from Mount Pleasant Towne Centre – only 25 minutes from downtown Charleston.

Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

It Looks Like A Luxury Resort; It Lives Like Home. Retirement is a time to embrace your freedoms and live your life centered around what is most important to you. South Bay at Mount Pleasant is a luxury retirement community that offers residents stunning surroundings, a beautiful, maintenance-free apartment home, an exceptionally fulfilling lifestyle, and a continuum of care in place should additional healthcare services be required.

It’s a setting that looks and feels like a luxury vacation resort, yet it provides all the comforts of home. Not only does South Bay offer easy elegance and enviable lifestyle, it is located in one of the most desirable locations in the country. This South Carolina low country area is sweeping and majestic; the city is at once historic and modern. Additionally, with all maintenance and housekeeping handled for you, you’ll have time to take full advantage of everything the area and your new community have to offer.

Invigorating Independent Living Retirement Community with on-site Healthcare Support. South Bay at Mount Pleasant offers independent living residences with onsite assisted living / memory care, rehab and skilled nursing residences available within Shem Creek Health Center. Transition from one level of care to another is seamless, allowing residents who need additional services to stay in the same community they have come to love.

South Bay At Mount Pleasant

Welcome to Restore at Carolina Park Apartments, a brand new 55+ community in Mount Pleasant, SC near the sprawling beaches of Isle of Palms. You’ve been dreaming of the day when you could spend your time enjoying life and everything it has to offer. Well, imagine elegant apartment living where the only thing you need to worry about is figuring out which activities to enjoy first! Our world-class amenities will keep you active, busy and connected all year round. And when you’re ready to hit the road for a weekend or a week? Just lock the door and away you go. Restore at Carolina Park isn’t just a place to live – it’s a place to get the most out of life each and every day. Now welcoming our first residents, and currently accepting applications - contact our team today to learn more how to reserve your new home!

Restore at Carolina Park

Situated among beautiful lagoons and Spanish moss draping over ancient oak branches, Franke at Seaside has become a haven for older adults seeking an active, worry-free future.

As a non-profit ministry, Franke at Seaside is a continuing care retirement community focusing on the enrichment of resident, client, and patient lives. Individuals at Franke at Seaside can take advantage of the numerous services and amenities that foster old hobbies and encourage new adventures.

Residents have the security of a continuum of care which provides a safety net that includes independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support, rehabilitation, and more.

Explore a unique retirement lifestyle among stunning views and incredible conversation with neighbors in a fun, welcoming environment at Franke at Seaside.

Franke at Seaside

The Palms of Mt. Pleasant is a full-service senior living community offering spacious independent living and assisted living apartments, Five Star’s award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery program for people with Alzheimer’s or related dementias, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and respite/short stays, all in one beautifully landscaped location.

Our many services and amenities include restaurant-style dining, a full slate of social and recreational activities, regular outings, library, games room, wireless Internet, fitness and wellness programs, in-house beauty salon/barber shop, highly skilled 24-hour staff, transportation, and laundry and housekeeping.

Located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, our senior living community is just minutes away from Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, East Cooper Regional Medical Center, Mt. Pleasant Regional Library, a number of great restaurants and shopping centers, museums, and other local attractions such as public parks, beaches, recreation areas, and seasonal community events and festivals.

Five Star independent living services are designed to support and sustain active and engaged seniors. At Five Star, independent doesn’t mean alone: we offer a concierge model to make it easy for residents to access the services, activities, and resources they desire. Our trained staff and exciting programs keep seniors as busy as they choose to be.

The Palms of Mount Pleasant

History, Southern charm and natural beauty abound when you live at picturesque Somerby Mount Pleasant. Minutes away from everything you love in Mount Pleasant, and also close to Charleston, SC, Somerby offers choices that few senior communities in this area can match – from formal or casual dining, on-campus entertainment and recreational classes to activities and social opportunities. In addition, you’ll also find that Somerby combines a culture and environment conducive to healthy living, thanks to an innovative approach to wellness — Discover Your Spark® that’s rich in opportunities for lifelong learning and discovery. We invite you to come and learn what our Residents and Families in the Charleston area have already found about the gracious and active lifestyle at Somerby Mount Pleasant.

Somerby Mt. Pleasant

Mount Pleasant

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