9 Best Places To Retire In South Carolina
"For retirees who want to spend their golden years in a warm climate with Southern charm, affordable housing, and accessible healthcare, look no further than the following nine best places to retire in South Carolina. From historic downtowns to lakefront communities, enclaves with rich arts districts and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities to equestrian havens, these towns prove that a large population isn’t the only requirement for enjoying a full life. Each city on this list is a standout for its amenities and senior-friendly options.
Aiken
Aiken draws retirees for its mild climate, affordable homes, and its equestrian culture. Seniors with a love for horses and horse racing delight in Aiken’s Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, which spotlights the winning thoroughbred horses trained in the city. The city has several horse racetracks, as well as the Aiken Equine Rescue, the largest horse rescue center in the southeastern United States.
There’s more to the town than horses, too. Hitchcock Woods is a 2,100-acre forest habitat, making it one of the largest urban forests in the nation. The 70 miles of sand trails are welcoming to hikers, runners, and, of course, equestrians. If any injuries arise from horseback riding or racing, Aiken Regional Medical Centers offers care throughout the region and was named a U.S. News & World Report High-Performing Hospital for Pacemaker Implantation. Best of all is its median home value of $265,000 as of November 2025, which is less than the state's median value of around $300,000.
Seneca
Seneca is a paradise for outdoor lovers who want four seasons and plenty of water-based recreation. The city’s best feature is its location on Lake Hartwell and its proximity to Lake Keowee. Both lakes are popular destinations for fishing and boating, with numerous marinas offering parking and boat rentals. Seneca is also in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so mountain activities like hiking and biking are also plentiful.
Oconee Country Club offers 18 holes of golf, Oconee Lanes offers bowling, and High Falls County Park on Lake Keowee is the place to go for camping, with 91 campsites, picnic shelters and tables, mini golf, boat ramps, a fishing pier, and a playground for the grandkids. After a day on the lake, settle in for a meal at Traditions on the Lake, across the lake from Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium.
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