Retire In South Carolina Or In Europe (Spain)
Are you dreaming of sandy beaches, warm weather, and a relaxed lifestyle for your retirement? Look no further than South Carolina! With its mild climate, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities, the Palmetto State is the perfect retirement destination. Whether you’re looking for a quiet coastal town or a bustling city with plenty of amenities, this state has it all.
My son and his family lived in South Carolina for a number of years. I use to visit the grandkids and thought it was a wonderful place to raise a family. So when they started thinking about relocating, this state was on the list. I never really thought about it as one of the best places to retire, so I decided to do a little research. Let’s look at what the Palmetto State offers for many retirees.
Surprise … South Carolina A Favorite Place To Retire
When researching this state I was surprised to find out how popular it is with pensioners. According to various rankings and surveys,
This state consistently lands in the top 10 or even the top 5 of the best states for retirees. Some reports even place it in the number one spot!

Pros Of Retiring In S. Carolina

Plus, with all of the gorgeous beaches and golf courses, you’ll never be bored.
As for housing, rent prices in this state are pretty reasonable, especially if you’re willing to live a little outside of the major cities like Charleston or Columbia.

Other Pros To Think About

Other expenses like utilities and healthcare are pretty much in line with the national averages, so you won’t have any major surprises there.
Besides private health insurance, there are other nifty programs. One option is the S. Carolina Healthy Connections Prime program. It’s like a one-stop-shop for healthcare, combining Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
This program is perfect if you’re dual-eligible for both of these programs and want to simplify your healthcare experience.
If you’re low-income or have a disability, you might qualify for the S. Carolina Medicaid program. This provides comprehensive healthcare coverage at little to no cost. It’s definitely worth looking into if you need some extra support.
There are also plenty of retirement communities and activities for seniors, so you’ll have no trouble finding like-minded individuals to spend your golden years with.

Cons Of Retiring In S. Carolina

Housing prices have been on the rise in recent years, especially in popular retirement American cities, like Charleston and Hilton Head. And don’t even get me started on the property taxes!
And let’s not forget about hurricane season – living along the coast means you’ll need to be prepared for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes.
If you’re not a fan of sweating your butt off and dealing with the occasional hurricane threat, you might want to think twice about retiring here.

Depending How You Look At It - A Few More Cons

If you have specific health needs or require specialized care, you’ll want to research the healthcare options in your desired retirement location.
Another issue for some is the lack of cultural amenities in certain areas. Sure, if you’re in a big city like Charleston or Greenville, you’ll have access to a thriving arts scene, museums, and fancy restaurants.
Let’s not forget about the traffic. S. Carolina has its fair share of congestion, especially in the more populated areas.
It’s not New York City levels of traffic, but it can get pretty congested, especially in the bigger cities like Charleston or Columbia.
If you’re used to quiet, peaceful drives, you might find yourself frustrated by the traffic jams and long lines of cars on the highways.

Overall, living in S. Carolina can be a great choice for some, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making the move. Consider your budget, climate preferences, desire for diversity, and healthcare needs to ensure that this state is the right destination for you.
A Great Possibility - But Spain Was Still The One!

There are a lot of popular retirement destinations in Europe, but as you know Spain was the choice for me! That’s where my family was heading to and I wanted to watch my grandchildren grow up. Who would have thought that I, a US citizen would retire in Spain?
I renewed my passport, completed all the paperwork needed for the application process and Visa, had my meeting at the Spanish Consulate and waited for my approval.
We looked at different places and Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona are great, but a little on the pricier side. Where as Valencia, which is along the Mediterranean coastline, has beautiful beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, great healthcare and affordable prices.
I can understand why Valencia, with its high quality of life, is becoming increasingly popular with expats and tourist alike. As I stated on previous articles, spending my golden age in Spain has been one of the best decisions in my life!
P.S. Here at Simplify Abroad we have got different articles and videos done by a family of 6 (and three dogs), a family of 3 (and one dog) and a recent retiree. If you want to see more articles from us click here.
P.S.S. If anyone is interested we also have a YouTube channel where we cover different aspects of our lives / move overseas. Lastly if you have any suggestion for a new article or video you would like to see; please comment below or send us an email and we will see if we can make it happen!