Retire In South Carolina Or In Europe (Spain)

Retire In South Carolina Or In Europe (Spain)

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!

So what makes it such a hit with retirees? Well, for starters, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other popular retirement destinations. 

Plus, the state offers a wide range of amenities and activities that cater to retirees, from golf courses and beaches to shopping and dining options.
 
And let’s not forget about the healthcare. This Carolina state is home to some top-notch medical facilities, so you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be well taken care of in your golden years.

Pros Of Retiring In S. Carolina

We already shared some of the reasons above why retirees are attracted to this state, but lets talk about them a little more.
 
First off, the weather here is amazing. You’ve got mild winters and hot summers, so you can enjoy all of your favorite outdoor activities year-round. 

Plus, with all of the gorgeous beaches and golf courses, you’ll never be bored.
 
It also boasts a low cost of living, which is great for retirees on a fixed income.  S. Carolina may not be the cheapest state in the country, but it’s definitely more affordable compared to some of the neighbors up north. 
 
And with no state income tax on social security benefits, you can stretch your retirement savings further here and still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. 
 

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. 

You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $800 a month, depending on the location. 

If you’re looking to buy a house, the median home price in here is below the national average, so that’s a plus.
 
And let’s not forget about the delicious food. Now, people love their food in this state, and luckily, the cost of groceries is pretty affordable. On average, you can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits and how many people are in your household. 

This state is known for its mouthwatering BBQ and fresh seafood, so don’t forget to budget for some, you won’t want to miss out on that! You’ll never have a shortage of tasty options to choose from here.
 
Gas prices in S. Carolina are usually lower than the national average, so that’s good news for those of you who rely on your cars. And if you’re planning on using public transportation, the cost of a monthly pass in cities like Charleston or Greenville won’t break the bank.

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.

Another perk of retiring here is the friendly community. The people here are known for their Southern hospitality, so you’ll feel right at home. 

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.
 
As for entertainment, there’s always something fun to do here, whether it’s heading to the beach, exploring the rich history, or cheering on the Gamecocks or Tigers at a college football game. 
 
There are all of the cultural and historical attractions to explore. From the charming historic districts to the vibrant arts scene, there’s always something to see and do. Whether you’re into history, music, or art, S. Carolina has it all.

Cons Of Retiring In S. Carolina

Well as you can see from above there are a lot of pros for those who are considering retiring here, however, there are also a few downsides you should be aware of.
 
One of the biggest cons of spending your golden age in this state is the high cost of living. While the state offers a lower cost of living compared to some other parts of the country, it’s still higher than the national average. 

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!

Another drawback is the high humidity. Summers can be hot and muggy, which can be uncomfortable for some older folks, especially those with respiratory issues. 

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.
 
There’s also the problem of bugs. If you hate mosquitoes and other creepy crawlers, S. Carolina might not be the place for you. 

Mosquitoes are practically a state bird here, and they can be relentless during the summertime. So get ready to stock up on bug spray or invest in some serious screens for your porch.

Depending How You Look At It - A Few More Cons

Healthcare, although listed as a pro above, can also be a con. While the state has some excellent hospitals and medical facilities, access to healthcare can be limited in more rural areas. 

If you have specific health needs or require specialized care, you’ll want to research the healthcare options in your desired retirement location.
 
Another con of retiring in the Palmetto State is the lack of cultural diversity. While the state has a rich history and vibrant arts scene, it can feel a bit homogenous at times. 

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.
 
But if you’re thinking of moving to a more rural area, you might find yourself missing out on some of those cultural experiences. 

So, if you’re looking for a more diverse and cosmopolitan senior citizen experience, you might want to consider other states or cities with a more eclectic population.

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!

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