Choosing where to retire can be tough. Myrtle Beach, SC was named the best place to retire in South Carolina in 2023. This article will show why Myrtle Beach is a good place to live for retirees, covering benefits and lifestyle options.
Key Takeaways
- Myrtle Beach is popular for retirees because it has low taxes and a low cost of living. People over 65 get tax breaks, making their money last longer.
- The town has beautiful beaches and warm weather all year. This means retirees can enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, walking on the beach, and swimming anytime they want.
- There are many places to live that suit older adults in Myrtle Beach. These include homes in retirement communities with lots of activities and good healthcare nearby.
- Getting around in Myrtle Beach is easy for seniors. They have access to fitness programs, nutrition help, and medical care when they need it.
- Myrtle Beach offers fun things to do like going to parks, arts venues, and golf courses. It’s a place where life after retirement can be enjoyable and active.
Benefits of Retiring in Myrtle Beach
Retiring in Myrtle Beach offers tax advantages and a lower cost of living, along with access to beautiful beaches and coastal living. The beach town provides a relaxed lifestyle ideal for retirees looking to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Tax Advantages for Retirees
In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, retirees enjoy big tax breaks. The state does not tax Social Security benefits. This means more money stays with you. Also, people over 65 can deduct up to $15,000 of their retirement income each year from taxes.
These savings add up fast.
Property taxes are low in Myrtle Beach too. The average rate is just 0.52%. Plus, there’s a homestead exemption for seniors. This rule cuts out property taxes on the first $50,000 of your home’s value.
Living here makes your retirement dollars stretch further.
Cost of Living for Retirees in Myrtle Beach
Living in Myrtle Beach, SC, is less expensive than many places in the U.S. The cost of living here is about 11% lower than the national average. This means retirees can save money on daily expenses and enjoy more of what the city offers.
Housing costs are a big part of these savings. They are around 23% cheaper compared to other areas in America.
With housing prices at an average listing price of $235,000 and a sold price around $197,000, retiring in Myrtle Beach makes financial sense.
The state sales tax rate stands at 6%, but with local taxes, it might go up to 9%. Luckily for retirees and others living here, important items like groceries and prescription drugs don’t have sales tax.
This can lead to more savings for folks who choose Myrtle Beach as their retirement home.
Beach Access and Coastal Living
Myrtle Beach is on the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beautiful beaches. This makes it easy for people living there to enjoy the beach anytime. They can walk on the sand, swim, or just relax by the water.
With over 14 million visitors each year, Myrtle Beach is a popular place. But for those who live there, it feels like a vacation every day.
The town has many spots close to the coast. Living here means you can see the ocean from your home or get to the beach quickly. The weather also helps because Myrtle Beach has mild winters and hot summers.
This lets residents enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Whether you love sunbathing in summer or taking long walks on cooler days, Myrtle Beach SC is a good place to live for those who love the coast.
Healthcare Facilities in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach offers various healthcare systems catering to seniors, along with a range of senior living options and fitness programs. The city also provides access to nutrition and wellness resources for older adults.
Healthcare Systems for Seniors
Myrtle Beach offers healthcare options for seniors, such as the Grand Strand Medical Center, which is a Level 1 Adult and Level 2 Pediatric Trauma Center. Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital also caters to seniors with its joint replacement and spine surgery certifications.
In addition, McLeod Health Seacoast provides acute care facilities with 155 inpatient beds. Conway Medical Center features a sizable 210 inpatient beds along with a round-the-clock emergency facility.
These healthcare centers ensure that retirees have access to quality medical services in Myrtle Beach.
These hospitals provide essential services for older adults by offering specialized care and facilities designed to cater specifically to their needs. With these healthcare systems available, retired individuals can rest assured that they will receive comprehensive medical attention when needed while enjoying their retirement in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Senior Living Options
Myrtle Beach offers various senior living options, including Indigo at Carolina Forest with a U.S. News rating of 4.6 which is 3.34 miles from Myrtle Beach, Portside at Grande Dunes offering assisted living and memory care, with a rating of 4.1, located 5.37 miles away, Brookdale Conway specializing in assisted living with a rating of 4.3, located 8.87 miles away, and Brightwater providing independent living and senior care in Myrtle Beach. These options cater to different needs of seniors and are situated within a reasonable distance from the vibrant city life and attractions that Myrtle Beach has to offer.
Senior Living Options:
- Indigo at Carolina Forest: Located just 3.34 miles from Myrtle Beach with a U.S. News rating of 4.6.
- Portside at Grande Dunes: Offers assisted living and memory care with a 4.1 rating and is 5.37 miles from Myrtle Beach.
- Brookdale Conway: Specializes in assisted living with a high rating of 4.3, conveniently situated just 8.87 miles away.
- Brightwater: Provides independent living and senior care directly within Myrtle Beach.
These facilities cater to the varying needs of aging individuals in different ways while being conveniently accessible for those who want to enjoy the offerings of Myrtle Beach’s active lifestyle while still having access to quality senior care facilities nearby.
Fitness and Nutrition for Older Adults
Transitioning from senior living options to fitness and nutrition for older adults, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of resources. The coastal city features many fitness centers and access to professional nutritionists, encouraging an active lifestyle for retirees.
Three prominent healthcare systems in the area are dedicated to seniors, providing comprehensive support for their fitness and dietary needs. Moreover, multiple satellite facilities offer urgent care and specialized services, improving the accessibility of healthcare resources for older adults in Myrtle Beach.
Recreation and Lifestyle in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, from local parks to cultural venues and golf courses. Encouraging users to read more!
Local Parks and Recreational Facilities
Myrtle Beach offers a range of recreational activities for retirees. Here are some of the local parks and facilities you can enjoy:
- Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking amid beautiful natural surroundings.
- The area boasts nearly 60 miles of shoreline along the Grand Strand, offering plenty of space for relaxing beach walks and swimming.
- Fishing enthusiasts can indulge in both freshwater and saltwater fishing, while boating options are also available for those who love being out on the water.
- For golf enthusiasts, Myrtle Beach features renowned courses designed by golf legends such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
These recreational activities offer a vibrant lifestyle for retirees seeking an active and engaging environment.
Cultural and Artistic Venues
After enjoying the local parks and recreational facilities, retirees in Myrtle Beach can explore a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Brookgreen Gardens is a hub of artistic events and cultural exhibitions, offering an enriching experience for visitors.
Moreover, the area provides diverse culinary options, shopping destinations, and numerous recreational activities. This ensures that retirees have access to a wide array of cultural experiences within their community.
Myrtle Beach offers an appealing mix of livability factors such as entertainment, sports opportunities, health facilities, and leisure activities. These elements combine to provide retirees with ample chances to engage in various cultural pursuits while enhancing their overall quality of life.
Golf Courses and Sports Opportunities
Myrtle Beach is widely recognized as the “Golf Capital of the World” with over 100 golf courses, including renowned private ones like The Dunes Club, Pine Lakes, and Surf Golf and Beach Club.
Moreover, there are notable public courses such as Barefoot and Brunswick Plantation. The climate in Myrtle Beach supports outdoor activities throughout the year due to over 200 days of sunshine annually.
This enables retirees to relish the region’s recreational sports opportunities while enjoying a world-class golfing experience.
Residential Options for Retirees
Looking for places with amenities crafted specifically for retirees? Retirement communities in Myrtle Beach offer customized features and housing options perfect for senior living. Housing cost comparisons and insights into 55+ communities are waiting for your exploration.
Retirement Community Insights
Myrtle Beach is home to Bridgewater and Del Webb at Grande Dunes, cherished retirement communities. There’s also Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club and Carillon at Tuscany, popular options for retirees.
Dream Finders constructs high-quality, low-maintenance homes for seniors seeking a peaceful haven in this vibrant coastal city – the communities here offer a vacation-like atmosphere with numerous entertainment options.
Retiring in Myrtle Beach offers access to exceptional retirement communities such as these; they provide a peaceful haven coupled with varied enriching activities. With these top-tier facilities at hand, it’s no wonder that many older adults seek out 55+ communities in the area.
Embracing such an inviting situation can truly enhance one’s golden years! Moving on from housing insights, let’s delve into ‘Healthcare Facilities in Myrtle Beach’.
Housing Cost Comparisons
Exploring housing cost comparisons helps us understand why many people see Myrtle Beach as an attractive retirement destination. Here’s a quick look at how Myrtle Beach stands out in terms of housing affordability.
| Location | Median Listing Home Price | Median Sold Home Price | Effective Property Tax |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $235,000 | $197,000 | 0.57% |
| US Average | Higher than Myrtle Beach | Varies | 1.08% (Average) |
Seniors in Myrtle Beach enjoy an additional financial benefit. They qualify for a homestead exemption on the first $50,000 of their home’s value. This exemption lowers their taxable property value, reducing their annual property tax bill.
The low cost of living, combined with tax benefits, makes Myrtle Beach a preferred spot for many retirees. Next, let’s look at the climate benefits in Myrtle Beach.
Features of 55+ Communities
55+ communities in Myrtle Beach provide an array of activities and amenities crafted for active adults. Brightwater is a renowned Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Del Webb at Grande Dunes features a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, and Carillon at Tuscany offers low monthly homeowners association fees.
These communities are crafted to enrich the lifestyle of retirees by offering various appealing activities.
The 55+ communities in Myrtle Beach offer multiple benefits for older adults seeking an engaging lifestyle. These residential options cater to the needs of seniors who desire more than just a place to live, providing ample opportunities for social interaction and recreation.
Climate Benefits in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach has a pleasant climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it an attractive place for outdoor activities year-round. Residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits, from beach walks to golfing, due to the favorable weather conditions.
Typical Weather Conditions
Myrtle Beach enjoys pleasant weather year-round. In January, the average temperature ranges from 38°F to 56°F. During summer, it’s usually hot and humid. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees.
Overall, Myrtle Beach offers a comfortable climate for retirees seeking a place with moderate winters and warm summers.
The weather in Myrtle Beach is appealing to many retirees due to its mild winters and warm summers. With an average temperature range of 38°F to 56°F in January and hot, humid conditions during the summer months, it provides a welcoming environment for those looking for comfortable climates throughout the year.
Outdoor Activities Throughout the Year
Myrtle Beach offers outdoor activities throughout the year because it has over 200 days of sunshine annually. Winter temperatures usually stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with daytime highs averaging between 57°F and 61°F.
This climate allows for year-round golfing opportunities, with over 100 golf courses available to enjoy in the beautiful weather. Whether you like to walk on the beach, play some golf, or just soak up the sun, Myrtle Beach offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for retirees.
Conclusion
In summary, Myrtle Beach seems like a great place to retire. The tax advantages make it appealing for retirees because they don’t have to pay taxes on their Social Security benefits and property taxes are low.
Plus, with over 200 days of sunshine each year and plenty of recreational activities, there’s always something to do. It offers diverse healthcare options, beautiful scenery, and a variety of housing choices – making it an ideal retirement destination.
