5 Reasons You Need to Retire in Charleston, SC

Ocean breezes, beautiful year-round weather, and senior tax breaks are a few reasons you’ll love spending your golden years in the South Carolina Lowcountry. You’ve worked hard, and you deserve the best moving into this new chapter of your life. Rediscover yourself when you retire in Charleston, SC.

After you’ve learned all about what the Lowcountry has to offer, let us give you a proper introduction to the Holy City's most beloved sea islands and retirement communities.

 

Schedule Your Tour

 

Schedule a complimentary island tour with us at Pam Harrington Exclusives, and we will show you the ins and outs of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island, including our favorite restaurants, activities, parks, and more!

What are the Benefits of Retiring in Charleston, SC?


  • Senior Tax Breaks & the Cost of Living

When it comes to retirement, the last thing you want to worry about is money. Luckily, the Palmetto State makes it easy for seniors to enjoy the best of Carolina living while also staying on budget. Our state offers one of the lowest property tax rates in the country. 

The Homestead Tax Exemption grants tax breaks to those ages 65 or older on the first $50,000 in fair market value of their legal residence. Learn more about property taxes and the benefits of retiring in Charleston, SC.

  • Healing Powers of the Sea

Residents of Charleston’s sea islands can vouch for the incredible healing powers of the sea. Science proves that living by the ocean is beneficial for your overall health and well-being. Find your zen on two of Charleston’s most tranquil sea islands. 

Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are two private island communities only 30 minutes from downtown Charleston. Because they are gated, they maintain some of the Lowcountry’s quietest and most pristine beaches.

  • Endless Activities to Keep You Sharp

In addition to offering the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, both Kiawah and Seabrook offer plenty of senior-friendly activities to keep you sharp! 

These gated communities enjoy award-winning golf courses, tennis, access to exclusive restaurants, and beautifully maintained walking trails, thanks to their exceptional homeowners’ associations, KICA and SIPOA.

On any given day, you’ll find residents walking, biking, and kayaking through the marsh, or relaxing with a good book on the beach.

Property owners of Kiawah and Seabrook also enjoy proximity to the bustling city of downtown Charleston, where historic churches paint the skyline and the Lowcountry’s rich culture flourishes. It’s easy to see why these islands are some of the best places to retire in Charleston.

  • Great Year-Round Weather

The best part about retiring in Charleston, SC, is that you can enjoy all of the area’s top attractions and activities throughout the four seasons. 

Gardeners love the year-round growing conditions, and golfers never need to wait until spring to swing around their nine iron. Isn’t it time that you traded in your snow shovel for warm sand and crashing waves?

After years of preparing for your retirement, we think so! Learn more about Charleston’s beautiful seasons by reading our Charleston weather blog.

Discover Luxury on Charleston’s Sea Islands


With over 40 years of experience in Charleston’s real estate market, our team of experts has the local knowledge you need to find the perfect retirement community. Many retirees find solace in the villa communities of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island.

These communities feature spectacular amenities, including pools, fitness centers, community centers for gatherings, and more. Villas are ideal for those who prefer to relax by the pool on the weekends without the added hassle of home maintenance. Book your island tour today and discover which community suits you best.

If an expansive home is more your style, we can help you find an oceanfront property where your next beach day is always just a few steps away. 

Learn more about everyday living in Charleston, SC, by viewing our community resource guide.

Browse our collection of luxury homes today. If you have any questions, contact us at Pam Harrington Exclusives. We can’t wait to help you navigate this next exciting chapter of your life!

Luxury Senior Living Communities


Seafields is a 62+ Life Plan Community. This luxury senior living community will be the only one in the Kiawah / Seabrook area.

Seafields Retirement South Carolina

Residences offered are 1 to 3 bedrooms. This resort-style senior living community focuses on quality of life with an extensive complement of activities.

Bike trails, a yoga studio, a resort-style salt water pool, and a restaurant with a full-service bar are just a few features of this luxury senior living community currently under construction.

If you are looking for a senior living community in downtown Charleston, The Peninsula of Charleston is scheduled to open in 2027.

This high-quality life care plan community will offer residences from 700 to 3500 sq. ft. 140 residences will be available for sale. Saltwater pool, movie theater, card rooms, and formal as well as casual restaurants are planned amenities.

The Peninsula will offer increasing levels of care meaning residents may enjoy continuity of care throughout life's journey.

Luxury Senior Living in Charleston