Travel + Leisure Declares Upstate City as Top Retirement Spot in SC

Upstate Cities Among Best Retirement Destinations in SC

The sunny state of South Carolina is rich with attractive locations for retirement, featuring charming smaller towns and scenic spaces in between the striking Atlantic shoreline and stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. According to a recent survey by Travel + Leisure, two Upstate cities clinched spots in the top 5, with one even nabbing the coveted No. 1 position.

Greenville is heralded as the prime location for retirees, followed closely by Anderson at No. 4. Spartanburg also made it into the top 10, taking the 8th spot on the list. Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, spoke highly of South Carolina’s appeal to retirees. He said, “South Carolina is a great place to live, visit, and for retirements.

South Carolina: An Ideal Home for Retirees

Riding on perks such as no state tax on Social Security benefits and tax deductions on retirement income, South Carolina’s low cost of living makes it a popular choice among seniors. Homeowners who have resided for a full year may also be eligible for a $50,000 Homestead Exemption benefit on their home’s value.

Greenville: The Best Retirement City in South Carolina

Garnering high praise in the Travel + Leisure publication, Greenville’s best features include a pedestrian-friendly downtown, vibrant entertainment options, and plenty of parks. Despite its lack of beaches, retirees can still enjoy delightful coastal getaways to destinations such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach within hours. Furthermore, the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport offers convenience for travelling retirees, featuring daily nonstop flights to 23 major U.S. locations.

Anderson: Proximity to the Picturesque Lake Hartwell

A title holder for one of the best places to retire in the U.S. for 2022, Anderson has earned its nickname, “The Friendliest City in South Carolina.” The historic downtown provides a sense of community and ample opportunities for dining and shopping. For keen anglers and boating enthusiasts, the nearby Lake Hartwell offers an outdoor paradise where various fishing tournaments are held annually. Based on Redfin’s data from May 2024, the area’s home prices have dipped 3.3% from the previous year, with a median sale price of $250,000.

Spartanburg: Home to the Unique BMW Attractions

Like Anderson and Greenville, Spartanburg offers retirees a low cost of living – a feature highlighted by U.S. News & World Report in its list of best retirement places for 2024. The city boasts a myriad of attractions for retirees, including North America’s only BMW museum, a BMW Performance Driving School, and the only BMW manufacturing plant in America. Beyond these, Spartanburg is also the first state-acknowledged bicycle-friendly city and has a flourishing health system offering free weekly fitness sessions for seniors aged 50 and up.