When considering retirement destinations, several key factors can make all the difference in your quality of life.

Each of these metrics provides valuable insight into what makes a community ideal for your retirement years.

This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of South Carolinas best towns for retirees.

17 Best Towns for Retirement in South Carolina (May 2025)

Home Stratosphere | Leaflet

The town shines with its outstanding urban sophistication score of 94.67, providing excellent cultural amenities for residents.

This coastal town offers a serene environment perfect for those seeking tranquility in retirement.

The vibrant score of 11.30 suggests a calm pace of life, while public transportation is minimal.

Isle of Palms Home Score chart

Donalds represents an excellent option for those prioritizing serene surroundings over metropolitan conveniences.

The walkability score of 14.58 indicates some need for transportation, and the transit-friendly rating is modest at 4.47.

This historic coastal community offers a distinctive blend of relaxation and engagement for retirees.

Isle of Palms Town Image

Wagener represents an affordable retirement option for those preferring small-town living away from urban bustle.

McClellanville attracts retirees who appreciate its fishing village charm, natural beauty, and peaceful atmosphere.

Despite having no public transportation options, the island provides decent walkability (21.07) for its rural character.

Awendaw Home Score chart

The impressive urban sophistication score of 67.54 indicates good access to cultural amenities despite its secluded nature.

This barrier island community offers moderate cultural amenities (43.98) despite its remote location.

Reevesville represents an authentic small-town South Carolina experience with affordable living costs.

Awendaw Town Image

This small town offers moderate urban sophistication (52.68) despite its size, providing some cultural amenities.

Public transportation is virtually nonexistent (0.37), so personal transportation is essential for residents.

Donalds Home Score chart

Donalds Town Image

Pawleys Island Home Score chart

Pawleys Island Town Image

Wagener Home Score chart

Wagener Town Image

McClellanville Home Score chart

McClellanville Town Image

Wadmalaw Island Home Score chart

Wadmalaw Island Town Image

Edisto Beach Home Score chart

Kiawah Island Town Image

Edisto Beach Town Image

Reevesville Home Score chart

Reevesville Town Image

Sullivan’s Island Home Score chart

Sullivan’s Island Town Image

Mount Carmel Home Score chart

Mount Carmel Town Image

Glendale Home Score chart

Glendale Town Image

Okatie Home Score chart

Okatie Town Image

Sunset Home Score chart

Sunset Town Image

Daufuskie Island Home Score chart

Daufuskie Island Town Image

Kiawah Island Home Score chart

Seabrook Island Home Score chart

Seabrook Island Home Score chart