Retire to the
Grand Strand.

Del Webb at Grande Dunes is the most established active adult community with resort-level amenities, gated access, and an on-site lifestyle director. Cresswind at Market Common is the most walkable option, situated adjacent to the shops and dining of Market Common. Barefoot Resort appeals to golf-centric retirees. For a quieter lifestyle, Murrells Inlet offers waterway access, boating, and a genuine small-town feel without the tourist crowds.

Yes. Federally recognized 55+ communities under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) require that at least 80% of occupied units have at least one resident age 55 or older. Full-time residents must meet the age requirement. Short-term guests under 55 are typically permitted for visits but cannot reside there permanently.

SC offers a 4% assessment ratio for legal residents on their primary residence, compared to 6% for second homes and investment properties. This dramatically reduces your property tax bill. South Carolina also does not tax Social Security income, offers deductions on other retirement income, and qualifying disabled veterans receive additional property tax relief.

Yes, with some caveats. The summers are hot and humid. Hurricane season runs June through November. The tourist season brings traffic and crowds to the main corridor. Most year-round retirees gravitate to communities slightly away from the oceanfront core, such as Carolina Forest, Market Common, Murrells Inlet, or Pawleys Island, which offer a more consistently livable pace.

Grand Strand Medical Center and Conway Medical Center are the two major hospitals in Horry County. Tidelands Health operates a network of facilities along the coast from Myrtle Beach through Georgetown County. The medical infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past decade alongside the retiree population growth.

Active adult communities have higher HOA fees than standard neighborhoods, and the financial health of the association directly affects your quality of life and resale value. Before contracting, request the HOA budget, reserve study, and two years of meeting minutes. An underfunded reserve in a large amenity-heavy community can result in significant special assessments.

Retirees on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable to insurance surprises. In coastal SC, homeowners insurance, wind and hail coverage, and flood insurance are three separate costs. Get all three quotes during your due diligence period and build them into your monthly budget before you commit.

If you plan to eventually make South Carolina your primary residence, the timing of your purchase matters for property tax purposes. A home purchased as a second home is assessed at 6%. Once you establish legal SC residency and apply for the 4% owner-occupied rate, your tax bill drops significantly. Talk to a tax professional about timing your move and domicile change.

Resort-style amenities, golf courses, and pools come with significant maintenance costs embedded in HOA fees. A community with a $600 per month fee that includes a golf membership may be more financially sound than one with a $200 fee that is chronically underfunded. Compare the reserve funding percentage, not just the monthly fee amount.