Upstate City Topped Travel + Leisure’s Best Places to Retire in SC

Greenville Crowned No.1 Retirement City in SC

If you are considering retirement in the sunny state of South Carolina, it might be worth reading this piece from Travel + Leisure. According to their recent roundup of the eight best places to retire in the state, two Upstate cities made the Top 5, with Greenville having the distinction of ranking first. Two other cities from the area also made their way into the Top 10: Anderson and Spartanburg.

The Appeal of Retiring in South Carolina

South Carolina, described by Duane Parrish, the director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, as a “great place to live, visit, and retire,” is certainly alluring to retirees. Its appeal stems from a variety of factors, from its Atlantic coastline and scenic Blue Ridge foothills to its plethora of appealing small towns.

Still, what makes South Carolina suitable for retirees is its low cost of living, alongside a range of other financial benefits. The state doesn’t tax Social Security benefits and also allows residents aged 65 to deduct $10,000, and those under 65 to deduct $3,000, of their retirement income from their state taxes. Such pro-retiree policies extend to housing, with a $50,000 tax exemption available off the value of the home for residents aged 65 and older who have lived in the state for a year via the Homestead Exemption benefit.

The Perks of Retiring in Greenville

Greenville has received high commendation from Travel + Leisure for its vibrant downtown, entertainment possibilities, and parks. Greenville also benefits from its accessibility; although it does not have any beaches, Charleston and Myrtle Beach are within four hours’ drive for retirees hoping to soak up the sun. Besides, the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport offers retirees the convenience of over 100 daily nonstop flights to 23 different destinations across the country.

Anderson’s Attractive Retirement Offerings

Known as “The Friendliest City in South Carolina,” Anderson ranked No. 4 on the best places to retire in 2022 according to Travel + Leisure. Retirees are drawn to Anderson’s historic downtown, filled with community spirit, dining options, shopping opportunities, and close proximity to Lake Hartwell. This lake is a haven for retirees who enjoy fishing or boating. Various fishing tournaments are held here annually, with opportunities to catch species like catfish, striped bass, and walleye.

Retiring in Spartanburg

Joining Anderson and Greenville on the list, Spartanburg offers an attractive retirement option thanks to its low cost of living. Named one of the best places to retire in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report, Spartanburg was also recognized by The League of American Bicyclists as the state’s first bicycle-friendly city. Highlight attractions include North America’s only BMW museum, a BMW Performance Driving School, and the only BMW manufacturing plant in the U.S. Among other benefits, the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System provides free fitness classes each week for seniors aged 50 years and older.

In conclusion, South Carolina, especially its Upstate cities like Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg, offers a potpourri of financial perks, recreational opportunities, and community amenities, making it one of the best places to consider for a fulfilling retirement.