Elgin, SC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Elgin, SC is a charming town with a welcoming community and a relaxed pace of life. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Elgin offers a perfect mix of rural living and suburban convenience, making it an ideal destination for retirees seeking a peaceful and comfortable lifestyle. The town boasts a rich history and culture, with numerous annual festivals and events that celebrate its heritage. Residents can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing in nearby state parks to golfing on world-class courses. Elgin also offers easy access to the city of Columbia, which is just a short drive away, and provides a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Here are a few local resources for those interested in visiting or moving to Elgin, SC:

• Town of Elgin: The official website for the town of Elgin provides information on local government, community events, and town services. 
• Kershaw County/Elgin Chamber of Commerce: The chamber of commerce website provides information on local businesses, events, and job opportunities.
• Kershaw County Tourism: Discover the best attractions, recreational activities, and events happening in and around Elgin.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Elgin's cost of living is 5.7 percent lower than the national average. Housing prices are the main reason for the lower cost of living as the median home price in Elgin is $270,800. Other costs vary from the national average with healthcare being 10 percent higher, groceries 5 percent lower, utilities 3 percent higher, and transportation 5 percent higher. Sales tax in Elgin is 8 percent, 6 percent of that is South Carolina sales tax, 1 percent Kershaw County tax, and a 1 percent special district tax. Homeowners in the city pay on average 0.48 percent of a property's fair market value in property taxes.

South Carolina is known for its low taxes, making it an ideal place for retirees on a fixed income. The state sales tax rate in South Carolina is 6 percent, with local taxes adding an additional 1 to 2 percent. Prescription medication and groceries are exempt from all sales taxes. The state income tax ranges from 3 to 6.5 percent, although Social Security and up to $10,000 of retirement income is exempt. The state does not have an estate or inheritance tax, which can be beneficial for those planning their financial legacy. 

Climate and Geography 

Elgin experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. During the winter months, the average low temperatures range from 33 to 37 degrees, while the average high temperatures during the summer months range from 88 to 92 degrees. Elgin receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 44 inches. 

Elgin is located in the picturesque Kershaw County, which boasts rolling hills and a lush landscape. The Wateree River, a scenic waterway, flows near the town, offering opportunities for water activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. The area is also situated near the Sandhills region of South Carolina, which is known for its unique ecosystem and beautiful longleaf pine forests. For those who enjoy hiking, biking, or camping, the nearby Sesquicentennial State Park is an excellent destination. The park features over 1,400 acres of hardwood forest, a large lake, and several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Elgin offers a variety of recreational activities, cultural events, and entertainment experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy. 

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Woodcreek Country Club
• The Members Club at Woodcreek
• Camden Country Club

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Sesquicentennial State Park
• Congaree National Park
• Lake Wateree State Park

Museums and Historical Sites

• South Carolina Railroad Museum
• Kershaw-Cornwallis House and Garden
• South Carolina State Museum

Performing Arts

• The Koger Center for the Arts
• Columbia City Ballet
• Trustus Theatre

Shopping

• Columbia Place Mall
• Village at Sandhill
• Main Street District

Parks and Gardens

• Finlay Park
• Riverfront Park
• South Carolina Botanical Garden

Festivals and Fairs

• South Carolina State Fair
• Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's Boo at the Zoo
• Greek Festival of Columbia

Health and Wellness 

Elgin offers an excellent environment for health and wellness for its 55+ active adult community. The area is home to several top medical centers, such as MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast and Prisma Health Baptist, which provide access to high-quality medical care. 

For those looking to maintain their fitness and engage in self-care, Elgin offers a variety of local fitness centers and gyms which provide state-of-the-art equipment, fitness classes, and personal training services. There are also numerous walking and biking trails in the area, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor exercise while immersing themselves in nature. Residents can find an abundance of fresh produce, locally sourced goods, and artisanal products at nearby farmers markets. These markets offer a wonderful opportunity for 55+ active adults to explore and support local agriculture while incorporating healthy, nutritious foods into their diets.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Elgin, SC is a charming town with plenty of opportunities for retirees to enjoy their golden years. Whether you're looking to enjoy outdoor activities or explore the local culture, Elgin has something for everyone. During your visit, you'll want to stay in a comfortable hotel that's close to all of the local attractions.

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Rambo's Fat Cat Biscuits.
• After breakfast, head to Sesquicentennial State Park for a relaxing morning hike.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, check out local favorite Pawleys Front Porch for burgers and wraps.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Columbia Museum of Art, where you can admire the works of local and international artists.

Evening:

• End your day with dinner at the warm and welcoming Halls Chophouse.

Day Two

Morning:

• Begin your morning with a visit to the Sandhill Farmers Market to stock up on fresh produce and other goodies.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss your retirement community needs and questions.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, head to Cantina76 for a delicious Mexican fare.
• Spend the afternoon strolling through the scenic Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Evening:

• End your visit to Elgin with a delicious meal at the unique Ratio restaurant.

Getting to Elgin, SC

To reach Elgin visitors have several transportation options depending on their preference and location. Here are directions for various modes of transportation:

Flying

The closest major airport to Elgin is Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), located approximately 30 miles southwest of the town. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines operate regular flights to and from CAE. The airport offers connections to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas.

Driving

Elgin is easily accessible by car via major highways in the area. Here are the primary routes:

• From the north: Take Interstate 77 South and exit onto US-1 South towards Camden. Continue on US-1 until you reach Elgin.
• From the south: Take Interstate 20 East and exit onto SC-277 North. Continue on SC-277 until you merge onto US-1 North towards Elgin.
• From the west: Take Interstate 20 East and follow the same directions as coming from the south.
• From the east: Take Interstate 20 West and exit onto SC-601 South towards Lugoff. Continue on SC-601 until you reach Elgin.

By Train or Bus

While Elgin does not have a direct train or bus station, visitors can travel to the nearby city of Columbia, SC, and then arrange for local transportation to Elgin. Amtrak operates train services to Columbia, and various bus companies provide routes to the city.