Baby Boomers in search of a beachside retirement hotspot don’t have to flock to Florida for a coastal environment. Retirees can find a wide selection of active adult communities along the coasts of North Carolina and South Carolina that offer beautiful beachside living along with a vibrant and social atmosphere, world-class amenities, and reasonably priced homes.
The Carolinas have also become popular retirement destinations thanks to their favorable climate, friendly culture, exciting attractions, low taxes, and home prices. If you’re in search of a 55+ community near the sun and sand, then check out these affordable beach communities in the Carolinas.
Coastal South Carolina
Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club – Myrtle Beach, SC
Below $100k – Mid $200s
Although there is no age-restriction, Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club offers an exciting lifestyle and prime location in an exciting resort town. This community features a variety of enviable amenities like a community center, outdoor pool and spa, shuffleboard and tennis courts, and winding walking and biking trails.
It also consists of just over 1,000 low-maintenance single-family homes that are priced from the low $100s and feature back patios or Carolina rooms that allow homeowners to enjoy the beautiful coastal climate. Residents are also just seven miles from the beach and are within proximity to shopping centers, outdoor recreation, entertainment, and restaurants throughout the Myrtle Beach area.
Learn more about Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club here.
Cresswind Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach, SC
Low $300s – Low $500s
Kolter Homes began building Cresswind Myrtle Beach in 2013 and plans to offer 400 single-family homes upon completion. The builder offers buyers nine distinct floor plans that are priced starting in the low $200s and include impressive features and customizable options such as gourmet kitchens, hardwood flooring, granite countertops, covered lanais, spacious master suites, oversized custom-tiled showers, and raised vanities.
Residents also have a rich lineup of resort-style amenities based around the 12,500 square-foot clubhouse, which is full of social spaces, recreational facilities, and activities.
Learn more about Cresswind Myrtle Beach here.
Del Webb at Cane Bay – Summerville, SC
Low $200s – Low $400s
Del Webb Charleston is a 55+ community in Coastal South Carolina that’s just 25 miles northwest of historic Charleston, SC. This active adult community is spread across 360 acres of beautiful landscape and will consist of 1,000 single-family homes upon completion. Homebuyers can find reasonably priced homes starting in the low $200s that offer low-maintenance exteriors, elegant finishes, open kitchens, spacious great rooms, and charming front porches.
World-class amenities are found at the community’s 20,000 square-foot clubhouse that includes state-of-the-art facilities and well-appointed indoor and outdoor recreational amenities. Residents living in this exciting age-restricted community also have easy access to sandy beaches, cultural attractions, entertainment, shopping, and restaurants within the Charleston area.
Learn more about Del Webb at Cane Bay here.
Del Webb Charleston at Nexton – Summerville, SC
Mid $200s – High $500s
Del Webb’s newest 55-plus community in Summerville, SC will offer 1,000 single-family homes upon completion. This gated active adult community is located within the award-winning master-planned development of Nexton and will offer retirees beautiful home designs and world-class amenities within an attractive setting. The community will be surrounded by 2,000 acres of open green space and miles of walking and biking trails for a truly unique experience.
Buyers can choose from three distinct design collections that range from 1,262 to 2,536 square feet. These elegant floor plans, which are priced starting in the high $200s, feature open layouts, modern kitchens, inviting gathering areas, luxurious master suites, outdoor patios, and plenty of storage space. With a variety of home designs, retirees are sure to find something that suits their style and budget.
Learn more about Del Webb Charleston at Nexton here.
Myrtle Trace – Conway, SC
Mid $100s – Low $200s
This established age-restricted community offers homebuyers affordable resale homes starting in the low $100s. Ideally situated in Conway, SC, Myrtle Trace provides residents with a low-maintenance lifestyle and a well-appointed clubhouse that’s full of indoor and outdoor amenities. Myrtle Trace was developed between 1980 and 2005 and hosts 518 single-family homes.
Buyers will find a variety of resale homes that come in ranch-style designs and most of the residences back up to wooded areas or ponds, providing scenic views. This active adult community is just 30 minutes west of Myrtle Beach, which allows residents to enjoy everything this coastal environment has to offer.
Learn more about Myrtle Trace here.
Coastal North Carolina
Sunset Ridge – Ocean Isle Beach, NC
High $100s – Mid $300s
Sunset Ridge is an active lifestyle community in Ocean Isle Beach, NC and provides residents with a prime location in coastal North Carolina, offering retirees plenty of outdoor recreation, local sandy beaches, and parks. Buyers will find new and resale homes priced from the high $100s that come as attached or single-family homes.
Sunset Ridge will host just 258 residences at build out, providing homeowners with a close-knit atmosphere. In addition to affordable homes and an attractive setting, residents also have a spacious clubhouse filled with top-notch amenities and fun activities and events.
Learn more about Sunset Ridge here.
Del Webb Wilmington – Wilmington, NC
High $200s – High $500s
This new 55+ community by Del Webb will offer 547 single-family homes situated within the master-planned development of RiverLights. This will be Del Webb’s first age-restricted community in Wilmington and will provide retirees with an active and social lifestyle in a convenient location that’s close to the Cape Fear River and beautiful North Carolina beaches.
Buyers can choose from three elegant home design collections that range in size, style, and price points. These beautiful new home designs are priced starting in the low $200s and feature open floor plans, spacious gathering areas, walk-in closets, luxurious master suites, gourmet kitchens, and formal dining areas.
Learn more about Del Webb Wilmington here.
The Farm at Brunswick – Carolina Shores, NC
Low $200s – High $200s
D.R. Horton’s new active adult community in Carolina Shores, North Carolina will offer just 218 single-family homes and is located just minutes away from the scenic Atlantic Ocean, providing a serene seaside environment. Retirees will love the community’s customizable and attractive floor plans that offer 1,588 to 1,883 square feet of living space.
These affordable homes are priced in the low $200s and have two or three bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. These homes feature open layouts, first-floor master suites, walk-in closets, and modern kitchens. Residents will also enjoy top-notch amenities at the proposed clubhouse, such as a fitness center, multi-purpose room, outdoor pool and patio, and walking and biking trails.
Learn more about The Farm at Brunswick here.
Avalon – Bolivia, NC
High $100s – Mid $200s
Ideally situated in Coastal North Carolina and just ten miles from Oak Island beaches, Avalon is a new active lifestyle community being built by D.R. Horton. The builder plans to offer just 166 single-family homes, making Avalon an intimate and welcoming environment where homeowners become fast friends.
D.R. Horton offers homebuyers four single-story homes with optional two-story floor plans that have two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two-car garages. These homes are priced from the high $100s and feature first-floor master suites, gourmet kitchens, and customizable options such as living rooms with fireplaces and extended covered porches.
Learn more about Avalon here.
