The Southeast has long been one of the top retirement destinations in the country. Florida and South Carolina constantly rank as two of the most desirable retirement destinations in the region. Both offer warm weather, scenic beach towns, plenty of entertainment options, cultural amenities, and tax incentives for retirees. So, how do you know which state is right for you? We’ve put together an in-depth guide to help narrow down the decision between the two states. Here’s everything you need to know about South Carolina vs Florida for retirement:
Cost of Living & Housing Affordability
Housing and the real estate market can vary throughout each state, depending on which city you’re considering. Overall, South Carolina tends to offer more affordable options. The average price of a home in April of 2025 in South Carolina was $403,600 compared to Florida’s median home price of $433,600, according to Bankrate.
South Carolina is also more affordable when it comes to the cost of living and everyday expenses like utilities, groceries, and transportation. The Palmetto State’s cost of living is 10.7% lower than the national average, while Florida’s is 3.1% higher than the national average, according to Best Places.
South Carolina vs Florida: 55+ Housing Market
When you look at the 55+ housing markets in South Carolina and Florida, there are some clear differences. South Carolina homes are selling for more, with a median price of $482,000, while Florida’s median is lower at $350,000, according to 55places.com data.
Prices have dipped a little in both states, but the drop was steeper in Florida. South Carolina has far fewer homes for sale—just over 1,100 compared to Florida’s 16,600. And even though Florida has way more listings, both states have seen fewer sales this year. South Carolina’s sales are down almost 16%, and Florida’s are down about 9%. Overall, South Carolina has higher prices, but Florida has more activity.
Affordable 55+ Communities in Florida
If these averages seem a little steep or out of your desired price range, don’t be discouraged. You can find several budget-friendly communities in both destinations. Florida has several cost-effective communities, including:
- On Top of The World Clearwater
- Kings Point in Tamarac
- Monterey Yacht & Country Club
- Bayshore on The Lake Condominiums
Affordable 55+ Communities in South Carolina
South Carolina also has an array of affordable communities, including:
Taxes & Financial Benefits
Both states offer retirees substantial incentives when it comes to taxes and financial benefits. However, Florida provides the most relief with no state income tax, while South Carolina only offers its residents partial exemptions. Florida residents also don’t have to worry about paying taxes on their pensions or Social Security benefits, whereas South Carolina does not tax Social Security income but does partially tax pensions. There are no estate or inheritance taxes in either Florida or South Carolina.
Although Florida may be more tax-friendly toward retirees overall, it’s important to note that South Carolina has some of the lowest property taxes in the country, with an average rate of 0.53%, according to SmartAsset. Both states also offer a property tax exemption to homeowners 65+, which lets them deduct $50,000 from their home’s taxable value.
Climate & Weather
Warm weather is one of the most appealing factors that continuously draws retirees to Florida and South Carolina year after year. Having warm weather year-round means residents can spend more time outdoors enjoying their favorite hobbies and activities instead of shoveling snow.
A Humid Subtropical Climate
Most of Florida has a humid subtropical climate (the lower parts of the state have more of a tropical climate). This helps the state maintain warm temperatures year-round with short, mild winters. But those warm temps come with high humidity that can often be stifling, making it uncomfortable to be outdoors during the summer months.
South Carolina also has a humid subtropical climate, but it offers residents a little more variety than Florida, when it comes to weather and experiencing all four seasons. While winters are mild in South Carolina, they are typically longer than Florida’s winters. Residents living in the Upstate can occasionally get some light snow. In recent years, even coastal cities like Charleston have experienced a few rare cold snaps where there was light snow.
It’s important to note that their geographical locations make coastal areas in both South Carolina and Florida susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, which is something to consider if you’re worried about dealing with potential property damage and higher insurance costs.
Lifestyle & Recreation
If you’re someone who wants to retire near the coast and spend your days out on the water, then you’re in luck. Both states offer some of the most beautiful coastlines not only in the Southeast, but in the entire country. However, when it comes to finding real estate in the mountains or near lake towns, South Carolina offers retirees more variety with cities like Greenville and Clemson located in the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Outdoor Recreation
Both states offer a seemingly endless list of outdoor recreation to choose from. Residents will never run out of water recreation options with hundreds of miles of coastline to explore in South Carolina and Florida. Both states also boast some of the South’s top golfing destinations. Every year, golfers flock to Florida to hit the links in areas like Palm Beach and Naples, while South Carolina’s courses in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Kiawah Island also draw thousands of eager golfers annually.
Entertainment Options and Cultural Amenities
Though Florida is home to some of the most popular theme parks in the country, if you look beyond places like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, entertainment options and cultural amenities are just as plentiful in both Florida and South Carolina. Towns in each state have an array of local theaters, art galleries, and museums for residents to enjoy, and host popular events throughout the year, ranging from weekly farmers’ markets to music festivals.
Shopping and Travel
Like to shop? You’ll find plenty of luxury shopping options in Florida’s major cities. Not to be outdone, South Carolina offers shoppers a plethora of specialty shops and trendy boutiques that carry high-end designer brands in places like Charleston and Hilton Head. Also, retirees who like to travel have easy access to many domestic and international airports in both the Palmetto and Sunshine states.
Health Care Access
Easy access to the right type of medical care becomes more important as you age. So, having top-notch medical professionals and health care facilities close by can be crucial. Fortunately for those considering South Carolina vs Florida for retirement, there are several reputable medical facilities and health care options available in both places.
South Carolina Health Care
South Carolina is home to many renowned health care systems, including the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston and Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach. Both facilities offer a variety of senior services and specialists with national rankings, according to U.S. News. MUSC holds national rankings in two adult specialties, including ear, nose, and throat as well as obstetrics and gynecology. The Grand Strand is highly rated for its adult care in 10 different specialties, ranging from diabetes procedures to heart bypass surgery.
Florida Health Care
Not to be outdone, Florida is also home to several health care facilities with national rankings, according to U.S. News. Florida’s top-rated hospital, the Mayo Clinic-Florida, is nationally ranked in 10 different adult specialties, ranging from urology and cardiology to geriatrics and neurology. Not far behind is Tampa General Hospital, which is nationally ranked in eight adult specialties, including cancer treatments, diabetes and endocrinology, and cardiology.
Recommended Florida 55+ Communities
On Top of the World — Ocala, FL
Built in 1981, On Top of the World is one of the largest communities in Florida with 10,000 homes. The development offers single-family and attached homes with floor plans ranging from 1,000 to over 3,000 square feet.
In addition to its variety of housing options, On Top of The World also offers homeowners an extensive list of resort-style amenities, including dance and fitness studios, onsite restaurants, retail shopping, and a library. Outdoor amenities include pools, picnic areas, community gardening plots, three golf courses, a slew of athletic courts, and walking and biking trails. There are also 175 organized clubs for homeowners to join that cover a variety of interests.
The Villages — The Villages, FL
The Villages is another one of Florida’s largest 55+ communities with around 70,000 homes. The development consists of condominiums, single-family homes, and attached homes. There are more than a hundred distinct floor plans for prospective buyers to consider, with both new and resale homes on the market.
The Villages is basically its own small city with onsite restaurants, retail shopping, banks, post offices, worship centers, and health care facilities. The Villages is also home to an extensive list of amenities with more than three dozen community centers, over 100 outdoor pools, 41 different golf courses, and equestrian facilities.
Oak Run — Ocala, FL
Oak Run is a gated, age-restricted community with just over 3,500 single-family and attached homes. The Palm Grove Club, a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, serves as the heart of the development, boasting a fitness center, a ballroom, a catering kitchen, and a card room.
In addition to The Palm Grove Club, Oak Run has several other clubhouses with a range of amenities, including everything from indoor pools and whirlpool spas to a ceramics room and ballroom. Residents also have access to several outdoor amenities, including the Royal Oaks Golf Club, pickleball and bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, and walking and biking trails. There’s also onsite dining and retail shopping available.
Latitude Margaritaville — Daytona Beach, FL
Inspired by Jimmy Buffett, the Latitude Margaritaville community encapsulates the laid-back, vacation vibe the singer is famous for. With an impressive list of resort-style amenities that range from its own private beach club to the Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant, residents never have to go far to feel like they’re on vacation.
Additionally, Latitude Margarita boasts its own Town Square where residents can expect to find live music performances, a theater, and a retail shopping area. Along with its many desirable amenities, Latitude also features more than a dozen distinct floor plans ranging from 1,210 to 2,564 square feet.
Stone Creek — Ocala, FL
Located in Ocala, Stone Creek is a gated, age-restricted community made up of 3,800 single-family and attached homes. The development offers potential buyers a variety of floor plans ranging from 1,133 to 2,634 square feet with one to five bedrooms, one-and-a-half to four bathrooms, and attached two- to three-car garages.
Stone Creek homeowners have access to a lengthy list of amenities that includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool, a library, and a steam room and sauna. There is also a large recreational complex that spans 29 acres, making it easy for residents to stay active. Outdoor amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course, a pool, pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, and fishing lakes.
Recommended South Carolina 55+ Communities
Sun City Hilton Head — Bluffton, SC
Sun City Hilton Head is South Carolina’s largest active adult community with over 10,000 homes. The expansive, gated development has both single-family and attached homes on the market with dozens of different floor plans. Along with its wide variety of housing options, the popular community also provides its residents with a 45-acre Village Center that functions like its very own town square with dining and retail options, a social hall and performing arts center, and three 18-hole golf courses.
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head — Hardeeville, SC
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is another Jimmy Buffett-inspired active adult community that will have a total of 3,000 single-family homes upon completion. Along with an expansive list of desirable amenities, the community offers homeowners more than a dozen distinct floor plans with homes ranging from 1,210 to 2,564 square feet.
In true Buffett fashion, Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head focuses on providing homeowners with a laid-back lifestyle and a plethora of resort-style amenities. Residents can enjoy spacious outdoor pools surrounded by tiki huts and cabanas as well as the Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant, where neighbors can enjoy margaritas together.
Del Webb at Cane Bay — Summerville, SC
Less than 30 miles from historic Downtown Charleston, Del Webb at Cane Bay is a gated, age-restricted community with just over 1,000 single-family homes. There are 20 floor plans available from 1,109 to 3,400 square feet with one to four bedrooms, one-and-a-half to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two- to three-car garages. Amenities within Cane Bay include a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, a fitness center, craft studios, and pickleball and bocce ball courts.
Sun City Carolina Lakes — Indian Land, SC
Del Webb’s Sun City Carolina Lakes is a 55+ community located near Charlotte, NC, that has both single-family and attached homes. Floor plans within the community range from 1,090-square-foot villas all the way up to 2,637-square-foot homes with four bedrooms. Sun City’s residents have access to a wide array of amenities, including a clubhouse and restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, gardening plots, and fishing lakes.
Lakeside Crossing — Conway, SC
Situated a short distance from the popular shores of Myrtle Beach, Lakeside Crossing is a gated, age-restricted community with resale homes starting in the high $100ks. Floor plans within the community range from 1,397 to 1,907 square feet and have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one- to two-car garages. Lakeside homeowners can enjoy an assortment of amenities, including an aerobics and dance studio, a fitness center, a salon and spa, plus an indoor pool.
South Carolina vs. Florida: Which Retirement Destination Is Right for You?
So, which destination is better—South Carolina vs Florida for retirement? It’s a close call as both states have many similar advantages, from warm weather and desirable locations to a plethora of entertainment options and cultural amenities. While Florida may offer better tax incentives for retirees overall, South Carolina’s affordable housing options and low cost of living also make it a financially advantageous option for active adults.
It all comes down to your priorities and which state suits your budget and preferred lifestyle better. Fortunately, they both have extensive lists of active adult neighborhoods with a variety of prices that will suit almost any budget for you to consider.
Thinking about retiring in Florida or South Carolina? Contact 55places.com to connect with a local real estate expert and explore top 55+ communities in both states!
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