When it comes to places to move to escape the harsh winter weather, South Carolina can usually be found at the top of the list for many snowbirds. The Palmetto State offers mild winter temperatures, hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline, and a wide variety of active adult communities. With so many options when it comes to types of housing, desirable locations, and amenities, going south for the winter has never been more appealing.

Here are the five best communities in South Carolina for snowbirds.

1. Del Webb Charleston at Nexton - Summerville, SC

Mid $200s - High $500s

Situated less than 45 minutes from Charleston, Del Webb Charleston at Nexton is ideal for snowbirds who want to live within driving distance of both the Carolina coastline and a vibrant city full of renowned restaurants, historical sites, and top-notch shopping boutiques. The gated, 55+ community will feature a thousand single-family homes upon final completion and offer potential owners 10 distinct floor plans. Available models range from 1,355 to 3,810 square feet and can have two to five bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and two- or two-and-a-half car garages.

Along with the community’s desirable location, snowbirds will also appreciate its many amenities that are sure to keep everyone social and busy. Amenities include a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse, a fitness center, a heated indoor pool, and a gathering room. Outdoor amenities include 2,000 acres of greenspace, a resort-style pool and patio, tennis and pickleball courts, and 50 miles of walking trails.

Request more about Del Webb Charleston at Nexton.

2. Lakeside Crossing - Conway, SC

Below $100k - High $100s

With price points ranging between the low to mid $100s, the age-restricted Lakeside Crossing community located in Conway is one of the most affordable active adult communities in South Carolina, making it easier for snowbirds to purchase a second home on a budget. The gated neighborhood features a total of 692 single-family homes and four floor plan options. Plans range from 1,397 to 1,907 square feet and have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a den, and one- or two-car garages. As an added perk, the Lakeside Crossing homeowners’ association (HOA) takes care of community maintenance and lawn care, freeing up more time for snowbirds.

Besides its affordable prices and low-maintenance lifestyle, the community’s amenities are also a big draw. Homeowners have access to amenities like a clubhouse, a fitness complex, a ballroom, a library, a business center, a catering kitchen, billiards, and hobby and game rooms. They’ll also be able to take advantage of a number of outdoor amenities, including tennis and shuffleboard courts as well as walking and biking trails.

Request more about Lakeside Crossing.

3. Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club - Myrtle Beach, SC

Below $100k - Mid $200s

The Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club is another affordable active adult community for snowbirds to consider. Not only does it feature prices that start below $100k, but it’s also located in one of the most popular vacation and golfing destinations in the country—Myrtle Beach. The community boasts more than a thousand single-family homes with a wide variety of available floor plans by several builders. Homes typically range from 1,100 to 1,800 square feet and have two to three bedrooms and one to two bathrooms.

Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club’s many amenities will also appeal to snowbirds. The list includes a community center, a multipurpose room, an outdoor pool and spa, plus shuffleboard and tennis courts. There’s also a playground on the property that’s great for grandchildren, a picnic area, and walking and biking trails. Residents also have access to RV and boat parking, which is perfect for snowbirds who enjoy road trips or boating. 

Request more about the Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club.

4. Sun City Carolina Lakes - Indian Land, SC

Mid $200s - High $500s

Situated 30 minutes outside of Charlotte, Sun City Carolina Lakes gives snowbirds the best of both worlds: a slower pace but easy access to all the busy city has to offer. The age-restricted community has more than 3,100 single-family and attached homes with over two dozen floor plans to choose from. Homes range from 1,090 and 2,637 square feet and can have two to four bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and one- or two-and-a half-car garages.

Noteworthy amenities that may appeal to snowbirds include two clubhouses, a restaurant, a cafe, and a coffee shop. Plus, there’s a sewing studio, a woodworking shop, a library, and a computer lab. Residents who like to stay active will appreciate the 18-hole golf course, the pool, and the tennis, bocce, and pickleball courts.

Request more about Sun City Carolina Lakes. 

5. Sun City Hilton Head - Bluffton, SC

High $100s - High $800s

The age-restricted Sun City Hilton Head rounds out the list of best communities in South Carolina for snowbirds. From its wide variety of price points and extensive list of available floor plans to its seemingly endless list of resort-style amenities, the state’s largest active adult community is ideal for a winter escape.

The development features over 8,000 homes with both single-family and attached homes available. Prices start as low as the high $100s, and there are nearly 20 home collections to consider. Floor plans range from 1,039 to 3,728 square feet and have two to five bedrooms, two to five-and-a-half bathrooms, and two- or three-car garages. 

While the large number of available floor plans and affordable prices are impressive, Sun City’s list of amenities is even more extensive. The neighborhood’s amenities include (but are not limited to) a 45-acre town center with restaurants and retail shopping, a social hall and grand ballroom, almost 40 athletic courts, three 18-hole golf courses, and a fishing lake.

Request more about Sun City Hilton Head.