OVERVIEW
South Carolina is one of the top snowbird destinations in the Southeast, offering mild winter temperatures, hundreds of miles of coastline, and 55+ and active adult communities across Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Pawley’s Island, Charleston, and the Columbia area. Home prices in South Carolina snowbird communities start in the low $200,000s at communities like Myrtle Trace in Conway and reach over $1 million at Hilton Head Plantation and Sun City Hilton Head.
When moving to escape the harsh winter weather, South Carolina is 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.
Winter months can be harsh and unpredictable. So, it’s no surprise that many active adults prefer to escape somewhere warmer as soon as the temperatures drop. South Carolina’s mild winter weather makes it a popular destination for those snowbirds who want to flee the cold and snow to soak up the sun in cities like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Pawley’s Island, and Charleston.
Myrtle Beach
Experience the coastal lifestyle in Myrtle Beach. This popular South Carolina beach city and its surrounding small towns make for the perfect retreat, with plenty of golf, shopping, dog parks, water sports, and more.
In addition to its many attractions and beach living, Myrtle Beach is home to some of the most affordable retirement communities in coastal South Carolina, making snowbird rentals in Myrtle Beach extremely popular. Discover the perks and amenities at four of our Myrtle Beach communities below.
Cameron Village
Mid $200ks – Low $500ks
Experience community living right in Myrtle Beach at Cameron Village, with easy access to the beach and outdoor activities. The active lifestyle community offers residents single-family homes with attached gardens. Floor plans range from 1,446 to 3,179 square feet. They feature two to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and attached one- to two-car garages.
This coastal community includes features such as low homeowners association (HOA) fees, a clubhouse, an outdoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, a walking trail, and a playground.
Bridgewater
Mid $200ks – High $700ks
Located 20 miles north of the Myrtle Beach area, the Bridgewater community offers snowbirds the convenience of living close to the popular vacation destination without having to live directly in its busyness. The expansive neighborhood is spread over 950 acres and features attached and single-family homes. Floor plans range from 1,454 to 3,349 square feet. They offer two to five bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and attached one- to three-car garages.
In addition to the community’s variety of homes and desirable location, there are several amenities for residents to enjoy, including a clubhouse, a fitness center, two resort-style pools, a dog park, community gardens, and a fire pit.
Waterside Pointe
Mid $600ks – Low $1Ms
Discover fine living directly in Myrtle Beach at the new custom home community Waterside Pointe. Floor plans of this brand-new luxury 47-home community have yet to be released. The community’s location along the Intracoastal Waterway will provide residents access to day docks at the Del Webb Myrtle Beach clubhouse.
Residents will also have access to two private clubhouses—the 15,000-square-foot Del Webb Myrtle Beach clubhouse and the 25,000-square-foot Grande Dunes. The first offers residents luxury amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a card room, as well as bocce, pickleball, and tennis courts. The latter provides residents with access to the coast, a ballroom, an outdoor pool and patio, a private beach, two golf courses, and a restaurant and bar.
Myrtle Trace
Low $200ks
Snowbirds who are on a budget and looking for affordable options should consider Conway’s Myrtle Trace. The development boasts 518 single-family homes. The ranch-style homes offer two to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached garages.
There are several amenities within the neighborhood for snowbirds to take advantage of, including a clubhouse that serves as the prime social hub. The clubhouse features a hobby and game room and a multipurpose room with a catering kitchen. Outside the clubhouse, residents will find a pool, bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, and shuffleboard courts. Staying social is a breeze with a myriad of clubs and interest groups, from a bowling league and book club to garden clubs and game nights. Along with its amenities, Myrtle Trace gives snowbirds easy access to Myrtle Beach and some of the state’s most popular beaches.
Hilton Head
Discover Southern charm in one of the most popular snowbird locations—Hilton Head. Long known as a luxurious beach vacation destination and famous golfing spot, the island is becoming increasingly popular for active adults looking to escape to warmer weather during the winter months.
Here, you’ll find some of the best South Carolina communities with waterfront homes for sale so you can relax with a gorgeous view of the Atlantic and plenty of activities to keep you busy all winter long.
Indigo Run
Low $300ks – Mid $1Ms
Indigo Run should be at the top of every snowbird’s list who likes to golf. The gated golf course community features two championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son. If the enviable location in Hilton Head and the golf courses aren’t enough to pique interest, the resort-style amenities are sure to impress. The list includes several clubhouses, a pool and whirlpool spa, an on-site restaurant, tennis courts, and so much more.
Homes within Indigo Run are a mix of attached and single-family floor plans ranging from 1,450 to 5,800 square feet. They offer three- to five-bathroom, two- to six-bathroom, and two- to four-car garages.
Hilton Head Lakes
Low $300ks – Low $500ks
Another golfing community within 15 miles of the Hilton Head Island resorts is Hilton Head Lakes. The lakefront property houses an 18-hole, par-72 golf course designed by Tommy Fazio and a 36-acre golf practice facility. Other amenities for residents include a beach-entry outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga and pilates studio, walking and biking trails, and various clubs and activities hosted at the 14,000-square-foot clubhouse.
Explore three collections of single-family homes ranging from 1,298 to 2,375 square feet. They offer two to four bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. Many houses inside Hilton Head Lakes also feature covered porches and walk-in closets.
Hilton Head Plantation
High $400ks – High $1Ms
With 4,000 acres on Hilton Head Island, Hilton Head Plantation is one of the largest and most scenic communities for active adults. Residents have access to four golf courses—including Country Club of Hilton Head, designed by Rees Jones—and plenty of on-site amenities. These include a marina, fishing lagoons, walking and biking trails, gardening areas, two nature conservancies, and state-of-the-art fitness centers.
Hilton Head Lakes will boast 4,278 homes upon completion of all builds and will offer a variety of housing options. Single-family homes in the community range from smaller villas to larger estate homes with water views. Condos and townhouses are also available, as well as open lots to build your dream getaway.
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head
Mid $300ks – Mid $400ks
Located only 18 miles from Hilton Head Island is the new Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head community. Relax in the surroundings and amenities inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s music catalog, complete with a Town Center to make your oasis feel like its own world. Residents will enjoy a resort-style outdoor pool, indoor lap pool and spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, performances and banquets in the Last Mango Theater, the Barkaritaville Pet Spa, lawn games, pickleball and tennis courts, and a bar and restaurant.
There are 3,000 homes planned for the community, with several collections to choose from. These single-family and attached homes range from 1,210 to 2,568 square feet. They offer two to three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached two- to three-car garage.
Sun City Hilton Head
Mid $300ks – Mid $1Ms
Sun City Hilton Head is a favorite among active adults for many reasons. However, snowbirds who want to spend the winter being active and outdoors will particularly love the community. The outdoor amenities include more than a dozen Har-Tru tennis courts, a 20-acre fishing lake, and three 18-hole golf courses. The community’s indoor amenities are also impressive, including a social hall, a ballroom, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Sun City Hilton Head also offers snowbirds a wide variety of housing options, whether they want to downsize or have extra square footage and plenty of space for guests to visit. There are several dozen floor plans to choose from, ranging from 1,039 to 2,948. These homes have one to five bedrooms, one-and-a-half to five-and-a-half bathrooms, and two- or three-car garages. Several of the plans also include den areas.
Pawley’s Island
During the summer months, Pawley’s Island is a popular tourist destination. However, during the winter months, this island becomes the ideal South Carolina snowbird community with fewer than 150 year-round residents. Active adults can enjoy recreational activities such as golfing, crabbing, kayaking, birdwatching, and more in a secluded location 20 miles from the popular city of Myrtle Beach.
River Club
Low $200ks – Low $600ks
Directly on Pawley’s Island, you’ll find the River Club community. This gated residence area contains 272 single-family and attached homes within a resort-like space. Homes range from 1,250 to 5,000 square feet, featuring two to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, an attached two-car garage, fireplaces, walk-in closets, and outdoor decks.
The resort-style amenities within the River Club community include a golf course, an outdoor pool, a private beach, a clubhouse, a bar, and a restaurant. Enjoy hassle-free living with the community’s HOA, which handles lawn care, exterior home maintenance, and common area maintenance.
Charleston
Step into the Old South through snowbird communities in the Charleston area. This idyllic city offers residents classic Southern charm you can’t find elsewhere. Active adults can immerse themselves in the historic streets of downtown, sample Southern cooking, and partake in a variety of recreational activities throughout the city and surrounding areas.
These Charleston communities blend the best of the old and new to offer residents a uniquely South Carolina snowbird experience.
Restore at Carolina Park
Located in Mount Pleasant, just outside Charleston, Restore at Carolina Park is an active adult apartment community well-suited for snowbirds seeking the flexibility of maintenance-free living. Residents can travel seasonally and return with ease — no home upkeep responsibilities to worry about while they’re away.
The community features a robust lifestyle program with a full calendar of social events, fitness classes, wellness programming, and seasonal outings around the Lowcountry. Snowbirds will find it easy to reconnect with neighbors and jump back into activities whenever they return to town. Mount Pleasant and Charleston remain active year-round, so there’s always something to do no matter when residents arrive for the season.
The Elms of Charleston
Low $200ks – Low $300ks
Located in the city, The Elms of Charleston is a great community for active adults age 55+. Offering new and resale single-family and attached homes, the community has 325 single-floor homes within the community. Most homes are on cul-de-sac streets, ensuring limited traffic. An annual HOA fee covers the cost of community maintenance and exterior home care, including lawn maintenance and annual home power washing.
The community’s amenities include a clubhouse, card and game rooms, an outdoor pool, a tennis court, walking paths, shuffleboard, and lawn croquet. There’s also a full-time social director on staff who plans clubs and activities for all community residents.
Del Webb at Cane Bay
Low $300ks – Mid $600ks
Summerville’s Del Webb at Cane Bay will appeal to snowbirds looking for an age-restricted, gated community with a resort-style feel. Spread over 360 acres, lush with vibrant flora, wetlands, and landscaped terrain, Del Webb at Cane Bay delivers scenery and amenities. There’s a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse and recreation area with a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool, a sundeck, and a fire pit.
Del Webb at Cane Bay is also within a 30-minute drive of Charleston, making it easy for residents to explore the historic city. The community offers a variety of home models ranging from 1,109 to 3,800 square feet. They offer one to four bedrooms, one-and-a-half to four bathrooms, and two- to three-car garages.
Cresswind Charleston
High $300ks – High $700ks
Cresswind Charleston is another age-restricted community in Summerville that should be on snowbirds’ radar. The development will feature 650 single-family homes upon completion. Home models within Cresswind Charleston range from 1,345 to 3,810 square feet. They offer two to four bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two- or three-car garages.
Notable amenities include a clubhouse, a fitness center, athletic courts, an event lawn, and an outdoor amphitheater. The community’s convenient location near Charleston offers snowbirds lots of things to do outside throughout the winter. History buffs can visit one of the area’s many historical sites, like Fort Sumter, while beach lovers can spend plenty of time on one of Charleston’s scenic beaches.
Del Webb Charleston at Nexton
High $300ks – Low $900ks
Finishing off the list of the best communities in South Carolina for snowbirds in the Charleston area is Del Webb Charleston at Nexton. The gated and age-restricted neighborhood offers its residents a myriad of resort-style amenities, a wide selection of floor plan options, and plenty of ways to stay social and active through organized clubs and community events ranging from guest speakers to seminars. Homes for sale within the community range from 1,262 to 3,810 square feet. They offer two to five bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and two- or two-and-a-half-car garages.
Columbia
The Columbia area is another region of South Carolina that offers a mix of historic Southern charm and modern-day conveniences. Here, you’ll be in the heart of South Carolina with all the state has to offer just a short walk or drive away.
Savannah Lakes Village
High $200ks – Low $1Ms
Savannah Lakes Village is another great option for snowbirds who want to spend the winter in South Carolina. The resort-style community is made up of condos, apartments, and single-family homes. The community offers its residents desirable amenities, as well as an HOA that handles maintenance, such as lawn care.
Savannah Lakes Village will have a total of 4,800 homes and offers options ranging from 1,459-square-foot cottages to 2,688-square-foot single-family homes. Noteworthy amenities include a 71,000-acre lake, two golf clubs, and a multitude of athletic courts. There’s also a 23,000-square-foot recreation center with a ballroom, a fitness center, an aerobics studio, and an indoor pool.
FAQ: Snowbirding in South Carolina
Is South Carolina a good state for snowbirds?
Yes, South Carolina is one of the top snowbird destinations in the Southeast. The state offers mild winter temperatures, hundreds of miles of coastline, tax exemptions for retirees, and a low cost of living. Popular snowbird cities include Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Pawley’s Island, and Charleston. There’s a wide variety of 55+ communities across the state, with homes priced from the low $200,000s to over $1 million, making them accessible to a range of budgets.
What are the best snowbird destinations in South Carolina?
The most popular snowbird destinations in South Carolina are Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Pawley’s Island, and Charleston. Myrtle Beach offers affordable coastal living with golf, shopping, and beaches. Hilton Head is known for luxury resort-style communities and championship golf. Pawley’s Island provides a secluded, quiet retreat with fewer than 150 year-round residents. Charleston blends historic Southern charm with modern amenities and year-round cultural activity.
What are the most affordable snowbird communities in South Carolina?
The most affordable snowbird communities in South Carolina include Myrtle Trace in Conway (starting in the low $200,000s), The Elms of Charleston (low $200,000s to low $300,000s), Cameron Village in Myrtle Beach (mid $200,000s to low $500,000s), and River Club on Pawley’s Island (low $200,000s to low $600,000s). Bridgewater, located 20 miles north of Myrtle Beach, also starts in the mid $200,000s. These communities offer amenities such as clubhouses, pools, and social programming at budget-friendly prices.
Are there golf communities for snowbirds in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina has some of the best golf communities in the Southeast. Indigo Run on Hilton Head features two championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. Hilton Head Plantation has four golf courses, including one by Rees Jones. Hilton Head Lakes has a Tommy Fazio–designed 18-hole course with a 36-acre practice facility. Sun City Hilton Head offers three 18-hole courses. River Club on Pawley’s Island also has a golf course. Golf is one of the main draws for snowbirds choosing South Carolina.
What is the winter weather like in South Carolina?
South Carolina winters are milder than those in northern states. Coastal cities like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Charleston typically see winter temperatures in the 50s and 60s, with occasional dips into the 40s. Snow is rare along the coast. The mild weather allows snowbirds to stay active outdoors throughout the winter—golfing, walking the beach, kayaking, and enjoying outdoor dining. It’s one of the primary reasons active adults choose South Carolina over colder destinations.
What amenities do snowbird communities in South Carolina offer?
Snowbird communities in South Carolina typically offer clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, and organized social activities. Larger communities go further—Sun City Hilton Head has three golf courses, a 20-acre fishing lake, and a ballroom. Waterside Pointe in Myrtle Beach will provide access to two private clubhouses totaling 40,000 square feet. Savannah Lakes Village in the Columbia area features a 71,000-acre lake and a 23,000-square-foot recreation center. Most communities also have HOAs that handle maintenance.
Is South Carolina tax-friendly for snowbirds?
Yes, South Carolina is considered a tax-friendly state for retirees and snowbirds. The state offers tax exemptions that benefit active adults, and the overall cost of living is lower than in many other coastal states. Combined with affordable housing, mild winters, and a variety of recreational activities, the tax advantages make South Carolina a financially attractive option for seasonal and year-round retirement living.
How do I find the best snowbird community in South Carolina?
Start by deciding which part of the coast appeals to you: Myrtle Beach for affordability, Hilton Head for luxury and golf, Pawley’s Island for seclusion, or Charleston for history and culture. Then, narrow by budget, home size, and whether you prefer to rent or buy. Consider whether HOA-managed maintenance is important for a lock-and-leave lifestyle. Contact 55places.com to connect with a real estate expert who specializes in South Carolina snowbird communities and can match your priorities to the right neighborhood.
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