The Best Communities in South Carolina for Snowbirds

South Carolina has long been a popular escape for snowbirds heading south for the winter. The state offers mild-temperatures (even during the colder months), sandy coastlines, and plenty of activities, cultural amenities, and historic places to explore.

Luckily, there’s also a wide variety of adult communities in South Carolina that make it easy for snowbirds to relocate and avoid the freezing temperatures of northern states. Some South Carolina communities offer affordable prices for prospective homebuyers who are on a budget or looking to buy a second home for part-time use. Other communities offer the opportunity to downsize for less space to take care of while snowbirding.

Here are three of the best communities in South Carolina for snowbirds.

1. Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head - Hardeeville, SC

Mid $200s - Mid $300s

Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is a snowbird’s paradise, quite literally. It's the ultimate community for any active adult who wants to spend the winter soaking up the sun and relaxing. Designed to mimic the laid-back, tropical lifestyle Jimmy Buffett so often sings about, the gated and age-restricted development boasts everything from a resort-style pool with a poolside bar and cabanas to a private beach area.

Upon completion, Latitude will feature more than 3,000 new, single-family homes. There are six floor plans to consider before buying one of the community’s villas. They range from 1,503 to 1,862 square feet with two bedrooms, a den, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. For single-family homes, there are nine floor plans that vary between 1,684 to 2,564 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two- or three-car garages. Both villas and single-family residences include a covered lanai that provides the perfect space to enjoy being outdoors on a nice day.

The list of amenities within Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is vast. It includes a 290,000-square-foot retail center where residents can find the latest fashions without ever leaving the community, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an arts and craft studio, a pet spa, a theater, a ballroom, plus a hobby and game room. Outdoor amenities include a resort-style pool, a poolside bar, tennis courts, pickleball and bocce courts, a dog park, and a private beach area.

Learn more about Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head here.

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

Below $100k - Mid $200s

The gated Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club is another great option that offers low-priced homes without sacrificing amenities or a desirable location. Situated near the sandy shorelines of Myrtle Beach, the development offers easy access to not only popular beaches but also a bevy of well-established golf courses for snowbirds to take advantage of.

Along with its desirable location, the community features just over 1,000 single-family homes that are available on a resale-only basis. Price points start below $100k, making owning a second home relatively affordable. Residences have been built by several builders, giving potential homebuyers plenty of choices when it comes to the look and feel of their homes. Most floor plans typically range between 1,100 to 1,800 square feet with two to three bedrooms and one to two bathrooms.

Homeowners will have access to several amenities, including a community center, a multi-purpose room, an outdoor pool and spa, two shuffleboard courts, two tennis courts, a playground that’s ideal for visiting grandchildren, a picnic area, and walking and biking trails. Snowbirds will also have access to RV and boat parking.

Learn more about the Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club here.

3. Sun City Hilton Head - Bluffton, SC

High $100s - Mid $1Ms

South Carolina’s largest active adult community is also another option to consider for the winter. Located in Bluffton, just a short drive from Hilton Head’s famous beaches, Sun City Hilton Head is home to over 8,200 attached and single-family residences. The community is gated and age-restricted to 50+, and it offers residents a wide variety of home options, amenities, and social events to take part in.

This community also has affordable prices that start in the high $100s. Both new and resale homes are on the market with dozens of floor plans to choose from. Options range from 1,000 square-foot villa townhomes to 4,000 square-foot homes with options to customize.

Sun City’s amenities include three 18-hole golf courses, a 45-acre town center full of shopping and dining options, multiple fitness centers, a 17,000-square-foot social hall, a grand ballroom, a 20-acre fishing lake, dozens of athletic courts, RV and boat storage, and more.

Learn more about Sun City Hilton Head here.