South Carolina is one of the most desirable destinations for active adults looking to settle down in the southeast. The state is full of a long list of impressive active adult communities that have a lot to offer homebuyers, but there are several that tend to stand out among the rest for their glowing reviews written by their residents.
Knowing just how important reviews can be for prospective buyers, we’ve put together a list of the best-reviewed 55+ communities in South Carolina. The active adult communities that made the list received four or more five-star reviews by resident homeowners.
Here are the best-reviewed 55+ communities in South Carolina:
1. Carillon at The Ponds – Summerville, SC
High $200s – High $300s
Carillon at The Ponds is a small, close-knit community with only 56 single-family homes. The 55+ neighborhood gets rave reviews from current residents for its size, well-manicured lots, well-built homes, and its scenic lakes and ponds.
Current resident Debra C. stated in her review:
“The Ponds is a paradise for us. We walk our dogs several miles every day and the community gives us the choice of scenic neighborhood strolls or hikes in the woods and around the lakes. It’s hard to stay indoors, even in our gorgeous new house.”
Originally built in 2013, by trusted builder D.R. Horton, Carillon at The Ponds offers one- and two-story homes with nine distinct models to choose from. Floor plans range from 1,460 to 2,991 square feet and have three to five bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages.
The community’s amenities are also a big draw for homeowners. The extensive list of amenities includes a 4,000-square-foot farmhouse, a hobby and game room, a community garden, an outdoor saltwater pool, and an amphitheater. Residents also have access to an outdoor pavilion and BBQ area, picnic areas, plenty of parks and natural space, walking and biking trails, plus scenic lakes and ponds.
Request more about Carillon at The Ponds.
2. Marrington at Cobblestone – Summerville, SC
Low $200s – Mid $300s
Marrington at Cobblestone is another highly regarded 55+ neighborhood in the Summerville area. The neighborhood built by Epcon Communities scores high marks with residents for its low-maintenance lifestyle and variety of open floor plans. Marrington at Cobblestone features single-family and attached homes with almost a dozen available floor plans. Options range from 1,137 to 1,995 square feet and can have between two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two- or two-and-a-half car garages.
When reviewing the community, Mike M. commented:
“If you are looking to ditch the lawnmower and/or stair steps, EPCON Communities does it best! Awesome floor plans in beautiful communities!”
Noteworthy amenities within the small community include a clubhouse, an exercise room, a multipurpose room with a fireplace, a catering kitchen, and billiards. Outdoors, residents will find a pool and sundeck, veranda, and scenic ponds.
Along with its amenities, one of the biggest perks of owning a home in Marrington at Cobblestone is the community’s homeowners’ association (HOA), which takes care of mundane chores, including lawn mowing, lawn irrigation, fertilization, weed control, landscape maintenance, exterior home maintenance, driveway maintenance, and garbage removal.
Request more about Marrington at Cobblestone.
3. Savannah Lakes Village – McCormick, SC
Low $100s – High $600s
Built in 1989, Savannah Lakes Village is an established community that’s extremely popular with its residents for its outdoor amenities that feature a golf course and expansive boating lake. With a combination of 4,800 condos, single-family, and attached homes, the large community offers prospective buyers plenty of options when it comes to choosing a home. There are over a dozen available floor plans with options ranging from small 833-square-foot condos to homes with 2,688 square feet.
Savannah Lakes Village’s amenities also make the community stand out as one of the best-reviewed 55+ communities in South Carolina. The list of amenities includes two 18-hole golf courses, Lake Thurmond, an expansive recreation center, a fitness center, a bowling alley, and an indoor pool. Outside, homeowners also have access to a pool as well as tennis, pickleball, and bocce courts.
According to Sal M.:
“Savannah Lakes Village has it all—golf courses, clubhouses, fitness centers, and incredible fishing lakes. Their are lots for every budget, including very secluded lots. SVL is an outdoor person’s dream. They do not make other communities like this. You have to check it out!”
Request more about Savannah Lakes Village.
4. The Haven – Bluffton, SC
High $200s – Mid $500s
Rounding out the list of the best-reviewed 55+ communities in South Carolina is The Haven located near Bluffton. The gated and age-restricted community is a fan-favorite for its convenient location to both Hilton Head and Savannah as well as its amenities, natural surroundings, and gated security. It also gets great reviews for being pet-friendly.
The Haven has 500 single-family homes with almost two dozen available floor plans. Plans are ranch-style and range from 1,152 to 2,733 square feet and have one to four bedrooms, one-and-a-half to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two- or three-car garages.
Amenities within the community’s gates include a clubhouse, a fitness center, a ballroom, and an internet cafe. Residents also have access to several outdoor amenities, which include a Jr. Olympic pool, a variety of athletic courts, gardening plots, and walking and biking trails.
In her review, Jennifer T. stated:
“We chose the Haven because it is a smaller neighborhood (about 500 homes), you can fence in your backyard, very pet friendly, beautiful lagoon view and we are within 30 minutes to Beaufort, HHI and Savannah. Also, we wanted a neighborhood without a golf course, and the monthly HOA is reasonable.”
