Charleston, SC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Charleston is a city in Charleston County, South Carolina. It’s the oldest and largest city of the state. Retirees are attracted to Charleston because of the mild winters, low cost of living, and the wide variety of recreational activities available.

Climate & Geography

Charleston has a humid subtropical climate. The average annual high temperature is in the mid 70s and the average annual low temperature is in the mid 50s. The average annual precipitation is roughly 50 inches of rainfall. 

Charleston is located on the Charleston Harbor. The city’s downtown, known as “The Peninsula” is surrounded by the Ashley River to the west and the Cooper River to the east. The six distinct districts that make up Charleston are Downtown, West Ashley, Johns Island, James Island, Cainhoy Peninsula, and Daniel Island. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Charleston is very rich in culture and residents can get to know their new home by visiting the Fort Sumter National Monument, McLeod Plantation Historic Site, and The Charleston Museum. Active adults can take advantage of the year-round moderate weather by exploring the Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Middleton Place, and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. The large city has a good amount of theaters and music halls to watch concerts, movies, and plays. The Charleston Riverdogs, minor-league baseball team, frequently have games at the Joe Riley Stadium.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The median home cost is well below the national median. Living in South Carolina is less expensive than many other states. Residents 65 and older are exempt for the first $15,000 of qualified retirement income. A majority of disability services are not taxable and Social Security is also not taxable. 

Health Care

There are three medical centers and hospitals that are highly ranked in Charleston. MUSC Health-University Medical Center which is nationally ranked in three adult specialties and ranked High Performing in six adult procedures/conditions, Roper St. Francis Hospital which is ranked High Performing in five adult procedures/conditions and Trident Medical Center which is ranked High Performing in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure.