Lake Wylie, SC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Lake Wylie is a census designated community located on the border between North and South Carolina. The community is located on a peninsula and surrounded by the lake bearing the same name. Lake Wylie is a suburb of Charlotte, NC but its proximity to the lake and nearby natural areas gives it a much more rural small town vibe. Nearby recreational activities and subtropical climate make it a popular destination for 55+ active adults looking for retirement communities.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Lake Wylie's cost of living is lower than the U.S. average across all categories and is higher than the state average in all categories except utilities.  

Lake Wylie is in York County where the average property tax is 0.64% however seniors can claim a homestead exemption for the first $50,000 in property value. Lake Wylie sales tax is 7% which includes the 6% state sales tax plus a 1% York County tax. South Carolina has a variable state income tax that ranges from 3 to 6.5%. Social Security is not taxed and those over 65 can exclude up to $10,000 in retirement income.

Recreation & Entertainment

There are a variety of leisure options for active adults in the Lake Wylie area, including:

Outdoor activities

• McDowell Nature Preserve
• Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
• Regency at Palisades Golf
• The Palisades Country Club

Other activities

• Carolina Speedway

Climate

The Lake Wylie area sees about 29.7 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of August. Average winter temperatures range from 34° to 49°. Summer in Lake Wylie is hot and humid with summer temperatures averaging between 70° and 91° with 70% humidity. The average snowfall in Lake Wylie is 5.5 inches with the highest chance of snow during the month of December. 

Health Care

The closest hospitals to Lake Wylie are: 

CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia is 11 miles from Lake Wylie. CaroMont Regional Medical Center is a 435 bed hospital which is a 12 time award winner for Grade "A" for safety by The Leapfrog Group, recognized by Healthgrades with a Patient Safety Excellence Award and voted among the best hospitals in North Carolina.

Piedmont Medical Center is a 28 bed hospital in Rock Hill, 13 miles from Lake Wylie. They are a SC State Level III trauma center and have been nationally recognized for cardiac and stroke care by the IAC, BlueCross BlueShield, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, U.S. News & World Report, The Joint Commission and American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. 

The Atrium Health Pineville medical center is in Charlotte, 17 miles from Lake Wylie. Atrium Health Pineville has 235 beds and has been designated a high performing hospital and one of the best regional hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. In 2022 Watson Health named them one of the 50 top cardiovascular hospitals.