Overview
Located in Central South Carolina, Lexington is a popular residential suburb of the state’s capital city, Columbia. Popular for its newly revitalized downtown and affordable housing, Lexington is a popular retirement destination. In addition, residents enjoy local hiking, fishing, and golfing opportunities.
Climate & Geography
Lexington experiences a humid subtropical climate, resulting in hot, humid summers and relatively cool winters. Temperatures can dip below freezing in the winter, and the region does have short cold spells, but the Appalachian Mountains to the west help prevent long-lasting freezes. The city is too far inland from the Atlantic to receive any cool ocean breezes in the summer, resulting in some very hot temperatures. There is more than average rainfall, barely any measurable snowfall, and approximately 222 days of sun each year.
The region’s terrain is made up of rolling hills, sloping gently from north to south. Lake Murray borders the northern part of Lexington.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Once an old bedroom community within the Columbia metro area, Lexington has recently developed its own vibrant downtown. The Icehouse Amphitheater hosts local events like a farmers market and annual chili cookoff, and Main Street has small cafes and boutique shops. Residents also enjoy local wineries and breweries.
For outdoor recreation, residents head to Virginia Hylton Park and Gibson Pond Park for fishing, scenic hiking, and picnicking. The Dreher Shoals Dam Walk over Lake Murray is a peaceful walking and biking area as well. Besides this, golfers can choose between multiple courses in the area.
More shopping, dining, and art can be found in Columbia, just half an hour to the east.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Lexington’s cost of living is below the national average because of low housing costs. Utilities and transportation are above average.
South Carolina does not tax Social Security, and while other forms of retirement income are taxable, they are also largely deductible. Property taxes in the state are low, and there is a Homestead Exemption available for retirees. Sales taxes, on the other hand, are higher than average.
Health Care
According to Gallup’s Well-Being Index, which is split into different factors contributing to an overall score, South Carolina ranks in the top 25 states in the community factor.
Although there are no hospitals in Lexington, the closest hospital that is rated by U.S. News as high performing is Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia. In nearby Columbia, there are three high performing hospitals: Palmetto Health Baptist, Palmetto Health Richland, and Providence Hospital-Columbia.