Little River

Overview

Little River is located in Horry County, South Carolina. Its ideal location and scenery have made it an enticing option for retirees. The city is home to a quaint downtown with a good selection of antique shops and restaurants. Aside from that, there are plenty of greenspaces that surround Little River such as forests preserves, state and local parks, and more. 

Climate and Geography

A small city, Little River is right on the border separating North and South Carolina. Summers are long and sunny, while winters are short, but very cold. Residents of Little River can expect to see slightly more rain than the national average, and about 200 sunny days a year. 

Little River is bordered by the Waccamaw River so it is home to wetlands and large bodies of water. There are plenty of pine forests, marshes, and swamps around the area. 

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Residents of Little River have plenty of options for outdoor activities. Some of these include Shallotte River Swamp Park, Little River itself, and the most popular, Myrtle Beach. Locals love to take on kayaking, canoeing, boat tours, and even dolphin cruises. 

The city’s downtown is home to many historic shops and restaurants where residents can find different antiques and collectibles. Also, there are other large attractions such as Big M Casino and Little River Mini Mall. 

For those in search of landscapes and nature, residents can go to Veree Historical Gardens and La Belle Amie Vineyard. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

Much like the rest of South Carolina, the cost of living in Little River is generally lower than the national average. The housing and median home cost is also less when compared nationwide. Other costs such as utilities, transportation, and groceries are all less than the national average. 

South Carolina does not have a tax on Social Security, and it provides a generous retirement income. Homeowners that are 65 and older qualify for a homestead exemption. South Carolina’s sales tax rate is 6 percent and Little River does add a 2 percent tax on that rate. 

Health Care 

There are three medical centers and hospitals near Little River. They are Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, McLeod Loris Seacoast Hospital, and Conway Medical Center, each of which are rated high performing in at least one procedure by U.S News.