Myrtle Beach, SC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Myrtle Beach is a popular seaside destination in Coastal South Carolina. The city boasts one of the longest beaches on Earth, as well as an endless supply of golf courses and restaurants. A low cost of living and several bustling entertainment centers make this a popular community among active adults.

Climate & Geography 

Myrtle Beach is an area sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Highway on eastern South Carolina. Similar to other southern states, it experiences a humid, tropical climate because of the Bermuda High pumping humidity from the Atlantic. Hot and wet summers lead to drier and mild winters. Winter temperatures tend to vary, however, with an average of 33 days of frost but no snow.

With the highway cutting Myrtle Beach off from the continental U.S., it can’t expand. However, previously rural neighboring areas have experienced rapid expansion in the past few years.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Myrtle Beach is a golf lover’s dream. There are roughly 100 golf courses and most of them are open year round. Residents can also expect plenty of outdoor recreation on one of the longest stretches of beach on the planet, including camping at Myrtle Beach State Park.

There is no shortage of entertainment in Myrtle Beach. The city has over 1,800 restaurants, large shopping centers like the Market Common and Broadway at the Beach, and seven featured theaters that bring in big names. 

Cost of Living & Taxes 

One of the biggest draws for retirees is the low cost of living in Myrtle Beach. Housing is especially below average, as well as health care, groceries, and transportation. On average, home prices are more affordable than most beach cities.

South Carolina is generally friendly to retirees as the state does not tax Social Security and offers a retirement income deduction when calculating income tax. While property taxes are below average, sales taxes are higher at 9 percent.

Health Care

Residents can expect a high quality of life in Myrtle Beach. The metro area has recently ranked in the top 40 communities in Gallup’s Well-Being Index.

The Grand Strand Regional Medical Center is ranked as a high performing hospital by U.S. News and is located within the city. Conway Medical Center and Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital are in neighboring communities and are also ranked as high performing