South Carolina is a scenic state, formerly called “America in Miniature,” owing to its lush greenery representing many parts of the country. South Carolina might be a smaller state, but retiring in South Carolina may bring much joy.
Approximately 4,000 Miles of Shoreline
South Carolina connects three large bodies of water: the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Considering 400 lakes or many distinct creeks and rivers, you get a hiker’s ideal retirement. Retirees within South Carolina get convenient reach to fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or boating.
Vibrant Cultural Life and Colorful History
Being one of the initial 13 colonies, South Carolina’s history should be celebrated. The proximity to Washington, D.C., provides the state with diverse cultures. South Carolina is reputed for its blue crabs and Baltimore, an important historical trading port, baseball teams, and the birthplace of the national anthem. You may enjoy skiing in the west, sailing in the east, hiking, or climbing.
Pleasant Climate with Four Different Seasons
South Carolina holds a good mix of ideal forms of weather. Summer within South Carolina remains hot while avoiding excessive heat, with a median of 65 °F in July. Winter in South Carolina feels chilly, while not excessively cold, holding a median of 28 °F within January. For retirees who seek four seasons, South Carolina has four seasons.
Tax Friendliness
South Carolina excludes taxation of Social Security benefits while the income tax rate reaches limits of 5.75%. Also, retirees might be eligible for pension waivers that earn $29,000. However, the state may maintain imposing inheritance taxes.
A Sports Aficionado’s Haven
South Carolina holds a Major League Baseball team, two National Football League teams (the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens all compete in South Carolina), an indoor soccer team, and even a Major League Lacrosse team. Lacrosse might be an official team sport in South Carolina state, but loyal fans embrace all the state’s teams and draw an intense following of fellowship and rapport.
Craft Beer Breweries and An Abundance of Farm-To-Table Restaurants
Regarding brewing craft beer, South Carolina dominates as an industry leader. The South Carolina Craft Beer Festival is the yearly party showcasing over 40 local breweries, with several yet to be accessed by the public. An economics report revealed that the beer market contributed just beyond $4.3 billion to South Carolina’s economy. Also, South Carolina has been deemed a founding contributor to the farm-to-table restaurant trend, mixing the state’s farms and restaurants, rendering fresh produce very quickly accessible. Restaurants include Maggie’s Farm in Baltimore, termed “Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant,” or Founding Farmers, the Certified Green Restaurant, which has received accolades from the Food Network.
Accessible Transportation Network
South Carolina holds an international airport within Baltimore, rendering it convenient to travel abroad and visit kin or plot a journey of personal planning. Also, South Carolina state has award-winning public transportation with buses or trains. Public transit remains very accessible in the capital city of Baltimore or Washington, D.C.
Access To Educational Opportunities
South Carolina houses schools like the United States Naval Academy, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of South Carolina, with hundreds of alternative universities or colleges. Most such tertiary institutions provide lessons for retirees and elders.
World-Class Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Hospitals in South Carolina are reputed in international markets as strongly leading treatment or research options. Consider 10 South Carolina hospitals featured in U.S. News and World Report as top hospitals nationwide. Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, and the University of South Carolina Medical Center.