Great South Carolina Coastal Communities

For many active adults, South Carolina’s coastal cities provide an ideal retirement destination. Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head each offer their own historic, cultural and beach attractions which will appeal to vacationers and entice some retirees to take up permanent residence in the area. Here is a brief look at each of these popular coastal cities and some of their nearby active adult communities.

Charleston
Rich in history, the Charleston area is popular with relocating active adults and visitors alike. This antebellum city boasts many historic landmarks and museums, as well as an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Historic homes line the streets and flowers from lush private gardens give the city a romantic flair. Walking along the famous promenade at Battery Park, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Cooper and Ashley rivers, while history buffs will love a tour of Fort Sumter. Fresh seafood is plentiful, and no trip to Charleston would be complete without a taste of shrimp and grits. For those who choose to call Charleston home, a few active adult communities in the area include The Elms of Charleston, Del Webb Charleston, and Liberty Cottages at Park West.

Myrtle Beach
With its rapid growth and strong tourist appeal, Myrtle Beach is a resort city which offers many exciting beachside attractions that have a more modern feel. The brand new Myrtle Beach Boardwalk provides 1.2 miles of oceanview shops, restaurants and businesses. Throughout the summer this new hot spot is home to live concerts, a variety of street performers and even weekly fireworks displays. Summer is the peak time for tourists, although spring break also brings in annual crowds. Myrtle Beach attracts a relatively young demographic, with a median age of 37, yet this exciting city may be ideal for active adults who are young-at-heart. Some nearby age-targeted communities include: Seasons at Prince Creek West and Meadows at St. Patrick.

Hilton Head
In some ways, Hilton Head combines many of the benefits of both Charleston and Myrtle Beach. This resort island has its own interesting history, particularly during the Civil War when it was a base of operations for the Union Blockade. Yet it also has boomed as a modern tourist town, offering many water-based activities as well as a thriving cultural area. Residents can easily fish or sail by day, then freshen up for an evening at the symphony. When it comes to entertainment, Hilton Head is also known for its spectacular golf courses, including the Harbor Town Golf Links at Hilton Head Island. Both age-restricted and age-targeted communities are available in the Hilton Head area, including: Sun City Hilton Head, Callawassie Island, and Abbey Glen at Spanish Wells.

This article originally appeared on 55Places.com. For more articles like this or for information about hundreds of 55+ active adult retirement communities across the country, please visit 55Places.com.

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