It is the quintessential American dream: you work, and you save your entire life so that one day you can retire to a little slice of coastal paradise. With a pleasant year-round climate, abundant natural beauty, and one of the country’s lowest living costs, the Grand Strand is a retiree’s paradise.
It’s no wonder that, according to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, over 44,740 people moved to the county from other states over the last three years. Many of these new residents are in the 55+ age category.
If you’ve ever considered retiring to the Grand Strand but haven’t been sure if the coastal lifestyle is right for you, here are a few reasons why you should spend your golden years on the Grand Strand.
The Weather
You know one of the best parts about living at the beach? You don’t have to shovel sunshine! And trust us, you will be enjoying plenty of sunshine if you live on the Grand Strand.
On average, the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area enjoys over 215 sunny days per year. Even during the winter, the weather in Myrtle Beach almost never dips below the freezing mark—in fact, the average winter low in Myrtle Beach rarely dips below 50°F.
Whether you are looking to hit the links at one of the Grand Strand’s 100 championship golf courses, shopping at one of the area’s various boutique shopping centers, or simply wanting to spend some time walking on the beach, the mild climate ensures that you will be able to enjoy all that the Grand Strand has to offer all year long.
The Cost of Living
One of the biggest draws for the Grand Strand, particularly among retirees, is its low living cost.
South Carolina, as a whole, boasts one of the lowest tax rates in the country. State income tax tops out at 7%, with a statewide sales tax of around 6%. South Carolina also does not tax social security benefits and provides a generous retirement-income deduction when calculating state income tax. Furthermore, with 0% county sales tax—Horry county has the lowest tax rate in the state of South Carolina. This means that people who relocate to Grand Strand pay the lowest taxes in a state that already has one of the lowest tax rates in the country.
This fact, coupled with cheaper housing, utilities, and generous tax credits, make the Myrtle Beach area one of the most affordable coastal communities in the country.
The Community
It’s a sad fact, but recent studies have shown that roughly 30 percent of Americans have never met their neighbors. Fortunately, here on the Grand Strand, we are all about southern hospitality.
There are many opportunities for retirees to meet new people and become engaged in community groups, including arts groups, religious organizations, and so much more.
This sense of community is particularly strong among the Grand Strand’s various 55+ living communities. These planned communities often boast an array of amenities that cater to seniors who live an active lifestyle—including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, private exercise facilities, on-site tennis courts, hobby and craft clubs, and regular community events. Many even offer membership on private golf courses and access to community marinas and boat docks. This, coupled with round the clock security and a convenient centralized location, ensures that residents of one of the Grand Strand’s various 55+ communities will always feel right at home.
For more information about the Grand Strand’s various 55+ communities, visit our website today!
Turn to the Local Real Estate Pros
Ready to make the Grand Strand your new home? Then turn to the local real estate pros at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elliott Coastal Living.
For more than 60 years, BHGRE Elliott Coastal Living has been the name that the Grand Strand trusts for all their real estate needs. Using the latest technology and most innovative marketing strategies, we guarantee that our family of real estate professionals will find the perfect property to suit all your needs.
Give us a call at 843-280-5704 or visit our website today. Together we’ll find you the beach property of your dreams!
