Located in the Southeast region, South Carolina is a beautiful state with ocean and mountain views, classic Southern cuisine and over 90,000 acres of protected parkland. It has nearly 5.2 million residents, over 18% of whom are 65 and over. South Carolina offers a warm climate year-round, giving residents plenty of opportunities to lounge on the beach, visit its more than 350 golf courses and hike the state’s 400 trails, and its very low cost of living makes it a financially feasible option for many retirees.
Independent living provides a maintenance-free lifestyle for active older adults. Unlike assisted living facilities, which are ideal for those who need some personal care services, independent living communities focus on optimizing residents’ comfort and quality of life through social and recreational activities and amenities, housekeeping and lawn care services and daily meals. Some communities have resort-style amenities, such as spas, pools, golf courses, fitness centers and tennis courts. Fees vary considerably depending on a community’s location and amenities, but in general, South Carolina is one of the cheapest states in the nation for this lifestyle, with monthly fees coming in at $2,592 per month.
This guide compares South Carolina’s independent living fees to other states in the Southeast and provides tips on covering costs. It also features an overview of programs and agencies that serve older adults in the state.