8 REASONS TO RETIRE TO MYRTLE BEACH: ONE OF THE CHEAPEST PLACES TO RETIRE
Is it time to start considering retirement? If so, now might be the perfect time to find that dream home you’ve been waiting for. Myrtle Beach and its surrounding areas are an ideal retirement community. With all the luxuries of a permanent vacation, retirees will never run out of entertainment and activities. If you are searching for the cheapest beach towns to live in, here are the top ten reasons to choose retirement in Myrtle Beach.
- Low Taxes and Great Benefits for Retirees
South Carolina is one of the cheapest states to live in for retirees. Retirees may receive up to $15,000 in retirement tax deductions. South Carolina also doesn’t tax social security benefits, making Myrtle Beach one of the cheapest beaches to retire to. Moreover, South Carolina’s homeowner property tax rate is cheaper than the national average. All these combined benefits ensure retirees will save money by moving to the Myrtle Beach area.
- Many Multi-Community Subdivisions to Choose from
The Myrtle Beach area has grown into an increasingly desirable community over the last twenty years. With many multi-community subdivisions that offer their own entertainment amenities and different subdivisions, it is no wonder retirees are flocking to Myrtle Beach. There are several Myrtle Beach retirement communities that focus on active lifestyles for retirees who wish to join clubs and meet new people.
- The Cost of Living is Below the National Average
South Carolina is among the lowest cost of living states for retirees. Besides the lower tax rates, homebuyers also enjoy lower home costs. According to Bestplaces.net, the average cost of a home in Myrtle Beach is $218,700. This is a great deal, especially for retirees who are moving from cities with higher cost of living averages. A lower home cost means you will have more money to spend on leisure activities.
- Great Health Care Systems
One important aspect of choosing where to retire is locating the best health care systems near you. Myrtle Beach has three great healthcare systems so that residents will have every medical need met. The Tidelands Health System is an affiliate of MUSC—one of the top hospital systems in South Carolina. Grand Strand Regional is recognized by the Joint Commission for their chest pain treatment, knee and hip replacement, and sepsis and stroke rehabilitation. Mcleod Health is a premier not-for-profit medical center in Myrtle Beach with over 800 physicians to choose from.
- Beautiful Weather for Retirees to Enjoy
Myrtle Beach is among the best warm places to retire. With temperatures generally ranging from the mid 60’s to the high 80’s there are plenty of perfect days to enjoy the miles of beaches and marshlands surrounding the area. The coldest month of the year usually falls in January, with an average temperature in the low 50’s to 40’s. You may see a couple of days that get down to the 30’s, but they don’t last for long.
- Nationally Ranked Golf Courses
Myrtle Beach is home to one of the best golf courses in the U.S.—the Tournament Players Club. Of course, there are also nationally ranked golf clubs, like The Dunes Golf & Beach Club and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. With extra time on your hands, you will be able to work through all of Myrtle Beaches’ prestigious courses. It won’t take long to knock some strokes off your golf game.
- Great Natural Beauty for Outdoor Activities
With miles of pristine beaches and protected marshlands, there is no shortage of nature to enjoy around Myrtle Beach. Retirees may enjoy walking through Brookgreen Botanical Gardens or taking a sunset stroll through Huntington Beach State Park. There are also tons of outdoor fun available at Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk—a boardwalk situated among protected marsh. Birdwatchers will spot many Southern native species to cross off their list.
- Local Airport for Retirement Travel
With a local airport nearby and a lot of free time, there will be ample opportunity for travel. Traveling during retirement can be more rewarding than vacationing during your working years. With no work restraints, you will have enough time to explore countries unknown. A lot of people choose to use their retirement time and money to travel the world at their own pace. Myrtle Beach’s airport offers cheap flights to many countries both in and out of the United States. For those destinations that Myrtle Beach Airport doesn’t reach, you can drive a short two hours to the Charleston Airport.
These eight reasons are among a few of the perks of retiring in Myrtle Beach. If you are seeking a beach oasis for the rest of your days, Myrtle Beach will send you on a permanent vacation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Garden City Realty with any questions about buying a home in the Grand Strand.
Written by Katie Robison, blog contributor for Garden City Realty