According to Travel + Leisure, the northern city is the best place in South Carolina to retire

Workers considering retiring to sunny South Carolina should read this article from Travel + Leisure.

In a compilation of the eight best places in the state to retire, two Upstate cities made the top five, with one ranking at No. 1. Another area city made the top 10.

Greenville tops the list of best places to retire, closely followed by Anderson at number 4. Spartanburg also made the rankings, coming in at number 8.

“South Carolina is a great place to live, a great place to visit, and a great place to retire. From the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast to the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with plenty of charming small towns and scenic lakes in between, South Carolina has something for everyone,” Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, told Travel + Leisure.

Here’s why you should spend your retirement in one of these three cities, according to local experts.

Why is SC a good place to live for retirees?

South Carolina’s low cost of living is one of the main reasons newcomers move to the state. For retirees, there are additional benefits. According to Travel + Leisure, retirees don’t have to pay state taxes on Social Security benefits. Residents age 65 and older can deduct up to $10,000 of their retirement income from state taxes. Residents under age 65 can deduct up to $3,000. Residents age 65 and older may also be eligible for a $50,000 tax exemption on the value of their home after living in the state for a full calendar year. This is possible through the Homestead Exemption benefit.

Greenville is the best place for retirees in South Carolina

Greenville received high praise in Travel + Leisure for its walkable downtown, entertainment options and parks. While Greenville doesn’t have beaches, it’s less than four hours from beautiful coastal destinations like Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Retirees who enjoy traveling can do so at Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP), which offers 100 nonstop flights daily to 23 destinations across the U.S.

“Greenville offers retirees a dynamic mix of small-town charm and big-city convenience, with a rich cultural scene, farm-to-table dining and vibrant community events,” Sean Hartness, CEO of Hartness Development, told Travel + Leisure.

Anderson in close proximity to Lake Hartwell

In 2022, Anderson was among the best places to retire in the U.S. according to Travel + Leisure, earning it the nickname “The Friendliest City in South Carolina.” Redfin data from May 2024 shows that home prices are down 3.3% year-over-year, with the median sales price at $250,000. A historic downtown offers residents community, dining, and shopping. Retirees who enjoy boating or fishing will most enjoy nearby Lake Hartwell, which hosts various fishing tournaments annually. Fish species anglers can land in the lake include catfish, striped bass, and walleye, among others.

Spartanburg is home to the BMW Museum, Driving School and Plant

Like Anderson and Greenville, Spartanburg offers retirees a low cost of living and was named one of the best places to retire in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. The League of American Bicyclists also named the city the state’s first bike-friendly city. North America’s only BMW museum is one of the attractions highlighted by Travel + Leisure, as is the city’s BMW Performance Driving School and BMW plant (the only one in the U.S.). When it comes to outdoor recreation, Spartanburg has no shortage of things to do, from escaping to nature to its vibrant nightlife. What makes this location so beneficial for retirees, however, is the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, which offers free fitness classes each week for seniors ages 50 and older.

“Spartanburg offers a lower cost of living and many amenities that appeal to retirees. Our amenities include great weather, world-class hiking trails, expansive waterways, a thriving arts and culture scene, an up-and-coming downtown with great shops, restaurants and a minor league baseball stadium,” Billy Dunlap, chief tourism development officer of OneSpartanburg, Inc., told Travel + Leisure.

Nina Tran covers current affairs for The Greenville News. You can reach her by email at [email protected].

Why is SC a good place to live for retirees?

Greenville is the best place for retirees in South Carolina

Anderson in close proximity to Lake Hartwell

Spartanburg is home to the BMW Museum, Driving School and Plant

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