If you’re looking to retire in South Carolina, Columbia makes a compelling choice. Nearby Lake Murray offers fishing and the state’s only inland waterfall, and downtown is home to theatres, sports venues, and excellent dining. If you’re looking for an exciting yet affordable retirement, SC is the state to come to!
According to SmartAsset, 40,663 retirees decided South Carolina was the right destination for them in 2024. And no wonder, with outstanding retirement communities like TerraBella Windsor Lake. We provide affordable independent living that doesn’t skimp on amenities, close to everything Columbia, SC, has to offer.
Where Does South Carolina Rank for Retirees?
By migration, South Carolina consistently sits near the top most years for a net increase of retirees moving to the state. Returning to SmartAsset’s study mentioned earlier, it ranked South Carolina third by net movement of retirees, with a net gain of 20,895.
Although heavyweights like Florida and Arizona continue to draw in crowds of seniors each year, South Carolina is building momentum. This is due to a heady mix of lower overall costs, tax-friendly policies for retirees, and varied lifestyle options across the state.
Is It Better to Retire in South Carolina or Florida?
It depends on your priorities and personal circumstances. Florida frequently tops the overall “best states to retire list,” and this year is no exception. NerdWallet’s 2025 survey ranks it at number 1 for retirees, driven largely by its low taxes and senior-friendly amenities.
However, that does not mean that Florida is the best state for you to retire to. SC retirement towns have lots of personality and plenty to offer retirees. Additionally, there are tax advantages in South Carolina as well.
South Carolina Pros
Senior living in Columbia, SC, can provide some benefits you may not get if you move further south. For example:
- South Carolina’s climate is milder than Florida’s, which can be oppressive in summer.
- The Palmetto state is less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed way of life.
- South Carolina may not have the same tax breaks as Florida, but the overall cost of living may be lower.
If aging in place is no longer the best option, the independent living benefits offered by South Carolina retirement communities, such as TerraBella Windsor Lake, are tough to beat in the Sunshine State.
Taxes in South Carolina
It’s true that South Carolina does not have the same 0% income tax that Florida does. However, the South Carolina Department of Revenue offers the following tips to help retirees lower their taxes:
- Military retirement pay is not taxed, and this also applies to surviving spouses receiving military retirement income.
- After the age of 65, an individual taxpayer can deduct $10,000 of qualifying retirement income from their taxes.
- After they reach 65, retirees can also claim a $15,000 deduction against any South Carolina income.
- There is no income tax to pay on Social Security benefits.
There may be other deductions and incentives available depending on your personal circumstances. Make sure to do the math and calculate whether you can enjoy an affordable retirement in SC with these tax breaks.
Is Columbia, South Carolina, Good for Retirees?
If you’re looking for an affordable and enjoyable retirement, then the answer is a resounding yes! Columbia is the state capital, yet its cost of living sits below the national average. The city offers a burgeoning culinary scene, museums, parks, and the beloved Soda City Market every Saturday.
Pair that with TerraBella Windsor Lake’s on-site comforts, and you’ve got an easy, maintenance-free path to a blissful retirement in a community designed for active seniors.
A Simpler Life at Windsor Lake
Retirement is not the time to worry about fixing the roof or mowing the lawn. With our independent living apartments at TerraBella Windsor Lake, you never have to worry about home or yard maintenance again. You get a beautiful and safe apartment designed for the needs of seniors that is completely private and involves zero maintenance.
We also provide the following services that make life less stressful:
- Weekly housekeeping
- Laundry service
- On-site beauty and barber shop
- Restaurant-style meals served daily
Activities That Make Life Fun
It’s true that there is so much to do in the Columbia area. But if you don’t feel like going on, there is also a lot happening in our independent living community.
Every day, we have a full roster of activities. These include:
- Fitness and wellness sessions
- Games
- Outings
- Religious services
- Educational programs
Each resident chooses their own schedule, but many find it’s a chance for the best and easiest social life they have had in years!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gives Columbia the Advantage Over SC Coastal Spots?
We will never knock South Carolina’s incredible coast, but many seniors find that it is not really the lifestyle they are looking for in their golden years. Instead, their priorities switch to what Columbia has to offer.
This includes excellent healthcare, accessible shopping, and quick access to nature. Plus, costs tend to be lower inland than at the coast.
How Can I Quickly Compare SC Retirement Towns?
Start with three parameters: overall cost of living, nearby attractions that interest you, and community programming that fits your preferences. Once you have narrowed down your options, arrange trips to visit the ones left on your list. It can be a good idea to stay a few days in the area to get a feel for the kind of community you will be moving into.
What Are the Overlooked Perks of Independent Living in Columbia?
Something seniors can underestimate is the value of community and connection. Although your home is totally private, you always have the option of socializing easily. This can help to combat loneliness, which is all too common in many seniors aging in place.
Time to Retire in South Carolina?
If affordability and community are your guiding principles, you have likely concluded that it makes a lot of sense to retire in South Carolina. At TerraBella Windsor Lake, we offer affordable independent living without sacrificing the perks.
That means chef-prepared meals, safety features, and a vibrant activity calendar tailored to seniors’ interests and needs. Schedule a tour today to explore our community and decide whether it’s the right fit for you.
