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South Carolina has a lot to offer as a relocation option for retirees. Northerners can expect to thaw early in the year, while those in the Deep South can expect four distinct seasons. Nearly everyone who moves to South Carolina appreciates the low cost of living and high quality of life.
Many retirees have found another of South Carolina’s attractions, charming towns with universities that provide an exciting environment for retirement. The combination of youthful energy, academic achievement, and cultural stimulation of a college town is instantly appealing, and large numbers of seniors are realizing that it’s not just for the young, but for the young at heart.
From the cobblestone streets to the gaslights glowing in front of antebellum homes, it’s hard not to fall in love with Charleston. Charleston has a strong economy, with the fourth busiest port in the country and an excellent health care system.
The University of Charleston’s more than 9,700 students make up the largest slice of the undergraduate pie, followed by Trident Technical College with more than 6,000 students. There are a few other schools with about 2,000 students each, including Citadel Military University, Medical University of South Carolina, and Charleston Southern University.
The College of Charleston has two programs for seniors: a Center for Creative Retreatsimilar to the program found in Asheville, NC, and the Shelter Program for the Elderly. The Center for Creative Retirement is a member-run organization with weekly conferences, discussion groups, educational tours, social activities, and other programs to stimulate interest, without participants having to worry about homework and grades. The Center also helps newcomers understand more about Charleston by providing informative lectures on the history of the area and its people. The Elderhostel program is a non-profit organization that charges a fee and organizes experience-based travel and learning activities for seniors.
Moving up the coast, our next town is one you may not have heard of before, Conway. Located about 16 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach, Conway is a great city for retirees. The cost of living is remarkably low, due to its proximity to the beach. Conway residents may also worry less about seasonal hurricanes, since its inland location reduces some of the storms’ force. Conway has its own hospital, located in the city, as well as being located 156 miles from the Myrtle Beach facility. The city of Conway, located along the Waccamaw River, with a population of about 13,500 people, shows strong signs of growth. Coastal Carolina University is located in Conway and with over 4,000 students, it is an integral part of the community. Seniors can find courses at the lifelong learners catalog. Courses run from one session to multiple classes.
Columbia It may be known as the state capital, but it is also home to several universities. The largest, with an enrollment of about 20,000 students, is the University of South Carolina at Columbia. Other colleges in Columbia include Midlands Technical College, with approximately 6,000 students, and Benedict College, with approximately 3,000 students. Now, due to the size of the city of Columbia, many people will not consider it their quintessential college town. But, with around 30,000 students at Columbia, you’re sure to have plenty of opportunities to get into the classroom. USC Columbia is your best bet to continue your education in retirement. There are non-credit certificate programs, online courses you can take from the comfort of your home, and the traditional curriculum that is open to students of all ages. If you want to live in a college town for the events it offers, Columbia is a great place to choose. USC Columbia has competitive teams that play football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, and more. USC’s football program is one of the best in the nation, consistently fielding great teams and sending players to the NFL. There are concerts ranging from a cappella groups to recitals by piano or guitar teachers. .
For your classic definition of a college town, head to the mountains and visit Clemson. Home to Clemson University and the orange-clad Clemson Tigers football team, with its rabid fans, come football season you’ll be in the middle of some of the best college football the country has to offer. The town of Clemson is small, encompassing the school campus, a main street, and a few other small streets. Nightlife and restaurant offerings in the city are somewhat limited, but display a cosmopolitan flair befitting a college town. For more options, you can drive a bit to Seneca, which is a growing town near the shores of Lake Keowee. Greenville is only 45 minutes away, so you won’t be too far from the airport and more shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Residents of the Clemson area are in luck, as the university is home to a branch of the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning (OLI). OLLI centers can be found throughout the country and focus on enhancing the social, recreational, and educational development of senior citizens. It’s a membership-based group, with nominal fees for a wide range of classes.
Greenville It has a total of around 13,000 students, spread over three colleges. They are Greenville Technical College, Bob Jones University, and Furman University. Downtown Greenville is a tree-lined walkable area, perfect for newcomers and long-time residents alike. There are plenty of options for shopping, dining, and nightlife. With the Greenville area experiencing rapid growth, now is a great time for retirees to investigate the area.
The largest university in Greenville, South Carolina, is Greenville Technical College, with about 6,000 students, followed by Bob Jones University, which has about 3,500 students, and Furman University, which has about 3,000 students. Greenville Technical College has a continuing education department that has a number of vocational-based courses, such as computer science and business, or healthcare courses. Bob Jones University is a great venue for events and cultural events. There are art exhibits, Bible lectures (it’s a Christian university), plays, and much more. Bob Jones also has a good continuing education department with a variety of computer classes, digital photography courses, scripture study, and health and fitness classes to keep you fit between courses. Furman University steals the show when it comes to community involvement. There’s the Furman Golf Club, a recruitment service that places college students with residents who need help with a job, and a large continuing education department coordinated by the Furman University Learning in Retirement (FULIR) division. FULIR partners with the aforementioned Elderhostel program in our Charleston chapter and provides a safe and friendly learning environment for seniors.
Choosing any of these South Carolina College Towns for Retirement it’s a great idea. Cities like Charleston and Columbia will give you access to universities as well as a wide range of city entertainment, while places like Clemson and Conway are a bit more laid back. Greenville is a great mix of the two. No matter your size and pace preference, staying active is the key to a successful and enjoyable retirement. Good luck on your quest to find the best places to live in South Carolina!