Greenville Makes U.S. News List of Top Retirement Cities

Greenville keeps showing up on “best places to retire” lists. Greenville was ranked No. 60 among the top places to retire in the country, according to U.S. News. 

This is a big shift from the city’s prior placement at No. 30, though the change reflects a new methodology rather than a decline in the city. Greenville remained the highest-ranked city in South Carolina, and the third-highest in the Southeast (outside Florida).

Greenville is praised for its low cost of living, mild climate, and active community vibe. So if you’re looking for a place to settle into your next chapter, Greenville might check a lot of your boxes.

What you’ll love

Great location + nature

Greenville sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You get that access to nature without completely being off the map.
Downtown is walkable, lively, and close to parks like Falls Park on the Reedy. 

Affordable living

Homes here tend to be more affordable than many hot retirement markets. Forbes noted a median home price around $317,000, which was about 22% below the national average at the time. South Carolina also has more favorable tax treatment for retirees compared to some states. 

A lively scene for “retirement + life”

If you want more than just quiet days, Greenville offers dining, arts, music, trails, and a community of people who have chosen to be here for this phase of life.

Things to check & ask when you visit

• Weather: The climate is mild, but you’ll want to see if you’re comfortable with southern summers and how the seasons feel to you.

• Healthcare access: Make sure your preferred doctors/hospitals are nearby. Retiring in a new city means checking the support network.

• Housing choices: Are you looking for a single-family home, condo, or retirement community? Explore neighborhoods north of downtown, suburbs, or closer in based on what you prefer.

• Lifestyle fit: Do you imagine being very active (hiking, biking, volunteering, events) or more relaxed? Greenville offers both, so knowing your style is helpful.

• Tax & cost considerations: Even though housing may be affordable, other costs (utilities, local taxes, insurance) vary. Ask how property taxes compare in different parts of Greenville County.

• Long-term plan: If you expect mobility changes or want accessible housing, check walkability, public transit, and proximity of services now.

Tips if you start looking seriously

• Schedule a trip and stay for a few days in different neighborhoods: downtown, near trails, suburbs. Get a feel for what each zone offers.

• Talk to locals who have retired there — what they like, what surprised them.

• Visit community centers, senior programs, outdoor trails (like the local Swamp Rabbit Trail) to see if the pace suits you.

• Have a budget mapped out: housing + maintenance + travel + hobbies.

• Consider climate factors: humidity, summer heat, winter mildness—how it compares to where you are now.

• Think ahead: If you move now, will this place still work for you 10-15 years down the line?

If you’re looking for a retirement spot that gives you nature, affordability, an active community, and good amenities—Greenville is very much worth exploring.
Take your time. Visit. Ask questions. Picture your “everyday” here. Then decide if the place matches how you want your next chapter to feel.