Why Retire in Greenville, South Carolina?

Why Retire in Greenville, SC?

While many retirees are heading to South Carolina’s coast areas such as Myrtle Beach, one cannot deny that there are other areas in the state that can match the quality of life retirees dream of. For those who are considering to retire in South Carolina, let us convince you why you should consider retiring in Greenville.

Greenville at a Glance

Greenville, South Carolina is a great place to retire for seniors who still want to be out and about. Greenville’s thriving cultural scene, rich arts and entertainment, vibrant food scene, mild winters, and low cost of living make for an excellent choice for retirees.

When it comes to overall affordability, taxes, and inexpensive health care, retiring to Greenville, SC lets you keep more money in your pocket without requiring a drastic lifestyle change.

Interesting Facts About Greenville SC

source: www.visitgreenvillesc.com/

Housing Costs in the Greenville, SC Area

With many decades of bustling real estate activity, Greenville SC real estate offers old neighborhoods with mature landscaping, condominium communities, and new-home communities.  Home prices range from low $100s into the millions. The greater Greenville area is divided into a variety of unique communities. In Greenville, the largest city and the county seat of Greenville County, lies many historic districts featuring beautiful Victorian homes dating back to the 19th century. Simpsonville has a different feel, with many new construction homes, newer neighborhoods, and homes built within the last 20 years. No matter where in the greater Greenville area or the Upstate, South Carolina, there are great choices for retirees to live.

Median home value (2018-2022) : $248,900
Median mortgage payment (2018-2022) : $1,460
Median Gross Rent (2018-2022) : $1,122
Property tax rate: 0.6%
Property tax breaks for seniors: Homeowners 65 and older, the state’s homestead exemption allows the first $50,000 of a property’s fair market value to be exempt from local property taxes.

You will find wonderful 55+ retirement communities in Greenville. One of the retirement communities in Greenville is Rolling Green Village. Amenities featured in this community include tailored housekeeping services, complimentary local transportation, scenic walking paths around three on-site fishing lakes, lawn and grounds care, multimedia club room, wellness and fitness center, and access to Village Center activities. To see the latest homes available for sale in Rolling Green Village, click below.
Rolling Green Village Real Estate

Another beautiful 55+ retirement community in Greenville is Swansgate. Swansgate has 165 single-family homes and 24 condo units throughout its 42 acres of green space. The community has electronically controlled security gate, convenient to restaurants, shopping, and major road. Amenities in this community include exterior maintenance of all homes, grounds maintenance, planned recreation, and professional community management. To see the latest homes available for sale in Swansgate, click below.
Swansgate Real Estate

COST OF LIVING IN GREENVILLE, SC AREA

If you are considering retiring in the Greenville, SC area. The following information breaks down the average costs of various necessities. Remember that these are averages and the cost of living varies from city to city. Some parts of the county may have higher costs of living than other parts of the Greenville area.

Average Rent in Greenville, SC
As of January 2024, the average rent in Greenville, SC is *$1,685. For someone moving from more expensive parts of the country, such as California or New York, this figure may invoke shock in a positive way. In cities like San Francisco, a $3000 rent is more than enough to own a very nice home and pay for other necessities and still have more money left to save. Also if you choose not to rent, $1,685 can afford you a nice home in one of Greenville’s suburbs.

Average Utilities in Greenville, SC
For a 1,000-square-foot home in Greenville, the average monthly utility bill hovers above $100. If you are budget-conscious, you can lower your utility bill by using energy-efficient appliances and by running their heat and air conditioning sparingly.

Average Food Costs in Greenville, SC
Food prices in the greater Greenville area are slightly below average. Sperling’s index compares Greenville to the U.S. average, with 100 being the national average, Greenville’s food cost index is 99.7. Nevertheless, in Greenville SC, you can keep food costs between $400 and $500 per month and still eat healthy.

Cost of South Carolina Cities and Similar-sized Areas

City Comparison

Nerdwallet has a great calculator that helps you compare the cost of living between two cities. Use their calculator so you can estimate the purchasing power of your salary if you relocate to Greenville. Click here to use their Cost of Living Calculator

Things To Do in Greenville, SC

Sports and Outdoor Activities

The Upstate is abound with natural beauty. The many State Parks and wilderness areas give plenty of recreational opportunities to enjoy the outdoors: Paris Mountain State Park, Caesars Head, Table Rock State Park, Lake Placid, and more.

There are many recreational opportunities in Greenville SC, with lakes, rivers, and mountains as our backyard, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. If you are a nature lover, we have some of the most beautiful nature parks in the region. Pack a bag, hiking books, or fishing rod and head out to Paris Mountain State Park or Table Rock. You will also love the city parks, your post-relocation stress will go away once you see one of the best parks in the country – Greenville Falls Park is like an oasis. The unique pedestrian bridge that curves around a waterfall on the Reedy River is one of the highlights of this beautiful park.

Greenville is also a sports-rich county. Home to Clemson Tigers athletic teams, you will have plenty of opportunities to be a thrilled spectator in a wide variety of sports including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, track and field, and cross-country.

Greenville, SC is packed with fun-filled things to do that will entertain any age. From hundreds of events and festivals year-round to recreational venues where you can have all the fun in the world. Explore things to do in Greenville with this extensive list.

Recreation and Entertainment Activities

Greenville offers a variety of recreation and entertainment options from live theaters around the city, to museums, performing arts, and festivities that strengthen cultural awareness.

The Bi-Lo Center, Peace Center for Performing Arts, and Greenville County Museum of Art are among the popular cultural attractions. Big events like Fall for Greenville, Artisphere, Euphoria, and other outdoor events and concerts showcase music, food, dance, heritage, and more. Greenville is a great supporter of the Arts and has activities indoors and out almost year-round.

Greenville may not be a big city, but it has everything. There are 39 parks, playgrounds, jogging trails, sports centers, picnic grounds, ball fields, great dining, and shopping options around the city. These attractions enhance the quality of life in Greenville.

Weather In Greenville, SC

Tired of the cold weather? You will surely love Greenville! Winters in Greenville are short and generally cool. Sometimes we only get 3 inches of snow. Summer is not hot though it can get warm, being surrounded by mountains makes summer days less humid, plus with all the outdoor opportunities you will surely enjoy summer in Greenville. Below will give you an idea of what to expect from month-to-month weather trends in the greater Greenville area.

There are many recreational opportunities in Greenville SC, with lakes, rivers, and mountains as our backyard, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. If you are a nature lover, we have some of the most beautiful nature parks in the region. Pack a bag, hiking books, or fishing rod and head out to Paris Mountain State Park or Table Rock. You will also love the city parks, your post-relocation stress will go away once you see one of the best parks in the country – Greenville Falls Park is like an oasis. The unique pedestrian bridge that curves around a waterfall on the Reedy River is one of the highlights of this beautiful park.

GREENVILLE, SC DINING EXPERIENCE

Greenville SC offers many culinary delights to charm your taste buds. So many, in downtown Greenville alone, there are more than 110 restaurants on a mile and a half stretch of Main Street. Downtown Greenville is a favorite destination for those who want to experience a unique variety of dining experiences. Here are some of the best places to eat in Greenville, SC.

Excellent Healthcare Facilities

Greenville is currently served by two major healthcare systems, Prisma Health, former Greenville Health System that merged with Palmetto Health in 2017 (public), and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System (private).  They have campuses and facilities in the Upstate.

Prisma Health is widely recognized as the state’s most comprehensive healthcare provider, the largest not-for-profit health organization in South Carolina, and one of the Southeast’s leading medical facilities while Bon Secours St. Francis Health System boasts some of the highest patient satisfaction ratings in the nation.

In addition to the two health systems, Greenville’s Shriners Hospitals for Children is one of the 22 hospitals in the international health care system specializing in orthopedic and neuromuscular care. The hospital does not only provide quality care for the children in the state but also for nearby states. The hospital provides expert orthopaedic care to children under 18, free of charge.

Relocating to Greenville, SC?

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