Judith Reports Back: Her 2 Week Retirement Tour of South Carolina

I have an addendum to my comments on Lake Keowee. I was feeling disturbed because I was sure, before my trip, that I'd seen Lake Keowee mentioned numerous times as a good candidate for retirement. Why then, did it look so ugly? So after I wrote my above post, I dug in and researched the area online. Turns out that I just didn't go far enough up the road that day. (I was flyin' blind because I don't have gps or a smart phone.) There's Keowee Springs, Keowee Falls, The Reserve, and Keowee Vineyards. All of these are quite shi-shi and very beautiful. Way too remote for me, but if you're going to check out Lake Keowee, you need to go a lot farther up the road than I did.

Curious to know how many of these places fared during Matthew.

The Del Webb community in Summerville was unscathed.
Summerville is not in a hurricane nor flood zone.

I wanted to thank Judith for taking the time and effort to write such a comprehensive review. I'll give SC a closer look because of it.

Judith, I found your letter on your quick trip to SC very informative. I was disappointed to hear Greenville has become so busy and large; last time I was there 10 yrs ago, I thought it would be perfect. I am interested in the area as my Son lives north of Atlanta and it would be about one and a half hrs from him. I am 69 a and have a few medical issues, therefore it's important to have A+ medical facilities. I may have to rethink my plans, I used to live in Fort Mill, SC and loved it but it's too far from my Son. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Libby

My husband and I retired to Hilton Head this past May and, like pschmidt, we are thrilled with our decision. Nice people everywhere, and, although it does get warm and crowded in the Summer, we don't consider either much of a deterrent. Being in a plantation on the north end of the island, we don't get many tourists -- and, no matter how hot it gets, it doesn't even come close to shoveling thirty inches of snow in Pennsylvania in the Winter. We like Bluffton as well. Good luck in your quest.

My friend and I also visited Aiken (Oct 16 -Oct 20) this year as I had read about it previously and am interested in moving from Vero Beach FL (after being here 45 years).......looking for a change of seasons, less seasonal traffic, affordability, etc. We were both very impressed with the area, very pretty, rolling hills, winding roads, cotton fields, quaint downtown area and lots of restaurants.The landscape reminded me of my original Northeastern roots. Gorgeous estate homes surrounded by stables and horse pastures. New homes very affordable, and very friendly people everywhere you go. As far as Judith's comment about being isolated, the state capital Columbia airport is about an hour away, and the Augusta GA airport is 20 minutes away just across the state line. This was a concern for me also, as I will be leaving my children and grands here in FL and I did not want to be more than 8 hrs driving time away or at least be near an airport. My only negative is that if you needed to do any serious clothes shopping you would need to go to Augusta Mall as the Aiken Mall is basically closing down. I was told that it is to be torn down and replaced with an open air Mall. Other than that there are lots of stores to purchase anything else that you would want besides clothing. I will make one more trip, but right now it looks like I will be moving to Aiken!

I can't believe there is no mention of the Charleston area. We retired a year ago to Daniel Island and love it!

I relocated from NJ to the Greenville area and settled in Simpsonville. It is a rural/suburban community within an easy drive to Greenville. The roads infrastructure in the Greenville area needs improvement to match the expansion, but it is coming. As was mentioned earlier, downtown Greenville is walkable and has many cultural opportunities that one can enjoy and when enough has been absorbed...then escape back to the burbs.

Interesting! My wife and I took the same trip several years ago before we retired. Loved Travelers Rest! Close to Furman University and they have Osher Lifelong Learning center there for a big plus! Drove to Aiken. Loved Aiken! Homes were in our budget of under 300K. Drove to Summerville ( we bought our perfect home here- Villas at Charleston Park.) Loved it. Great schools, excellent medical facilities here ( associated with Medical University of South Carolina )
houses we could afford. Traffic meh. Avoid I-26 before 9am and after 5pm. Close to Charleston and food and culture etc. Also, Summerville has a wonderful Farmers Market from early spring to Christmas.
Did not like Beaufort. Downtown is a jewel. Everything else is surrounded by trailer parks. Although many of the beautiful communities on the islands surrounding Beaufort are pricey they too are surrounded by very low income housing.
Looked at Myrtle Beach. Hated it!! Every community- many lovely communities I might add but all are on or right off Hwy 17 with their traffic and tattoo parlors, Wave stores for beach stuff and red lights every quarter mile. Also when I want to be in Myrtle Beach so do millions of others. Crowded restaurants, crowded roads, crowded beaches, no place to park to use the beach.
Greenville is a jewel- close to Furman etc. close to Travelers Rest, P/t jobs everywhere.
Everything Judith said is correct.
Loved Summerville! We are here!!

My wife and I are taking a short trip over Veterans Day weekend to look at the Bluffton and Hilton Head area and I'm wondering if anyone could recommend specific communities off of 278 to look at? Also, do any readers here have any experience or knowledge of the Spartanburg area? I'd be interested in reading your thoughts and opinions of that city as well.

Tim. Spartanburg is very similar to Greenville, only on a smaller scale. Several fine colleges - Wofford and Converse bring educated people to the area. BMW has brought an international flavor as well to the town-- as well as educated engineering types. Many choices in and around as well. North of Spartanburg you have some wonderful smaller burgs that are interesting as well - Landrum and Tryon NC a very horsey town. Many fine choices. Schools are very good and medical facilities are first rate.

Greetings! I am 55 and on my own for the first time. Am looking for a small house in a safe community. Am on a very small income. Have been looking in Tennessee and S. Carolina - but the housing costs seem to be going up.

Any suggestions?

After extensive searching from Charleston to Savannah, we bought and moved to Dataw Island, near Beaufort, last year. We are in love with the Beaufort area, it's history, its natural beauty - yes, we adore the live oaks, the beaches, and the low-country marshlands so rich with natural wildlife, its many restaurants from fine dining at Saltus, to casual traditional Southern fare, like Plums on the waterfront. If you are looking to be near the coast, you can't beat the 69 Sea Islands in this area! Many communities to choose from on the islands - will take days to explore them all if you are considering a look-see trip. We spent several years investigating and settled on Dataw Island for its peace, amenities, and close knit residents from all over the US who have retired here. There is so much to do that you have to reign yourself in or you will be exhausted! Hurricane Matthew took down many trees and did some damage to homes and our marina but life is returning to normal here and the weather is perfect in November!

To Libby- Based on what you say about your son, I'm going to suggest you explore the retirement communities in northern and central GA. Go to the Georgia page on this website and take the time to study each and every one of them online. I think you'll be glad you did.

To Nikki- I actually did mention Charleston, at the very end of my first post. I said I had avoided it on my two-week trip because I knew I didn't want to live there. Actually, I should not have used the words "didn't want to." I had done lots of research before my trip, and I totally agree with you that you do live in paradise. If money were no object, places like Daniel Island (James, Johns, Mt. Pleasant, etc.) would have been visited. But they're just not in my budget. I'm happy for you that they were; I'm sure you love it there.

My husband and I are looking for a retirement home in the south on a freshwater lake which has good fishing. I have a single sculling boat, so a lake with motor limits would be nice. We are also looking for the usual things like good access to excellent healthcare and cultural activities. Anyone have an idea?

I tend to avoid those areas that are prone to Hurricanes and flooding Charleston is a prime example of an area hit by both.
With Global warming causing the sea temps to rise I am always looking at the elevation of the property to determine a place to live.
Miami for example is currently installing pumps to try to stop the flooding that is occurring daily there. Property values will fall to zero as the water levels continue to rise. In many costal areas and they are forcasting increased hurricane activity. These facts are currently causing mandatory insurance premiums to skyrocket in these areas.
Most of Florida and many areas pf Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina are also raising rates over 25% per years to many thousands of dollars and that is if you can qualify to get insurance.

Before you think that this is something way out in the future you are wrong. North Carolina recently got hit by a minor Hurricane and it flooded areas never flooded in 150 years. Folks be very careful about looking at property that is beautiful today but could be under water in the next few years.

To those of you that are deniers I have some prime property to offer you !

To Ron, Yes, I agree with you. Buyer beware! I have lived on the coast all of my life, but made the decision a few months ago to move. Am now going inland, out of state. Have dealt with 6 hurricanes too many here in FL, and I am still cleaning up after Matthew which brushed by us a few weeks ago. Not to mention the high cost of homeowners insurance, and going up every year!

To Lynne....I have seen new construction homes in several SC towns, small 3/2/2 starting in the $150,000 and up price range in nice areas on the internet. SC has a low cost of living, also.

Lynne
Take a look at the retirement communities pages on this website for more info on the states you're interested in. The Forum too may offer additional comments.

Note to Judith and John, Come back You missed a jewel....!!!!! Seabrook Island SC. adjacent to Kiawah Island.
Seabrook is a gorgeous island right on the Atlantic next to more well known/pricey Kiawah which is all about golf.
Seabrook the less pricey cousin has golf but so much more.... A beautiful lake house with outdoor& indoor pool. It also includes a well equipped gym, library, spaces for meetings/ hobbies & classes like yoga and tai chi. How about Personal Trainers and an on-site Massage therapist?.What else? A full equestrian center where you can ride in the marshes and on the beach!, A wonderful tennis center that hosts major SE tournaments. Ocean side dining while watching the dolphins! Over 100 clubs and organizations... Painting, Photograhy, Nature Conservancy. Field trips of every genre, Cooking and book clubs, bird watching, dog lover groups and numerous opportunities to give back through Habitat, After school and healthcare groups that focus on giving back. I bought a marsh side condo and can't wait to be there full time!!!!!! Great rental income in the meantime! Check out Seabrook!!!!!!

Diane and Moderator Flo - Thank you for your replies. Love this forum.......so many nice people and such great knowledge and advice! Many thanks!

Sue,

What is the name of the community you describe in Seabrook Island SC? Is in a flood zone?
We currently live in Greenville but are researching the SC coast.

Thanks!

Fionna

Seabrook Island is the name of the community which is located on Johns Island south of Charleston. It's next door to Kiawah Island, the upscale golf resort.

Seabrook Island--
Fiona is right. It is beautiful with lots of great activities. What she doesn't mention though is that property owners are required to join the "club" with initiation fees, monthly dues and dining minimums. There is also some dissention between property owners (mostly non-residents) and the POA board. Flood insurance is required for most properties. I'd be interested in what her flood insurance is.

Lynne,
Using our Advanced Search you can select criteria that is important to you in finding communities. You can choose Towns, Cost of Living, Type of Community, and Amenities. A list of our communities that meet your preferences will be be generated for you after making your selections and hitting the GO button.
http://www.topretirements.com/Browse.html

Another tool you will find helpful is our Retirement Ranger Quiz. After answering just a few questions, a personalized list of communities will be sent to your email address.
http://www.topretirements.com/retirementranger.html

Judith, great information. I, too am searching in the $300,000 range. Did anyplace in particular impress you re wildlife? I've looked at new home sights and was discouraged by loss of nature in the areas. Would like to better zero in my viewing area. Thanks again for all your info.

To Jeanne- Perhaps Travelers Rest would come out on top on the wildlife scale. I say that because that's where the ratio of undeveloped land to developed land is the highest. But that's just an off-the-cuff answer, what seems logical to me. Can you set aside some time to drive yourself around your areas of interest?

i am relieved it was not me they were looking for as i already live in sc, lol. i did however think the writer skipped many areas of south carolina that should be considered. she totally wrote off the coastal towns from myrtle beach to charleston. there are many, she didnt mention the camden area which is also lovely and akin to aiken. it looks like she skipped the mountains in northern part of the state where there are many parks and waterfalls and close to civilization. i thought is was not a well thought out researched representation of south carolina.

I don't think the article was meant to be a representation of the entire state, but just a report on her areas of possible interest. IMHO, the article was great and very informative.

A great article Judith. I am sure glad you took time to share your impressions and views of the places you were interested.

Thank you, Staci and Dey.

I know this seems unheard of on this Blog, but we've never been to SC or NC. We tried to visit the last two years in Spring or Fall. But have been stopped by floods, hurricanes, ice, and now fire. I know it's been an unusual year. When is a good time to visit? Not the humid Summer I hope. This is starting to become a Bucket List item. Don't plan to move just see what you all see.

SandySW, let me tell you a story... :<) In Sept 1996, I was in London, UK, on business, when Hurricane Fran slammed into NC. One local news source said: "It was arguably the worst hurricane to ever hit North Carolina". The news was all over the media (CNN Intl especially). I heard nothing from home. I tried to call and the lines were down (no cell at that time). CNN said that NC had been destroyed. I was rather extremely worried and, rather than stay the extra three days touring Wales as planned, I got the earliest plane home. On my return I found my wife and mother (who lived with us at the time) and my home were fine -- basically untouched (one huge oak fell in the woods). My community was almost untouched except for some fallen trees, though everyone lost power for about a week. My daughter and her family 40 miles east of us in Raleigh were fine as were almost all residents. Raleigh and eastward had hundreds of downed trees. East of I-95, there was massive damage and flooding which cost millions of dollars. By the holiday season, almost everything had been cleaned up and mostly restored. Don't misunderstand -- the impact was horrendous and affected some people's lives for years, but the media reports dramatically overstated the impact. Parts of coastal NC had been heavily damaged, but the state was far from being destroyed.

Those reports have come at every major hurricane (and some minor ones). I've lived in NC since 1962 and I find the whole concept that people are afraid to move to NC and SC because of "the hurricanes and tornadoes" to be absolutely laughable. In no way am I diminishing the level of fear and damage experienced by those who bore the brunt -- they have had my sympathy and our help. But my advice is to not let media reports stop you from visiting. In the immediate aftermath, you may see some unfortunate results from one of these storms for weeks or even months but, frankly, if you travel in those parts, the folks could use the influx of revenue. (Don't rush in immediately unless your are ready and willing to lend direct assistance, but for most areas given even just a few weeks, life goes back to near normal.)

Shopping for both Seabrook and Kiawah Islands is conveniently located at two locations; Freshfields Village (www.freshfieldsvillage.com) and the Bohicket Marina (www.bohicket.com). Each location is just a few minutes drive from either island.

Rich, I have the same thoughts about CA earthquake reports. It always sounds as if the entire state bit the dust while in reality, only a yucca tree in the desert fell down. To date, I've only lost a salt shaker in a quake while another area,100 miles away, has major freeway damage.

We've tried visiting SC/NC in May, September, and October without success. Can you recommend some more neutral weather months for exploration or does it all depend on the closeness to the water?

:<) I hear you, Sandy, but... let's see, not in the humid months. Umm, avoid tornadoes . And eliminate hurricane season -- that would be Jun to Dec with typical peak in Aug - Oct. So, honestly, I would just say "try again". The good news is that tornadoes, hurricanes and humidity generally overlap.

My favorite times? Late Apr - early May, and probably Oct. So you have the right idea. The only thing I can promise you is that we probably won't fall off into the Pacific... :<)) And yes, the coastal areas including the coastal plain generally get the brunt of hurricanes.

But Hazel (1954) pretty much wiped out the entire east coast, Hugo (1989) swept across SC and up through western NC across the mountains, Fran (1996) hit all of the eastern half of NC, Sandy (2013) again took out the eastern seaboard, and Floyd (1999) and Matthew (2016) while of lesser intensity caused some of the worst flooding ever seen in coastal NC. I mention these specifically because I had direct personal experience with all of them as well as with others (perhaps) less memorable.

More than a yucca in the desert :<), but it's why I do understand your reluctance to rush in when a hurricane is on the way. As I said, keep trying. It really doesn't happen every year, but with global warming, honestly, the chances are increasing. (I know "global warming" is another potentially hot topic -- just let me cite a report in this weeks local newscast. 16 of the hottest years ever on record have been within the past 17 years.)

In that first line, the end got cut off -- NC tornado season begins in May through about July -- or when the hurricanes come in.

Sounds like April it is in 2017. Thanks for giving it so much thought and commentary.

Let me add to Rich's comments...we were new within past year to coastal SC - we enjoyed every month except August. (So we went visiting friends and family in New England then). Of course, October was stressful with the hurricane - no damage or flooding to our house - just surrounding areas. I concur that April is the BEST of all, but even a hot summer day here is far better than a bitter cold day in the winter in Maine!

While the weather in spring and fall may be the best, if you're thinking of moving somewhere it's also important to see it at its worst!!

For a driving vacation of 2000 miles I only want to see an area at its Best. No plans to move. But I agree, a permanent move requires a 6 -12 month stay and exposure to all weather conditions. Already done that. Now we just take vacations to other people's retirement paradises.

I assume 2000 miles is a typo as CA is a touch farther. :<) But regardless, NC in April is pretty much an ideal vacation. For years I have told my wife that I don't want to go away on vacation anywhere during April. I just want to be here... Do be prepared for some cool weather -- it's Spring!

Cool is doable and preferred. We spend Winter in NM ( love the cooler weather and holiday traditions) and leave for vacation from there. Looking forward to seeing SC/NC for the first time. It's an area we never considered until reading ALL the posts from Top Retirement. You all have researched this area more than Christopher Columbus researched the New World !!!!