One Of The Best Places For Retirees Is A Historic College Town In The Heart Of South Carolina

Finding the perfect place to spend your retirement is often a task that is years in the making, with future retirees looking at variables like affordability, weather, healthcare availability, and proximity to loved ones. And while places like Florida and Michigan top the list, the secret is getting out about South Carolina, with one historic college town making a name for itself as one of the best places for retirees to live.

Beaufort, South Carolina, is home to one of three campuses belonging to the University of Southern Carolina, Beaufort (there are also campuses located in nearby Bluffton and Hilton Head Island), and this university presence plays a large role in what makes it such an idyllic town for retirees. The city is also deeply rooted in American history, with a legacy dating back to the time of Christopher Columbus.

A 2024 study conducted by Hire a Helper, a company that offers a variety of moving resources, found that 44% more people moved for retirement in 2023 compared to the year before. In fact, the population of the county in which Beaufort is found, Beaufort County, saw a 70% increase in residents over the age of 65 between 2010 and 2022, and upward trend that suggests the city will only continue to attract retirees to enjoy the laid-back charms of the South.

Beaufort is impressively affordable, with housing costs 45% lower than Miami. While some expenses, like healthcare and utilities, are slightly higher, these incredible savings come out to an average of a 23% lower cost of living, which makes it an easy choice for retirees relying heavily on Social Security as a source of income.

When it comes to the local scenery, the city is home to a beautiful historic district with Spanish-moss-covered trees and pre-civil-war-era buildings that feature Victorian, Neoclassical, Greek Revival, and Federal architectural styles. As the one-time home of the U.S. Army, Department of the South, the city is steeped in history. With plenty of attractions like the Beaufort History Museum and festivals throughout the year celebrating the city and the surrounding areas, there is always something happening to keep retirees active and engaged.

It is also ideally located in a beautiful part of South Carolina right along the Atlantic Coast near barrier islands like Hilton Head and Tybee Island, which are both within driving distance of Beaufort and not only give retirees great places to explore but let them show off the local sites for visiting family members. Beaufort's charm goes far beyond affordability and activities. It is also home to beautiful scenery, which may look a bit familiar thanks to movies like "Forrest Gump," "The Big Chill," "G.I. Jane," and "The Prince of Tides," all of which utilized Beaufort's beautiful scenery to film scenes.

If you've planned well for retirement, you'll be able to appreciate the finer things in life, and college towns are a great place to do that while helping to make your retirement savings last. They offer an array of benefits for retirees when it comes to arts, culture, and entertainment, who are able to attend the local festivities that are frequently hosted by colleges and universities. The youthful, vibrant student population helps retirees stay connected with younger generations and allows them unique social opportunities to interact outside of their cohort group.

USCB takes it a step further by offering courses and activities for seniors through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program. With nearly one-third (31%) of seniors interested in continuing their education, Beaufort gives retirees the chance to pursue their academic and intellectual interests, become more involved with the local community, and even have the opportunity to take trips with likeminded seniors. As one of only 125 OLLI sires across the country, Beaufort provides a unique benefit for retirees that goes far beyond the norm to provide a sense of belonging and intellectual stimulation.