Finding the right place to retire can feel a little like Goldilocks’s search for the “just right”—that one’s too cold, that one’s too expensive, that one’s too far from the grandkids. You get the picture.
If you’re considering a move but can’t find the right destination, why not consider the small coastal town of Conway, South Carolina? In the last few years, Conway has rapidly become a popular destination for older adults retiring in South Carolina. When you look a bit closer, that’s really not surprising. Here are eight great reasons to retire to Conway.
- Mild Climate
If you like your hometown setting warm with a touch of spicy heat, Conway’s a great place for you. Set just 15 miles inland from South Carolina’s beautiful coast, the town boasts a mild to warm climate. In winter, temperatures may dip into the 30s at night, but mostly they hover between 40–60 degrees. Sunny summertime averages range from the mid 80s to the low 90s—perfect for outdoor gardening, beach adventures, golf outings, and more.
- Small-town Feel
Conway has grown a lot in the past decade, but it still maintains that small-town feel and Southern charm. Expect to be greeted by neighbors and residents on the streets of the delightful downtown area. The city hosts regular community events, like the summer “Groovin’ on the Green” concert series sponsored by local businesses, and the downtown area is largely populated by locally owned businesses, boutiques, and restaurants. Bottom line, if you want, you’ll get to know people and they’ll get to know you.
- Natural and Historic Charm
Conway’s been around for a while—since 1732, in fact—in no small part because of the serene blackwater river, the Waccamaw, that flows right through it. The river creates a picturesque environment downtown and flows onward through the nearly 23,000-acre Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, a wonderful place to explore if you love the outdoors. The town also boasts a rich historic district downtown with many buildings now on the National Register of Historic Places. Plus, Conway is home to two great museums—the Horry County Museum and L.W. Paul Living History Farm (free admission).
- Myrtle Beach and Other Things to Do
Conway may feel like a small town, but you won’t lack for resources and attractions. For example, just 15 miles away on the coast, Myrtle Beach is home to some of South Carolina’s most popular beaches as well as a raft of fun attractions, including 80+ golf courses. Besides the offerings in Conway and Myrtle Beach, you can find plenty of fun day trips up and down the coast. More interested in developing hobbies and interests? Coastal Carolina University’s OLLI program offers classes for a nominal cost.
- Cost of Living
Have more practical concerns in mind? No problem—we got you. 👍 Let’s drill down into some retirement fundamentals, starting with Conway’s overall cost of living.
For most middle-class Americans, retirement entails living on a fixed income. The last thing you want to do is head to an expensive location that will stretch your resources too far as the years pass. Thankfully, Conway boasts a very affordable cost of daily living—in fact, it’s about 9% lower overall than the national average.
- Tax-friendly
Another piece to the financial puzzle? South Carolina tax laws are incredibly friendly to older adults—especially retirees. The state does not tax Social Security benefits at all. When it comes to income taxes, adults ages 65 and up can take up to $15,000 dollars in a deduction. Furthermore, the Homestead Exemption waives property taxes on the first $50,000 of value on the legal residence they occupy. And since 2007, these same homeowners are exempted from paying any school-operating property taxes. Find even more awesome tax tips for seniors on the SC Department of Revenue site.
- Housing
A key part of Conway’s lower cost of living is the area’s affordable and varied housing resources. The city has a strong supply of homes, and the median price for a two-bedroom home hovers around $167,000. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just $1,142. Best yet for senior adults, Conway is home to quite a number of thriving retirement communities that range from full-time care to communities of independent homes for age 55+ homeowners. Prefer to downsize? Try an independent senior living community like Prime Carolina Coast, where active, age-55+ adults live in fully independent apartments of their own and also enjoy amazing community amenities.
- Resources for Older Adults
Last but not least, Conway welcomes older adults, offering great resources through both state and local organizations. South Carolina’s Department on Aging puts senior adults in touch with support of all types, from legal advice to healthcare and homecare assistance. When it comes to healthcare, U.S. News and World Report ranks the state #9 in Medicare quality and #10 in overall health care quality. Renowned research hospital MUSC is also two hours away in Charleston. Home to a robust senior population, Conway also has a thriving community of geriatric healthcare in practices such as our friends at Centerwell Senior Primary Care. Also in Conway, the Horry County Council on Aging and Conway Community Center provide support and a place of community for older adults.
So there you have it—eight great reasons to enjoy your retirement in Conway, South Carolina. Whether you’re retiring from out of state or are simply turning over a new page in Conway, we think you’ll agree that Conway has a lot of resources, benefits, and excitement to offer.
At Prime Independent Living, we chose to build our new community in Conway because we believe it offers the engaging, but still affordable, hometown that many retirees need. If you see the potential we do and are interested in an independent senior living community, contact us to schedule a visit and a tour.