Why is Greenville SC the Greatest Place to Retire

When Forbes recently named Greenville, South Carolina as one of the best places to retire in the United States, locals weren’t surprised. After all, retirees have been quietly discovering Greenville for years — and for good reason.

But is Greenville really the right fit for your next chapter? As someone who relocated here over 7 years ago, I’ve watched firsthand how the area has transformed, and I can confidently say it offers a balance of affordability, lifestyle, and opportunity that few cities can match. Add in the fact that one out of every two people moving here is over 50, and you can see why Greenville has become a top relocation destination.

Let’s break down why Greenville might just be the perfect place to retire.

1. Affordable Cost of Living for Retirees

Retirement-Friendly Taxes

South Carolina consistently ranks as a tax-friendly state for retirees, and Greenville residents benefit directly from that. Key highlights include:

  • No state tax on Social Security income

  • Up to $15,000 retirement income deduction per person

  • Reasonable income tax rates (graduated scale up to 6.5%)

  • Homestead exemption: Once you’re 65+ and have lived in SC for a year, you’ll see significant savings on your property tax bill.

Most retirees here pay between $2,200 and $4,000 per year in property taxes, and that’s before factoring in exemptions.

Sales tax sits at 7% in Greenville County, but groceries and prescriptions are exempt — a nice savings on essentials.

Housing Costs

Greenville’s housing market is a standout.

  • Median home price: $314,000

  • Average sales price: $387,000

  • National median: $417,000 (average ~$500,000)

That means you can buy more house for less money compared to much of the country, including popular retirement spots like the Lowcountry of SC or coastal areas in Florida.

Even better, Greenville’s housing market is steady: home sales are up 9% year over year, and prices have climbed around 5% year over year.

Everyday Expenses

Gas in Greenville hovers around $2.50/gallon, significantly lower than many parts of the U.S. Combine that with generally affordable utilities and groceries, and retirees find their dollars stretch further here.

2. Access to High-Quality Healthcare

Healthcare access is often a deciding factor for retirees, and Greenville delivers with multiple systems:

  • Prisma Health – The largest healthcare provider in South Carolina, headquartered in Greenville.

  • Bon Secours St. Francis – A long-standing hospital network with an excellent local reputation.

  • Spartanburg Regional – A Level I Trauma Center with a broad network of clinics.

  • Novant Health – A new entrant investing heavily in Greenville, with a new hospital and a 100,000 sq. ft. healthcare campus on Pelham Rd.

Specialty clinics are expanding across the Upstate, including new facilities in Travelers Rest, Five Forks, and Cherrydale, making care more convenient for residents across the region.

3. Lifestyle & Amenities

Greenville is more than affordable — it’s vibrant.

Parks & Outdoor Spaces

  • Unity Park: Playgrounds, green space, and dining options at The Commons. Favorites include Automatic Taco, Methodical Coffee, and MooHogz BBQ.

  • Swamp Rabbit Trail: A 30+ mile multi-use trail connecting Greenville to Travelers Rest, perfect for walking, biking, or running.

  • Nearby Nature: Less than an hour to the Blue Ridge Mountains, with hiking at Table Rock State Park, Paris Mountain, Conestee Nature Preserve, and the iconic Pretty Place Chapel overlook.

Events & Culture

  • Peace Center: Broadway shows and concerts.

  • Artisphere: Ranked one of the nation’s top art festivals.

  • Fall for Greenville: The city’s biggest annual event.

  • Euphoria: Wine & food festival showcasing Greenville’s culinary scene.

  • Multiple farmers markets across the Upstate from spring through fall.

Dining

Greenville has become a food destination. A few must-try spots:

  • Downtown: The Lazy Goat, Indaco, Scoundrel

  • Neighborhood favorites: Stellas Brasserie (Verdae), Olympian Grill (Five Forks), Upcountry Provisions (Travelers Rest), Farm Fresh Fast (Simpsonville)

4. Real Estate Options for Every Stage of Retirement

Greenville’s housing market caters to a wide range of buyers:

  • $300K–$400K: 3–4 bedroom homes in Simpsonville, Mauldin, Fountain Inn, and the Eastside.

  • $400K–$500K: Larger homes, Eastside options, and some opportunities near Downtown Greenville.

  • $600K+: Expansive choices across the Upstate.

55+ Communities

The first Del Webb community in the Upstate is coming to southern Greenville, offering walking trails, clubhouse, pools, and pickleball courts. Homes are expected to start in the low $400Ks and go into the $600–700K range.

Luxury Options

For retirees looking for upscale amenities, consider:

  • Downtown Greenville condos & townhomes

  • The Cliffs communities near the mountains

  • Lake Keowee luxury lakefront living

Is Greenville the Best Place to Retire?

In my experience helping nearly 100 families move to the Upstate last year, I can confidently say Greenville offers the perfect mix of affordability, healthcare, recreation, and real estate options for retirees.

It’s not just a place to “settle down” — it’s a place to live an active, engaged, and fulfilling retirement.

If you’re planning your next chapter, Greenville should absolutely be on your shortlist.

READ: What You Need to Know About Retirement Communities in Greenville, SC

Thinking About Moving to Greenville, SC?

I’ve helped many families relocate to Greenville, guiding them through the process and helping them find the right fit for their needs.

Contact us for real estate inquiries:

📱 Call or text: 864-688-9738

📧 Email: [email protected] 

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