It’s no secret that South Carolina is a retiree paradise, but you should be zeroing in on Columbia, the state’s capital, as your top destination for your Golden Years. The city offers all the modernities and amenities or city living, while still keeping a southern sensibility. Columbia is small, intimate and full of great things for retirees. You really can’t go wrong here.
Below you’ll find just a few of the reasons why Columbia is a not-to-be-overlooked destination for retirees:
Columbia is Home to Endless Activities for Retirees
Retirement should be all about fun and relaxation - and you can find both in Columbia. Thanks to the mild weather, there are many outdoor activities retirees can enjoy in Columbia. There are parks to stroll through, including the 22,000-acre Congaree National Park, as well as a large zoo. If you love to golf, you’ll be happy to hear there’s a public golf course with 27 holes on 240 acres.
If you have more of a “great indoors” vibe, you can take advantage of Columbia’s vibrant art, dining, culture and history scenes. The South Carolina State Museum houses a variety of exhibits, with more than 45,000 pieces highlighting the state’s history, art, natural history, science, and technology. If you love art from abroad, don’t miss the Columbia Museum of Art. At this museum, you can enjoy different traveling exhibitions and an extensive set of permanent collections. For dining, you’ll definitely want to check out the South Carolina BBQ scene, which is home to the nationally-famous “Yellow Gold” strain of BBQ sauce.
Retirees Can Get More Bang for Their Buck in Columbia
Budget is a top concern for most retirees - especially those hoping to live fully off their fixed income. Luckily, Columbia, SC offers a below-average cost of living - especially when it comes to housing. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average cost for a home in Columbia is $156,000. This is well below the national average of $226,000. As a bonus, South Carolina is home to some of the lowest property taxes in the country.
Beyond having a reasonable real estate market, Columbia is considered to be tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security benefits are free from taxation, and the state of South Carolina provides a very generous $15,000 deduction for all other types of retirement income. More of your money can stay in your pocket to spend on the thing you really want.
There Are Many Different Senior Living Options in Columbia
Buying a new home for retirement isn’t the best choice for everyone. If you find yourself thinking about alternatives, you should know Columbia has many different senior living options to choose from. The right one for you will depend entirely on your needs and preferences.
The first option you can consider is a retirement community, also referred to as a “55-plus” community. This type of community is a neighborhood constructed specifically for people 55 years of age or older. Most retirees who reside in these communities have retired from the workforce, though that isn’t always the case. The communities usually offer a broad range of entertainment activities for seniors to be social and healthy, as well as amenities that allow retirees to remain independent without having to deal with responsibilities of home maintenance. Home maintenance amenities may include exterior home maintenance, termite extermination if needed, and landscaping.
If you believe you may require assistance with your healthcare needs or activities of daily living in general, it may be wise to consider moving into an assisted living facility for retirement. There are many highly rated communities in the Columbia metropolitan area, each with their own set of amenities and comforts.
Contact the Ballagh team today to get started on exploring your living options in Columbia, SC. In choosing us as your agents, you can expect to receive top-notch quality customer service with professional experience you can depend on and trust. We’re looking forward to working with you on making your retirement dreams come true!
Information courtesy of SeniorHomes.com*
