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Are you dreaming of retiring in a place with picturesque beauty, a mild climate, and an active community of retirees? Look no further than Charleston, South Carolina! Known for its charming cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, Charleston is a top choice for retirees looking to live in paradise. In this article, we will explore the top 55+ communities near Charleston, SC, where you can enjoy what this coastal city offers.
Charleston, SC is one of the best cities to live in the entire country, and is a great place to retire. South Carolina has one of the lowest property taxes in the nation, and Charleston has multiple active adult communities in the area. If you are looking for a great place to retire, but are not sure if Charleston is the right area for you, read my Pros and Cons of living in Charleston.
Here is my list of 55+ and Active Adult Retirement communities near Charleston:
- Del Webb at Cane Bay– Summerville, SC
- Del Webb Nexton– Summerville, SC
- K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay- Summerville, SC
- Cresswind at the Ponds– Summerville, SC
- Carillon at the Ponds– Summerville, SC
- Marrington Villas at Cobblestone (Not 55+) Sumerville, SC
- Hammock Walk at Nexton– Summerville, SC
- Summerwind Crossing at Lakes of Cane Bay– (Not 55+) Summerville, SC
- Liberty Cottages at Park West- Mount Pleasant, SC
- The Cottages at Carolina Park– Mount Pleasant, SC
- Pines at Gahagan– Summerville, SC
- The Elms Of Charleston– North Charleston, SC
- Southern Palms– Ladson, SC
- Horizons- Summers Corner– Summerville, SC
Del Webb at Cane Bay- Summerville
Del Webb at Cane Bay is an active adult, 55+ Gated Community with many great amenities. Del Webb at Cane Bay opened in 2007, and has an amazing club house, a heated indoor pool, a heated outdoor pool, fishing dock, state of the art fitness center, tennis courts, bocce courts, and pickleball courts. The Del Webb neighborhood in Cane Bay has 1000 home sites on 360 acres, with walking trails, and preserved wetland. There are only Preowned homes for sale in Del Webb at Cane Bay.
Del Webb is a 55+ age restricted community, and at least one resident must be 55 years old. Children and grandchildren are welcome to visit for up to 90 days within a 12 month period. Del Webb at Cane bay Plantation has made the top 100 list of the most popular 55+ Communities, according to 55places.com.
The drive to downtown Charleston from Cane Bay Plantation is approximately 25-30 miles, and is about 11.5 miles to downtown Summerville, making it a great area to live if you want to be within a reasonable driving distance to Charleston, but would like to live in a less densely populated area. Cane Bay Plantation also offers many different amenities and shopping nearby. The Market at Cane Bay (Intersection of Cane Bay Blvd and U.S. 176) offers a Publix Grocery Store, a variety of restaurants, and much more!
Homes for Sale
Del Webb Nexton- Summerville
Dell Webb at Nexton is a 55+ Active Adult Community located in Summerville, on a 4000 acre site, with 1000 home sites available. Del Webb at Nexton offers an award winning master-planned community, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a fitness center. Living at Del Webb in Summerville provides easy access to Historic Downtown Charleston, SC, and amenities located in Summerville and Goose Creek.
Homes for Sale
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay- Summerville
Four Seasons at Cane Bay is another 55+ Active Adult Community within the Cane Bay subdivision. Four Seasons is a Gated Community, and has 828 home sites available. resale and new construction homes for sale, an indoor pool, 2 outdoor pools. club house, fitness center. The community also offers hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, boat storage, fishing, kayaking, tennis courts, bocce courts, and pickleball courts. Four Seasons at Cane Bay is located approximately 25-30 miles from Downtown Charleston, and about 11 miles to downtown Summerville, with many amenities nearby.
Homes for Sale in the Cane Bay Plantation in Summerville, SC. The Cane Bay Plantation offers many great neighborhoods built by a variety of home builders. Cane Bay Plantation also has a Family YMCA, with baseball and softball fields, an elevated walking track, health and wellness programs, and a public library.
The community at Cane Bay is connected by a trail system (planned on being over 25 miles long) that children can use to bike to school. Cane Bay is a popular destination for homeowners that would like to live near Charleston, and that prefer a waterfront community; the Lakes of Cane Bay offers a 300 acre lake with multiple access points for Kayaking, Fishing, and electric motor boats.
Homes for Sale
Cresswind at the Ponds- Summerville
Cresswind at the Ponds is an impressive 55+ gated Community built by Kolter Homes, offering 600 home sites. The community offers a New Clubhouse with fitness and social activities, pickleball and tennis courts, card and billiard room, aerobics and cardio-strength classes, a very nice pool, and more!
“The Ponds” is a Master Planned community is located in Summerville, SC off of U.S. Alternate 17 with more than 1000 acres of preserved land. The community has a Family YMCA and a Fire Station nearby, miles of walking trails, bike paths, and a waterfront amphitheater. There is also a very large “Village Pond”, or Lake., which provides a great location for boating, kayaking, and fishing. There is an original 19th Century Farmhouse located at the amenity center, as well as a pool, coffee house, pavilion, fire pit, picnic areas, and tree house.
The Ponds has many community events, including food truck Fridays, annual July 4th celebrations, nature trail adventures.
Homes for Sale
Carillon at the Ponds- Summerville
Carillon is another retirement community located at The Ponds, and is a 55+ retirement community that offers 56 home sites. Carillon at the Ponds offers preowned homes for sale only. The Ponds offers a 1100 acre preserve, 21 miles of nature trails, preserved woodlands, an amphitheater, fishing/kayaking pond, a saltwater pool, and a Farmhouse. Most of the amenities for this location are shared with the rest of The Ponds subdivision, and are not exclusively for this retirement community.
Carillon Homes for Sale
Marrington Villas at Cobblestone
Marrington Villas at Cobblestone is community (Not 55+) with a premier low-maintenance living experience in Summerville, SC. This community features an outdoor pool with a sun deck, a clubhouse, a fitness center, a catering kitchen, and a versatile flex room for social events and club meetings. The scenic pond enhances the community’s tranquil atmosphere.
Located close to downtown Summerville and downtown Charleston, residents enjoy convenient access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Major highways, including Highway 17A, Interstate 26, and Highway 176, are easily accessible, facilitating quick commutes and travel. Additionally, the amenities in Goose Creek, SC, are just a short drive away, offering further dining and shopping options.
Overall, Marrington Villas at Cobblestone provides an exceptional, active lifestyle with comprehensive amenities and a prime location, making it an ideal choice for those seeking convenience and relaxation.
Hammock Walk- Nexton
Located in Nexton, Hammock Walk is a new 55+ Community with pickleball courts, a dog park, and walking and bike trails.
Homes for Sale
Summerwind Crossing at Lakes of Cane Bay
Summerwind Crossing at Lakes of Cane Bay in Summerville, SC, is an emerging Active Adult community (It is not a 55+ Community) designed to offer residents a modern and convenient lifestyle. Although still under construction, this neighborhood within the larger Lakes of Cane Bay development promises to be a highly desirable place to live, with a range of amenities and a prime location, including a pool, pickle ball courts, pavilion and lounge area, and the amenities that come with living at the Lakes of Cane Bay, including a kayak launch and dock, and a walking trail around the lake.
Liberty Cottages at Park West- Mount Pleasant
Liberty Cottages is located within the Park West subdivision in Mount Pleasant, SC and offers 43 home sites. Liberty Cottages offers new construction and resale homes for sale. Park West is a master planned community that offers may amenities, and Liberty Cottages offers: swimming, tennis, volleyball, and a clubhouse. Mount Pleasant is also located closer to the beach than many of the other retirement communities near Charleston.
The beaches in Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are only about a 20 minute drive from this location. Residents of Liberty Cottages also have the option of becoming members of nearby Somerby at Mount Pleasant assisted living center, with benefits including: transportation, laundry, in home physician care housekeeping, transportation services, and more.
Liberty Cottages- Homes for Sale
The Cottages at Carolina Park
The Cottages of Carolina Park is located in northern Mount Pleasant. The Cottages has 48 single family home sites, and may be a good option for people looking for a 55+ retirement community in Mount Pleasant. Mungo Homes is the builder for the Cottages at Carolina Park.
The Cottages at Carolina Park Homes for Sale
The Pines at Gahagan- Summerville
The Pines at Gahagan is located in the heart of Summerville, making it a good location if you’re looking to live near amenities. The Pines of Gahagan started in 2006, and offers resale homes for sale, and 109 home sites. Homes for sale in this community offer brick exteriors. Amenities offered at The Pines of Gahagan include an outdoor pool, a 4700 square foot clubhouse, fitness center with lockers, catering kitchen, juice bar, a community lake with fountain, and a flex room for events.
The Pines at Gahagan- Homes for Sale
The Elms of Charleston- North Charleston
The Elms of Charleston is a 55+ community located on 200 acres, with 325 home sites. The Elms of Charleston started in 1987, and offers single family homes and townhomes. Amenities within the Elms of Charleston include a clubhouse, grand ballroom, catering kitchen, fitness room, walking paths, lounge, pool table, library, 3 shuffle board courts, lawn croquet, tennis court, and an outdoor pool. The Elms of Charleston is located in North Charleston, in a convenient location near Interstate-26, and Hwy 78, with many restaurants and amenities nearby, including Wannamaker Park.
The Elms of Charleston- Homes for Sale
Southern Palms- Ladson
Southern Palms is a 55+ manufactured home community located in Ladson. Southern Palms is a gated community, and is located about 25 minutes away from Charleston, SC, 15 minutes away from downtown Summerville. Amenities at Southern Palms include a clubhouse, community library, tree-lined roads, shuffleboard, a putting green, and a fishing lake.
Horizons at Summers Corner
Horizons at Summers Corner is a 55+ Gated Active Adult Community. Amenities in neighborhood include a resort style swimming pool, clubhouse, a dog park, bocce, tennis courts, picklebacll courts, walking trails, and a 95 acre lake.
Horizons Homes for Sale
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking an active social scene, access to great healthcare, or simply a peaceful retreat to enjoy your golden years, Charleston has it all. With its Southern charm, rich history, and natural beauty, this city offers a unique and enriching retirement experience.
Join us as we delve into the top over 55 communities in Charleston, SC and discover why retiring in paradise is closer than you think.
Why choose Charleston, SC for retirement?
Charleston, South Carolina, is a dream destination for retirees seeking a picturesque and vibrant place to spend their golden years. With its charming cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and rich culture, this coastal city offers a unique and enriching retirement experience. The mild climate is another major draw, with hot summers and mild winters that allow for year-round outdoor activities. Whether you’re strolling along the waterfront, exploring the city’s rich history, or indulging in the vibrant food scene, Charleston has something to offer everyone.
Charleston is also known for its excellent healthcare facilities, making it an ideal choice for retirees prioritizing access to world-class medical care. The city is home to several top-rated hospitals and medical centers, ensuring that retirees can easily access the care they need. Retiring in Charleston means immersing yourself in a community that values Southern hospitality, making it easy to forge new friendships and create lasting connections. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming residents, who take pride in their town and are always ready to lend a helping hand. With its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, Charleston truly offers a retirement experience like no other.
Benefits of living in a 55+ community
Choosing a 55+ retirement community in Charleston, SC offers a range of benefits that can enhance your retirement experience. These communities are specifically designed to cater to the needs and preferences of retirees, providing a welcoming and supportive environment where you can make the most of your golden years.
One of the main advantages of living in a 55+ active adult community is the opportunity to socialize and connect with like-minded individuals. These communities often offer various activities and events, including fitness classes, social clubs, and organized outings, allowing you to stay active and engaged. Whether you’re looking to join a book club, pick up a new hobby, or simply enjoy the company of others, the social scene in an over 55 community is sure to keep you entertained.
Another benefit of over 55 communities is the ease of maintenance and convenience they offer. Many of these communities provide services such as lawn care, freeing up your time to focus on the things you love. Additionally, the homes in these communities are often designed with accessibility in mind, making them a practical choice for retirees looking to age in place.
Living in an over 55 community also provides a sense of security and peace of mind, many of which have gated entrances and security measures in place.
Top over 55 communities in Charleston, SC
Charleston is home to several top-notch over 55 communities, each offering unique amenities and lifestyle options. Whether you’re looking for a gated community with luxurious amenities or a neighborhood with easy access to golf courses and beaches, there is a retirement community to suit every lifestyle. Let’s explore some of the top over 55 communities in Charleston, SC:
Clubhouses
Clubhouses are the heart of many 55+ communities, offering a central gathering place for residents to socialize and engage in various activities. These spacious facilities often feature fitness centers, game rooms, libraries, and multi-purpose rooms for events and classes.
Swimming pools
Many over 55 communities have swimming pools, some heated, allowing residents to enjoy a refreshing dip or participate in water aerobics classes. Some communities even have indoor pools, ensuring that residents can swim year-round regardless of the weather.
Fitness centers
Staying active is crucial for maintaining good health, and many of the 55+ communities have a fitness center. These communities typically have well-equipped fitness centers, complete with cardio machines, weightlifting equipment, and space for group exercise classes.
Sports and recreational facilities
From tennis courts and pickleball courts and walking trails, 55+ communities often offer a variety of sports and recreational facilities. These amenities provide opportunities for residents to stay active, try new activities, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Social clubs and activities
Over 55 communities foster a strong sense of community by offering a wide range of social clubs and activities. Whether you’re interested in joining a book club, playing bridge, or learning a new hobby, there’s bound to be a club or activity that suits your interests.
Tips for choosing the right over 55 community
Choosing the right over 55 community is an important decision that can greatly impact your retirement experience. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect community for your needs:
Define your priorities:
Consider what is most important to you in a retirement community. Are you looking for an active social scene, access to specific amenities, or a peaceful retreat? Knowing your priorities will help you narrow down your options and find a community that aligns with your preferences.
Visit multiple communities
Take the time to visit several over 55 communities in Charleston, SC to get a feel for the atmosphere and amenities. Talking to current residents can provide valuable insights into what it’s like to live in a particular community.
Consider the location
Think about the location of the community and whether it suits your lifestyle. Do you prefer a community close to downtown Charleston, or would you rather be near the beach or golf courses? Most of the 55+ Communities near Charleston are located in Summerville, but there are a couple that are a little closer to the beaches near Charleston. Consider proximity to amenities and attractions that are important to you.
Review the community’s rules and regulations
Each over 55 community has its own set of rules and regulations that residents must adhere to. Make sure to review these guidelines to ensure they align with your preferences and lifestyle.