So, your years and years of hard work finally paid off. After 40 or so odd years of getting up early and working late, it's finally time to retire.
Most people look forward to this glorious time when you can sleep in and spend your days relaxing. But, the truth is that many retirees find themselves bored with no place to be 40 hours a week.
One of the best ways to avoid this slump is to choose the ideal place to move after retirement. While Florida may be the first state that crosses your mind, there are tons of benefits to living in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Do you want to know what they are? Keep reading to learn 15 perks to retiring in Myrtle Beach.
1. The Weather is Great
Do you currently live in the northern part of the United States? It may be nice experiencing a white Christmas, but let's face it - 9 times out of 10 we curse winter weather. After all, nobody likes shoveling snow or scraping ice off their cars.
But shoveling snow is more than an inconvenience. The combination of exercise and constricting arteries due to the cold temperature make it more likely for you to have a heart attack. In fact, 100 people die every winter from shoveling snow!
Luckily, you won't have to worry about that if you retire to Myrtle Beach. The weather stays relatively warm throughout the winter, and residents rarely get snow. When they do, it's usually just a dusting, so no shoveling will be required.
Summers in South Carolina do get hot. But living in Myrtle Beach will provide you with that cool sea breeze to make the temperature seem more comfortable.
2. The Beaches are Gorgeous
Are you worried about having nothing to do if you stay in your current town after retirement? Sure, there may be a few fun things, but just how often can you check out that one art gallery before you get bored of it?
One of the best parts of retiring in Myrtle Beach is, well, the beach! It provides you with a source of entertainment that will never get boring.
Plus, the beaches are clean, warm, and have soft sand.
3. It Feels Tropical
If you're like most people, you probably spent a good amount of time at work daydreaming about escaping to a tropical paradise. "How nice would it be if I was sipping a Pina Colada out of a coconut as the palm trees swayed above me instead of doing these spreadsheets right now?"
Living in Myrtle Beach gives you the chance to feel like you're living on a tropical island without ever leaving the comforts and convenience of the United States behind.
You'll find your fair share of palm trees, which really helps bring the tropical feel to the beach. So, you can grab your favorite frozen drink and soak up the sun.
4. There Are Plenty of Outdoor Activities
Spending your days on the beach probably sounds amazing. But, if you want to make the most of your retirement, you'll want to mix things up every once in a while.
Luckily, Myrtle Beach has much more to offer than a beach. Of course, the ocean opens you up to a whole variety of activities, like sailing, boating, and deep-sea fishing. If you're looking for something to get your heart pumping, parasailing, surfing, and banana boat rides are always available.
If you want to enjoy more relaxing water activities, head up to Cherry Grove where you can go kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
Looking to spend some time out of the water? No problem! Horseback riding, hiking, and biking are also popular activities in Myrtle Beach.
5. There is a Favorable Cost of Living
We know what you're thinking: "All these benefits must mean that retiring in Myrtle Beach will come with a big price tag." Well, think again!
One of the biggest benefits to choose Myrtle Beach is the favorable cost of living. It has a lower cost of living in comparison to other popular retirement cities. Both housing and transportation are cheaper than the national average, too.
Plus, property values in Myrtle Beach holds well, so buying a home or vacation home here is a great investment.
6. Taxes are Affordable
It's always nice to retire to a place with a low cost of living. But sometimes people forget to research taxes in their new city and end up with an unpleasant surprise.
Thankfully, this isn't a problem in Myrtle Beach. Not only is housing cheaper than the national average, but property taxes are below average, too.
The tax benefits are even greater for retirees. Social Security benefits do not get taxed in South Carolina, and there is a nice tax deduction for retirement income. All these benefits mean that your retirement fund can stretch further in Myrtle Beach than it could in other popular cities.
7. You Can't Beat the Golf Courses
Do you want to stay healthy in retirement but think that hiking and biking may be a little too strenuous? Well, golf is a popular sport in Myrtle Beach that produces several health benefits that will help both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Of course, it also gives you a chance to meet new friends and build relationships in your new city! Let's face it, no place would feel like home if you don't have those solid connections.
If golfing sounds like a great retirement sport to you, then Myrtle Beach is perfect. Not only does the weather provide you with excellent golfing conditions almost year round, but there's no shortage of golf courses to choose from.
Myrtle Beach is commonly referred to as the Golf Capital of the World. And there's a reason why. Myrtle Beach boasts tons of amazing golf courses, so you'll never run out of places to practice your swing.
8. There Are Tons of Festivals
Alright, so do we have you sold on hitting the golf course and the beach on a regular basis? While this will be enough to keep you entertained most days, you may still be craving a little more variety in your schedule.
And we don't blame you - with all this newfound free time on your hands, you'll want to switch things up and keep your days exciting.
Luckily Myrtle Beach is like a revolving door of festivals and events. From Oktoberfest to Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, there's always something new and unique to check out.
9. You Can Shop till You Drop
Do you pride yourself for being in style? Do you follow the latest home decorating trends?
Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to shop to your heart's content. You'll find an outlets mall where you can snag great deals on your favorite brands as well as boutiques for more unique pieces.
Of course, don't forget to check out some of the amazing dining, too! Nothing wraps up the perfect day of shopping better than an amazing dinner.
10. Don't Forget to Check Out the Art
If you're just moving to Myrtle Beach, you may be looking for the perfect artwork to hang in your new home. You can get some great inspiration at Brookgreen Gardens.
When you first arrive, you'll be blown away by the beauty of these gardens. They display impressive architecture and fragrant flowers. Keep your eyes peeled - you may even catch a glimpse of some wildlife.
But the real lure of the Brookgreen Gardens are the regularly hosted art shows and exhibitions. Since they use traveling exhibitions, you can return time and time again and see all new pieces of art. It's a great way to spend the afternoon if you're looking to relax and experience some culture.
Or check out the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum for some retro fun
11. It's Easy to Travel in and Out
Is your son getting married? Or maybe your daughter is having her first baby (and your first grandchild)! When you're picking the perfect city to retire to, you'll want to consider the transportation options available.
Myrtle Beach has a nice airport that will allow you to easily fly to your hometown for holidays and important family events. Of course, it'll also be easy for your friends and family to visit you in your new city.
And flying isn't the only easy way to get in and out of Myrtle Beach. Highway 31 is a great option for those who are going to a nearby city or state.
12. You Can Take Day Trips
"There are so many wonderful things to do in Myrtle Beach. Why would I want to leave?!" Well, it's true - Myrtle Beach is jam-packed with activities to keep you busy. But you may want to explore the surrounding cities, too.
The cities of Charleston and Georgetown are both within two hours from Myrtle Beach. They are great places to visit if you're looking to learn more about the history and culture of South Carolina.
If you're willing to drive a little further, Savannah, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina can both be reached in four hours. While you may not want to take these trips too often, they can make great destinations for special occasions. Let's face it - nothing says romance more than a day in Savannah.
13. There's a Sense of Community
So, Myrtle Beach seems like a great place to retire to so far. But you may still feel a little unsure about moving to a touristy city. "Won't it be hard to make friends if everyone is only visiting for the summer?"
While there are tons of people constantly flocking in and out of the city for their annual vacations, there is also a strong sense of community amongst the residents. Myrtle Beach is a top city to retire to, so you'll find plenty of other retirees who have moved from all over the country.
You'll also experience that famous southern charm that will make you feel like you're home in no time. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly, that you'll wish you moved here sooner!
14. There are Many Retirement Communities
Of course, meeting friends can be hard as an adult. When was the last time you met someone outside of work, anyway?
Luckily this is made easier in Myrtle Beach due to the high volume of retirees. There are many retirement communities, including 55+ housing communities, retirement condos, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
Moving into a retirement community is one of the best ways to meet other retirees in the area. Most of them even host activities to make meeting people easier.
Plus, there is such as a wide array of housing options, that you're sure to find one that fits your current needs, and you'll be able to find one that will meet your future needs if you require more care in the coming years.
15. You'll Get Great Healthcare
While you may be in great health now, you should consider the quality of healthcare when choosing your perfect retirement city.
Since Myrtle Beach is a popular city for retirees, there is amazing health care available. You'll find award-winning medical centers who utilize the best treatments and technology available.
Plus, there's no shortage of senior care services, such as in-home healthcare or senior transportation services. You can feel safe aging in Myrtle Beach knowing that you'll have access to the best care when you need it.
What's it Like Living in Myrtle Beach, SC?
If you're thinking about moving when you retire, living in Myrtle Beach, SC should be at the top of your list. It offers everything from warm weather and great entertainment options, to a sense of community and top-notch health care.
Are you ready to retire to Myrtle Beach? Check out our website to start searching for properties today.