Is It Better To Retire In North Carolina Or South Carolina?
Ranging from New Jersey to Florida, the East Coast of the United States is an extremely popular place stuffed with an incredible array of things to do. Specifically, the southern half of the East Coast, from North Carolina to Florida, is one of the hottest retirement destinations in the country. From impressive tax breaks to beautiful weather, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida offer many attractive incentives. The two northernmost of these states, North Carolina and South Carolina, are the two most popular for retirees seeking a lower cost of living and warmer weather while still retaining four distinct seasons.
Deciding to retire in a new state is a large decision. If you are moving to a new state from further away, this can be even more difficult of a decision. Leaving friends, family, and familiarity behind can be difficult for anyone, especially as you begin your life as a retiree. While most people that relocate to the Carolinas have spent significant time there before, this is not the case for everyone! Some people move to the North Carolina and South Carolina coasts without having ever even been to the East Coast before. Many people who are in a similar position wonder, is it better to move to NC or SC? This post is going to dive into that question, laying out the key differences between the two states that you should be aware of before moving to either one, hopefully helping you to narrow down your housing search to just one state.
Before we begin, it should be noted that these two states are very similar in a lot of ways. Beyond just sharing the word “Carolina” in their names, the Carolinas have long seen themselves as a united pocket along the East Coast. There is a lot of interstate interaction between these two states, and the biggest city in the Carolinas – Charlotte – is located right on the border of them both (but in North Carolina). As a result, the differences between North Carolina and South Carolina are very minute, and if you like living in one, you will likely also like the other.
South Carolina
Weather in South Carolina
South Carolina is known for its incredible weather. Being located in the heart of the East Coast, both North Carolina and South Carolina offer their residents four distinct seasons with very mild winters and slightly tamer summers than states further south like Georgia and Florida. In Myrtle Beach, SC, the July high is around 89 degrees while the January low is about 35 degrees. Myrtle Beach also averages about 52 inches of rain per year, which is about 40% more than the average in the United States. Don’t let that rain on your parade, though; Myrtle Beach averages 218 sunny days per year, which is 13 more than the average across the United States.
While the summers are definitely hot, the rest of the seasons are very enjoyable. Winter lows in the high 30’s are very comfortable for most people, and the chance that you will see snow in a given year is low. The shoulder seasons stay cool and comfortable for very long in South Carolina, and the best times of year as a resident here are from late February through early May and mid-September through early November. In short, South Carolina’s weather is very similar to that of North Carolina, but it is slightly warmer throughout the course of the year.
Cost of Living in South Carolina
All in all, South Carolina is slightly cheaper to live in than North Carolina, and both states are below the national average cost of living. Grocery bills are pretty comparable in both states, while gas is cheaper in South Carolina, and dining out will also cost you slightly less. This is due to different taxes that are in place as well as many other economic factors that are in play. South Carolina has a booming agricultural industry, very similar to North Carolina, and its groceries are cheaper than many other states for that reason.
One of the best parts of South Carolina’s cost of living is its cheap gas. South Carolina charges below the national average per gallon of gasoline, largely due to one of the lowest gas taxes in the country. This, coupled with favorable income tax laws and some loopholes that are especially friendly to retirees, make South Carolina a great place to retire on a tighter budget. South Carolina is slightly cheaper than North Carolina pretty much across the board, making it a better option for people who are looking to save money.
Activities in South Carolina
South Carolina’s tourism industry has been increasing recently, and the vast majority of the state’s tourist offerings have to do with the beach. Popular beach cities like Myrtle Beach and Charleston are the most popular places to visit in South Carolina, and the activities that you can find there range from shopping, to golf, and more. Charleston, specifically, is one of the most adorable small cities in the United States, and Myrtle Beach is known for its fantastic food and events offerings. Other cities throughout the middle of the state are known for their beautiful landscapes and laid-back lifestyle. There are also a lot of exciting historical sites to check out, as South Carolina was very critical to the Civil War.
As we will see soon, this is largely different from the main things to do in North Carolina. While both states have a very similar layout and offering for tourists, different sectors of the tourist industry are more popular in each state. While these beach venues can get crowded during the busier seasons, they are extremely laid back for the rest of the year. For a retiree, this can be very good! While major areas like Myrtle Beach and Charleston see large influxes of people during the summer months, that is really the extent of tourism in South Carolina. During the months when the tourists are away, you are left with crazy amounts of restaurants and entertainment venues per capita. While some venues close for the offseason, plenty stay open, making Myrtle Beach and its surrounding area a fantastic place to live outside of the summer months.
Housing in South Carolina
Apples to apples, South Carolina’s housing market is slightly more budget friendly than that of North Carolina. The average home price in South Carolina is at or below $200,000, which is well below the national average. Homes here are usually bigger and more spacious compared to homes of the same price in other states, meaning that you are likely to get much more bang for your buck.
While there are many rural places to live in South Carolina, there are a few major urban areas, too. Charleston and Myrtle Beach are booming cities, while places like Columbia and Greenville have been regional hubs for a long time. Whether you want a downtown feel, a suburban vibe, or a rural place to call your own, South Carolina is a state where you’ll probably be able to get much more than you expected for your money. At the end of the day, isn’t this what you want?
Population Density in South Carolina
If you are hoping for a bit more personal space, South Carolina is probably more up your alley. Ranking at 25th nationally in population density, South Carolina only has about 170 people per square mile. This is less than North Carolina and Georgia, and less than half the population density of Florida. While there are other factors that play into this metric – like the presence of major cities – it is still fair to say that South Carolina is a very spread-out state.
Frankly, South Carolina doesn’t really have any major cities. This is part of what plays into this low population density metric. The largest city in the Carolinas is Charlotte, which is located right on the border of both states, but within the confines of North Carolina. This city has nearly one million inhabitants within its limits, making it one of the largest in the country. If you crave a large, urban feel, South Carolina is probably not for you. Opt for Charlotte, North Carolina instead. However, if you like a bit more space to yourself, less traffic, and a generally more homey feel, South Carolina could very well be the place for you.
North Carolina
Weather in North Carolina
North Carolina’s weather, like we mentioned earlier, is very similar to that of South Carolina, but ever so slightly cooler. Therefore, it is known for its four distinct seasons, year-round warm weather, and generally pleasant climate. Both North Carolina and South Carolina can get very hot in the summer, and winters in both states are very comparable to one another. In Wilmington, NC, the July high is around 89 degrees while the January low is about 37 degrees. Wilmington, NC averages about 47 inches of rain per year, which is about 30% more than the average in the United States. Myrtle Beach, SC is sunnier than most of the country, and Wilmington, NC is very similar in that regard. Wilmington, NC sees about 213 annual sunny days, while Myrtle Beach sees closer to 218.
When it comes down to it, North Carolina weather and South Carolina weather are very similar. This makes sense, as the two states are adjacent to one another and are very similar in geographic makeup. While both states are humid, they aren’t nearly as humid as their southern counterparts of Georgia and Florida. Both North Carolina and South Carolina see four distinct seasons each year, with much more temperate winters than states further north or inland. Wilmington is usually in the high 60’s and low 70’s in March, making this the most ideal month to check the area out.
Cost of Living in North Carolina
Living in North Carolina is extremely affordable. As we noted above, living in either of the Carolinas is very affordable, and the overall cost of living in North Carolina is only slightly higher than that of South Carolina. Both states are cheaper to live in than the national average, and the most expensive place to live in either of the two states is Charlotte, NC. Regardless, anywhere where you live in the Carolinas is likely cheaper than most other comparable places in the United States.
While that fact is appealing, it is important to remember that the cost of living is going to be naturally higher in popular retirement places than in typical small towns. Wilmington, NC is going to be a lot more expensive than a small town in the middle of the state. These small towns in the middle of the state bring down the cost of living, and they are significantly cheaper than the national average. Still, as the most expensive place in either of the states (Charlotte) is usually right on par with or below the national average, you can rest assured that any part of the state you want to live in will probably be affordable, at least when compared to the national average.
Activities in North Carolina
While North Carolina has great beaches, they aren’t its biggest draw for tourists. North Carolina is a very diversely endowed state, with a major city, several stunning towns and parks, and countless beautiful beach cities. While beach cities like Wilmington and the Outer Banks are very popular, places like Charlotte, Durham, and Asheville are equally popular.
There is no one size fits all answer to the question of “what are the best things to do in North Carolina?” the answer really depends on what you like to do. You can hike in the Appalachian Mountains near Asheville, visit nationally famous universities in and around Durham, catch some waves in the Outer Banks, or attend professional sports games in Charlotte. The possibilities in a state like North Carolina are endless, depending on where you live, as the state is simply so broad and diverse.
North Carolina is also a very big sports state. This is, in some ways, the heart of college basketball country, and the Carolinas as a whole have a full set of professional sports teams. If you are a sports fan, living around Charlotte gives you the opportunity to go to games of nearly every sport, including basketball and football. The Duke University Blue Devils and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have one of the most legendary rivalries in all of college basketball, and are located just down the street from one another.
Housing in North Carolina
Compared to South Carolina, housing in North Carolina is much more expensive. The average home price in North Carolina is around $320,000 in 2022, blowing away the average home cost of South Carolina by over 50%. For transparency, this number is slightly inflated because of the wealthier parts of Durham, Greensboro, and Charlotte. Still, the numbers do not lie! While the houses tend to be comparable in size and quality, you typically get less bang for your buck in North Carolina than you do in South Carolina and will likely be able to afford less land. The quality of housing available is generally comparable, but the prices in South Carolina just tend to be lower.
Like anywhere, the prices vary widely depending on where you want to live in the state. Charlotte is going to be very expensive compared to the rest of the state, as the area is much denser and the average property values in cities tend to be higher than in rural areas. Similarly in Wilmington, housing is slightly more expensive, as the city is booming with demand. In other parts of the state, though, the housing costs are going to be more affordable, and potentially even closer to the prices of homes in South Carolina.
Population Density in North Carolina
North Carolina is an above average state in terms of population density. While South Carolina ranks 25th in population density at about 170 people per square mile, North Carolina ranks 21st with about 215 people per square mile. That difference of 45 people per square mile is somewhat significant. Both states have a population density value that is less than half that of Florida, and the distribution of people is not considered to be dense at all.
This figure makes a lot of sense, and if you remove Charlotte from the calculations, the states’ numbers look even more comparable. The vast urban center of Charlotte pulls the average population density higher, and South Carolina doesn’t really have any major cities anywhere near as big as Atlanta. While you can find urban feels in both states, Charlotte is much more urban than any place that you will find in South Carolina. Both states offer abundant rural areas.
Should I Retire In North Carolina Or South Carolina?
At the end of the day, the answer to this question is totally dependent on your own preferences and desires. While South Carolina offers you much more bang for your buck, amenities, and space, North Carolina offers a broader range of activities and a massive city. Both are fantastic states to live in, and you are likely to have a great experience regardless of which state you choose. Again, they are two very similar states that share a very long border, and not too much changes when you cross the state line. As long as you do your homework ahead of time and make an educated decision based off of your needs, you are likely to have a great time. Remember, moving to a new state is never one size fits all, and just because your friend loves or hates a particular state does not mean that you will feel the same way. In our opinion, the only reason to choose North Carolina over South Carolina would be if you want to live in the urban parts of Charlotte. However, as Charlotte is located on the border of both states, you could also join the vast numbers of people who live in South Carolina but work in Charlotte. If you are looking for anything else, South Carolina probably offers it at a higher quality or a cheaper price. Maybe that is just our local bias talking, but there is a reason we have stayed in South Carolina all these years!
Thanks for reading our post about whether it is better to retire in North Carolina or South Carolina. We know that relocating to a new state can be scary, and we are here to help alleviate some of those worries. If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, we’re here to help. We at The Boyd Team are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.
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