Lake Murray (SC) Blog: Columbia SC Named One of America's Best Places to Live for Retirees!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Columbia SC Named One of America's Best Places to Live for Retirees!

U.S. News & World Report has named Columbia SC as one of America's Best Affordable Places to Retire!
Of course, I knew that already as a Columbia Realtor and life-long resident of Columbia. Columbia IS a great place to live, especially for retirees.

The complete article (September 28, 2009):

America's Best Affordable Places to Retire
U.S. News & World Report worked with a data search company to seek out places with a low cost of living and reasonable housing prices that still offered access to the services and amenities that people should look for in an ideal retirement spot. Each city on the list has high-quality healthcare and elder-care facilities, as well as an abundance of educational and cultural events.

Columbia SC - Editor's Pick for Best Place for Retirement Living

Topping the list of reasons that Columbia SC was chosen as a BEST PLACE TO LIVE FOR RETIREMENT: low median home prices AND low owner occupied property taxes (homeowners over age 65 get even lower tax bills). The median home sale price in 2008 was about $148,000. Average property taxes were listed around $1,000. Homeowners over age 65 get a $50,000 reduction on assessed tax value to further lower property tax bills.

More reasons to choose Columbia SC for affordable retirement living:

LOW overall cost of living
GREAT weather - lots of sunshine and mild winters (snow is rare)Friendly people and Southern hospitality
Excellent health care facilities
Lake Murray - one of the BEST lakes in all of the South is popular for boating, fishing and fun
Easy access to city, regional and state parks and even a National Park close to Columbia
THREE rivers through Columbia - Congaree, Broad and Saluda for canoeing and kayaking
Numerous and diverse cultural activities: antebellum architecture in historic districts, excellent musuems, outdoor concerts, University of South Carolina athletic events
Military retirees enjoy amenities and benefits provided by U.S. Army Fort Jackson and Dorn VA hospital
Nice places to shop including several malls and special shopping districts including Five Points and Congaree Vista
Stable economy and work force employers
There's more, but at least the above list is a start as to why you should choose Columbia SC for your place to call home for retirement!