The following is a guest blog from SeniorHomes.com an organization dedicated to supporting senior citizens and their families. We at Reed Law Firm, want to help all our clients find the right care for themselves and are happy to help promote their work.
If you're on the verge of retirement and looking for a new city to live, you should look no further than Columbia, SC. When it comes to retirement hotspots, South Carolina sits high on top of the list for many people, and Columbia is a particularly attractive option. It is the capital, and while many people know it as a college town, it actually boasts many amenities that are attractive for retirees. Below you’ll find an explanation of just a few reasons why retiring to sunny Columbia, SC is a great investment for your Golden Years.
Columbia Offers Many Senior-Friendly Activities for Retirees
Thanks in large part to the mild weather, there are many outdoor activities seniors can enjoy in Columbia. There are many parks to spend time in, including the 22,000-acre Congaree National Park, as well as a large zoo. There's also a public golf course with 27 holes on 240 acres.
If you're more of an indoor person, you can take advantage of Columbia's vibrant art, 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. For more art from around the world, check out the Columbia Museum of Art, which features traveling exhibitions and about 12,000 square feet housing permanent collections.
Columbia is Affordable for Seniors
Columbia, SC offers a below-average cost of living. According to real estate website Zillow, the average cost of homes sold in the metro area is 136,300. This is well below the national average of $226,000. Zillow estimates that home values will increase at least 3% of the next year, meaning buying a home now could be a great investment for your future if you ultimately decide to explore other senior living options down the road.
Beyond having a reasonable real estate market, Columbia is known for being tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and the state of South Carolina provides a generous $15,000 deduction for other types of retirement income. The state also boasts some of the lowest property taxes in the country. These are the perfect ingredients for a retirement destination – especially for seniors who are living on a fixed retirement income.
Columbia is Home to a Variety of Senior Living Options
If buying a new home isn't in your retirement plan, that doesn't mean you can't move to Columbia. The city offers many different senior living options that can suit the needs and preferences of any retiree.
A retirement community, also referred to a "55-plus" community, is a neighborhood designed especially for adults who are at least 55 years of age. Most seniors who live in these communities have retired from the workforce, although some seniors do continue to work. A retirement community can be made up of single family homes, condos or apartments. 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:
- Common area and building maintenance
- Limited insurance
- Sewer
- Landscaping
- Termite extermination, if needed
Retirement communities, while great, are not appropriate for every senior during their later years. It is not uncommon for retirees to ultimately require specialized assistance with healthcare and activities of daily living. If you believe you may fall into this category, it may be wise to consider moving into an assisted living facility for your retirement. There are many highly rated communities in the Columbia metropolitan area, each with their own set of amenities and comforts.
These facilities are ideal seniors who need help with simple tasks that used to be easy – such as getting dressed in the morning or making sure to eat three healthy meals each day. Beyond this type of assistance, these facilities offer the opportunity to develop connections and make new friendships every day. Your real estate agent can help you narrow down which facilities are likely to best suit your full spectrum of needs and preferences.
