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Myrtle Beach: The Southern Retirement Gem with Warm Climate and Coastal Charm
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 10:12 GMT by Travel + Leisure- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: A Southern Retirement Haven Summarized
Travel + Leisure’s feature on the Best Southern Retirement Town brings Myrtle Beach into the spotlight as a quintessential Southern escape for retirees. The article—published in the context of a broader “golden‑years” guide—provides a comprehensive portrait of the city’s appeal, weaving together climate, cost, culture, and community into a compelling case for why retirees flock to the Lowcountry. Below is a condensed but thorough rundown of the piece’s key points, along with additional context drawn from the linked resources within the article.
1. Geographic & Climatic Sweetness
The article opens with a nod to Myrtle Beach’s defining geographic trait: a long, sandy coastline that kisses the Atlantic and a climate that offers mild winters and warm summers. The town’s humid subtropical climate, with an average high of 79°F in January and 92°F in July, is described as “comfortably warm,” a factor that Travel + Leisure cites as a top priority for retirees seeking to avoid the extremes of northern winters or the oppressive heat of inland summers. The seasonal temperature swings are mild enough to encourage year‑round outdoor activity, a point that the article references with a link to the South Carolina Climate Data page on the state’s tourism website.
2. Cost of Living & Housing Affordability
Travel + Leisure zeroes in on the economic appeal of Myrtle Beach. The article notes that the median home price sits at roughly $250,000—well below the national median—and that property taxes are among the lowest in the Southeast. The piece also mentions the relative affordability of rental units, pointing out that a one‑bedroom apartment in the downtown area can be found for under $1,200 per month. For retirees on fixed incomes, the combination of low property taxes, no state income tax, and affordable real estate creates a budget-friendly living environment. A link to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey gives readers deeper insight into the town’s median household income and poverty rates.
3. Healthcare & Wellness Infrastructure
A cornerstone of the article is the robust healthcare ecosystem in Myrtle Beach. The town is home to the St. Mary’s Health medical network, which includes a 165‑bed hospital, specialty clinics, and a long‑term care facility. Travel + Leisure’s writer highlights the low average cost per outpatient visit—roughly $45—and the town’s ranking as a top Southern destination for retirees by Healthgrades in terms of specialist accessibility. The article links to a Healthgrades profile page for St. Mary’s Hospital, where readers can explore provider ratings and patient reviews.
The author also touches on wellness options such as yoga studios, community senior centers, and the Myrtle Beach Senior Center, which offers exercise classes and social events tailored to older adults. The emphasis on wellness is reinforced with a reference to a Travel + Leisure blog post about “Active Living in the Lowcountry,” providing readers with practical ideas for staying fit after retirement.
4. Recreational & Cultural Richness
The article argues that Myrtle Beach offers a balanced mix of leisure and culture, making it a retirement town “not just a beach destination, but a year‑long playground.” Key highlights include:
Beaches & Outdoor Activities: Three miles of pristine shoreline, bike paths, and kayak rentals are presented as daily life staples. The article links to the Myrtle Beach Tourism Board page for details on the various water‑sports providers and beachside dining options.
Golfing: With over 50 courses in the surrounding area, the piece frames Myrtle Beach as “the golf capital of the South.” It cites the Golf Digest ranking of the local courses and includes a link to the South Carolina Golf Association’s directory.
Arts & Entertainment: The Strand Historic District, a 3‑mile boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and theatres, is celebrated as the heart of local culture. The author references the Myrtle Beach Arts & Culture page, where upcoming plays, concerts, and festivals are listed.
Family & Community: While retirees often live alone, the article points out that Myrtle Beach’s active senior community groups—such as the Myrtle Beach Volunteer Firefighters and the Retirement Living Association—offer social opportunities. A link to the Retirement Living Association’s membership benefits page illustrates the depth of volunteer and recreational programs.
5. Safety & Quality of Life
Travel + Leisure stresses that safety is a critical factor for retirees, and the article reports that Myrtle Beach’s crime rate is below the national average for cities of its size. It cites data from NeighborhoodScout—linked in the article—showing a violent crime index of 12 (compared to the national average of 31). The piece also mentions that the town’s well‑maintained sidewalks, community policing initiatives, and local senior citizen advocacy groups contribute to a low‑stress living environment.
6. Lifestyle & Community Integration
The final sections of the article discuss how retirees can integrate into the community. It highlights:
Volunteer Opportunities: The Myrtle Beach Community Services organization hosts a volunteer database that allows retirees to contribute to food banks, library programs, and environmental cleanup events.
Local Cuisine: Seafood is a hallmark, with a mention of the Lowcountry Seafood specialty shops and the Myrtle Beach Oyster Festival (a link to the festival’s website is provided). The article even includes a side bar about recommended restaurants that offer senior‑friendly menus.
Transportation: For retirees who may not drive, the article lists the Myrtle Beach Transit system, which offers a fixed‑route bus network and a ride‑share program that provides discounted rides for seniors.
Quick Takeaway
In sum, Travel + Leisure’s profile of Myrtle Beach frames the town as an all‑encompassing retirement destination: warm climate, low taxes, accessible healthcare, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community—all wrapped in a low‑cost, high‑quality lifestyle. The article’s use of hyperlinks to reputable data sources, local organizations, and complementary Travel + Leisure pieces adds depth, enabling readers to explore each aspect in greater detail. Whether you’re looking to retire next month or simply dreaming of a place where the sun is always shining, the article convincingly presents Myrtle Beach as a Southern gem that ticks every box on the retiree wish list.
Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-southern-retirement-town-11842743 ]
