Beaufort was named the second-best spot for beach-bound retirees to call home!
In an article in Travel + Leisure, written by Patricia Doherty and published on May 16, 2024, a list was compiled of the “8 Best Beach Destinations to Retire in for Beautiful Views, Mild Weather, and a Laid-back Vibe.” To come up with a list of the best places to retire near the beach, Travel + Leisure researched coastal towns and cities in the U.S. and worldwide. And, the magazine named our little piece of paradise #2!
Known as the “Queen of the Sea Islands,” its name stems from its geography and history. Beaufort was one of the first British settlements in South Carolina. Founded around 1710, it’s located on Port Royal Sound and is one of the largest Sea Islands along the southeast Atlantic coast. Today, the name reflects the City’s remarkable presence in its past and in its future.
With its regal nickname, Beaufort is a kingdom of heaven for all, especially retirees.
Beaufort boasts history, cultural richness, top-tier dining, delectable seafood, and a range of entertainment and events. It offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Golf, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating can be enjoyed year-round in the mild climate.
Travel journalist Michelle Gross has called Beaufort home for years. She is a travel columnist for Travel + Leisure and Forbes and contributes to Robb Report, Thrillist, Business Insider, Fodor’s, BBC Travel, and more. In this Travel + Leisure article, she describes it as an unparalleled place with a unique quality of life. From the coastal air and picturesque marshes to the leisurely pace of living, Beaufort, South Carolina stands out as one of the most enchanting places to retire.
Beaufort is financially advantageous for retirees.
Travel + Leisure notes that www.niche.com reports that the median home value in Beaufort is $312,900. Considering that the U.S. median home price was $412,000 as of 2023, real estate in Beaufort is quite a bargain!
Secondly, South Carolina has no estate tax. This means there is no tax on cash, securities, real estate, insurance, trusts, annuities, business interests, and other assets if you should choose to pass your accumulated estate on to another individual or trust.
Also, South Carolina offers a state income tax with attractive deductions for resident retirees. The maximum income tax rate is 7%. And residents aged 65 and above can deduct $10,000 from most retirement plans for state income tax purposes.
Read the full article HERE.
Sources:
- https://dor.sc.gov/tax/individual-income
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-beach-destinations-to-retire-in-8639951
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Royal_Sound#:~:text=Port%20Royal%20was%20one%20of,between%20about%201685%20and%201715
