Forget Florida, Retire To This South Carolina County With Warm Weather, Affordable Living, And Endless Outdoor Fun

Sometimes moving to Florida's warmth and sunshine seems like the only natural option. Where else can you find just the right mix of temperate weather and outdoor spaces to keep active? But plenty of spots in the South fit the bill, and many of them are blissfully less expensive than the Sunshine State. South Carolina's Anderson County, right on the border with Georgia, offers the affordability, moderate winters, and a variety of outdoor activities that will make you forget Florida was ever an option.

The biggest draw for travelers and those living on a fixed income may be Anderson County's kind approach to household budgets. The cost of living in the county seat, the city of Anderson, is 9% lower than the national average, according to Payscale. Utilities and transportation are also below the national average, though a trip to the grocery store may cost you a bit more. House prices are particularly attractive: Median home values are about $100,000 below the comparable national figure, according to Niche. Meanwhile, Florida home prices are about 2% above the national average, which translates to about $150,000 saved by moving to Anderson instead.

If retiring here, you won't be alone. South Carolina's ratio of older citizens puts it among the top 10 states, according to the Population Reference Bureau, and the Census Bureau shows about one-fifth of Anderson County's 203,000-plus residents are retirement-aged. That's not to say it's a 713-square-mile retirement home, though. Clemson University and over a dozen other universities and colleges are within driving distance of Anderson, which is considered "The Friendliest City in South Carolina." That spritely sense of youth permeates the county, especially for outdoorsy types.

The county's location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and adjacent natural areas make it perfect if one of your goals is to spend more time outdoors. Landlubbers seeking an active visit or retirement have a long list of potential venues to stretch their legs and wear out their hiking boots. The Fant's Grove Trail System, for one, crisscrosses the county with 35 miles of potential treks, covering scenic views of both land and water. Sadlers Creek State Park, on the county's western edge, offers several miles of trails to either hike or bike. The park is also right on the shores of Lake Hartwell.

Surf matches the turf in Anderson County. Specifically, Lake Hartwell is a vast lake escape with dockside dining and fishing fame. The reservoir's 56,000 acres provide a suitable venue for several types of outdoor activities, from fishing to boating, with excitement buried in unexpected locations. Literally. Within Lake Hartwell lies spooky Cemetery Island, rife with ghost tales. If that's a bit much for your retirement, the city of Anderson itself offers plenty of aquatic adventure, with several parks featuring bodies of water. The city's 27-acre Darwin Wright Park, for example, offers a swimming area, fishing pier, and a disc golf course.

If you're out boating or just want to spend time by the lake, stop at the well-regarded Galley Restaurant. Guests laud the prime rib and its views of Lake Hartwell. At the opposite end of the outdoor fun spectrum lies the roar of engines cruising around a track at Anderson Motor Speedway. While it may not host NASCAR or F1-level events, its homemade chili dogs can fuel a rambunctious day at the track. Try to get there for the Tour of Destruction — the event's name says it all.

Bad weather can put the kibosh on the best outdoor plans. Thankfully, Anderson County has a generous, warm climate with plenty of chances to get outside. While overcast skies are somewhat frequent, they're worst in January, when clouds occupy the sky 50% of the time. Despite that, there is no strong rainy season. Temperatures range from pleasant to bearable, with peak summer months getting a bit muggy. 

Regardless of the weather, you first need a way to get there and a place to stay. Accessibility and transportation options are critical for both travelers and retirees, who may want the grandkids to stop by often. The closest major transit hub, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, is 45 minutes away. Anderson also enjoys two major destinations in its periphery: Both Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, are a two-hour drive in either direction.

Visitors have several options for places to stay in the area. The city of Anderson has historic lodgings that beat those cookie-cutter chain hotels and motels. The Liberty Hall B&B, for example, offers rooms and accommodations in a 180-year-old mansion, complete with hardwood floors, large windows, and some with porches. Choosing a longer-term place to live offers a few worthwhile options. Williamston, with its Southern charm and friendly vibes, also provides an ideal getaway; its relatively low cost of living makes it one of the more affordable options within the county.