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Southern Hospitality Combined with a
Vibrant Collegiate Atmosphere, Not to Mention a Lower Cost of Living,
Bring Retirees to Pretty Clemson, South Carolina
Cost of Living: Below the National Average
| Tucked away in the rural northwestern section of
South Carolina known as the "Upcountry," Clemson, South
Carolina (population 13,000) is
surrounded by wooded countryside brimming with sparkling lakes and
rolling mountains. A youthful
population, a boisterous football season and an
active cultural scene are reasons that retirees
come here, a pretty town whose character is
completely defined by the school, Clemson
University (population 17,000), that makes its
home here. Not everyone wants to retire in
such a lively place, but Clemson has a lot to
offer, including a reasonable cost of living,
lake recreation, a crime rate below the national
average and a good senior support
system. Of the population, 16% is
age 45 to 64, and 13% is age 65 or above. |
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After the Civil War, members of
South Carolina's ruling class began to build second homes in
the spot that would one day become the village of
Clemson. With the founding of the University in 1893
(originally Clemson College and for years an all male
military school), the area began to grow and
prosper. Luckily for today's retirees, however,
Clemson, unlike many college towns, never became overpriced
and still has a cost of living that is roughly 15% below the
national average. The median home price of $179,000 will fetch a 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with mature
landscaping in an established, middle-income
neighborhood. Modest but well-kept, brick, ranch-style homes are
available for less than $150,000. Clemson University is on the north and west sides of
town, so homes at the opposite end of campus are the best bet for
finding a quiet neighborhood. Apartments are plentiful, but
most are occupied by students.
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Property tax is calculated at 4% of a residence's fair market
value multiplied by 206 mills per $1,000 of the assessed
value. There are also several credits that come into play,
so, for example, the annual taxes on a $200,000 home would be
roughly $1,320. Qualified retirement income is taxed,
but there is a $15,000 deduction per spouse at age 65. Social Security is
exempt from state income tax. The state sales tax rate is 6%
Many small towns can feel insular and not all that welcoming to
newcomers, but thanks to the University, Clemson has a diverse
population and newcomers arriving all the time. The
town retains a friendly small town ambiance but manages to combine
that with lots of activities to keep many a retiree busy. The first class Brooks Center for the Performing Arts brings all
kinds of talent to town, including string quartets, jazz
violinists and choral ensembles; the Center also presents a full
season of dance performances and theater productions. The
Clemson Art Center offers reasonably priced, high quality classes
in fine art, writing and music to all ages and skill levels and
exhibits local artists' works. The Clemson Little Theater
mounts productions throughout the year, and the South Carolina
Botanic Gardens houses some historic structures and is a
delightful spot in which to spend a leisurely afternoon.
For outdoor lovers, pretty Lake
Hartwell, along which Clemson is nestled, is a 56,000-acre
recreation Paradise, giving retirees ample access to some
outstanding fishing, boating and swimming venues. Lake
Keowee, just to the west, also attracts water
devotees.
This is an
interactive map. Click on the arrows in the upper left hand
corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click
(more than once if necessary) on the +/- signs to zoom in
and out.
Of course, retirees in search of days full of watching sports
will love Clemson. Football in this part of the country is
practically a religion, and each Saturday afternoon during the
autumn, 80,000 crazed fans fill the football stadium, cheering on
their beloved Clemson Tigers. There are also college
baseball, basketball and soccer games in need of screaming
fans. And the Walker Golf Course at Clemson University has
18 holes and 6,911 yards to enjoy.
Clemson,
South Carolina, Continued....
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Great Retirement Spots Newsletter is
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#152, Denver, CO 80231. (303) 358-0512. Copyright ©
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reproduced without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc. Numerous attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained
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Clemson South Carolina Retirement
Active Adult
Developments in Clemson South Carolina
Retirement Communities Clemson South Carolina Real Estate
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