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Clemson, South Carolina
With a Pretty Lakeside Setting, Clemson Boasts Southern Hospitality, a Vibrant Collegiate Atmoshphere, an OLLI and Plentiful Water Recreation
Cost of Living: Meets the National Average
Tucked away in the rural northwestern section of South Carolina known as the Upcountry, Clemson (population 18,000) sits along Lake Hartwell and is surrounded by wooded countryside dotted with more lakes. Clemson University (23,000 students) makes its home here, giving the town a youthful population, a boisterous football culture and an active cultural community. Water recreation, a good senior support system and safe neighborhoods add to Clemson's appeal.
Thirty percent of locals are age 45 or better, and most residents lean to the right politically. Nearly 65% of residents hold at least a four year college degree. The town has grown 21% within the last decade.
After the Civil War, members of South Carolina's elites began to build second homes in the place 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 residents, however, Clemson, unlike many college towns, has not become overpriced and still has a cost of living 16% below the national average.
The median home price is $400,000, reflecting a 20% increase since last year, and buys a three bedroom, three bath home with mature landscaping in an established, middle-income neighborhood. Clemson University is on the north and west sides of town, so neighborhoods at the opposite end of campus are the best bet for finding a quiet place to live. Apartments are plentiful, but most are occupied by students.
South Carolina is tax friendly when it comes to retirement. The state does not tax Social Security, and residents age 65 or better may exclude up to $10,000 of all types of retirement income or up to $15,000 ($30,000 married) of all taxable income. Income above the $15,000 is taxed between 0% and 7%, depending on the amount. For people who are 65 or better and who have lived in their home for at least one year, the state offers a homestead exemption of $50,000 of the home's fair market value. The average effective property tax rate (the annual tax payment as a percentage of median home value) in Clemson is .47%. The annual taxes on a $325,000 home are approximatley $1,880, without a homestead exemption. The combined sales tax is 7%.
Clemson, South Carolina
The first-class Brooks Center for the Performing Arts brings all kinds of talent to town, including string quartets, jazz violinists and choral ensembles. It also presents a full season of dance performances and theater productions. The Arts Center of Clemson 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 Theatre receives rave reviews and mounts productions throughout the year. The 295-acre South Carolina Botanic Gardens houses historic structures and is a soothing spot in which to spend a leisurely afternoon.
For outdoor lovers, pretty Lake Hartwell is a 56,000-acre recreation oasis with boating, swimming and bass fishing. Lake Keowee, just to the west, also attracts water devotees.
Of course, football fans love Clemson. In this part of the country football is practically a religion, and each autumn Saturday afternoon, 81,500 crazed fans fill Memorial Stadium, also known as "Death Valley," to cheer on their beloved Clemson Tigers. Clemson baseball, basketball and soccer teams also have loyal followings. And the Walker Golf Course at Clemson University has 18 holes and 6,911 yards to enjoy.
Shopping is not outstanding, but the downtown, across from the University campus, has shops, cafes and restaurants. For more diverse shopping and dining, the towns of Seneca, Easly, Greenville/Spartanburg, Pendleton, and Anderson are all within a short drive. Atlanta, Georgia is about 125 miles to the southwest.
There is no local hospital, but Oconee Medical Campus in Seneca is just eight miles away. It is part of the Greenville Health System, has 170 beds and is accredited by the Joint Commission. Medicare patients are accepted. Larger hospitals are a little farther away in Anderson (20 miles) and Greenville (40 miles). For military retirees, Anderson and Greenville also have VA outpatient clinics, but the nearest VA hospital is in Asheville, North Carolina, 65 miles away.
Clemson Area Transit (CAT) operates a free bus service on campus and around town. There is also a para-transit service. Amtrak provides service to Greenville/Spartanburg and major East Coast cities. The closest domestic airport is in Greenville, and the closest international airport is in Charlotte, North Carolina, 110 miles away.
The Central/Clemson Senior Center offers a variety of programs, including meals and transportation to medical appointments. The Central-Clemson Recreation Center provides classes especially for seniors, as well as a therapy pool and semi-private use of other pools and facilities. The Pitkens County Library, which is actually in the town of Central, five miles away, delivers books and other materials to those who cannot leave their home (and it has public computers). Meals on Wheels is also active.
Perhaps best of all, Clemson University has an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). It has 1,100 members, and as with most OLLIs around the country, offers a diverse selection of stimulating classes to people age 50 or better. Course titles include America: Land of Political Philosophers, The Joy of Shade Gardening and A Journey into Upcountry Folklore and Traditions. The annual membership is just $50. Additionally, adults age 55+ may audit Clemson University classes at a reduced charge.
Residents say that the weather in the "Upcountry" is balmy, with the elevation of 748 feet above sea level mitigating the summer heat a bit. Still, July and August bring temperatures into the mid-90s. Winters are mild with temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s. On average, the area receives 52 inches of rain and a dusting of snow each year. On the comfort index, a combination of temperature and humidity, Clemson comes in below the national average. The sun shines 223 days of the year.
Clemson does have some drawbacks. The overwhelming presence of the University and its youthful attendees may be too much for some people. Clemson is known as a party school, but for the most part, the parties are confined to the University campus and immediate surrounding neighborhoods (the Party Registration Program, a collaboration between the city and Clemson University in which student parties register with the police, helps keep noise levels down). Heavy traffic on football game days in the fall is a headache, and the occasional brawl has occurred after football games. The tornado risk is 50% higher than the national average.
While these negatives are real, a big plus is Clemson's reputation as a friendly town. It is a safe, well-managed place that successfully combines genuine Southern hospitality with a fun collegiate atmosphere. For many retirees, Clemson might be the perfect retirement spot!
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