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Socastee, South Carolina
Just West of Lively Myrtle Beach, Socastee is Somewhat Reasonably Priced with Neatly Laid Out Neighborhoods and Classic Beaches Just Down the Road
Socastee is an unincorporated community that straddles the Intracoastal Waterway just west of entertainment-capital Myrtle Beach in northeastern South Carolina. For much of its history, which dates from the mid-1800s, it was a mill town and an agricultural hub, producing lumber, cotton and tobacco.
The community has several busy main roads, including Dick Pond Road and Socastee Boulevard, with gas stations, banks, convenience stores, fast food restaurants and strip malls. Neighborhoods are neatly laid out, although some are in better shape than others. Most areas have brick ranch ramblers, Cape Cods, four squares and more. No real downtown exists, but three buildings from Socastee's early days are in its historic district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Socastee Heritage Foundation sponsors ice cream socials and an annual festival near the old Socastee Swing Bridge. The oceanfront beaches and abundant amenities of Myrtle Beach are about a seven mile drive to the east.
Population: 26,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 32%
Cost of Living: 18% below the national average
Median Home Price: $310,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are in the 30s, 40s and 50s. On average, the area receives 50 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Conway Medical Center is about six miles away and accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Conway Medical Center is about six miles away and is accredited.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Slightly above the national average
Public Library: No
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 20%
Cons: Hurricane damage is always a possibility. In 2018, Hurricane Florence flooded neighborhoods, uprooted trees and downed powerlines. In 2022, Hurricane Ian also brought flooding.
Is South Carolina Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Notes: Socastee roots run deep, and some families have lived here for generations. The community shares its zip code with Myrtle Beach. The population has grown 31% during the last decade, and home prices have increased 3% since a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, although the hurricane threat is real.
South Carolina:
South Carolina is nicknamed the Palmetto State and its motto is "Dum spiro spero," which is Latin for "While I Breath, I Hope." It is 40th in size in the United States and was the eighth state to be admitted to the Union on May 23, 1788. The largest city and state capital is Columbia.
Formerly known as the Province of South Carolina, the area was also one of the Thirteen Colonies that declared its independence during the American Revolution. The state was the first to secede from the Union and was the first and founding state of the Confederate States of America.
South Carolina is in what is considered the Deep South and is bordered by the states Georgia on the south and North Carolina on the north.
The state does not host any major professional sport franchises. However, the Carolina Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes actually represent both North Carolina and South Carolina.
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