55+ Communities Booming in South Carolina I don’t think it comes as much of a surprise that South Carolina has become one of America’s hottest retirement states, and nothing illustrates this more than the boom in popularity of patio homes and 55+ communities. The Greenville-Spartanburg market is up to five true 55+ communities now, the Charleston area has 10 and Myrtle Beach has six, James Schiller, a real estate broker who specializes in this market, “An age-restricted community, often called a 55+ or active adult community, typically restricts ownership and residency to those above a certain age, usually 55 or older. These communities are designed with specific amenities and features that appeal to seniors, such as low-maintenance yards, single-level homes, on-premise emergency staff, and proximity to medical and recreational facilities. The lifestyle is often catered to a quieter pace with amenities like clubhouses, fitness centers, age friendly swimming pools, and organized social events. Importantly, the age restriction helps ensure a more consistent demographic within the neighborhood, fostering a sense of community among people at similar life stages. The only market in South Carolina where the builders have not caught on is the Midlands, greater Columbia SC area, which is kind of odd considering that’s the capital of the state. We can only assume because that’s more of a “college” town considering it is home to the University of South Carolina, South Carolina State, Midlands Tech and Converse College. On the other hand, a community with patio homes may not have any age restrictions but still appeals to mature buyers. Patio homes are generally single-level, smaller-sized houses on compact lots, reducing the upkeep typically associated with larger properties. Builders design these homes to meet the needs of people seeking a simpler lifestyle—like empty nesters or downsizers—without age limitations. While these neighborhoods may have amenities like walking trails, swimming pools, clubhouse, pickleball courts and community gardens, they lack the age-specific requirements and lifestyle focus seen in 55+ communities such as Del Webb communities, which means the demographic is often more mixed. James goes on to say: “In essence, age-restricted communities provide a specific, senior-friendly environment with age-based residency requirements, while patio home communities offer flexible housing options that may attract older buyers but do not restrict who can live there. Both are great options depending on whether an age-focused or mixed-age environment is preferred.” Baby boomers currently represent the largest home-buying demographic in the U.S., a trend that has caught the attention of builders nationwide. With an estimated 30 million people expected to retire over the next decade, many in this group are seeking homes that align with a simpler, more accessible lifestyle—not sprawling two-story houses. Recognizing this shift, major builders like Pulte Homes, which owns Del Webb, have recently expanded to the Upstate, marking their first community tailored specifically for active adults in the area. Understanding the new construction buying process is important and James Schiller, assists in navigating the process of purchasing a home from Del Webb by Pulte Homes. He advises that, for those interested in age-restricted 55+ communities with new or newer homes, Blaize Ridge and Paxton Meadows are excellent options to consider also. While there are patio home communities available, Mr. Schiller emphasizes that these neighborhoods offer a dedicated, retirement-friendly environment designed to support the active adult lifestyle. If you’re interested in learning more about the best retirement 55+ communities and patio home developments in the Upstate of South Carolina and Greenville SC visit HERE.