Retiring couple (Charleston, Florence, Summerville: condos, buy, college)

[kalans]

My husband and I are looking for a warm place to retire. We'd like to move to a coastal area in South Carolina, but are afraid of hurricanes, flooding, etc... We realize that it's a risk. Does anyone know anything about the Lake Marion area or Hilton Head and the risk of hurricanes or flooding? We are looking for a peaceful place to live. Our son is about to graduate from college and we recently lost our youngest son to suicide and want to find an area that offers warmer weather and perhaps a water view if possible. Any suggestions?

[Carolina Knight]

Coastal areas are prone to hurricanes and flooding. Georgetown and Horry counties are witnessing the aftermath of Florence. If you want to avoid low elevations, I would look around Lake Marion.

[WiseManOnceSaid]

Originally Posted by kalans

My husband and I are looking for a warm place to retire. We'd like to move to a coastal area in South Carolina, but are afraid of hurricanes, flooding, etc... We realize that it's a risk. Does anyone know anything about the Lake Marion area or Hilton Head and the risk of hurricanes or flooding? We are looking for a peaceful place to live. Our son is about to graduate from college and we recently lost our youngest son to suicide and want to find an area that offers warmer weather and perhaps a water view if possible. Any suggestions?

If you're looking for a quiet, peaceful retirement, look into areas such as Vance, Eutawville, Bowman, on the southern side of Lake Marion. There have been times, on the lakes, where large storm systems have kicked up quite a frenzy of waves, though we don't have major flooding on the two lakes. Being that the areas around Lakes Marion and Moultrie are relatively rural, you have to really enjoy that lifestyle. Santee is another area that has a more snow bird resort type feel. Manning is a bit larger on the northern side of the lake.

Personally I'd want to stay on the southern half though, as you're much closer to Charleston/Summerville and can get to the beach in about 1.5 hours.

[mckee16]

This is a hoot.You are telling us that Santee has a "resort type of feel"? I live in a small town, and generally love them all, but come on! Hey, I'll meet you at Cooper's store and buy a BBQ sandwich to eat in the parking and we can discuss!

[WiseManOnceSaid]

Originally Posted by mckee16

This is a hoot.You are telling us that Santee has a "resort type of feel"? I live in a small town, and generally love them all, but come on! Hey, I'll meet you at Cooper's store and buy a BBQ sandwich to eat in the parking and we can discuss!

There's even a development called Santee Cooper Resort. Two national golf courses. Compared to... let's say Vance, it most certainly has a more resort feel. Snowbirds and lakefront condos as well. It's still a small rural town, but has a little more to offer than most of the lake area.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by WiseManOnceSaid

There's even a development called Santee Cooper Resort. Two national golf courses. Compared to... let's say Vance, it most certainly has a more resort feel. Snowbirds and lakefront condos as well. It's still a small rural town, but has a little more to offer than most of the lake area.

I agree.

[kalans]

Thanks so much for the helpful information.

[LynchburgLover]

It really depends on your budget.