I’ve interviewed people from all walks of life, but today’s guest really blew me away. I can’t wait for you to learn about her story, her journey, and what she is up to now in retirement life here in South Carolina.
Welcome to another edition of Retirement Life South Carolina. Today, I’m chatting with a fascinating person—please meet Kim. Kim is a recent retiree; it’s been a few years since you moved here, right?
Kim: Yes, it’s been about three years. I moved here from New Jersey. I was done with the snow and thought South Carolina was a good option.
Keith: Why did you choose South Carolina?
Kim: Well, it wasn’t even on our list initially. My husband and I had separate lists of where we wanted to retire, and South Carolina wasn’t on either one! But I remembered a friend who had moved here about nine years prior. I reached out to him and his wife, and they told us we’d love it. They put us in touch with a real estate agent, and we started exploring the area. Of course, COVID hit, so we did a lot of virtual tours before finally coming down to see the area in person. That’s when we fell in love with it.
Keith: So what made you decide that South Carolina was the place for you?
Kim: We stayed in Charleston and explored the surrounding areas. We particularly loved the Mount Pleasant area—it’s close to the city, but not too close. We enjoyed the local restaurants, music scene, and farmers markets. My husband is originally from New Orleans, so the combination of music, water, and the laid-back atmosphere really appealed to us.
Keith: Music seems to play a big part in your life. We’ll circle back to that. But first, what has your experience been like since moving here?
Kim: It’s been wonderful! We’ve made some amazing friends. One thing you worry about when relocating is leaving behind lifelong connections, but our neighbors have been incredibly welcoming. And of course, the weather—no more snow! People here get excited when a few flakes fall, but it’s nothing like the winters up north. It’s a more relaxed pace, which we really enjoy.
Keith: Has anything surprised you about life here?
Kim: Yes! The drivers are so considerate. In New Jersey, as soon as the light turns green, people honk. Here, they don’t. Also, customer service is very friendly. It was a bit of an adjustment after being used to the fast-paced lifestyle of the Northeast. People here are more relaxed, but there are still plenty of exciting things to do if that’s what you want. Oh, and I’ve had to adjust to spending a bit more time in grocery lines! People know each other, and conversations tend to happen right there in the store. But it’s part of the charm.
Keith: Have you found it easy to connect with people?
Kim: Definitely. Our neighbors are wonderful, and I know I can count on them. I’ve also met people through the gym and other activities. It’s been very easy to make connections, both within our neighborhood and beyond.
Keith: A common question I get from people considering retirement here is about the cost of living. How has it been for you?
Kim: The cost of living is definitely lower here than in New Jersey, especially when it comes to property taxes. Overall, we’ve found things to be more affordable, especially housing. And one pleasant surprise was that the beaches here are free—no need to buy a beach tag like in New Jersey!
Keith: That’s always a nice perk! Speaking of lifestyle, what about healthcare?
Kim: Initially, I was still seeing my doctors in New Jersey when I’d go back to visit. But over time, I’ve found great healthcare providers here in South Carolina. I even had surgery a few months ago and was really happy with the experience. The hospitals are close by, and the overall healthcare system has been great.
Keith: It sounds like you’ve settled in really well. With everything you’ve experienced, would you recommend South Carolina as a retirement destination?
Kim: Absolutely. The pace of life here is perfect for retirees. It’s laid-back and less stressful, but there are still plenty of activities to keep you busy, whether it’s kayaking, fishing, biking, or just enjoying the outdoors.
Keith: What’s one thing you wish you knew before moving here?
Kim: The heat! It definitely gets hot here. I’m an avid gardener, and I didn’t realize how strong the sun could be. I now wear arm protectors and a hat when I’m out gardening.
Keith: Now, let’s get to the big reveal—you didn’t just retire to South Carolina. You became a rock star!
Kim: Yes, I did! I’m the lead singer of a classic rock cover band called Better on Wine. We perform all around the Charleston area and even took first runner-up in the Charleston City Paper’s house cover band contest for 2024. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’ve met so many people through our performances.
Keith: That’s incredible! It sounds like retirement has brought you a whole new chapter of adventure and creativity.
Kim: It really has. I tell people all the time, you can still pursue your passions at any age. Whether it’s music, gardening, or something else, staying passionate about what you love keeps you young and happy.
Keith: Kim, thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s been a pleasure hearing about your journey and how South Carolina has become such a special place for you.
Kim: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share! South Carolina has been a wonderful place to retire, and I hope my story inspires others to consider it too.
