Best Independent Living in South Carolina

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 110 independent living communities in SC using SC Dept. of Public Health (DPH) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in SC
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We analyzed These are the facilities in South Carolina our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in South Carolina.
110 homes
Other senior care options in South Carolina:

Compare Independent Living around South Carolina

Info below is compiled from the SC Dept. of Public Health (DPH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Franke at Seaside
IL
AL
CCRC
HOS
MC
NH
SNF
Mt Pleasant
44
Facility 44
SC AVG 82
Rank #69 / 78
No
53
Facility 53
SC AVG 32
Rank #12 / 68
Private RoomsA+
Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
West Columbia
22
Facility 22
SC AVG 82
Rank #77 / 78
Yes
63
Facility 63
SC AVG 32
Rank #5 / 68
-A+
Brookdale Anderson
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Anderson
160
Facility 160
SC AVG 82
Rank #5 / 78
Yes
43
Facility 43
SC AVG 32
Rank #20 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
Harmony at Columbia
IL
AL
MC
Columbia
110
Facility 110
SC AVG 82
Rank #16 / 78
Yes
36
Facility 36
SC AVG 32
Rank #29 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedA+
The Willows of Easley
IL
AL
RC
Easley (North Hills)
50
Facility 50
SC AVG 82
Rank #64 / 78
Yes
8
Facility 8
SC AVG 32
Rank #58 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedA+
Cascades Verdae
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Greenville (Cascades Verdae)
92
Facility 92
SC AVG 82
Rank #27 / 78
Yes
9
Facility 9
SC AVG 32
Rank #57 / 68
1 bed / 2 bed / 3 bedA+
Mill Creek Manor
IL
AL
MC
Columbia (Williamsburg East)
59
Facility 59
SC AVG 82
Rank #53 / 78
Yes
8
Facility 8
SC AVG 32
Rank #58 / 68
Private RoomsB+
Harmony at Five Forks
IL
AL
MC
Simpsonville
92
Facility 92
SC AVG 82
Rank #27 / 78
Yes
57
Facility 57
SC AVG 32
Rank #7 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
The Oaks of Orangeburg
IL
AL
HC
NH
Orangeburg (Felder)
122
Facility 122
SC AVG 82
Rank #9 / 78
Yes-SuiteA+
Brookdale West Ashley
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Charleston (West Ashley)
100
Facility 100
SC AVG 82
Rank #21 / 78
Yes
56
Facility 56
SC AVG 32
Rank #10 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed-

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other SC independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 110 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Franke at Seaside

Franke at Seaside is a continuing care retirement community in Mt Pleasant, SC, with independent living, assisted living, memory care, hospice care, nursing home care and skilled nursing. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with dressing, bathing and medications. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Nursing home and skilled nursing provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Hospice care focuses on comfort for residents at the end of life, and rehabilitation services are available for therapy during recovery or to help maintain function. Having several care levels in one community may suit a resident whose needs could grow over time without requiring a move elsewhere.

The community has 44 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know one another. Residents have private rooms rather than shared rooms, and total nurse staffing is 4 hours 43 minutes per resident per day. Medicare and private pay are accepted. A Walk Score of 53 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may still be able to complete certain nearby errands independently. Sandy A. Stoll serves as administrator, and Lutheran Homes Of South Carolina operates Franke at Seaside.

Contact Franke at Seaside

Overview of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community

Situated upon 44 acres of tranquil woods in the greater Columbia area, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community’s open arms welcome all who seek an active independent living home to make the most of their golden years. A range of cozy apartments and free-standing cottages are available, coupled with a staff of well-trained nurses that provide individualized care upon request, making for a safe environment, conducive to relaxation. Still Hopes offers a Wellness Center, Solutions for Living at Home services such as cooking, cleaning, and even healthcare, and rehabilitation plans, for a holistic approach to daily physical and mental rejuvenation. Learn to love your artistic side, discover musical talent you never knew you had, or work on your backhand on the golf course; there’s no shortage of activities you can finally make time for all while your basic necessities are covered.

Should you want to venture out ever so often, Still Hopes is an independent living home that’s not only peaceful but accessible; around seven minutes away is the center of downtown Columbia with every manner of establishment well-within reach.

Contact Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community

Overview of Brookdale Anderson

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brookdale Anderson is a luxury senior living community in Anderson, South Carolina, offering independent living and assisted living on one campus. The community provides elegant accommodations, restaurant-style dining, and opportunities to live a worry-free retirement filled with adventures. Residents enjoy spacious and comfortable apartments, thoughtful amenities, and quality care that allows aging in place, with 24/7 emergency staff available.

Brookdale Anderson’s dining program offers healthy and delicious menu choices, with resident feedback and favorite recipes incorporated. The community supports residents in pursuing their interests, hobbies, and passions, with activities like game nights, bingo, happy hours, exercise classes, and more. Independent living residents trade home ownership worries for the comforts of home and opportunities to socialize, while assisted living provides redefined independence through services like medication management and housekeeping, with collaborative care partnerships supporting wellness.

Contact Brookdale Anderson

Overview of Harmony at Columbia

Administered by Cathy Cassanova, Harmony at Columbia is a 110-bed assisted living community on Clemson Road in Columbia, South Carolina. Operated by Columbia Al Operations Llc and established four years ago, it offers occupants flexibility in housing with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans to fit different preferences and needs.

The home’s neighborhood has a Walk Score of 36, meaning a few errands are walkable, with most trips needing a car. This suburban setting can suit residents and families wanting a calmer environment over busier commercial areas. As an assisted living community, the facility is tailored to support older adults needing help with everyday activities like meals, medication management, bathing, and dressing, while encouraging as much independence as possible. Such home types typically pair daily personal care with a residential feel, which lots of families find more personal and less institutional than larger communities.

For families contemplating Harmony at Columbia, personally visiting is the best way to know the community’s daily culture, see available units, meet the team, and get a feel of whether it correctly fits a loved one.

Contact Harmony at Columbia

The Willows of Easley

105 Willow Pl, Easley, SC 29640
Overview of The Willows of Easley

The Willows of Easley offers assisted living, independent living, and respite care in Easley, SC. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space; Independent living is for private living with community services and no daily care; and respite care provides a short stay when someone’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The community has 50 beds, which may suit someone who prefers a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences are available, with a two-bedroom layout potentially suiting a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. The Willows of Easley is in the North Hills neighborhood and allows pets, so a resident can bring a pet when moving in. Laura G. Spearman serves as administrator, and Vop Willows Easley operates the community.

Contact The Willows of Easley

Cascades Verdae

10 Fountainview Terrace, Greenville, SC 29607
Overview of Cascades Verdae

Cascades Verdae sits at 10 Fountainview Terrace in Greenville, South Carolina, in a car-dependent part of the city where a Walk Score of 9 means essentially no walkable access to services. What makes this address worth noting is what’s happening inside the building rather than outside it. This is a 92-bed nursing facility running at 85% occupancy, with an average length of stay of 56 days. That stay length is the operational signal here: Cascades Verdae is built around short-term post-acute recovery, not long-term residence.

The staffing figures are among the more telling pieces of information available on the community. Total nursing care runs 6 hours and 9 minutes per resident per day, including 3 hours and 9 minutes of nurse aide time, 1 hour and 27 minutes of LPN/LVN coverage, and 56 minutes of RN time. The facility carries rehabilitation services, short-term rehab, respite care, and 24-hour staffing on its service list. Medicare and private pay are both accepted.

The amenity set is genuinely unusual for a nursing home. An indoor heated therapy pool, salon and spa services, concierge service, restaurant-style dining, complimentary continental breakfasts, and pet-friendly accommodations together describe a physical environment that prioritizes comfort alongside clinical function.

For someone leaving a hospital who has a choice in where they recover, that combination of solid staffing hours, a post-acute service model, and resort-adjacent amenities in Greenville are features worth taking seriously.

Starting Price $4,310/Month

Contact Cascades Verdae

Overview of Mill Creek Manor

Welcome to Mill Creek Manor, a premier senior living community in Columbia, South Carolina. Located near Sesquicentennial Park, Mill Creek Manor offers a range of living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Residents can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle in a beautiful setting.

The community features spacious living areas, delightful dining experiences, and a calendar of special events. For those needing additional support, Mill Creek Manor offers assisted living services, including medication management and personalized care. With a focus on maintaining family and social relationships, Mill Creek Manor provides a warm and welcoming environment where residents receive exceptional care tailored to their unique needs. Discover the comfort and vibrant lifestyle that Mill Creek Manor has to offer.

Starting Price $1,700/Month

Contact Mill Creek Manor

Overview of Harmony at Five Forks

Harmony at Five Forks offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Simpsonville, SC. Independent living means having a private home with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and other daily tasks. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for residents who may be at risk of wandering. Having all three care levels in one community can allow a resident’s support to increase over time without requiring a move elsewhere. Harmony at Five Forks may be a good fit for someone who wants access to multiple levels of care in one setting.

The community has 92 beds, with studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments. A studio offers one private living space, while a two bedroom apartment may work for a couple moving together or for someone who wants a companion. Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to keep a pet after moving in. The area has a Walk Score of 57 and is somewhat walkable, meaning some errands can be handled on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to reach select destinations independently.

Residents can use a movie theater, library, game room, bistro, and walking path for recreation, reading, games, dining, and outdoor walks without leaving the community. Physical and occupational therapy are available on site, so rehabilitation services do not require arranging transportation elsewhere. Elizabeth Byers serves as the administrator, and Greenville Operations operates the community.

Starting Price $3,935/Month

Contact Harmony at Five Forks

Overview of The Oaks of Orangeburg

The license at The Oaks of Orangeburg in Orangeburg, SC, is for nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, and home care. Under nursing home care, licensed nursing is what the designation requires the community to provide. In assisted living, bathing, medication, and dressing, along with other daily tasks, are helped with by staff, while the apartment remains the resident’s.

Independent living keeps the private space and drops the daily care. Home care goes out to the address a person already lives at, rather than requiring someone to move in to receive care.

The daily nursing time figure here is 3 hours and 20 minutes per resident, averaged out over all the 122 beds. The housing comes as suites, and a pet may move in with a resident.

Payment is accepted via private pay, Medicaid, and Medicare.

With four care levels licensed together, a family that anticipates needing more care in the future but is unable to predict when it will be needed has somewhere to start here.

Contact The Oaks of Orangeburg

Overview of Brookdale West Ashley

Brookdale West Ashley in Charleston, South Carolina, offers both assisted living and memory care, providing a seamless transition should residents’ needs change over time. The community includes basic utilities and maintenance, a selection of pet-friendly floor plans with great natural light, and 24/7 staff availability for emergencies. Assisted living residents receive help with personal grooming, medication management, and daily living activities, allowing them to spend more time pursuing their interests.

Rooted in a person-centered approach, Brookdale’s memory care program helps seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia maintain their skills and sense of self through a daily structure of socialization, exercise, and entertainment programs. Residents can be as involved as they choose, with options like Zumba, crafting, resident clubs, yoga, gardening, and Bible studies. The dining program offers menu choices to residents’ feedback and preferences, including dementia-friendly selections to support nutrition and a sense of belonging.

$4,250/Month

Contact Brookdale West Ashley

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Independent Living in South Carolina at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 32/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in South Carolina. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 82The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in South Carolina. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in South Carolina

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 110 independent living communities in South Carolina. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in South Carolina?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in South Carolina, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in South Carolina?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.