Page 2 of Best Independent Living in South Carolina

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 111 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.
111 homes
Other senior care options in South Carolina:

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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. 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.
Wildewood Downs Retirement Community
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Columbia (Williamsburg East)
57
Facility 57
SC AVG 82
Rank #55 / 78
Yes
33
Facility 33
SC AVG 32
Rank #34 / 68
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
The Village at Summerville
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Summerville (Palmetto Park)
48
Facility 48
SC AVG 82
Rank #66 / 78
No
45
Facility 45
SC AVG 32
Rank #18 / 68
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Wesley Commons
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Greenwood (Parkwood)
80
Facility 80
SC AVG 82
Rank #37 / 78
No--
Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park
IL
AL
MC
Mt Pleasant
193
Facility 193
SC AVG 82
Rank #1 / 78
Yes
14
Facility 14
SC AVG 32
Rank #50 / 68
Cottage / Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Artisan Mount Pleasant
IL
AL
MC
Mt Pleasant
112
Facility 112
SC AVG 82
Rank #15 / 78
No
40
Facility 40
SC AVG 32
Rank #23 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Residences at Greer
IL
AL
MC
RC
Greer (Maple)
110
Facility 110
SC AVG 82
Rank #16 / 78
Yes
11
Facility 11
SC AVG 32
Rank #53 / 68
Studio / Suite
Portside at Grande Dunes
IL
AL
MC
RC
Myrtle Beach
120
Facility 120
SC AVG 82
Rank #11 / 78
Yes
36
Facility 36
SC AVG 32
Rank #29 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Indigo Carolina Forest
IL
AL
MC
RC
Myrtle Beach
85
Facility 85
SC AVG 82
Rank #34 / 78
Yes
38
Facility 38
SC AVG 32
Rank #25 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Watercrest Myrtle Beach
IL
AL
MC
RC
Myrtle Beach
122
Facility 122
SC AVG 82
Rank #9 / 78
Yes
26
Facility 26
SC AVG 32
Rank #42 / 68
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Springs at Simpsonville
IL
AL
MC
Simpsonville
89
Facility 89
SC AVG 82
Rank #32 / 78
No
52
Facility 52
SC AVG 32
Rank #13 / 68
Private Rooms

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 111 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of The Artisan Mount Pleasant

The Artisan Mount Pleasant offering luxury independent living, assisted living, and memory care stands as one of the trusted communities in the city. The elegant home presents a sprightly filled ambiance– a sublime environment that matches your lifestyle. There is a list of living options with customized care created to fit the needs of each individual. The Artisan Mount Pleasant approaches modern senior care through their person-centered service.

Expect residential houses with fully equipped amenities to help with the residents’ daily duties– a movie theater, art studio, walking paths, and courtyards, are just a few of their forward-thinking amenities. The well-trained staff on duty tend to your needs– on top of the services they offer: housekeeping and maintenance, cleaning, and transportation, among others.

Contact The Artisan Mount Pleasant

Portside at Grande Dunes

901 Portside Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Overview of Portside at Grande Dunes

Portside at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, envisions a community where every resident is valued as a unique individual, and their lifestyle and interests are celebrated. The mission of this community is to exceed expectations by offering various living options like assisted living, independent living, and memory care and providing daily wellness, cultural, and educational programs. The community’s values are rooted in creating an environment where residents can live their best life, feeling at home and understood.

Portside at Grande Dunes provides a range of living options, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment styles for Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Short-Term/Respite Stays. The amenities and facilities reflect a commitment to personalized care, offering diverse living arrangements to cater to individual needs and preferences. Residents can choose from companion suite and studio apartment styles in Memory Care, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment. The community stands as a welcoming home that prioritizes the well-being and fulfillment of its residents.

Contact Portside at Grande Dunes

Overview of Wesley Commons

Wesley Commons is a vibrant community for residents looking to find a community that feels like home. Adults and seniors can feel confident with the relaxing independent living lifestyle they’ll be able to enjoy during their stay, and their families can rest easy knowing that their loved ones are in the best environment to retire. For over 50 years, management has continuously dedicated itself to ensuring an active and enhanced senior lifestyle in one of Greenwood’s trust retirement communities.
Wesley Commons boasts its independent living options: villa-type or cottages-inspired residential housing around the neighborhood. Adults practice a resident-focused care plan that involves a range of fitness programs, scheduled outings, and engaging programs for holistic wellness.

Contact Wesley Commons

Overview of The Residences at Greer

Serving older adults in Greer, South Carolina, The Residences at Greer is a senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care. Phoenix At Greer LLC operates the community at 715 S. Buncombe Road, about 2 miles from downtown Greer. The multiple levels of care in one location allow residents to transition between services as their needs change without moving to a different community.

The two-story community has 110 beds. It has been serving residents for 23 years, giving it a long-established presence in the area. Residents can choose from studio and suite floor plans ranging from about 335 to 564 square feet, providing options for different space needs and budgets.

A dedicated memory care unit supports residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Through this, residents receive specialized care on-site instead of relocating as their needs progress. There are transportation services for residents with appointments and outings. Fitness and recreation programs encourage an active lifestyle.

The car-dependent area has a Walk Score of 11, so most errands require a vehicle. Families planning visits or regular outings should keep that tradeoff in mind because the surrounding neighborhood is not well suited for walking to nearby shops or services. Residents can bring their pets, allowing them to keep a companion animal after moving in.

The Residences at Greer combines multiple levels of care, dedicated memory care services, and everyday lifestyle support in one well-established community. That flexibility can be valuable for families whose loved one’s care needs may change over time.

Contact The Residences at Greer

Overview of Wildewood Downs Retirement Community

Located in Columbia, South Carolina, Wildewood Downs is a top-notch destination for independent senior living. Situated within the scenic and secure 37-acre gated community of Wildewood, this premier facility provides a lifestyle that surpasses expectations. Residents can choose from a range of luxurious independent cottage homes and spacious villa apartments, each meticulously designed to offer comfort and elegance.

At Wildewood Downs, residents can enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with a comprehensive set of amenities and services. Maintenance-free living ensures that residents can enjoy their time without worrying about household chores. Weekly housekeeping keeps their living spaces tidy and organized. Daily dining options cater to their culinary preferences, while convenient bill payment services streamline financial tasks. Transportation services are readily available for hassle-free mobility, and a 24-hour emergency call system ensures safety and peace of mind. Pets are more than welcome at Wildewood Downs, allowing residents to bring their beloved companions along. Additionally, residents have the freedom to furnish their living spaces with their own furniture, creating a familiar and personalized environment.

Contact Wildewood Downs Retirement Community

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park is an assisted living facility located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, offering a memory care unit for residents with dementia and an independent living option. The community is part of Merrill Gardens Senior Living, a senior care company, and provides vision care to its residents. The costs at Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park start at $2,040 and range up to $6,595, with the average price being $4,318, which is less than the average price in the area. The community is pet-friendly, and while South Carolina requires three meals to be provided per day, it can accommodate no or low-sodium diets.

Residents at Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park are required to have a scheduled, structured activity every day, and the community offers a variety of activities, including musical performances and social outings. The facility is located near six hospitals, with the two closest being Mount Pleasant Hospital and East Cooper Medical Center, and has above-average reviews for the area. Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park offers 158 independent, assisted living, and memory care apartments, as well as 28 cottages, with concierge services, scheduled transportation, 24-hour staffing, and weekly housekeeping. The community features a pool, fitness center, and restaurant-style dining, allowing residents to live a full and happy life built around their delights and hobbies.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Overview of The Springs at Simpsonville

The Springs at Simpsonville is a senior living community on East Curtis Street in Simpsonville, South Carolina, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care in a single setting. The community is operated by Curtis Group LLC and led by administrator Leigha M. Freeman. It is an 89 bed, single story building with private rooms throughout, which keeps daily movement simple for residents who use a walker or wheelchair and makes the building easier for staff to cover.

Having three levels of care under one roof matters for families thinking past the first year. A resident who moves in needing light assistance can shift toward more supportive care, or into memory care, without leaving a familiar building or starting over with new staff. The memory care side is a dedicated wing built around specialized programming rather than a few rooms set aside within general assisted living, which tends to mean a calmer environment and staff who work with cognitive change every day.

Medical support is handled largely on site. In house physician services and therapy reduce the number of outside appointments a resident has to travel to, and transportation services cover the trips that do come up. Prisma Health Hillcrest Hospital sits a little over a mile away, which is worth knowing when an urgent need arises. Fitness and recreation programming rounds out the week for residents who want structure to their days.

The setting is close in, about three tenths of a mile from Simpsonville’s city center, with a walkability score of 52 out of 100. That puts some errands within walking distance while a car still handles most trips, a practical middle ground for visiting family. Greenville is a short drive away for relatives coming from the wider metro area.

Contact The Springs at Simpsonville

Overview of The Village at Summerville

Nestled in 84 acres of pristine land in South Carolina, The Village at Summerville has been a non-profit organization since 1958, ensuring that the focus remains on providing quality care and services to the residents. The community offers various living options, including independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, restorative care, short-term rehab, and outpatient rehab. 
The home boasts breathtaking scenery, from serene small ponds to majestic trees and walking trails. It offers a convenient location close to Interstate 26 and just a stone’s throw away from downtown Charleston, making it a perfect blend of nature and urban convenience.

The living spaces at The Village at Summerville are not only stylish but also spacious and airy, providing residents with a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether it’s a stroll around the campus or participating in various activities and events, residents can create meaningful connections and lead fulfilling lives in this lovely community.

Contact The Village at Summerville

Overview of Watercrest Myrtle Beach

Set on the beautiful Colline Verdi Way, Myrtle Beach, SC, Watercress Myrtle Beach is an exceptional senior living community providing assisted living and memory care. The community features various sophisticated and well-crafted residences, promising relaxation and safety like no other. The community boasts a team of competent and extremely talented professionals providing round-the-clock care and support for seniors to live their lives as they prefer.

The community ensures seniors cherish every moment of their stay at Watercrest Myrtle Beach with its scenic views. Discover new interests and reignite passions with fun activities and enjoyable programs. Eat well with nutritious and tasty meals for dietary satisfaction. Watercress Myrtle Beach is a good place to spend your golden years surrounded by serene spaces and a bright and friendly community.

Contact Watercrest Myrtle Beach

Overview of Viva Senior Living at Gaffney

Ideally situated in the thriving neighborhood of Gaffney, SC, VIVA Senior Living at Gaffney is an outstanding community that offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Featuring two distinct floor plans, the community ensures residents’ comfort and safety. A kind and highly trained team provides top-notch care tailored to residents’ personal needs, ensuring they enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

Stimulating programs and exciting events are conducted to enhance residents’ cognition and living experiences. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delectable and healthy dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community also provides medication management and transportation services for residents’ convenience. Residents can keep their peace of mind amidst the community’s vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact VIVA Senior Living at Gaffney

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 111 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.