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| VIVA Senior Living at Gaffney | IL AL MC RC | Gaffney | 90
Facility
90
SC AVG
90
Rank
#132 / 309 | No |
36
Facility
36
SC AVG
32
Rank
#102 / 232 | Private / Companion Suite | - |
| Indigo Carolina Forest | IL AL MC RC | Myrtle Beach | 85
Facility
85
SC AVG
90
Rank
#159 / 309 | Yes |
38
Facility
38
SC AVG
32
Rank
#95 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - |
| Brookdale West Ashley | IL AL MC NH | Charleston (West Ashley) | 100
Facility
100
SC AVG
90
Rank
#109 / 309 | Yes |
56
Facility
56
SC AVG
32
Rank
#27 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed | - |
| Cascades Verdae | IL AL MC NH | Greenville (Cascades Verdae) | 92
Facility
92
SC AVG
90
Rank
#127 / 309 | No |
9
Facility
9
SC AVG
32
Rank
#195 / 232 | 1 bed / 2 bed / 3 bed | A |
| The Residences at Greer | IL AL MC RC | Greer (Maple) | 110
Facility
110
SC AVG
90
Rank
#90 / 309 | Yes |
11
Facility
11
SC AVG
32
Rank
#188 / 232 | Studio / Suite | - |
| The Artisan Mount Pleasant | IL AL MC | Mt Pleasant | 112
Facility
112
SC AVG
90
Rank
#86 / 309 | No |
40
Facility
40
SC AVG
32
Rank
#88 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - |
| Portside at Grande Dunes | IL AL MC RC | Myrtle Beach | 120
Facility
120
SC AVG
90
Rank
#63 / 309 | Yes |
36
Facility
36
SC AVG
32
Rank
#102 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - |
| Harmony at Columbia | IL AL MC | Columbia | 110
Facility
110
SC AVG
90
Rank
#90 / 309 | Yes |
36
Facility
36
SC AVG
32
Rank
#102 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | A+ |
| Somerby Mount Pleasant | IL AL MC RC | Mt Pleasant | 118
Facility
118
SC AVG
90
Rank
#74 / 309 | Yes |
7
Facility
7
SC AVG
32
Rank
#203 / 232 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed | - |
| The Willows of Easley | IL AL RC | Easley (North Hills) | 50
Facility
50
SC AVG
90
Rank
#257 / 309 | Yes |
8
Facility
8
SC AVG
32
Rank
#198 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | A+ |
| Harmony at Five Forks | IL AL MC | Simpsonville (Five Forks Road) | 92
Facility
92
SC AVG
90
Rank
#127 / 309 | Yes |
57
Facility
57
SC AVG
32
Rank
#23 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - |
| Laurel Crest | IL AL MC NC | West Columbia | 26
Facility
26
SC AVG
90
Rank
#297 / 309 | Yes |
15
Facility
15
SC AVG
32
Rank
#173 / 232 | Suite | - |
| Mill Creek Manor | IL AL MC | Columbia (Williamsburg East) | 59
Facility
59
SC AVG
90
Rank
#225 / 309 | Yes |
8
Facility
8
SC AVG
32
Rank
#198 / 232 | Private Rooms | B+ |
| Brookdale Anderson | IL AL MC NH | Anderson (Windsor Place) | 160
Facility
160
SC AVG
90
Rank
#20 / 309 | Yes |
43
Facility
43
SC AVG
32
Rank
#71 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - |
| Wildewood Downs Retirement Community | IL AL MC NH | Columbia (Williamsburg East) | 57
Facility
57
SC AVG
90
Rank
#229 / 309 | Yes |
33
Facility
33
SC AVG
32
Rank
#119 / 232 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed | A+ |
Located in Clemson, South Carolina, Clemson Downs Assisted Living is a continuing care retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. This 56-bed community is licensed as a Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF), with ownership of CARC Inc. and administration of James A. Hill. With a continuing care retirement community model, the community allows residents to transition between different levels of care without leaving the campus, providing added continuity and long-term planning stability that differs from many standalone assisted living communities in Pickens County.
Licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants are provided, with additional access to onsite rehabilitation services and a dedicated memory support program for residents living with cognitive conditions. A full-course restaurant-style meal service, as well as a hot buffet, salad bar, full-service grill, and a casual dining venue known as The Bistro make up the community’s dining services, which differentiates it from similar communities.
Additional services and programming include concierge in-home care support and organized activities and outings. Its location near Clemson University also offers residents proximity to cultural programs, sporting events, educational opportunities, and other activities associated with a college-town setting.
Offering a continuum of care, Clemson Downs Assisted Living is great for older adults in the Clemson, Seneca, and Anderson areas who value the long-term stability of a continuing care campus and want access to multiple levels of support within one community, particularly those seeking both healthcare continuity and an active lifestyle in the Upstate region.
Established in 1975, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community is a nonprofit, faith-based continuing care retirement community in West Columbia, South Carolina, that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, home care, and respite care within a 48-bed setting. As one of the Midlands’ longstanding providers of senior living and healthcare services for older adults, the community is currently administered by Nikki W. Robertson on behalf of South Carolina Episcopal Home at Still Hopes Inc. Services.
With a full continuum of care, this 48-bed community is designed to support residents whose care needs may progress. Its Episcopal heritage also helps shape the community’s culture and mission, while welcoming individuals from all faith backgrounds. The community’s over five decades of operational history also provides stability that can benefit families making long-term care decisions.
24-hour staffing, licensed rehabilitation programs, memory care support, skilled nursing services, and temporary respite stays are among the services offered, which provide a deeper level of clinical and supportive care than many assisted living-only communities. Chef-prepared meals made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients are also served in communal dining spaces.
Compared with other licensed CRCFs across South Carolina, the community operates on a more specialized and intimate scale rather than focusing on high residential volume. This smaller setting appeals to families seeking a combination of personalized support, faith-based values, and access to advanced healthcare services in the Columbia metropolitan area.
Providing access to multiple levels of care, including memory support, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services under one roof, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community is best for older adults seeking an established, mission-driven continuing care environment in West Columbia.
Operated by Maple Manor Inc., Maples of Honea Path is a Community Residential Care Community (CRCF) in Honea Path, South Carolina, that provides independent living, assisted living, and 24-hour nursing support in a close-knit, small-town environment. Located on Wildwood Drive in Anderson County, the community is administered by Mark N. Willis. With 74 licensed beds, it is considered one of the larger residential care communities in its immediate area and ranks among the mid-sized CRCFs in South Carolina.
One of the community’s distinguishing characteristics is its staffing structure, which consists of licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants who provide continuous 24-hour coverage. This level of clinical oversight is an important consideration for families whose loved ones may require ongoing health monitoring or more consistent daily support, since not all assisted living or independent living communities in the state provide this degree of around-the-clock clinical staffing.
Three daily meals are provided, while snacks and beverages are available upon request. With a focus on comfort, familiarity, and personalized attention, the community maintains a family-oriented atmosphere in a smaller-town setting.
Maples of Honea Path offers families in Upstate South Carolina, particularly those in the Honea Path, Greenwood, and Anderson County areas, a licensed and locally established senior living community with independent living, assisted living, and nursing support services. Its size, staffing resources, and resident-centered culture also create an environment designed to balance supportive care with a more personal and community-focused living experience.
Bishop Gadsden-Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab
Bishop Gadsden – Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab is a nursing home in Charleston, South Carolina, that provides memory care, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing services, and respite care. Administered by Jonna Cook, the community is operated by Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community as a part of the larger retirement campus. With 24-hour staffing, the community serves as the primary health and rehabilitation component within one of Charleston’s most established nonprofit retirement campuses.
Generally, the community holds a 5-star overall CMS rating, the highest designation awarded by CMS. Health inspection performance exceeds South Carolina averages by a significant margin, while staffing levels also outperform state benchmarks. Total nursing coverage across the campus averages approximately 5.57 hours per resident per day.
Inspection history across the broader campus reflects comparatively favorable regulatory performance, with citation counts remaining below South Carolina averages on a per-inspection basis. While the Gadsden Glen Center operates as part of the larger Bishop Gadsden campus, a separate CMS star rating for the specific licensed nursing component was not independently listed in the available source material.
Amenities and services include shared spaces, a wellness center, and fitness programs. Religious services are also available, which aligns with the Episcopal mission and heritage of the broader retirement community. BG Therapy, the community’s in-house rehabilitation program, also supports short-term rehabilitation and recovery services alongside ongoing skilled nursing and respite care.
Located on James Island near Charleston’s medical corridor, the community offers access to healthcare providers, hospitals, and specialist services while maintaining a quieter Lowcountry residential setting.
Known for strong staffing levels, extensive amenities, faith-based values, and a comprehensive continuum of care, Bishop Gadsden – Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab is an excellent option for older adults and families in the Charleston area seeking skilled nursing care, memory support, or post-acute rehabilitation within a well-established nonprofit retirement campus.
Situated in the rapidly expanding Fort Mill and greater Charlotte metropolitan corridor, Somerby Baxter Village is a senior living community in Fort Mill, South Carolina, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care under one roof. Licensed as a Community Residential Care Facility, this 114-bed community is owned by Baxter Senior Care LLC and administered by Sara Melody. It is also part of the Blake Senior Living communities, which includes nearby sister communities in the region.
With programming centered on a resident-directed philosophy, the community encourages activities and events shaped by the interests, preferences, and hobbies of the residents rather than relying solely on standardized programming structures. Respite care and dining services are also offered. Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care within the same campus, the community supports aging in place.
Its location in Fort Mill offers convenient access to both South Carolina and North Carolina destinations, making the community particularly practical for families connected to the Charlotte metropolitan area. Its larger size also supports a broad range of organized programs, amenities, and social opportunities while still accommodating residents with evolving care needs. The presence of Blake Senior Living in the region also provides reassurance for families already familiar with the operator’s approach to lifestyle-oriented residential care.
Combining independent living, assisted living, memory care, resident-driven programming, and convenient proximity to Charlotte, Somerby Baxter Village is an ideal option for older adults and families seeking a full continuum of care within a socially active and lifestyle-focused residential community in the Fort Mill and York County area.
Highpoint at Fort Mill is a resort-style Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) in Fort Mill, South Carolina, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. This 78-bed community is administered by Leslie Walker and owned by HC Fort Mill Management SC LLC in York County. It also accepts Medicare and is pet-friendly.
This community carries one of the most expansive amenity profiles of any CRCF-licensed community in South Carolina, with amenities including chef-prepared cuisine with local, seasonal selections and flexible dining options, a fitness center, a salon and spa, a resort-style swimming pool, a dog park, and a full range of cultural, social, recreational, and educational activities. Along with 24-hour coverage, a doctor on staff and nursing services are available, providing meaningful clinical oversight for a CRCF-licensed community. Medicare acceptance is also an uncommon feature among assisted living communities.
10 named floor plan options are available, including studios, one-bedroom courtyard, one-bedroom deluxe, one-bedroom deluxe with flex space, two-bedroom two-bath, and two-bedroom two-bath cottage. Memory care-specific private studio and one-bedroom accommodations are also provided, giving families a broad range of layout choices across care levels.
Fort Mill is one of the fastest-growing communities in South Carolina, with strong proximity to the Charlotte metro area. The resort-style orientation and wide range of amenities appeal to the active, lifestyle-driven demographic of older adults that characterizes this market.
Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care under one roof, Highpoint at Fort Mill is best-suited for active older adults in Fort Mill and York County, as well as relocating older adults from the Charlotte metro, who want a full-amenity, lifestyle-forward living community with pet-friendly policies and access to physician services.
Restoration at Simpsonville is a senior living community in Simpsonville, South Carolina, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Licensed as a 93-bed Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) in the Greenville metropolitan area, the community offers multiple levels of support for older adults under one roof. It is also operated by Restoration at Simpsonville LLC and administered by Lynn Mims.
One of the defining aspects of the community is its faith-based philosophy of care, appealing to families seeking an environment that incorporates ministry opportunities, spiritual engagement, and values-centered programming into daily life. This community is wheelchair-accessible and provides personalized care services and an all-natural dining program. With independent living, assisted living, and memory care under one roof, the community also supports aging in place.
Located in Simpsonville, within the Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan region, the community has convenient access to healthcare systems, shopping, dining, and family visitation routes. Its larger 93-bed size also allows for a broader range of organized activities, social programming, and shared amenities while still supporting individualized care planning for residents across different levels of need.
Restoration at Simpsonville is well-suited for older adults and families seeking a faith-oriented residential community that combines multiple levels of care, wellness-focused dining, and long-term continuity within a larger residential setting in the Upstate South Carolina region.
Retreat at Wellmore of Lexington is a nonprofit nursing home in Lexington, South Carolina, that offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and respite care. Owned by Wellmore of Lexington LLC, as part of the broader Wellmore of Lexington Life Plan campus, this 60-bed community is administered by Marion Griffin Burgess.
Staffing levels consistently exceed South Carolina averages across nearly every major category, starting with registered nurse coverage that averages 50 minutes per resident per day, well above statewide benchmarks. Licensed practical nurse and nurse aide staffing also surpass state averages. Weekend nursing coverage remains particularly strong, with both total nursing hours and weekend RN availability exceeding the South Carolina average. Physical therapy staffing is the only category that falls modestly below benchmark levels, with a difference that is relatively limited compared to its other staffing profile.
On the other hand, quality measure performance presents a more mixed picture, with long-stay emergency department visit rates performing significantly better than the South Carolina average. Short-stay residents also demonstrate strong improvement in self-care ability at discharge. However, several post-acute rehabilitation metrics warrant closer review, including short-stay rehospitalization rates, emergency department utilization, and falls with major injury, which all exceed state averages. Successful return-to-home rates are also slightly below benchmark levels.
Studio to two-bedroom layouts with private bathrooms are offered, along with a variety of shared spaces. Concierge assistance, housekeeping, and weekly laundry service are also available, as well as a 24-hour emergency response system and pet-friendly policies. Since the skilled nursing component is integrated into a full Life Plan campus, residents have access to other levels of care within the same community environment.
Retreat at Wellmore of Lexington appeals to older adults in Lexington County seeking an upscale residential atmosphere, above-average staffing levels, and long-term continuity within a Life Plan community setting. However, interested families are encouraged to carefully consider post-acute rehabilitation services, a strong staffing profile, and premium amenities against the mixed rehabilitation outcome measures when making care decisions.
The Heritage at Lowman Rehabilitation and Healthcare is a nonprofit continuing care community in Chapin, South Carolina, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care within a comprehensive Life Plan setting. Operated under Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc., the community includes a 176-bed skilled nursing component and ranks among the larger retirement and healthcare campuses serving the greater Columbia, Chapin, and Lexington County region.
As part of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina, the community benefits from the support of a longstanding nonprofit organization with a faith-centered mission and established experience in older adult services. Its multiple levels of care also allow residents to transition within the same residential environment as their health needs evolve.
Services include licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants, rehabilitation programming, memory support services, volunteer opportunities, and various community engagement programs. With the availability of independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing within one setting, the community creates continuity that appeals to residents and families seeking long-term stability and coordinated support over time.
Located in the growing Lake Murray and Chapin corridor of Lexington County, the community is set in an area that has become increasingly popular among older adults seeking residential living options near Columbia while maintaining access to healthcare, recreation, and community amenities. Its setting also attracts those looking for a balance between suburban residential living and access to larger metropolitan medical resources.
The Heritage at Lowman Rehabilitation and Healthcare is well-suited for older adults and families in the Chapin, Irmo, and greater Lake Murray region seeking a nonprofit Life Plan community with a faith-informed mission and multiple levels of care.
Offering independent living and assisted living, Bayshore on Hilton Head Island is a Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Featuring an upscale waterfront setting designed for older adults who wish to age in place in one of the Southeast’s premier resort communities, this community has a large capacity of 147 beds. Administered by Rodney McKee, the community is owned by BS Hilton Head Opco LLC and is affiliated with Sentio Investments.
Along with its waterfront location and resort-style amenities, a community boat for sunset cruises, an expansive pier, and a top-floor Bayview Club are provided. These amenities are genuinely rare among South Carolina living options for older adults and reflect the upscale lifestyle in the Hilton Head Island setting.
The Sentio Investments affiliation places the community within a privately held senior living investment platform, which families may want to research further when exploring long-term operational stability. Additionally, TidePointe, which is a Vi Community, is a similar 5-star CMS-rated senior living community on Hilton Head Island, providing a useful local benchmark for families comparing options on the island.
With a combination of resort-quality amenities, Hilton Head Island’s natural beauty, and aging-in-place care continuity, Bayshore on Hilton Head Island is a good option for older adults seeking an active, luxury-oriented independent or assisted living experience in a waterfront setting.
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these independent living communities
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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
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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 105 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.



















