James Island is a bedroom community with a lot of families.

Bowsprit, The best areas outside of the peninsula that would give you the easiest access to downtown Charleston for urban events--theatres, shops and restaurants, would be Mt Pleasant across the Cooper River or West Ashley (James Island) across the Ashley River. To some extent, Daniel Island would also work. Stay on one of the barrier islands if you want more outdoor activities, with the beaches as the main draw. Really depends on what you want to do with most of your winter days.

We have friends who live on Seabrook Island year round and other friends who spend the winter there after visiting the first set of friends. They both seem to love it.

I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't LOVE living in Seabrook!! Unlimited budget certainly works well!!

If you can afford to buy into the more exclusive island communities, that would be very nice indeed. But based on years of reading NYC posts, I think you would be bored silly on an island in the winter. I'm not sure how much you'd enjoy your southern neighbors.

I'd definitely rent before buying. If you are not going to live IN charleston and Beaufort is out too, then maybe alternate renting places up the coast until you find a combination you like. You can drive into C'ton for "culture" as needed. You may want to consider Hilton Head. Although it's not my favorite place, it could offer a sense of community next to the beach. I think you may be bored stiff in another island community in winter. I wouldn't but southern/ isolated/ winter/ beach island may be a very tough transition for you.

I'd definitely rent before buying
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I agree.

Well, I absolutely agree with you Starrs. I've been able to find beautifully furnished short term rentals in the Historic District. They're under 5k a month so do-able. I'm also interested in mt pleasant.

I'm baffled why Beaufort is often suggested as a retirement spot. Anyway, it's not on the list.

If HD is doable, do that.
Mt Pleasant would be a suburb choice.
Suewoo's advice re MP is second to none.

Suburban

"I'm baffled why Beaufort is often suggested as a retirement spot."

If you are "baffled" then coastal SC in the winter may not be a good fit for you.

Have you considered south Florida?

I'm all set. Thanks again.

If you can find a place for $5,000 in the Historic District (assuming that this rental is legal, of course) why don't you take it for a winter or a year, and see if you like living there? Seems like you've found what you want.

Sure. Will do!

James Island is not desolate.

If I were doing this, I'd find a nice carriage house in the HD. On nice days you can go to the beach.

suewoo: You are absolutely right!

I think I hear an echo :-)

And to think that I was berated, slammed, and almost caned when I spoke of suspicious ringing in my ears a long time ago!

Not by me ;)

Not by you!