by Robert Borges on January 29, 2026
Looking for the best island retirement communities in South Carolina? These private coastal enclaves offer beach access, championship golf, natural beauty, and a relaxed Lowcountry lifestyle ideal for active adults and retirees.
Top South Carolina Island Retirement Communities:
- Dataw Island (Beaufort County)
- Callawassie Island (Lowcountry)
- Sea Pines (Hilton Head Island)
- Brays Island (Near Beaufort & Savannah)
- Kiawah Island (Near Charleston)
Keep reading for details on island retirement in SC and explore specifics about each community!
Why Retire to an Island Community in South Carolina?
South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the best places to retire in the U.S., and its barrier islands and Sea Islands are a major reason why. These South Carolina coastal retirement communities combine mild winters, scenic waterways, and world-class amenities with thoughtful environmental preservation.
For retirees and lifestyle buyers, island living offers:
- Private, gated settings with a strong sense of community
- Year-round golf, tennis, boating, and outdoor recreation
- Proximity to top retirement destinations like Charleston, Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Savannah
- Lowcountry culture, dining, and coastal charm
At Private Communities Registry (PCR), we’ve spent the past 30 years helping retirees and active adults discover the best towns to retire in SC and across the country—working directly with the nation’s top builders, developers, and real estate professionals.
Dataw Island – Beaufort County, SC
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: $400,000 – $2M
- Home Types: Single-family homes, patio homes, villas
- Best For: Golfers, boaters, social retirees
- Known For: Private Sea Island setting with golf, marina access, and classic Lowcountry design
Located on an 870-acre private island near Beaufort, Dataw Island is one of the most established and desirable retirement communities in SC. This gated community offers an exceptional lifestyle centered around two private championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio and Arthur Hills, along with a full-service tennis club, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a grand antebellum-style clubhouse.
A deep-water marina provides direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, making Dataw Island especially appealing to boaters and anglers. Homes range from low-maintenance villas to elegant single-family residences—many with golf or water views—making it a standout among South Carolina coastal retirement communities.
Callawassie Island – Lowcountry, SC
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: $550,000 – $2M
- Home Types: Single-family homes, cottages
- Best For: Nature lovers, golfers, privacy seekers
- Known For: Wildlife preservation and Tom Fazio golf
Callawassie Island is a secluded, 880-acre private island community that blends luxury living with environmental stewardship. Recognized as South Carolina’s first Community Wildlife Habitat, this Lowcountry gem appeals to retirees who value nature just as much as amenities.
The centerpiece is a pristine 27-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course, complemented by a top-tier tennis center, fitness and swimming facilities, a main clubhouse, and a separate River Club with dock access. Carefully planned development preserves the island’s natural beauty, making Callawassie a compelling choice for those seeking one of the best beach communities in South Carolina with a quieter, more intimate feel.
Sea Pines – Hilton Head Island, SC
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: $170,000 – $8.7M
- Home Types: Single-family homes, townhomes, condos
- Best For: Active retirees, beach lovers, golfers
- Known For: Harbour Town Lighthouse and resort-style amenities
Occupying more than one-third of Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines is one of the most iconic South Carolina coastal retirement communities. Located at the island’s southern tip, Sea Pines offers five miles of pristine beaches, a 603-acre forest preserve, and the world-famous Harbour Town Marina and Lighthouse.
Residents enjoy access to four championship golf courses, nationally recognized tennis facilities, biking and walking trails, water sports, and a vibrant social scene. With a wide range of real estate options—from condos to luxury oceanfront homes—Sea Pines appeals to retirees looking for flexibility, activity, and one of the best towns to retire in SC.
Brays Island – Near Beaufort, SC
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: $1.3M – $5.9M
- Home Types: Custom estate homes
- Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, equestrians, privacy-focused buyers
- Known For: Sporting lifestyle and expansive preserved land
Often described as “America’s Premier Sporting Community,” Brays Island is a rare Lowcountry retreat spanning 5,500 acres—yet featuring just 325 homesites. Located less than 30 minutes from Beaufort and within easy reach of Charleston and Savannah, this private island community prioritizes open space, nature, and outdoor recreation.
Amenities include a Ron Garl–designed golf course, extensive equestrian facilities, over 60 miles of trails, hunting and shooting sports, tennis courts with river views, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing. With 94% of the land preserved, Brays Island stands apart as a truly exclusive option among island retirement communities in South Carolina.
Kiawah Island – Near Charleston, SC
At-A-Glance
- Price Range: $1.575M – $22M
- Home Types: Single-family homes, villas, cottages, homesites
- Best For: Luxury buyers, golfers, beach-focused retirees
- Known For: Championship golf, natural beauty, refined coastal living
Kiawah Island is internationally recognized for its award-winning master plan, luxury real estate, and exceptional natural setting. Spanning 10,000 acres, the island includes five distinct communities—Cassique, West Beach, East Beach, Vanderhorst, and Ocean Park—each offering a unique lifestyle and setting.
Residents may choose from multiple amenity paths, including the private Kiawah Island Club, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, or the Kiawah Island Community Association, ensuring flexibility based on lifestyle preferences. From championship golf and tennis to oceanfront amenities and boating access, Kiawah consistently ranks among the best beach communities in South Carolina and the best place to retire in South Carolina for luxury coastal living.
FAQ: Retiring to a South Carolina Island Community
Are island retirement communities in South Carolina gated?
Many are. Communities like Dataw Island, Callawassie Island, and Brays Island offer gated access, privacy, and controlled entry, which appeals to retirees seeking security and exclusivity.
Is South Carolina a good state for retirement?
Yes. South Carolina offers tax-friendly policies for retirees, a mild climate, a lower cost of living than many coastal states, and a wide variety of retirement communities in SC.
What is the best island to retire on in South Carolina?
That depends on lifestyle. Hilton Head offers activity and amenities, Kiawah delivers luxury and privacy, while islands like Dataw and Callawassie balance golf, nature, and community.
Do South Carolina coastal communities offer year-round living?
Absolutely. These are not seasonal destinations—many retirees live full-time in South Carolina coastal retirement communities thanks to mild winters and established infrastructure.
Find the Best Island Retirement Community with PCR
Since 1996, PCR has been the trusted online resource connecting retirees, active adults, and lifestyle buyers with the best retirement communities in South Carolina—and across the U.S.
Whether you’re searching for golf, beach access, boating, or a peaceful Lowcountry retreat, PCR makes it easy to compare communities and explore your best options.
Ready to discover your ideal island retirement lifestyle? Explore more South Carolina coastal communities at PrivateCommunities.com.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
