South Carolina

The Ridge at Chukker Creek in Aiken, South Carolina is an ecologically friendly community that makes an excellent choice for families, especially those planning for retirement. This master planned community is family owned and has been meticulously designed to coincide with nature. Homes here are green-built to maximize energy efficiency and many owners’ utility costs are lower than the norm by 50-70%.

Using what is called a ‘double green’ approach in the landscape and design of the neighborhood, The Ridge at Chukker Creek has caused many ecologically aware individuals to take notice. The community boasts a fully operational home utilizing hydrogen fuel cell technology, causing many sources to consider it “the greenest neighborhood in the country”. Homes start in the 190s, with a variety of floor plans and amenities available, and custom building is offered for those considering using plans of their own.

Shopping in Aiken is conveniently located throughout the town, and the Aiken Mall offers a wide variety of department and specialty shops. The downtown area features several designer boutiques and dining options. Dining choices in Aiken include foods of many ethnicities and are close by for resident’s enjoyment.

The Ridge at Chukker Creek is an equestrian lover’s paradise and the neighborhood features accommodations for horses and allows residents to build their own stalls if desired. Nearby, Hitchcock Woods offers more than two thousand acres for horse enthusiasts and hikers to enjoy.

Golfers will enjoy the close proximity to several local courses including The Augusta National Golf Course, which is home to Master’s Tournament and the Palmetto Golf Club, one of the oldest golfing clubs in the United States.

The neighborhood features hiking/equestrian trails, a planned community garden, a fishing dock, and a private athletic center and workout room. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Aiken’s year round mild climate, which allows residents to enjoy a vast range of fitness activities such as polo, tennis, biking, hiking, and swimming.

For anyone seeking to spend their golden years in a community that is safe, ecologically conscious, and full of activities, consider choosing The Ridge at Chukker Creek.

Finding a new community to live in, regardless of your age, can be a difficult process. While there are many communities to choose from, there are very few that provide all the amenities which most people look for. Those who are looking for an equestrian community may have an even more difficult time. Luckily, the Three Runs Plantation has all of the amenities that a horse loving person could want.

The Three Runs Plantation is a 2400 acre private community located in Aiken, SC. The community is perfect for anyone who owns horses or even loves being around them. The equestrian based complex has more amenities than any other in the area. The equestrian center has competition level dressage and jump arenas as well as a grassed training area w/cross-country jumps. There are over 30 miles of trails with gallop areas, cross country jumps and picnic shelters along the creek side trails. Another equestrian training area is under construction. It will include an arena for flat work and stadium jumps.

While the community is ideal for equestrians, there are plenty of amenities beyond the equestrian kind. The equestrian center also includes a beautifully appointed clubhouse overlooking the riding arenas, an outdoor pavilion area which is perfect for hosting parties, a pool and cabana. Future plans include a recreation center with lap pool, tennis courts and a fitness center.

One of the biggest drawing points to the community is the temperate weather. Aiken, SC has reasonably warm winters and cool summers, which makes being active and outside ideal all year round. The city of Aiken also has plenty of shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities which can be enjoyed by residents. The city is also located within a short drive of other major cities including Augusta, GA, Atlanta, GA, and Columbia, SC.

It can be difficult to determine the most suitable retirement community for your specific needs. Popular retirement destinations feature a broad range of characteristics, from quiet getaways to bustling tourism cities. The ideal location for you will depend on a number of different factors, such as your preferred level of activity and your favorite natural environment.

Those who are looking for an area that features a moderate balance of these features might want to consider the community of Heritage Preserve. This collection of homes is located in scenic Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Many retirees have moved to Heritage Preserve due to its access to many different leisure time activities.

Heritage Preserve itself possesses an overall aura of natural, green beauty. The area is dominated by tall oaks and is dotted with innumerable bodies of water. Many residents appreciate the areas quietness and reigning serenity, and Heritage Preserve is noted for its tranquil, unhurried way of life. However, when residents are looking for a change of pace, the busy town of Conway and the crowded shores of Myrtle Beach are only a few minutes’ drive away. It can be very difficult to find such a unique combination of starkly contrasting lifestyles, all available to residents of a single area. Residents of Heritage Preserve partake regularly in activities as diverse as late-night city adventures and relaxing swims at the local pool, which is kept in spotless condition for the benefit of all community residents.

Heritage Preserve is also noted for its remarkably reasonable housing prices. You can purchase a fairly large home for a relative steal in this neighborhood. Home sizes average at three to four bedrooms and two to three baths with about 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Property lots in Heritage Preserve are quite spacious, although they are not so big as to be a burden in terms of maintenance and upkeep. The cost of most Heritage Preserve properties falls in the $200,000 to $300,000 price range.

Heritage Preserve homes are also outfitted with a slew of amenities that are normally encountered only in more expensive housing developments. Special features include gourmet kitchens, hardwood flooring, and modern bathrooms. In terms of monetary value, Heritage Preserve is virtually unrivaled by other retirement communities.

Everybody wants something different in their retirement home. Some people are looking for a lifestyle that is rife with action and adventure; others would prefer a more tranquil, serene environment in which they can relax and repose. For potential home buyers who are looking for an abode suiting the latter description, Callawassie Island might be the ideal location. This secluded community offers a quiet, peaceful location in which residents can enjoy South Carolina’s natural beauty.

Callwassie Island is part of Beaufort County, which is noted throughout the state of South Carolina for its lush foliage and spectacular year-round views. A causeway connects the island to South Carolina’s mainland, giving residents easy access to abundant shopping centers and dining options. However, some home owners rarely even leave the island because plenty of amenities are offered right on Callawassie’s shores. Two luxury pools and several different beaches offer swimming opportunities. Residents can partake in fishing, boating, and fitness clubs. A number of different restaurants are available for the benefit of home owners, and a health care center ensures that all island dwellers are kept safe and healthy at all times.

Callawassie Island’s most famous amenity would be its 27-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio. Three nines of varying difficulties are available for golfers of all experience levels, all of which are bordered by abundant South Carolinan scenery. The Fazio Golf Course attracts many sportsmen to the island throughout the entire year.

Prices range from the $200,000 realm up to just under a million depending on the home’s lot size, location, and age. Most homes are situated on large lots and possess at least 1500 square feet, but larger residencies can be found with 4000 to 5000 square feet. Some houses offer special access to the island’s golf course, beaches, or shopping area. Potential buyers also have the option of building their new home from scratch. Callawassie Island usually has a large selection of empty lots to choose from, allowing buyers to choose their perfect location and construct their homes according to their personal tastes and needs.

Woodside Plantation, a guard gated 55+ lifestyle community, is located in Aiken, South Carolina. The sales office is located at 1419 Silver Bluff Rd in Aiken, SC. Aiken, located less than 20 miles away from the city of Augusta, Georgia, offers close proximity to golf events such as the Masters Golf Tournament and equestrian events such as the Aiken Triple Crown.

Walking trails and nature preserves wind throughout the community of Woodside Plantation. Ponds where residents can fish and the community garden offers fishing and gardening activities. The Fitness Center and the new Health and Wellness Center in the Village at Woodside help support a healthy lifestyle.

Four renown golf courses reside inside the community, to satisfy any avid golfer. Nicklaus designed The Reserve course. Rees Jones designed the second golf course, called The Wisteria. Bob Cupp designed the third golf couse, called The Plantation. Fuzzy Zoeller, a Masters champion, designed the fourth golf course, called Hollow Creek. A nine-hole par three course, two driving ranges, and practice greens round out the golf facilities. A pro shop and a teaching facility provide equipment and expertise.

Two clubhouses, The Reserve Club and Woodside Country Club, are also located within the community. The Reserve Club offers private membership for property owners in The Reserve at Woodside, with optional membership for the rest of Woodside Plantation. Amenities of The Reserve Club include golf privileges, tennis and swimming facilities.

With 12 neighborhoods located within Woodside Plantation, an abundant variety of homes are available. Homesites may contain a wooded, natural setting, or a golf or lake view. Patio, standard, estate, town and carriage homes offer 25 different home model plans. One bedroom townhomes are available starting in the high $200,000s. Single family homes range from the Carolina Collection at $250,000 for three bedroom homes 2,000-2,300 sq. ft. to homes in The Highlands starting at $489,000. The Highlands offer spacious home model plans that can exceed 4,200 sq. ft.

Home plans can also be customized to meet your individual desires and needs.

Hampton Lake, located in the heart of South Carolina’s lush low-country, represents retirement living at its finest. This lakeside community near Hilton Head, offers everything anyone could ever wish for in making the retirement years truly golden. Lucky residents enjoy a 165-acre freshwater lake, along with a 340-acre nature preserve where they can observe deer, eagles, herons, egrets, turkeys and other wildlife, all without leaving home.

Amenities include golf, tennis, pools, boating, a boat launch and dry dock, dining, a spa, fitness center, and a plethora of activities for grandchildren. Residents will fish in the lake stocked witgh large mouth bass, bluegill sunfish, and golden shiners among other species. The property boasts outdoor areas for walking biking and picnicing, if and when, one becomes tired of lolling at the pool or the lakeshore. There is also a full range of planned acdtivities where new neighbors get together and become fast friends.

Villas, attached single family homes, free-standing single family homes, and vacation homes are among the options in this southern paradise. Buyers can select an existing property or custom build. Most include a boat slip. Residents enjoy a carefree lifestyle, knowing their gated community has 24/7 security.

Best of all, Hampton Lake properties are priced competitively with other retirement communities and offer so much more. Buidling sites start at $95,000, with homes beginning in the mid $200,000 range. Taxes run a little over $2,000 annually for permanent residents, and in the $5,000 range for vacation properties.

Near Hampton Lake are restaurants featuring the finest in lowcountry cuisine, shops, galleries, live theater, antiques, and local events. Hilton Head’s storied golf courses are nearby, as are sandy Atlantic Ocean beaches. It’s only a short drive to Svannah or Charleston. All this and more adds up to the perfect choice for anyone in search of retirement bliss.