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Nestled in the lush, humid Sand Hill area of western South Carolina,  Aiken is 20 miles northeast of Augusta, Georgia and was founded in 1835; it began to thrive and grow after the Civil War when Charleston's wealthy plantation owners discovered the area's clean air and mild winters.  Soon word spread north, and families with names such as Astor and Vanderbilt were building summer "cottages," otherwise known as magnificent 75 to 100 room mansions, and calling the area Winter Colony. They brought with them their polo ponies and established a horse culture that continues today.

These days, seniors will find Aiken to be a delightful destination with spacious parks, wide boulevards, beautiful historic homes, affordable housing and a proud equestrian heritage.   Retirees here have the opportunity to experience much of what was once only available to a privileged few.  Close your eyes and you might just see John Astor tip his hat as he passes you on the street!

Purchasing real estate is an affordable endeavor in Aiken.   In fact, Forbes Magazine recently wrote that the housing market here is 11% undervalued.   Comfortable 2 bedroom, 2 bath homes with around 1,300 to 1,400 square feet can be purchased for $100,000 or a little more.  The average price for a three-bedroom, two-bath home in town is around $250,000 (current as of 11/2007), but this number seems to be skewed by a few very high end dwellings.   As of this writing, the most expensive home in the area is a 27 acre horse farm selling for $3.6 million.    There are many beautiful homes with 2,000 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and wooded lots in the mid to high-$100,000s.  The high $200,000s will fetch some gorgeous brick homes with 3,200 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3 baths and a pool (current as of 11/2007).

Several planned developments provide further housing options.  Woodside Plantation is a lovely golf course community with 400 homes.  Prices start at $200,000.   Cedar Creek is another golf course development, with prices starting in the high $100s.  Mount Vintage Plantation is a 4,500 acre planned retirement community with an 18 hole golf course, a swimming pool and tennis courts; homes start at $235,000.    Kalmia Landing Retirement Homes is an adults-only retirement community designed for independent living.   The development opened in 1985 and has 105 patio homes, twelve condominiums and is adjacent to the Aiken Regional Medical Center.  Eden Gardens is an assisted-living community with studios, one and two bedroom apartments for individual and shared living and has won several awards.  Aiken also has apartments and condos for rent.   One bedroom, one bath apartments start at around $395 per month.  Three bedroom, two bath apartments top out at around $650-$700 per month.   

For foreclosures, click here (advertisement).  Use zip code 29801.

Overall, South Carolina has the 4th lowest property taxes in the country.  Property in Aiken is taxed at $185 per $1,000 assessed value and property is assessed at 4%-6% of market value.  There is a homestead exemption for seniors 65 and older that allows for $50,000 off the market value of a home, making property taxes very inexpensive.   Aiken has experienced a revitalization of its downtown within the last 15 years and now has landscaped streets, antique shops and art galleries, boutiques and restaurants.  All amenities are found here, but the town is close to Augusta, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina so more in-depth shopping opportunities are never too far away.

While it is not necessary to be an accomplished rider, it helps to have an appreciation of horses if choosing this leisurely town as a retirement destination.   Horse farms dot the surroundings and produce thoroughbred racers that compete in racing events around the country.   Each autumn, the Aiken Polo Club opens its doors to the public and holds Sunday polo matches.  The Aiken Triple is held every March and April and brings horse lovers from across the country for a harness racing, steeplechases and head to head match-ups.    

Aiken has four seasons, although they can't really be called distinct.  Winters are mild, but summers are hot and can be humid.  January sees temperatures in the mid 30s, 40s and low 50s.  July brings low 90s, with evening temperatures dipping into the low 70s.  The area receives an average of almost 50 inches of rain per year.  Autumns are lovely with temperatures in the 70s and foliage turning spectacular shades of red, gold and purple.  

The city sponsors a number of seniors' programs.  The Pairs and Spares Senior Adult Club, open to those 50 and older, meets twice a month for socializing and is an easy way to meet other seniors in the area.  The Smith - Hazel Senior Citizens Club is a seniors' group that meets twice a week and provides an opportunity to meet new people through a variety of activities.  The Parks Department also organizes group outings, which may be anything from a St. Patrick’s Day Parade trip or a visit to the Botanic Gardens.  The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is a new venture that encourages seniors to become more physically active.  The Senior Citizens Benefit Sale is an annual rummage sale where anything and everything can be found.  Bingo nights and tai chi classes are also offered.

For those needing the occasional beach fix, the ocean resorts of Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are a three hour drive to the east.  150 miles to the north are the lush Blue Ridge Mountains and all the recreational opportunities that they offer, from camping and fishing to hiking and skiing and simply taking scenic drives.  Aiken State Park is sixteen miles north of the city and is home to nature trails, hiking paths and four lakes.   Lake Thurmond is a huge reservoir outside of Columbia that beckons to fishermen, boaters and swimmers.  Hitchcock Woods is a 2,000 acre preserve enjoyed by equestrians, bikers and and walkers.   The Aiken County Farmers' Market, where fresh tomatoes, corn fruit and more are sold, is open year-round.

For the size it is, Aiken has a good variety of restaurants, volunteer opportunities and cultural events.  There is an amateur theater, a symphony, a ballet and summer outdoor concerts, as well as the Aiken County Historical Museum which is a custodian of the area's colorful past.  

The University of South Carolina-Aiken's Academy of Lifelong Learning offers programs and classes for those 55 and older and is associated with the Elderhostel Institute Network.

Retirees in Aiken are active, involved in the community and appreciative of a genteel, yet affordable, way of life.   Often towns with a history of wealth and privilege are expensive and out of reach for many.  Graceful Aiken manages to retain the flavor of its past and provide a pleasant retirement for almost anyone. 

Great Retirement Spots Newsletter is published twice a month by Webwerxx, Inc.  2770 S. Elmira St., #152, Denver, CO  80231. (303) 358-0512.  Copyright © 2006-2007.  All rights reserved.  No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc.  All attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this bulletin, but some information may have changed since publication. Webwerxx, Inc. cannot be held responsible for information that has changed since this publication appeared online.  Please contact us at staff@greatretirementspots.com if you have questions or comments.  To unsubscribe or change your subscription information, click here.