Independent living for seniors in Charleston, South Carolina, can feel like being on vacation every day. With resort-style accommodations, access to all kinds of activities, and social opportunities galore, there’s no shortage of fun and relaxation to be had. That’s before you even head out the door! With easy access to the Charleston Harbor and the city’s antebellum architecture, the city of Charleston boasts a plethora of wonderful things to see and do.
You’ll have plenty of time to take it all in because you don’t have to worry about day-to-day chores like housekeeping, lawn care, or maintenance at A Place for Mom’s seven partner independent living facilities in Charleston.
In this guide, we’ll show you our independent living partners within a 10-mile radius of the heart of Charleston and help you determine ways to pay for them. We’ll also provide information about laws and regulations you can expect independent living facilities to follow. Finally, we’ll go over health care options and transportation in Charleston, as well as dive into all the fantastic things the city has to offer.
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Charleston, SC
Independent living for seniors in Charleston, South Carolina, can feel like being on vacation every day. With resort-style accommodations, access to all kinds of activities, and social opportunities galore, there’s no shortage of fun and relaxation to be had. That’s before you even head out the door! With easy access to the Charleston Harbor and the city’s antebellum architecture, the city of Charleston boasts a plethora of wonderful things to see and do.Read more
You’ll have plenty of time to take it all in because you don’t have to worry about day-to-day chores like housekeeping, lawn care, or maintenance at A Place for Mom’s seven partner independent living facilities in Charleston.
In this guide, we’ll show you our independent living partners within a 10-mile radius of the heart of Charleston and help you determine ways to pay for them. We’ll also provide information about laws and regulations you can expect independent living facilities to follow. Finally, we’ll go over health care options and transportation in Charleston, as well as dive into all the fantastic things the city has to offer.
Charleston Independent Living Facilities | 450 Reviews
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- Compare local facilities
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- What families are saying about independent living in Charleston
- Costs of independent living in the Charleston area
- How people pay for independent living in Charleston
- Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Charleston
- Types of independent living in Charleston
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Charleston? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Charleston
- Transportation for seniors in Charleston
- Senior activities in Charleston
What families are saying about independent living in Charleston
Recent reviews for independent living in Charleston
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Costs of independent living in the Charleston area
The average total cost for an independent living facility in Charleston is around $4,260.[01] For this price, you can expect to have access to all the standard amenities offered, such as planned social activities and access to fitness centers or other common areas. It also includes things like maintenance and lawn care.
The graphic below is representative of the average baseline costs of an independent living facility without considering any additional fees or add-on extras.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Charleston, SC vs. nearby cities
Charleston, SC
How people pay for independent living in Charleston
Paying for independent living is generally out of pocket, but there are options to find savings in other areas to leave more space in your budget to cover independent living in Charleston.
Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance won’t help with the cost of independent living, these programs can help you with medical costs you might incur while living there.
Here, we’ll talk about private payment methods, as well as how VA benefits, public assistance, Medicaid, and Medicare might be useful.
Private pay covers everything from Social Security benefits to pensions to investment returns. It’s any income stream that helps you cover assisted living expenses. Some of the following are also helpful:
Number of veterans who live in Charleston, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 51% of Charleston veterans are 65+
Charleston’s nearly 15,000 veterans should look into all the VA benefits that might be available to them that could help them cover independent living.
Some veterans might be eligible for the VA Pension. This also applies to their dependents. The Aid and Attendance benefit is another helpful offering from the VA. It’s for vets who need help with day-to-day activities, have eyesight issues, are bedbound, or are even in a nursing home. The Aid and Attendance benefit adds additional money on top of the monthly VA Pension. Veterans can apply for these benefits at the regional VA office.
It’s not always easy to know if you qualify for VA benefits, and that’s why veterans services officers are trained to help you through the process. Their help is free, and you can find them at veterans services organizations and VA offices.
Another helpful resource for veterans is The South Carolina Veteran Coalition, which joins VSOs, government officials, nonprofits, and other organizations to act as a one-stop-shop for veterans trying to connect to resources. Veterans need to fill out the information on the Combined Arms portal, and it only takes 72 hours to be matched with useful resources.
Resources for Charleston veterans
The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs
1800 St. Julian Place, Suite 305
Charleston, SC 29204
Phone: 803-734-4014
Email: va@scdva.sc.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Charleston County Veterans Affairs Office
Veterans services officers: Anne S. Owen and Leslie D. Kemp
4045 Bridge View Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 843-874-6360
Email: vaoffice@charlestoncounty.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Legion Post 241
Veterans services officer: Perry W. James, IV
3151 Rivers Ave.
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 803-351-0811
American Legion Post 179
1748 Ashley Hall Road
Charleston, SC 29414
Phone: 843-991-6308
VFW Post 445
1639 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
Phone: 843-795-9419
VFW Post 5091
4257 Spruill Ave.
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 843-744-2089
Disabled American Veterans
VA Regional Office
6437 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: 803-647-2422
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 780
520 Folly Road
Charleston, SC 29412
Phone: 843-762-7546
Medicaid helps with medical expenses for low-income seniors. It won’t help with covering the expense of staying at an independent living facility, but it can make sure your health care costs don’t add up.
Some seniors can qualify for in-home health care and support at their independent living facility if it is deemed medically necessary. This could happen through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program. There are three HCBS waivers in South Carolina:
- The Community Supports (CS) Waiver
- Head and Spinal Cord Injury (HACSI) Waiver
- Intellectual Disability and Related Disabilities (ID/RD) Waiver
Application assistance for Medicaid
The South Carolina Healthy Connections website is an easy place to get started by applying online for Medicaid. If you need help or have questions, there is a state Long Term Care Ombudsman Program operated by The South Carolina Department on Aging. In Charleston, the ombudsman is located at the Trident Area Agency on Aging (TAAA). The TAAA also has an Eligibility Screening and Assessment Coordination Program to assist people looking to determine eligibility for assistance.
SC Thrive is a great resource for eligibility screening, application assistance, and counseling. GetCareSC, a website operated by the Department on Aging, is another easy way to find and connect with helpful resources.
Lastly, South Carolina is among 15 states offering coordinated care for seniors who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. This program for people 65+ is called Healthy Connections Prime. The program’s ombudsman can provide guidance to those enrolled in Healthy Connections Prime.
Charleston resident Medicaid resources
Healthy Connections Local Eligibility Office
3685 Rivers Ave., Suite 102
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 888-549-0820
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 – noon
SC Thrive
Phone: 800-726-8774
Email: contact@scthrive.org
Trident Area Agency on Aging
5895 Core Road., Suite 419
North Charleston, SC 29406
Phone: 843-554-2275
Email: info@tridentaaa.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Carolina Department on Aging
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 800-868-9095
Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman
Phone: 844-477-4632
Email: primeadvocate@aging.sc.gov
Independent living facilities are not a Medicare-covered expense. However, this federal health insurance program for those 65+ can help seniors who live in an independent living facility with the cost of medical care.
Additional savings can be found through a Medicare Savings Program in South Carolina called Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB). It will cover Part B’s premiums, copayments, and deductibles for those who meet the income limit qualifications, are blind, disabled, or at least 65 years old.
Medicare application assistance
The South Carolina State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free counseling for people who need help understanding and applying for Medicare. SHIP is operated by the South Carolina Department on Aging, and it can even help them enroll in other low-income assistance programs if they qualify. GetCareSC exists to help residents connect with local resources. Seniors can sign up for Medicare online or through the Social Security Administration office.
South Carolina is also one of just a handful of states offering coordinated care for seniors who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. This dual program for people 65 and older is called Healthy Connections Prime. The ombudsman for this program will assist seniors who are enrolled in Healthy Connections Prime to understand and utilize the dual program.
Charleston resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
1463 Tobias Gadson Blvd.
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
South Carolina Department on Aging
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 800-868-9095
Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman
Phone: 844-477-4632
Email: primeadvocate@aging.sc.gov
Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living facilities in South Carolina are not required to be licensed. They do have a lot of conveniences, such as housekeeping services, transportation, and social activities, but they don’t offer any type of care. However, if an independent living facility is combined with assisted living or memory care, then state licensing requirements for Community Residential Care Facilities will apply.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is responsible for the licensing, regulation, and inspection of long-term care facilities in Charleston. South Carolina licensing regulations for assisted living facilities cover a lot of areas, but here are some key takeaways around what they govern:
- Guidance for staffing levels and training requirements
- Required reporting of accidents
- Record maintenance rules
- Safety precautions
- Transportation and recreation guidance
- Medication management
- Meal service
- Emergency preparedness
- Infection control
- Maintenance and construction requirements
Unannounced inspections, both routine and those triggered by a complaint, are part of the state’s licensing requirements for long-term care facilities. The DHEC inspects to ensure facilities uphold the guidelines and laws discussed above. Facilities are inspected at least annually. Inspection reports are made available to the public by contacting DHEC or searching online.
Protections for residents of all facilities in Charleston can be found in the Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities. Independent living communities in South Carolina have minimum age requirements — most often, it’s 55 and up.
South Carolina Department of Health contact information
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 855-472-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Charleston independent living communities
Independent living facilities do not have to adhere to any COVID-19 mandates, but Charleston does provide some guidelines and gives coronavirus updates here. The Charleston guidelines match the recommendations from the CDC.
Vaccinations. Vaccinations are recommended per the CDC guidelines on vaccinations.
Masking. Masks are recommended in public settings.
Facility cleanliness. Frequently touched objects and surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected frequently with cleaning spray or a wipe.
Social distancing. Avoiding close contact with people who are ill is highly advised.
Get to know independent living in Charleston
Types of independent living in Charleston
Independent living in your retirement years can make your days easier and more fun. Independent living communities offer built-in social environments and a plethora of conveniences, from provided meals to housekeeping services. You can plan to join community activities, jump in the pool for water aerobics, or play cards with friends in the game room.
A blend of living options
There are seven independent living facilities partnered with A Place for Mom within 10 miles of Charleston’s historical city center. While three are standalone, the rest are blended with other living options. Four of the independent living facilities also offer assisted living and memory care. These are good choices for seniors who want to seamlessly age in place.
Locations for everyone’s taste
Nestled in the historic downtown area of Charleston, you’ll find independent living communities close to the hustle and bustle of shops, restaurants, and cultural events. Waterfront living near the Charleston Harbor is also available, giving active residents easy access to parks, walking trails, and activities like fishing or sailing.
Lowcountry luxury living
Southern style and charm are reflected in the architecture of many of our partner independent living facilities that offer fun, resort-style living. Well-appointed private apartments and manicured grounds are an expectation. Many facilities are all-inclusive, meaning that you don’t have to spend time paying individual bills, instead, you can enjoy lively happy hours at built-in bars and bistros, spa time at onsite salons, or first-class holiday parties.
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Unfamiliar with Charleston? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Charleston
Median annual income for Charleston seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Charleston
Medical University of South Carolina Health
This hospital received one of 2023’s America’s 100 Best Hospitals Awards from Healthgrades for delivering quality care consistently year over year.
This hospital earned one of Healthgrades’s 2023 America’s 250 Best Hospitals Awards.
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
This VA Medical Center, along with several area VA clinics, provides health care to Charleston’s veteran population.
Transportation for seniors in Charleston
Getting around town won’t be a chore since 71% of our partner independent living communities offer transportation for free, while 43% offer it at-cost. Of course, you can certainly have your own personal vehicle if you’d like.
Charleston’s public transportation system, Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), offers a fixed-route bus system. The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) has three additional routes to get riders around the downtown area faster. CARTA offers quarterly free ride days for seniors who are at least 55 years old to help encourage them to learn how to use the bus system.
For 55+ seniors, CARTA OnDemand offers up to 20 trips per month within this service area for as low as $4 a ride. The rest of the fare is subsidized because this program is a partnership between the city of Charleston and Uber. Tel-A-Ride paratransit customers are automatically eligible for this program, too.
If you’d like to access a private option for getting around, here are some available choices:
- A Golden Ride
- Charleston Black Cab Company
- Custom Care Carriage
- Let’s Go Transportation
- Charleston Cab Company
- Charleston Water Taxi
Despite having some public transport, the city doesn’t get a great score in that area. Charleston earns just 24 on a scale of 100 from Walk Score, which measures pedestrian friendliness based on public density and walking and biking routes.[04] Walkability is fair, with the Radcliffeborough, Cannonborough, and Elliotborough neighborhoods being the best for pedestrians. There are some trails and urban infrastructure for bicycles. The city of Charleston has this guide for cyclists with safety and law reminders.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Charleston
There is so much to do and see in the gorgeous coastal city of Charleston, it’s hard to know where to begin! For a city that’s been around for more than three centuries, that’s hardly a surprise.
Take a trip back in time
Once the center of Charleston’s commerce and trade, Charleston’s Rainbow Row is now a designated historic landmark and a must-see attraction. A horse-drawn carriage tour is one unique way to enjoy it. Peek inside a late Colonial-era mansion with a tour of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum or step inside America’s first museum.
To honor Charleston’s roots, learn something about African-American history in the South at the Old Slave Mart Museum. The spot where the first shot of the Civil War was heard is also part of Charleston’s history. The Confederates fired on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. You’ll have to ride a ferry boat to visit the Fort. There is a ramp system making the ferries accessible, but sometimes the tides prevent the ramps from being used. The Fort itself is partially, but not entirely, accessible.
The Charleston City Market is steeped in history, too. It is open every day of the week, and the night market is open on Friday and Saturday evenings. The market has vendors who sell everything from fine art to handmade jewelry to homemade sweetgrass baskets that are weaved by artisans before your eyes.
The performing arts scene
From classes and workshops to exhibits and art sales, The Gibbes Museum of Art has everything an art lover could want. You can access portions of the museum for free. This accessibility guide to the museum will tell you everything you need to know to have a great experience.
Charleston’s Gaillard Center is home to the performing arts. You can catch a comedy show, live music, or dance performances at this fully accessible venue. Charleston Music Hall also offers live music with six accessible seating spots, as shown on this seating chart. The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre is a great way to spend a night out with friends.
No shortage of natural beauty to enjoy
Charleston’s eight-acre Waterfront Park is a city landmark. With more than 1,000 feet stretching along the coast, the scenery alone is breathtaking. Fishing along the pier or strolling any of the walking paths is a great way to enjoy a day.
The James Island County Park fishing dock is another great place to cast a line. If you love staying near the water, you’ll want to book a sailing tour out of Charleston Harbor. Renting a canoe or a kayak is another way to enjoy life on the coast. If you want a more relaxing way to enjoy the water, kick back at the popular Folly Beach.
Good times specific for seniors
- Waring senior center: Take an exercise class or enjoy outdoor pickleball courts.
- Senior centers at Dorchester and Northwood: Hang out with friends at these two North Charleston senior centers with coffee bars and activity rooms.
- Lowcountry senior center: This James Island senior center is a great place to visit if you like the outdoors. It has walking trails with outdoor fitness stations nestled in the giant live oaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Daniel Pointe Retirement Community, Somerby of Mount Pleasant and The Claiborne at Brickyard Crossing are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Charleston, SC. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Charleston is 4113.8 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Healthgrades. (2023). MUSC Health University Medical Center.
Healthgrades. (2023). Roper Hospital.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Charleston.
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