Retirement Living: This Southern Town Scores High For Affordability And Quality Of Life

Southern small towns are slowly influencing where people retire. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, these communities grew 0.6% on average in 2023. That exceeds the 0.4% from 2022 and outpaces most of the country. Older adults clearly want less crowded places to live. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service notes that an estimated 974,379 people moved to smaller, nonmetro areas between 2020 and 2024, many of whom are searching for the most affordable states to retire.

Mauldin, South Carolina, is right in the middle of this shift. According to the Appalachian Council of Governments, the city's population of residents 65 and older climbed to 17.7% in 2025, up from 15.6% five years earlier — a 2% increase. The town is building a reputation as a prime location for senior citizens. With almost 29,000 residents, Mauldin gives many new retirees the breathing room and reasonable costs they are seeking.

The name Mauldin honors its history — named after Lieutenant Governor W.L. Mauldin, whose push for the railroad propelled the town's early growth. This Greenville County town grabbed second place in Nasdaq's 2025 ranking of top retirement spots on the East Coast. It was recognized for its affordability and remarkable livability scores. 

Housing costs matter most when you're trying to keep retirement expenses under control. According to data from Apartments.com, Mauldin's rents averaged around $1,167 a month in August 2025. That's 29% less than the national average of $1,638. Electricity stays cheap, too. According to FindEnergy's analysis of Greenville County providers, households pay about $147.75 monthly at 14.44¢ per kilowatt-hour. That beats the U.S. average of 16.73¢/kWh by roughly 15%.

According to PayScale, Mauldin's cost of living is 7% below the national average. Basic groceries like bread and eggs run 2% less than the U.S. average. That reduces daily expenditure for people on fixed incomes. Lower fuel prices add to the overall appeal. South Carolina drivers paid an average of $2.80 per gallon in 2025, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), well under the $3.16 national average. This translates to added savings.

Further, South Carolina is a tax-friendly state for retirees. Social Security benefits aren't taxed. Anyone 65 or older can deduct up to $10,000 from retirement income like 401(k)s, IRAs, and pension distributions. Seniors get to keep more of their money.

Mauldin isn't just somewhere retirees settle. At the heart of it all is The Ray W. Hopkins Mauldin Senior Center serving anyone 55 and older. Fitness classes, art workshops, tech training, and AARP tax help are all free. With no membership fees, retirees stay active and informed without stretching their budgets. It's a way to save money without sacrificing quality of life.

The Mauldin Cultural Center puts on over 1,000 events each year. Summer concerts, blues festivals, and theater shows at the outdoor amphitheater. The city's five parks add even more for all ages. The Mauldin Sports Center spans 6,500 square feet with solid equipment, a 32-foot rock climbing wall, and group classes from yoga to kickboxing. These wellness-focused amenities support retirement lifestyle strategies that keep costs low and happiness high. The Mauldin Gateway Bridge, completed in 2023, also hooks residents into the growing Swamp Rabbit Trail network – 28 miles of multi-use path that attracts visitors.

The focus on making life easier carries over to healthcare and aging services, too. Greenville County's Area Agency on Aging runs Medicare counseling through a program called I-CARE. They also handle a Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman and family caregiver support throughout the state, including Mauldin. Plus, South Carolina's ElderCare Trust Fund hands out grants to nonprofits. These funding programs help seniors stay in their own homes and communities instead of moving to nursing facilities.