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Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is a peaceful fishing village located just 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach. It’s an ideal location for seniors who enjoy outdoor recreation, fine dining, art, culture and a leisure coastal lifestyle. Despite the community’s desirable location, the cost of living is about 6% lower than the national average. Residents enjoy a pleasant climate with summer highs around 90 degrees F and winter lows that remain above freezing.
Over the years, Murrells Inlet has become a popular retirement destination. Although this census-designated place is home to just under 10,000 residents, seniors aged 65 and older account for 33% of the population, which is roughly double the national average. Older adults who are considering assisted living can choose from more than a dozen communities located in Murrells Inlet and the surrounding area. The median cost of care is $4,620 per month, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in South Carolina pay $3,988 per month for assisted living, which is about 10% lower than the U.S. median of $4,300. Prices in Murrells Inlet are about $320 higher than the national average and $630 higher than the state median. Across the Southeast, including Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia, median assisted living prices are $300 to $800 lower than the national average.
Monthly assisted living prices vary by more than $3,200 across South Carolina’s largest metropolitan areas. Seniors in Sumter pay just $2,200 per month, a savings of $2,420. In Charleston, assisted living costs $1,020 less than in Murrells Inlet. Florence and Columbia also offer competitive rates of $4,163 and $4,299. In Hilton Head, prices increase to $855 to $5,475. Wilmington, North Carolina, is 27% more expensive than Murrells Inlet with an average of $5,877.
Note: Data for Murrells Inlet was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Myrtle Beach, was used instead.
Seniors in Murrells Inlet who require assisted living and meet certain income and asset limits may qualify for financial benefits through Medicaid. South Carolina’s Community Long Term Care program pays for personal care, attendant care, companionship and limited skilled nursing, among other services. Caregiver support programs also pay for short-term respite care in an assisted living facility. Seniors can learn more about covered services and application requirements in our guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina.
| Contact | Description | |
| Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging | (843) 546-8502 | This Area Agency on Aging serves seniors and caregivers in Murrells Inlet and the Waccamaw region. It offers programs to promote healthy aging and to ensure that seniors have access to quality care whether they’re living in the community or a residential care facility. Its ombudsman program is a comprehensive resource for seniors who require assisted living. It also offers Medicare insurance counseling and help with Medicaid benefits. |
| Georgetown County Bureau of Aging Services | (843) 545-3196 | The Georgetown County Bureau of Aging Services operates six local senior centers that offer recreational programs and supportive services for adults aged 60 and older. The agency provides transportation to medical appointments, shopping centers and local rec centers, and it hosts special events, including AARP safe-driving courses, holiday luncheons and senior field days. |
| St. James Health & Wellness | (843) 436-1333 | This community-based clinic is one of six facilities operated by the St. James-Santee Family Health Center. The organization provides preventive care and social services to more than 11,000 patients regardless of their ability to pay. In addition to offering primary care and mental health counseling, it can help with transportation, prescription discounts, veterans benefits and applications for Medicaid, food stamps and other programs. |
| South Carolina Legal Services, Conway Office | (843) 381-8182 | South Carolina Legal Services offers legal advice, educational information and self-help guides to help consumers manage common civil legal issues. Its areas of focus include elder law, taxes, housing, health care, insurance and public benefits. Staff members assist with long-term care questions and advise clients on issues related to abuse, neglect, exploitation and scams. |
| Neighbor to Neighbor of South Carolina | (843) 839-0702 | Established in 2005, Neighbor to Neighbor is a volunteer-operated nonprofit based in Myrtle Beach. To date, the organization has provided nearly 60,000 free rides to more than 1,800 local seniors. Rides are available for medical appointments, errands and social or recreational events. It also offers volunteer opportunities for older adults who want to give back to the community. |
| Georgetown County Department of Veterans Affairs | (843) 545-3330 | This county office helps veterans and their dependents apply for benefits and determine their eligibility for various state, local and federal programs. Officers can arrange transportation, schedule medical appointments, request prescription refills and help seniors qualify for programs that pay for personal care and assisted living. |
Community residential care facilities in Murrells Inlet are overseen by the Bureau of Health Facilities Licensing, which is part of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. All facilities must follow strict regulations designed to accommodate residents’ personal needs and preferences. Additional information about these licensing requirements is available in our guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina.
