Nestled within minutes of historic downtown Aiken, South Carolina is Hitchcock Crossing, a cozy, relaxed, 350 acre community, which is across from the Hitchcock Woods, the largest urban forest in the United States. The natural surroundings are incorporated into the community of Hitchcock Crossing, while boasting landscaped common areas and professionally kept yards.

There are also ornamental streetlights, intimate cul-de-sacs, quiescent streets, sidewalks and walking trails which will lead you through the cheery community. A variety of homes are available at Hitchcock Crossing. All are low-maintenance brick, one-story Energy Star certified manors which include attached two car garages.

The homes at Hitchcock Crossing reflect casual, Southern living with the capacity for many successful get-togethers. The homes have large open floor plans and standard features like hardwood floors, granite counter tops, tray ceilings, crown molding and screened porches for enjoying the mild South Carolina climate all year round.

Custom options are also available to personalize the home more, if desired. The homes range from two bedroom plus den which is approximately 1,720 square feet to three bedrooms which is approximately 2,185 square feet and prices range from $269,000-$331,000. The homes are within minutes of downtown Aiken which offers a diverse culture style and opportunity.

Aiken, South Carolina, is a city with sophisticated flair which boasts sidewalk cafes, restaurants, shopping and a wide variety of arts. The town of Aiken provides access to several world-class golf courses, along with a variety of equestrian clubs, tracks and polo fields.

There are no less than nine parks in the area and several recreation and tennis clubs as well. Hitchcock Woods is a 2,100 acre urban forest which has approximately 65 miles of trails providing access for joggers, hikers, dog walkers and equestrians and it’s open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. [Visit website]

Located just 25 miles from downtown Asheville, French Broad Crossing is the area’s only private riverfront mountain community. Recipient of the 2008 Award for “Best Waterfront Living” from Mountain Homes Magazine, French Broad Crossing offers the perfect mix of mountain magic and river fun.

(Request an informational brochure and DVD about French Broad Crossing)

Residents can indulge in the community’s diverse and luxurious amenities, including a River Lodge and Fitness Center with its spectacular pool and hot tub amid panoramic mountain views; the River Park and Pavilion, a relaxing spot by the river’s edge for picnicking and recreation; and the Tree House, with its inviting outdoor fireplace and magnificent mountain vistas. French Broad Crossing was created by The Preserve Communities, an Asheville based mountain real estate developer that recently won Mountain Homes Magazine’s “Best Family of Mountain Communities” award in 2009.

Step inside this private gated community and be transported to a place where sun-dappled meadows turn to rolling hills; tree-lined trails meet the water’s edge and awe-inspiring mountain views dazzle at every turn. Just 165 mountain homesites rest on a sprawling, picturesque 790 acres, with 40% of the property set aside for conservation. Surrounding the community are hundreds of acres that are legally protected, ensuring the future of this scenic land.

Mountain Homesites: Buildable one to five acre homesites, which blend with the natural terrain and feature forest, river and/or mountain views start at 89K.

The River Cottages: The River Cottages at French Broad Crossing have been designed specifically for our community, showcasing the combination of timeless mountain architecture and contemporary design. The cottage floor plans range from 1400 to 3100 square feet and “land and home” pricing starts in the upper $300’s. Learn more…

Savannah Lakes Village is one of the premier retirement communities in South Carolina. It has absolutely everything one could possibly desire in an upscale community. If you enjoy golfing, then it would be your personal paradise. It has two wonderful community owned courses, Tara and Monticello, as well as a third that borders the edge of the community at the Hickory Knob State Park.

If you enjoy nature and the outdoors you’ll feel quite at home with the 70,000 acre Lake Thurmond with another 63,000 acres of state forest land. There are trails for hiking as well as a Rod and Gun Club for those interested in fishing the massive lake or hunting in the expansive forest. There is also an active Power Squadron for the boating enthusiasts and an Outdoor Adventure Club for those who enjoy hiking.

Even though Savannah Lakes Village is nestled in a glorious natural environment most certainly does not mean you will have to spend your time there living in the dark ages. There are numerous underground utilities including fiber-optic lines for your high speed telecommunications and internet needs. There are also underground power, water as well as sewer lines accompanied with over 78 miles of paved road to make traveling to and from locations within the village a simple drive away.

Savannah Lakes Village is surrounded by superb health care options. The community has its own Savannah Lakes Village Medical Center, which provides the community with top rate medical care. There are also more than six other hospitals within 45minutes of Savannah Lakes.

But perhaps the best part of Savannah Lakes Village is the caring individuals you will find within. The staff at all of their facilities gives themselves 100% to their customers, providing top of the line service in not only the golf, dining and recreation facilities, but also their technicians that provide a range of home-maintenance services. [Visit website]

Beautiful resorts are countless. But few are as equipped to surprise and please at the same time as the Compass Pointe resort, located just minutes from Wilmington, North Carolina. With its enormous selection of entertainment and forms of relaxation, including indoor pools and sizable trails for walking, it’s no wonder why so many are coming to Compass Pointe every year.

Chase and roam freely with the family pet at the Dog Park, then visit the outdoor amphitheater to hear musicians play a beautiful melody – just bring a loved one to double the fun! One can even launch a canoe or kayak into the lake and explore the natural beauty of the location, by paddling slowly and taking it in moment by moment.

Compass Pointe’s pricing is highly competitive: homes with as much as 1,440 sq. feet go for only $177,000 to start. That means more of the home owner’s money will go into enjoying delicious food and traveling the beautiful landscapes of North Carolina…Each home comes with 1 or 2 car garages, big patios, and in a stylish island theme. Some homes have an extra bedroom right over the garage, so if there are any guests, they will have a comfortable place to stay.

The Compass Pointe resort is not suited to just one group of people: it can accommodate many different tastes. The golf courses, lakes, shops and swimming pools are all great places to socialize with new individuals and explore. Take friends along, entertain the entire family, and at any time – take a rest on your own.

The lake beach is a beautiful place to go to relax, located just minutes from the resort. Test the warm sand with your naked toes, and jog with a pet or visit the many shops nearby. With so many choices of recreation, Compass Pointe is a great getaway and more than a resort. [Visit website]

If you’ve worked your entire life in North Carolina and are now searching for the perfect place to retire, your quest stops at Waterway Cove. Clark Carolina Construction, a family operated company, is adding another great listing to its impressive portfolio of waterfront developments. Beginning in Spring 2010, Waterway Cove will be a hot topic among Baby Boomers discussing retirement communities.

When completed, Waterway Cove will be one of the latest additions to the oceanfront community of Ocean Isle Beach, NC. This isolated town offers residents the tranquility of a paradise, while being less than an hour’s drive away from urban sophistication in Wilmington, one of the largest cities in North Carolina.

Waterway Cove is expected to be a tight knit retirement community that consists of only 200 homes. The front porches have been specifically incorporated into the house designs, to encourage a friendly atmosphere where people know each other by name. Each house at Waterway Cove is unique on the inside and outside, unlike some dull “cookie-cutter” communities. Homes with up to three floor levels are available. To make life easier for residents, landscape services will be provided by a single company that worked out a deal with community management. The clubhouse, swimming pool, and multiple parks will be the major gathering points at this community.

Classic North Carolina coastal architecture is the theme for this retirement community. With dozens of floor plans, there is also a large variety of interior layouts. The selection ranges from a 2,446 square foot Arrington (starting at $379,800) to a 1,677 square foot Valley Farm (starting at $312,000.) Standard interior features at Waterway Cove homes include hard wood floors, wall to wall carpets, kitchen furnished with new appliances, central air conditioning and heating, fireplace, and much more. To maintain the overall appeal of the community, garages are nicely hidden away at the back of each home.

Walking down the beautiful beaches, fishing, riding boats, go-kart racing, wine tasting and waterfront dining are some of the popular local activities in Ocean Isle Beach. There are plenty of golfing opportunities nearby in multiple Championship golf courses that are only a few minutes drive away. In fact, Waterway Cove residents will even receive discounted rates at some of the golf clubs. Tennis lovers will not have to travel too far, as there are courts nearby in some of the golf resorts and private tennis clubs such as in Sunset Beach. [Visit website]

The Sanctuary at Hampton Lake is a beautiful “private residence club*” community with an airy atmosphere that will bring back memories of old, while bringing you closer to those you love. The community located in Bluffton, South Carolina. Hampton Lake was recently awarded its second “Best in American Living” award by the National Association of Home Builders.

Hampton Lake’s 900 acres include a 165-acre freshwater lake, while the natural reserve is more than twice that size. The diversity of green, lush life surrounding the homes will bring a sense of calm and friendship to visitors. If it’s too calming for you, there are escapes into many sports activities, including a large golf course. Enjoy the fresh air in the morning with a jog across the natural reserve, where there are many paths to and from the golf course and lake.

While some will enjoy playing on the golf course, others will look to the swimming pools, and the fitness centers at Hampton Lake. Their full-service fitness centers are used daily and give a greater satisfaction to those who love keeping themselves in tip-top shape.

When the day ends, and it is time to slow down and enjoy the evening, you’ll find that the home you’ve chosen will suit your every need. Spacious and exquisitely designed inside-and-out, the home will bring a warmth and familiarity to your companions-so you’ll be enjoying every moment with the family.

Many home sizes are currently available, with 11′ ceilings and beautiful hickory hardwood flooring in many rooms, including living, bedroom and the study rooms. Pricing of the Hampton Lake homes is affordable, making a week long stay or a month long stay an easy decision.

Having a home away from home is a real dream for many Americans, giving them a respite from the tiring city life. Make your stay at The Sanctuary at Hampton Lake, where the beauty of the natural reserve and freshwater lake will stay in your memory for many, many weeks upon your return. [Visit website]

* What is a Private Residence Club?

A Private Residence Club redefines vacation home ownership. Vacations should be a time to get away and relax. Private Residence Club owners have the security and appreciation of deeded real estate, without the on-going maintenance and time typically associated with owning a vacation home. The rotating priority reservation system assures owners of a minimum of six weeks per year plus unlimited, space available, usage.

A Private Residence Club gives you more time to do the things you like. More than just the pride of vacation home ownership is the uncomplicated time spent with friends and family. Upon arrival all you need to remember is to relax and have fun. All the details of your home are taken care of for you. All the activities and amenities of the lake are at your disposal. Upon your departure, all you need to remember is to bid good-bye to the friendly staff.

Originally founded as Charles Towne, Charleston is the second biggest city in South Carolina. Known for its deep and rich history, Charleston is not only a great place to visit, it could also be your ideal place to retire.

South Carolina may best be known for its coastal destinations such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, but other cities in South Carolina have a lot to offer someone looking for the perfect retirement community lifestyle.

Looking for a retirement community near the “Coast of Carolina”? Check out Wilmington, situated between the river and the ocean. You may have never been here, but you’ve undoubtedly seen this town as it has been the backdrop of several movies and television shows such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Dawson’s Creek. Check out Wilmington’s best retirement community options below:

Asheville is the largest city in western North Carolina, and continues to grow steadily. It is a popular destination for baby boomers who have spent years dreaming of having a home in the mountains. By far the most famous home in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate. Check out some of the most popular retirement communities in Asheville: