Moving from Illinois to Myrtle Beach

Why Chicago Suburbs / Naperville / Schaumburg / Rockford Buyers Move to the Grand Strand

Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax on all income with no retirement income exclusion and no Social Security exemption. SC exempts Social Security entirely and allows significant deductions on other retirement income. A retired couple drawing $90,000 from IRAs in Illinois pays approximately $4,455 in state income tax. The same couple in SC with standard senior deductions typically pays $0–$1,200. Add the Cook County property tax savings and the IL-to-SC financial case is among the strongest in the country.

The Property Tax Comparison

What $250K–$700K in Illinois Equity Buys on the Grand Strand

Illinois buyers — particularly Chicago suburb buyers — arrive with strong equity and respond to Del Webb brand recognition. Del Webb Grande Dunes and Del Webb North Myrtle Beach are the most common landing spots for IL buyers at the $400K–$600K budget level.

Before You List Your Illinois Home

File for SC primary residence tax exemptions within the year of purchase — do not wait until the following year. The 4% legal residence ratio (filed with the Horry County Assessor) and the 65+ homestead exemption (filed separately with the Horry County Auditor) must both be filed by December 31 of your purchase year. Missing either filing costs you $1,500–$3,000 or more in that tax year with no retroactive correction available.