The assumptions
We'll model a representative $375,000 home, owner-occupied, owner 65+, in Richland County, with the 4% legal-residence assessment and the $50,000 homestead exemption filed. Adjust to your actual home and situation.
Annual carrying cost
| Line item | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax | ~$1,400 | 4% ratio + $50K homestead; Richland millage |
| HOA (neighborhood) | ~$1,800 | Low-maintenance exterior/common areas |
| Master-plan / amenity dues | ~$800 | Cobblestone Park shared amenities — confirm |
| Homeowners insurance | ~$1,700 | Standard inland policy |
| Total (excl. mortgage & golf) | ~$5,700 | ≈ $475/month carrying cost |
Golf is extra and so may be a second HOA layer. The ~$800 amenity line above is an estimate of the master-association cost on top of the neighborhood HOA — get the exact combined figure in writing. A golf membership is separate again. Build your budget on the all-in number, not the neighborhood HOA alone.
10-year projection
| Horizon | Carrying cost (excl. mortgage) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | ~$5,700 |
| 10-year total (with modest escalation) | ~$63,000–$70,000 |
Assumes typical HOA/insurance escalation and South Carolina's 15%/5-year cap holding taxable-value growth in check. Illustrative only.
The property tax line — under $1,500 on a $375K home — is the headline. That's the over-65 homestead exemption plus the 4% ratio doing exactly what the county tax guide describes. Compare it across communities in the total-cost guide.
Want this run on a specific home and floor plan?
Get a personalized projectionIllustrative figures from community HOA disclosures, Richland County millage, and South Carolina assessment/homestead rules. Not an appraisal or tax determination — confirm current numbers before deciding.