When it comes to retirement, North Carolina has a lot to offer: pleasant weather, easy access to beautiful beaches, and plenty of BBQ, if that’s your thing. Thus we’ve highlighted a few best places to retire in North Carolina you can check out.
After retiring in the Tar Heel State, there are numerous cities that you can call home. Its spectacular state parks, delectable barbecue, stunning coastline, and numerous cultural opportunities simply can’t be enough for people.
The excellent quality of life and myriad attractions in North Carolina help to explain why so many retirees are moving there.
In fact, there is a phrase for those from the north who moved to Florida or other southern states before moving to North Carolina. They are known as “halfbacks” since they only partially made it home.
This article will walk you through the top 17 best places to retire in North Carolina and explain why each one is so wonderful for retirees.
What are the best Retirement Planning Tips?
If North Carolina is where you envision retiring, you should get a head start on saving. Finding a financial advisor is the greatest way to stay on top of it.
With our free financial adviser matching tool, some websites can assist you in finding an advisor that is a suitable fit. Your financial condition and aspirations will be the first topics you’ll discuss. A maximum of three local advisors will then be matched with you.
All of the advisors on our platform have been thoroughly investigated, and we have ensured that they have no disclosures. Then, every one of your matches will get in touch with you to discuss cooperating to make sure you have enough money saved to afford the expense of living in North Carolina.
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Why should you Retire in North Carolina?
1. Seniors’ tax breaks
On the list of states that don’t tax retirement income, there are scarcely any. North Carolina is one of the coveted seven states that can currently make that claim. North Carolina has a low corporate income tax rate, no state estate tax, and an exemption from income taxes on all Social Security retirement benefits for people looking to pursue their entrepreneurial interests.
2. Affordable Way of Life
From a purely economical standpoint, it might be fairly affordable to live in North Carolina. North Carolina has a cheaper cost of living than the rest of the country. When housing, electricity, and transportation costs are decreased, enjoying the state’s many benefits and activities becomes substantially more affordable.
3. Beaches, the ocean, and the coastline
Drink in hand, sand between your toes. dozing off to the hypnotic nightly smashing of the waves. North Carolina has some of the nicest places to settle down near a beach. More than 300 miles of white sand beaches, charming coastal towns, a range of family-friendly beach resorts, walking routes, and boardwalks to far-off islands are all advantages for retirement communities.
4. Two words: Island Life
Take advantage of the Outer Banks’ vast open seashore and locate your business away from the mainland. Several barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina include Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, Roanoke Island, and Bodie Island.
5. Grand Mountains
Some quaint mountain communities can be found in the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, which are a component of the huge Appalachian mountain range that spans western North Carolina.
No matter if you want a more laid-back lifestyle with some of the best scenery in the country or an active retirement that includes skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, North Carolina has plenty of fresh mountain air to breathe.
What are the Best Places To Retire In North Carolina as a Student?
1. Lumberton
2. Wesley Chapel
3. Kinston
4. Eden
5. Wadesboro
6. James City
7. Roanoke Rapids
8. Hamlet
9. Sawmills
10. Reidsville
11. Durham
12. Hendersonville
13. Asheville
14. New Bern
15. Beaufort
16. Hickory
17. Charlotte
1. Lumberton
In the midst of North Carolina’s stunning natural landscape, there sits a town called Lumberton. Retirees in Lumberton can live a happy life while being active and taking advantage of the wonderful outdoors. This wonderful neighborhood is completed by a safe environment and a fair cost of living.
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2. Wesley Chapel
Do you want to reside in a charming town close to Charlotte? The best choice is Wesley Chapel. The Union County neighborhood’s welcoming atmosphere for families, low crime rate, and affordable cost of living attract retirees.
3. Kinston
Kinston is a fantastic location for retirees looking for a laid-back lifestyle. This wonderful riverside community, which is relatively affordable, is a great place for active people to unwind. If you’re willing to live life on your own terms, start looking for a new home in Kinston right away.
4. Eden
Eden is a charming little town west of Greensboro. If you wish to enjoy your retirement years in peace and quiet, Eden will be your ideal hideaway. Retirement residents like Eden because of its low cost of living, affordable median house prices, and low crime rate.
5. Wadesboro
Wadesboro, a lovely city, is situated in Anson County. Retirees looking for a vibrant yet suburban sprawl can find assistance in this neighborhood. Are you attempting to live the life you love on a fixed income? The city can assist you in making the most of your newly acquired freedom without breaking the bank. Find the best Wadesboro retirement community as soon as possible.
6. James City
James City will appeal to everyone who values nature. The suburban region has a rustic vibe and includes a lot of parks and wide open spaces. If you’re seeking peace and affordable, age-friendly city living, have a peek at James City.
7. Roanoke Rapids
For seniors seeking a small-town environment, this Halifax County hamlet is excellent. Roanoke Rapids offers a variety of activities, including bowling, visiting historical sites, an arts center, and a bird sanctuary. Outdoor enthusiasts can go hunting and fishing along the Roanoke River, where they can camp, boat, and fish. For social gatherings with friends and family, it is the ideal setting.
8. Hamlet
Hamlet offers something for retirees of all types, and it also has a low cost of living! The city exudes southern charm and has a beautiful small-town feel. Enjoy a simple and ideal life by spending the day with friends and getting involved in your community.
9. Sawmills
Active retirees can relax, recharge, and reestablish a relationship with nature at the lovely Sawmills in Caldwell County. A great place to invest in a comfortable living with easy access to cities is Sawmills, which is close to Asheville and Charlotte.
10. Reidsville
Reidsville, North Carolina, is adored by energetic locals. There are miles of walking routes all around the old town of the Haw River. For retirees, hiking is a fantastic opportunity to stay active in their golden years and take in the breathtaking scenery. Both Lake Reidsville and Haw River State Park are great places to enjoy riverside entertainment and Mother Nature at her best.
11. Durham
With little over 275,000 residents, Durham is a medium-sized city that offers all the excitement of a modern metropolis without the stress. It strikes a nice balance between the activity of a large city and that of a little town. It has several parks, bars, restaurants, museums, and entertainment alternatives and is bike- and pedestrian-friendly. Duke University and the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team are both located in Durham.
For seniors, the area’s affordable housing and top-notch university medical center are particularly advantageous. Golfers will like the abundance of courses that are dispersed across the city, and Duke University offers an excellent lifetime learning program in Durham. Any list of the best places in North Carolina to retire should include Durham.
12. Hendersonville
Hendersonville is a tiny, quaint city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Henderson County. Seniors and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a slower pace of life will find nirvana in this lively town that emanates southern charm.
As a result of its wide, tree-lined streets and abundance of nearby hiking and bike trails, this region is also very pedestrian-friendly. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are 25 different craft beverage tasting experiences connected by the “Cheers! Trail,” two of which are the DuPont State Recreational Forest.
13. Asheville
Do you prefer residing in a city to Hendersonville, despite enjoying its sound? Think about Asheville instead. In addition to being close to Hendersonville’s attractions, it also shares many of them.
For instance, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just outside the front door of Asheville, which is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But according to David Berns of True Advice Wealth Management, it has much more to offer:
Asheville, North Carolina, is an excellent place to retire because of its beautiful mountain views and vibrant food scene. The area is home to many musicians, writers, and artists that enjoy producing works of art. Retirees can also take advantage of the variety of seasons because of the mild winters.
The 92,000 people who live in Asheville are the main distinction.
14. New Bern
On the coast of North Carolina, New Bern, which is a section of the Inner Banks region, is located in Craven County. Additionally, it is the state’s second-oldest town! This historic district, which was established in 1710, is teeming with historic landmarks and structures, such as the beautiful Tryon Palace.
Jay W. Rishel, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) at Overman Capital Management, lists some of New Bern’s top attractions:
It offers a busy, historic city as well as a reasonable location and cost of living close to the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers. Raleigh-Durham is only a 45-minute drive from the ocean, whereas Wilmington is a 2-hour drive.
Both young and old can find something to enjoy in the area.
15. Beaufort
The county capital of Carteret County, Beaufort, is another seaside town with a long and fascinating history. In fact, here was where infamous pirate Blackbeard lived in the 1700s.
Beaufort is known now for its old-world elegance, world-class fishing, and breathtaking beaches on nearby barrier islands despite its swashbuckling past. There are lots of great restaurants, old buildings, and friendly locals. Its tiny size, accessibility by foot, and scenic surroundings make it the ideal place for anyone seeking a quiet waterside retirement.
16. Hickory
To the west, in Catawba County, is the 41,000-person metropolis. Hickory, named for the Hickory Tavern, the area’s original building, is usually mentioned among the best places in North Carolina to retire. On the list of the best locations to live in the state, according to U.S. News, it comes in third place.
You’ll fall in love with Hickory’s majestic scenery, pleasant climate, thriving arts scene, and affordably priced housing if you move there. The proximity to the Appalachian Mountains and the lovely Lake Hickory, as well as the city’s robust economy, two medical institutions, and accessible location close to Charlotte, are additional advantages.
The one negative aspect of Hickory is its high crime rate.
17. Charlotte
Charlotte is the biggest and most populous city in North Carolina. And for good reason! As the Queen City, it benefits from a comfortable temperature, fantastic outdoor activities (such as Little Sugar Creek Greenway and Lake Norman), and an extensive calendar of sporting events.
In addition to being the home of the Hornets, Checkers, and Panthers, Charlotte is the birthplace of NASCAR. Additionally, there are a ton of restaurants, cafes, galleries, and museums.
The cost of living in Charlotte is higher than in other parts of North Carolina, but it’s still rather affordable, especially if you’re coming from a state like Florida (as many “halfbackers” do). Due to Charlotte’s abundance of Magnet-rated healthcare institutions, your medical needs would be in good hands.
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What is North Carolina’s Health Care for Retirees?
According to the United Health Foundation, as of 2021, North Carolina had the 33rd-best overall health in the nation. The study found that North Carolina had a number of health advantages, including high rates of flu vaccination and a low incidence of falls.
This is undoubtedly fantastic news for seniors in these two important areas. However, North Carolina also demonstrated significant rates of food hardship and medical treatment avoidance due to the cost.
North Carolina is ranked 38th for Medicare quality in a U.S. News & World Report chart, which is also below average.
It’s important to remember that Original Medicare is essentially the same in every state because it is a federally funded program. The performance and usability of the regionally available, privately sponsored Medicare Advantage plans are represented in North Carolina’s Medicare quality ranking.
While North Carolina’s healthcare system is by no means subpar overall, it also falls short of the best-ranked states.
What is the Cost of Living in North Carolina?
Given the state’s population and large cities, North Carolina boasts a low cost of living for many retirees. According to an analysis by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, North Carolina has the 22nd highest cost of living in the US.
In terms of cost of living, that is comparable to states like Wyoming or Wisconsin and far less than the majority of the states that make up the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast.
A Tax Foundation analysis found that in North Carolina, $100 is equivalent to $109.53 in spending power. This shows that in North Carolina, your money will go a lot further than it would in the average U.S. state.
This is fantastic for retirees. Determining where to retire may depend in part on where you find the best investments to make. It may be difficult to find a place with both an active post-retirement lifestyle and a low cost of living, but North Carolina meets both requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
In North Carolina, Social Security benefits are not taxable; nevertheless, a flat tax of 5.25% is applied to the majority of your retirement income.
If you want to retire in North Carolina comfortably starting today, you will need to have saved at least $65,000.
The answer mostly relies on your retirement goals because each state offers a unique set of perks. North Carolina offers a larger variety of geographical features than other states, ranging from thriving cities and beautiful beaches to untamed mountain ranges. The significantly greater cost of living in South Carolina may worry retirement candidates.
North Carolina is typically an affordable state where your money will go a long way, especially if you are used to a Northeast standard of life. The median annual wage in North Carolina is about $56,000.
North Carolina has developed into a well-liked retirement destination, providing an alternative to hot climates like Florida and Arizona. Seasons do exist in North Carolina, but not as regularly as they do in northern regions. It has a lot to offer seniors as well, including thriving cities and sleepy mountain communities.
Conclusion
North Carolina is a popular state for retirees due to its low taxes. Here, your savings can go further. You can live a carefree seaside retirement on undiscovered beaches without having to pay the exorbitant cost of living in Florida or California. Furthermore, vibrant cities give you a fun place to spend your time.
We determined the 17 best places to retire in North Carolina. You must invest in both the present and the future to find the perfect place for this amazing new chapter in your life.
