Best Places to Retire in North Carolina
Are you looking for the best places to retire in North Carolina? Here are the top retirement destinations to consider moving to in NC.
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina attracts many retirees. Whether you want to spend your retirement years taking classes at major research universities or strolling along the beach, there is something here for everyone.
North Carolina offers an affordable cost of living, friendly communities, charming architecture, delightful weather, affordable living, and beautiful beaches, making it a perfect place to live life to the fullest. This state has everything, whether you prefer living near booming cities or small towns.
One primary reason to retire in North Carolina is its tax-friendly environment for retirees. Social Security benefits are entirely exempt from state taxes, and other retirement income is subject to North Carolina's flat 5.25% income tax rate. Sales and property taxes are also moderate compared to other states, making North Carolina an excellent financial choice.
With an affordable cost of living and low housing prices, relocating to North Carolina could help improve your retirement finances. Given its increasing popularity, if you are considering retiring here, explore the best places to fit you perfectly.
Check out these best places to retire in North Carolina.
1. Pinehurst, NC
Pinehurst is the number five best place to retire in North Carolina. Pinehurst is perfect for everyone, especially retirees, because of its local indoor and outdoor activities. If you enjoy getting outdoors and active, the local Reservoir Park is home to over 160 acres of land and close to a 950-acre lake.
Renowned as the "Home of American Golf," this picturesque area boasts an impressive collection of golf courses, attracting avid golfers from around the world. Pinehurst offers more than just golf; even though it has over 45 golf courses located in the area, it's certainly a golfer's paradise.
Pinehurst is an incredibly popular destination. It boasts an excellent year-round climate and many outdoor activities, particularly golf, top-notch healthcare, and affordable properties.
The Village of Pinehurst offers a unique New England-style charm in the heart of North Carolina, with walkable streets, local shops, and a strong sense of community that makes it feel like home from day one.
Retirement Highlights:
- Fantastic climate
- Home to legendary courses, including Pinehurst No. 2, host to multiple U.S. Opens
- Quaint village atmosphere with tree-lined streets and historic charm
- Pinehurst, North Carolina, made the top 10 best places to retire with no savings, highlighting its affordability
- Excellent healthcare facilities and senior services
- Active retirement communities like Quail Haven Village
2. St. James, NC
St. James in Brunswick County was ranked as the number one best place to retire in North Carolina. The captivating natural beauty of North Carolina is vividly displayed in St. James, with numerous exciting places showcasing the state's outdoor scenery and offering a wide range of recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and biking.
Located between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, St. James offers an exclusive retirement experience with world-class amenities and stunning natural beauty. This master-planned community sits on over 9,000 acres of pristine coastal landscape.
This area has a suburban feel and is ideal for retirees. The majority of residents are older than 65, and the original St. James Plantation was designed to be a community for people 65 and older. The community has become more exclusive, but there are many master-planned communities with marinas, tennis courts, and golf facilities, each offering various types of homes for everyone.
Retirement Highlights:
- Two championship golf courses designed by Hale Irwin and Tim Cate
- Deep-water marina on the Intracoastal Waterway
- Miles of walking and biking trails through maritime forests
- Proximity to beaches and coastal attractions
- Luxury amenities including spa, fitness center, and fine dining
- Active lifestyle programming and social clubs
- Custom home sites and maintenance-free villa options
- 24/7 gated security for peace of mind
3. Carolina Shores, NC
Carolina Shores is an excellent place to retire for several reasons, including its rural ambiance and substantial retiree population. Situated over five miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean on the southern North Carolina coast, this relatively new, quiet city offers a lower cost of living and affordable housing, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil, coastal retirement.
Offering golf and easy beach access, the area's location provides peaceful waterfront living with convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment in nearby Calabash and Ocean Isle Beach.
With over 52% of its residents aged 65 and older, the town's master-planned communities with their amenities are highly popular among retirees and empty nesters. If you desire a peaceful environment near the water, Carolina Shores is undoubtedly a fantastic retirement option.
Retirement Highlights:
- Two 18-hole championship golf courses
- Intracoastal Waterway frontage with marina access
- Just minutes from beautiful Ocean Isle Beach
- Affordable housing options compared to other coastal areas
- Active community center with fitness facilities and social activities
- Mild coastal climate perfect for year-round outdoor activities
- Proximity to both North and South Carolina attractions
- Strong sense of community with numerous clubs and organizations
4. Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, North Carolina, is an exceptional place to call home. It is widely recognized as one of the best places to live in the country for its thriving economy, diverse climate, affordable cost of living, stunning housing options, educational opportunities, and remarkably low crime rate.
As North Carolina's capital and part of the Research Triangle, Raleigh offers retirees the perfect blend of Southern charm and metropolitan amenities. This thriving city consistently ranks among the best places to retire in America.
The area is surrounded by top-notch healthcare facilities, including Duke University Hospital, making it an extremely attractive choice for retirees. Whether you are an active adult or in need of extra care, you can confidently explore the numerous possibilities Raleigh has to offer.
Raleigh's numerous parks, including the 5,000-acre William B. Umstead State Park, offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, while the city's commitment to green spaces ensures a high quality of life.
If you are considering retirement in Raleigh and are looking for a fantastic retirement community, independent living and assisted living options are available all over the Triangle region.
Retirement Highlights:
- Raleigh and Durham have some of the best healthcare providers in North Carolina, making it perfect for staying fit and active during your retirement
- World-class cultural attractions including museums, theaters, and music venues
- Excellent public transportation and walkable neighborhoods
- Proximity to both mountains and coast
- Thriving food scene and craft brewery culture
- Mild four-season climate with minimal snow
- Strong job market for part-time retirement work opportunities
- Top-rated universities providing lifelong learning opportunities
5. Jacksonville, NC
Home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville offers a unique retirement experience with strong military connections, affordable living, and access to beautiful coastal areas.
Jacksonville offers affordable living and a wealth of entertainment options and caters to a diverse range of preferences. It's truly a top-notch place to retire, seamlessly blending the charm of small-town living with genuine Southern hospitality. Residents proudly call this place home.
Retirement Highlights:
- Significant military retiree population creating a strong support network
- Affordable cost of living well below national averages
- Proximity to pristine beaches and coastal recreation
- Rich military history and museums
- Growing healthcare infrastructure
- Mild coastal climate with moderate humidity
- Access to military commissary and base facilities for eligible retirees
- Strong sense of patriotism and community pride
- Fishing, boating, and water sports opportunities
6. Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is one of the most historic towns in North Carolina. Its old-world downtown, charming riverwalk, and beautiful beaches unquestionably make it an ideal place to live and retire.
Wilmington offers a moderate climate and a welcoming community, creating an undeniably peaceful environment for retirees. Providing various retirement options such as assisted living facilities, retirement communities, and golf communities further solidifies Wilmington's status as an outstanding retirement destination.
Retirement Highlights:
- Historic downtown with antebellum architecture and cobblestone streets
- Thriving arts scene with galleries, theaters, and festivals
- Beautiful riverfront and nearby beaches
- University of North Carolina Wilmington provides educational opportunities
- Excellent healthcare facilities, including New Hanover Regional Medical Center
- Mild subtropical climate ideal for year-round activities
- Active nightlife and restaurant scene
- Film industry presence creating cultural vibrancy
- Historic home tours and preservation activities
- Water activities on the Cape Fear River
7. Winston-Salem, NC
According to U.S. News and World Report, Winston-Salem claims to be in the top spot as the finest retirement location in North Carolina. The Yadkin Valley's fertile soil and pleasant climate make it ideal for cultivating grapes for wine and for retirees to wander through the picturesque vineyards leisurely.
The delightful weather, adorned with stunning foliage in the fall, a mild winter with just enough snow to bring joy, and an early spring and extended summer are a few reasons why retirees are drawn to this area.
The lifestyle here remains rural and unhurried, but you will find yourself surrounded by charming small towns and captivating vineyards. The rural setting provides an idyllic retreat for retirees seeking to savor the natural beauty around them.
Offering a modest cost of living and low crime rates, this location ranks among the top choices for retirement, particularly from a financial perspective.
Retirement Highlights:
- Home to Wake Forest University and its renowned medical school
- Exceptional healthcare with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
- Rich arts scene, including Reynolds House Museum and Sawtooth Center
- Historic Old Salem living history museum
- Moderate cost of living compared to other metropolitan areas
- Four distinct seasons with mild winters
- Thriving downtown revitalization with restaurants and entertainment
- Strong music and theater scene
- Beautiful parks and gardens, including Reynolda Gardens
8. Asheville, NC
Asheville stands as a scenic mountain town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, serving as an ideal base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Notably, Asheville boasts an innovative food and beverage scene, prominently featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Asheville stands out as the ultimate destination for retirees seeking life in breathtakingly beautiful mountains. The area consistently draws individuals inspired by its natural beauty, as it thrives as a small city with a dynamic cultural life.
Retiring in Asheville offers an unparalleled outdoor experience. With its laid-back, artistic atmosphere and strong community spirit, retirees can immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor activities, from picturesque hikes to diverse art scenes.
Retirement Highlights:
- Stunning Blue Ridge Mountain scenery and mild mountain climate
- Vibrant arts and music scene with numerous galleries and live venues
- Craft brewery capital with over 30 local breweries
- Outdoor recreation paradise with hiking, biking, and scenic drives
- Historic Grove Park Inn and other luxury amenities
- Farm-to-table dining scene with local organic foods
- Strong sense of community and environmental consciousness
- Close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
9. Carolina Beach, NC
Carolina Beach is the perfect retirement destination for those who dream of living by the coast. Nestled in a Wilmington suburb, it boasts miles of pristine beaches, towering dunes, and world-class fishing. The vibrant boardwalk is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, exuding a nostalgic charm.
This charming barrier island community offers retirees the ultimate beach lifestyle with small-town charm and stunning Atlantic Ocean access. Carolina Beach is the definitive choice for your retirement if you seek a dynamic yet laid-back community by the water.
Retirement Highlights:
- Miles of pristine beaches perfect for walking and relaxation
- Carolina Beach State Park with hiking trails and a marina
- Charming boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and entertainment
- Strong sense of island community and local pride
- Excellent fishing and boating opportunities
- Mild coastal climate with refreshing ocean breezes
- Annual festivals and community events
- Affordable beachfront living compared to other coastal areas
- Beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the ocean
10. Greensboro, NC
Home to multiple universities and a thriving arts scene, Greensboro offers retirees intellectual stimulation alongside affordable living and excellent amenities. Its diverse and lively environment, affordable living, and top-notch healthcare make it the ideal choice for those seeking an active community.
The city's vibrant arts scene and a multitude of recreational activities, including rec centers, fitness venues, and greenways, offer retirees endless opportunities to stay engaged right in their neighborhoods.
Retirement Highlights:
- Five colleges and universities providing lifelong learning opportunities
- Excellent healthcare with the Cone Health system and Moses Cone Hospital
- Affordable housing and cost of living
- Diverse cultural programming and festivals
- Strong public transportation system
- Four distinct seasons with mild winters
- Growing food scene with farm-to-table restaurants
- Active senior center programs and activities
Methodology
Data was sourced from U.S. News and World Report and Niche to determine the ten best places to retire in North Carolina.
FAQs
What part of North Carolina is the best place to retire?
North Carolina has many unique places to retire, depending on the lifestyle you are seeking. Some of the best places to retire include Raleigh, Asheville, Greensboro, and Wilmington.
Is North Carolina a good state for retirement?
North Carolina is one of the best places to live in the country and an excellent state to retire in. It offers a lower cost of living, lower tax rates, beautiful weather, and a high quality of life.
How much money do you need to retire comfortably in North Carolina?
While some states are either cheaper or more expensive to retire in, to retire comfortably in North Carolina, it is recommended that an individual have a savings goal of $1.6 to $1.7 million.
Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect retirement destination is one of life's most important decisions. Each of these ten North Carolina communities offers unique advantages, from Pinehurst's golf paradise to Asheville's mountain culture, from Wilmington's historic charm to Carolina Beach's island serenity.
If you are contemplating retiring in North Carolina, several crucial factors to evaluate include the cost of living and healthcare. North Carolina is an excellent financial choice for retirement, offering convenience, safety, and the ideal climate most retirees seek.
Are you ready to explore North Carolina's best retirement destinations? Contact the experts at Raleigh Realty and discover where your retirement dreams can become reality.
