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 North Carolina.

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 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.

Here are the best places to retire in North Carolina. 

1. Pinehurst, NC

According to Niche, Pinehurst is the #1 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. 

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.

Many articles hail it as one of the best places to retire. Ensure you don't miss out on everything this city offers. Pinehurst is renowned as the "Home of American Golf," with a golfing history dating back to the early 20th century when the golf club was established. This fact makes it an ideal area for golf enthusiasts to retire.

2. St. James, NC

St. James in Brunswick County is undeniably one of the top 10 best places to live in North Carolina, offering something of interest for every kind of retiree. 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.

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.

Additionally, with many fantastic local markets in Southport, St. James provides easy access to numerous activities. Without a doubt, if you seek to live in a small coastal town, St. James is unequivocally the perfect place to do so.

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.

With over 52% of its residents aged 65 and older, the town's master-planned communities with their own 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.

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 robust economy, diverse climate, affordable cost of living, stunning housing options, educational opportunities, and remarkably low crime rate.

North Carolina, mainly Raleigh, consistently ranks as one of the best places to retire due to its convenience and affordability. The area is surrounded by top-notch healthcare facilities, including Duke University Hospital, making it an extremely attractive choice for retirees.

Raleigh and its surrounding areas offer a myriad of beautiful retirement communities with various residence options and amenities. Whether you are an active adult or in need of extra care, you can confidently explore the numerous possibilities Raleigh has to offer and select a community that perfectly suits your lifestyle and budget.

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. 

5. Jacksonville, NC

If the Atlantic coastline is beckoning you, look no further than Jacksonville as your ideal retirement spot. With a population of around 70,000, this medium-sized community may not be directly on the beach, but it's nearby. Featuring low crime rates and highly attractive real estate prices, it's an outstanding destination.

For military retirees, residing in this military town is an obvious choice, offering access to well-deserved benefits. Even if you're not a veteran, military towns generally provide abundant activities, making Jacksonville an excellent place to live.

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.

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.

The city exudes a coastal vibe with a rich history and stunning scenery. Retirees can indulge in numerous activities, from leisurely strolls along the waterfront to exploring the historic district streets. Additionally, Wilmington provides various retirement options, such as assisted living facilities, retirement communities, and golf communities, further solidifying its status as an outstanding retirement destination.

Overall, Port City has solidified its position on the radar for retirees and is increasingly recognized as one of their foremost destinations. With its captivating coastal setting, advantageous tax policies, and wealth of amenities, there is no denying that Wilmington is an exceptional place to retire.

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. With a population of just under 240,000, Winston-Salem strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and a wealth of cultural experiences. Offering a modest cost of living and low crime rates, this location ranks among the top choices for retirement, particularly from a financial perspective.

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.

Asheville is indisputably an ideal place to call home for retirees, boasting a flourishing community and mild temperatures. It unequivocally has one of the largest populations aged 60 and above in North Carolina, cementing its status as a popular retirement destination.

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.

Carolina Beach bursts with energy from music festivals and events during the summer. Housing and grocery costs are below the national average, and there is a wealth of retirement communities and living options to choose from.

Carolina Beach is the definitive choice for your retirement if you seek a dynamic yet laid-back community by the water.

10. Greensboro, NC

Greensboro, NC, is undeniably one of the best cities in North Carolina to retire in. 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 own neighborhoods. And let's not forget about the prime location – just three hours away from the mountains and the beach. Greensboro truly has it all for retirees looking to live life to the fullest.

Methodology

We used information from different sources and our data to create this guide on the best places to retire in North Carolina. We combined various data sets to help you learn more about retirement in North Carolina.

• ACTS Retirement
• U.S. News and World Report
• Niche

The following are a few sources we used to gather most of our information about places for retirement 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, Wilmington, and many other towns throughout the state. Overall, North Carolina is a great place to retire.

Is North Carolina a good state for retirement? 

North Carolina is unequivocally 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 at least $69,237 annually. 

Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - The Bottom Line

North Carolina is undeniably one of the top states people are moving to for retirement, thanks to the multitude of benefits it offers retirees. Current retirees living in North Carolina would agree that this is a great place for your retirement. It is estimated that around 17% of the current population in North Carolina is over the age of 65, which has grown by over 500,000 people between 2011 and 2021. 

The full retirement age is 66, but you can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits at 62. If you are nearing retirement or already enjoying your retirement life, you should carefully consider where and how to spend it. Whether you prefer lively cities or peaceful suburbs, there are numerous options when searching for a retirement community or a relaxing neighborhood to call home.

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.

If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.