The 10 Best Places to Retire In North Carolina

Are you looking for the best place to retire? Perhaps North Carolina is the perfect retirement destination for you!

The Tar Heel State boasts the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, picturesque North Carolina beaches, all-year moderate weather, college towns, and historic cities. Retirees can also expect a modest state income tax, affordable housing, a low cost of living, and no state tax on Social Security benefits. 

Today, I will show you the best places to retire in North Carolina. I’ll show you what each site offers regarding attractions, activities, and retirement communities.

Let’s begin!

10 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina

1. Belmont 

Retirees who enjoy the great outdoors, history, and the advantages of living close to a big city will fit perfectly in Belmont. This beautiful retirement destination is approximately 13 miles west of Charlotte.

Downtown Belmont Historic District sits on the National Register of Historic Places, while Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park offers scenic views and relaxed walking paths.

When it comes to the standard of living, Belmont has a lot to offer. According to Salary.com, the cost of living is below the national average, and there are multiple retirement communities to choose from, including assisted living and active adult communities.

2. Durham

With a population of approximately 275,000 residents, Durham has all the amenities and excitement of a modern metropolis without the hustle and bustle.

Offering an outstanding balance between big-city life and small-town vibes, Durham is home to plenty of restaurants, bars, museums, live music venues, and two theaters. Active retirees can enjoy the local parks, cycle paths, and walking trails.

Financially, Durham is an excellent place to retire because you won’t have to pay Social Security benefit tax, inheritance tax, or estate taxes. Assisted, active adult, and independent communities are available.

Some communities even feature resort-style living with pools and clubhouses.

3. Brevard

Next is Brevard, an ideal retirement destination for active adults who want to make the most of the great outdoors. Nantahala National Forest sits on the edge of the city.

Commonly referred to as the “Land of Waterfalls,” you can visit Connestee Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and Sliding Rock. When you’re not hiking, you’ll find yourself wandering around the art galleries or enjoying a coffee at the local bakery.

Brevard has above-average medical access, many living options, and a low crime rate.

4. Asheville

Asheville has one of the largest 60+ populations in North Carolina, and that’s down to its exceptional retirement communities, low taxes, and excellent healthcare facilities.

On top of that, there are endless things to do in the city. Asheville has art galleries, museums, music venues, tour companies, senior centers, botanical gardens, hiking trails, and flea markets.

When it comes to living arrangements, it doesn’t matter what you’re looking for; Asheville has it all. You’ll find condominiums, retirement communities, luxury homes, and more.

5. Salisbury

Salisbury is a popular place to retire with retirees who seek a big-city way of life without the hefty price tag. In the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Salisbury has a vast range of amenities, living communities, and entertainment options.

This includes restaurants, bars, museums, galleries, and so on. Many retirees love how Salisbury blends city life with North Carolina’s natural landscape. 

You can explore Dunn’s Mountain Park, High Rock Lake, and Salisbury City Park. Retirees can make the most of Rufty-Holmes Senior Center while enjoying lower house prices and taxes.

6. Marion

The following North Carolina retirement destination I have for you is Marion. “Where Main Street Meets the Mountains,” Marion is a charming city in front of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, popular attractions include Linville Caverns, Lake James, and the Pisgah National Forest. There are no shortages of things to do in Marion, and Charlotte is only a two-hour drive away.

When it comes to retirement, Marion offers affordable housing, active communities, independent living, and assisted living options. You’ll find all the amenities you need nearby, and taxes are below the national average.

7. Hickory 

One of the major draws to Hickory is its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains, although Lake Hickory is pretty impressive, too. Therefore, if you dream of scenic views, endless hiking trails, and mountain landscapes, Hickory is perfect for you.

Not to mention, the city offers easy access to Charlotte. When you’re not hiking, you’ll find yourself exploring the local museums or making purchases at the farmer’s markets.

As far as living is concerned, this city is super budget-friendly for seniors, offering affordable houses, low taxes, and a low cost of living. You’ll find active, independent, and assisted retirement communities. 

8. Pinehurst

If you plan to hit the links in your retirement, Pinehurst is the place to be. Famously known for its golf courses, Pinehurst is a pleasant small town located two hours from the coast and three hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Aside from golf, the town has museums, wineries, art galleries, and other outdoor attractions. Admittedly, there aren’t as many retirement communities in Pinehurst, but the city does make up for that with more medical facilities and a larger 60+ population. 

You might also be pleased to hear that SafeWise has Pinehurst down as the third safest place in North Carolina.

9. Raleigh

Raleigh makes my list because of its cultural and entertainment value. Additionally, it is a great place to take in sports and has a thriving downtown.

To top things off, North Carolina State offers tuition-free courses to North Carolina residents over the age of 65. These things, along with a plethora of outdoor activities and entertainment venues, make Raleigh a wonderful place to retire. 

In terms of living standards, Raleigh has a wide range of groups and clubs for retirees, excellent medical facilities, a low crime rate, low taxes, and affordable housing. Living options include apartments, condominiums, assisted living, and active communities.

10. Carolina Beach

If you’ve always wanted to retire to the coast, consider retiring to Carolina Beach. In this Wilmington suburb, you’ll find miles of pristine beaches, towering dunes, and world-class fishing. 

Offering a vintage feel, the lively boardwalk along Carolina Beach is scattered with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Imagine it now, sipping a hot cup of coffee as the sea breeze gently touches your face. 

In the summer, Carolina Beach also comes to life with music festivals and events. Housing expenses and grocery costs are lower than the national average, and there are countless retirement communities and living options.

What’s not to like?

North Carolina Has Some of the Best Places to Retire

There you have it: 10 of the best places to retire in North Carolina. If you want to keep up your active lifestyle in retirement, the Tar Heel State and its lush surroundings are perfect. 

To make things even better, North Carolina offers a lower cost of living, lower taxes, and lots of retirement communities.

Now you know what to expect from North Carolina, are you considering it as your retirement destination?

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