In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. Not to be confused with the South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently), this small and charming harbor town at the southern end of the Outer Banks has a lively downtown marina, is dotted with historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, is home to a wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum, and is a stone's throw from the natural riches of the Rachel Carson Reservelook for wild horses and dolphins across the water while you stroll on boardwalks downtown. Little River is a city just over the bridge of North Myrtle Beach. The schools are great with educated teachers, and are very sport oriented. If retiring to North Carolina is your dream, you'll want to start saving early. Normal July high temperature: 67 degrees. #12 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. 55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com. There are many amenities within the community such as the various lakes and horseback riding. The monthly rent starts at $2,545 and includes both independent living and ongoing care. This fast growing state of almost 10.5 million people (2019), 16.7% of its population is 65 or over. The clubhouse offers a restaurant & bar, pro shop, outdoor fire pit, and year-round events. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. These beautiful new home designs are priced starting in the low $200s and feature open floor plans, spacious gathering areas, walk-in closets, luxurious master suites, gourmet kitchens, and formal dining areas. Family oriented and. #23 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. Residents will also enjoy top-notch amenities at the proposed clubhouse, such as a fitness center, multi-purpose room, outdoor pool and patio, and walking and biking trails. Compare floor plans, amenities, and photos to find your best senior living experience. Crime rates if any are low. Discover 1 senior living and retirement community in Sunset Beach, North Carolina currently available for rent. A cult favorite, this Outer Banks island is accessible only by boat or ferry from Hatteras and Cedar islands and has a relaxed romance imbued with salt air. Current Resident: I have lived in Nags Head my entire life it's a part of an island called the Outer Banks and I absolutely love living here. Plenty of boating and golf opportunities. 7 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Public Schools. Crammed with malls, restaurants, shops, and bars, its big, fun, and the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. It is great for starting families! Our community is filled with wonderful souls that will help others no matter the cost.. Current Resident: It is a wonderful community. Unlike most beaches it is a south facing beach. Elizabeth also has a strong background in e-commerce content as both a fact checker and writer. Bermuda Village Retirement Community. With history running through its veins (including pre-Civil War Fort Macon), the oldest town on Bogue Bankswith its back to Bogue Sound and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the southis also home to the nostalgic (and 1,000-foot-long) Oceanana Fishing Pier, plus a steady swell for surfing. Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand is just 30 minutes away. Despite lying only two miles off the North Carolina coast and due south of Wilmington, this three-by-one-mile barrier island feels like a secret hideout from a Robert Louis Stevenson story. Conclusion: Durham is considered by many as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina if you can afford the higher cost of living. #16 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. 7. 4. These homes are priced from the high $100s and feature first-floor master suites, gourmet kitchens, and customizable options such as living rooms with fireplaces and extended covered porches. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. I worked at a local ice cream shop, and we were slammed all summer long. Lots are priced from $189,000 to $200,000; Patio Homes, Custom and Resale Homes from the $500,000 to $990,000. Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,178. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Top 10 places to retire in NC Hendersonville Hickory Marion Brevard Roxboro Pinehurst Williamston Forest City Reidsville Black Mountain Henderson County earned the rank of the number one place to. For each entry, weve also provided a list of recommended 55+ communities in the area. There's a reason this tiny harbor town at the outlet of the Cape Fear River was voted America's Happiest Seaside Town in 2015. A quieter city in the Triad and with easy access to the popular Yadkin Valley, Charlotte, lakes, and other resources makes Winston a fantastic place to retire. CITY POPULATION: 474,069. Homes priced from the mid $600,000s; Lots from the high $30,000s. 12 of 13 Kiawah Island, South Carolina Laurey W. Glenn Read More 90 holes of championship golf, coastal living, and protected woodlands are defining features of this community located between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. Or not. #21 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. This includes three major universities: Duke University, the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University. It has picturesque views, rolling hills and a sense of community that bounds its citizens together with the feelings. #14 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. 8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Winston-Salem. Choose your best 55+ retirement home from hundreds of senior living communities at Active Adult Living. This new 55+ community by Del Webb will offer 547 single-family homes situated within the master-planned development of RiverLights. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Ocean Isle Beach NC / 910-575-2933. Founded in 1999 by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, a 40,000-square-foot clubhouse is the heart of the 270-acre property and the non-equity private club. Resort-style community with 2- and 3-bedroom detached single homes and 2-car garages started $300's. Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, the Fort Myers metro area boasts a number of beaches within its reach, such as Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel and Captiva islands. It is a military friendly town with very little traffic. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. The Olde Town Square is the social center of downtown, drawing crowds for festivals and other family-friendly events. Smithfield Overall SnackAbility 3 /10 Population: 11,168 Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change) Median Rent: $571 Distance to Closest Airport: 34 miles More on Smithfield: Real Estate | Data | Photos Source: Public domain 2. With nearly 85 percent of its total area a preserved landscape of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and scrubby, subtropical forest, plus 14 miles of pale sands, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, locally owned shops, and a community of beautiful beach houses, this is most certainly a Treasure Isle. Median monthly rent: $790. With that said, as someone who has attended the school for six years now, coming in seventh grade, I find that the school has it's weaknesses. Retirees can find a wide selection of active adult communities along the coasts of North Carolina and South Carolina that offer beautiful beachside living along with a vibrant and social atmosphere, world-class amenities, and reasonably priced homes. Ad # 3477091: Click photo . If you want to live somewhere that combines the best of both beach and urban living, look no further. #7 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. 1.. The tax burden in Roxboro is 18.40%. Asheville Flickr / Clark Mackey It's obvious the city of the wonderful, weird, and downright eccentric belongs on this list. Its not hard to see whats bought them to the conclusion. I also agree to 55places.comsPrivacy PolicyandTerms of Use. Read More. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Lots start at $20,000; Homes priced from $400,000. TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly. Our diversity is broad. Normal precipitation: 67 inches. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. The neighbors are very sociable, laid back and friendly. It is a close-knit community, with community events all during the year. Portland, Maine If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical destination, consider Portland. Del Webb Charleston is a 55+ community in Coastal South Carolina thats just 25 miles northwest of historic Charleston, SC. Stroll along the picturesque docks on the Calabash River or join a deep-sea fishing tour to catch your own dinner. Flat Rock also has many different parks with walking and hiking trails.. Current Resident: I love my small town so much! Learn more aboutDel Webb Charleston at Nexton here. Bermuda Run, NC 27006. The most comprehensive retirement guide for Myrtle Beach, SC that examines livability, entertainment, sports, health, and leisure and fun. We will email you a link to quickly reset your password. It is great for starting families! Our community is filled with wonderful souls that will help others no matter the cost. Retirees can get into active adult communities like Bay Crossing in a $239,000 two-bedroom condo all the way up to a fully kitted-out four-bedroom for $620,000. Little traffic and slow speeds make dog walking, cycling etc a pleasure. Sun City Huntley, located in Huntley, IL, is an active retirement community spanning 2,200 acres. These affordable homes are priced in the low $200sand have two or three bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Visitation Packages. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something . The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Normal January low temperature: 38 degrees. Weve gathered 25 of the best places for snowbirds, including cities in Florida, Arizona, California, Texas, South Carolina, and Nevada. Most families rent a vacation home for a week or more, meandering around town, fishing, swimming, and relaxing around the bonfire. It's situated on a four-acre historic farm and only minutes from downtown Winston-Salem, so you have the best of both worlds. Sign Up. Consider these retirement communities in North Carolina: Asheville. #10 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. Hortons new active adult community in Carolina Shores, North Carolina will offer just 218 single-family homes and is located just minutes away from the scenic Atlantic Ocean, providing a serene seaside environment. The best way to get on top of that is to find a financial . iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus. No matter which of our favorites you choose, you'll feel restored by an escape to small-town life at the beach. 2 golf course system which has hosted the US Open many times in the past and is on the schedule for several future tournaments as well. Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. This quirky town on the Mississippi coast is a haven for creatives and an oasis for anyone looking for a quiet vacation. Retirement Planning Tips. Greensboro. Raleigh, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline. The average age here (60) is relatively high, reflecting its popularity as a retirement spot. The peaceful vibe is perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and even more majestic homes. initiative combines industry-leading health and safety standards with virtual technologies designed to keep real estate moving forward, and give our employees, customers and partners confidence and support to stay safe. Lots priced from $30,000 to $150,000; condos from $99,000 to $249,000; townhomes from $129,000 to $299,000; homes from $209,000 to $649,000. With two fishing piers, a miniature golf course, and a clutch of ice cream parlors to its name, its a paradise for nostalgia lovers. I've been blessed and fortunate to have cultivated a career of over 30 years of retirement plan, sales executive, marketing, & presentation management experience, primarily serving in the large . Plenty of restaurants to go to over the weekend and nature life is great. and retirement communities with golf. Recreation, Culture & Entertainment. Copyright 1996 - 2023. 10. Learn more aboutMyrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club here. It's also home to the Jockey's Ridge State Park, which is the East Coast's tallest natural dune system and an incredible place to try hang gliding. Featured Review: Current Resident says I retired here. Call Now Schedule an Appointment Concierge: 843-903-8300 Sales: 843-903-9100 call now Weller Life Active Adult Independent Living Independent Living Cottage Homes Villa Apartments Pricing Care Services There are lots of restaurants, so many different shopping areas. With no high rises and an emphasis on conservation, this small town at the southern end of the 26-mile-long barrier island that shares its name is a magnet for families seeking old-fashioned escape and beach life. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love my small town so much! The beaches are easy to navigate to (by bike or golf cart), clean, not crowded, and you can relax with a book or drink in your hand. I sold my home in 2021 and moved to another in Southern Shores, just closer to the beach. . All organizations have growing pains and our school may not be perfect for your student that is an opportunity for the parent to find the right place where their student flourishes! . Amenities include a plantation-style clubhouse, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a 75-slip marina, and a network of walking and biking trails. Please, 2022 Places with the Lowest Cost of Living. #13 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. I raised 2 daughters in the area, from elementary school to high school. For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. 828-687-0068. Did I mention, compared to most parts of the country, insurance and tax rates are affordable. Have everything you need around the block. The cost of living is well within reach, the schools are more than respectable, and the housing options will suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. . 6. Lots priced from $200,000 to $500,000; Condos and Townhomes from the low $300,000s and up; Homes from $500,000 to over $1.5 million. Cannonsgate at Bogue Sound is a gated waterfront community located just across the Intracoastal Waterway from Emerald Isle on North Carolina's Atlantic Coast, near the historic town of Beaufort. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. 3. Pensacola, Florida. With so much volatility in the real estate industry these past few years, many retirees are scratching their heads and wondering, Is it a buyers or sellers market? Understanding the differences is vital because timing is everything. The long nights with my coworkers were ones I'll never forget. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, along the North Carolina coast near Wilmington and Southport, St. James Plantation offers numerous amenities: four championship Audubon-Certified golf courses, private beach club, full-service marina village, tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness centers, waterfront park, over 15 miles of walking and biking trails and 500 acres of nature preserves. Ferry service to Fort Fisher provides a fun all-in-one outing to the Fort Fisher historic site, aquarium, and beach. There are tons of coastal spots in places such as Delaware, Virginia, the Carolinas, Washington, Oregon and even Michigan where beach life is inexpensive. Sometimes this can work out well, but in other cases it can be more hassle than its worth. I sold my home in 2021 and moved to another in Southern Shores, just closer to the beach. If youre ready to find your own winter retreat this season, here are some of the best places to consider. This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. Retirees will love the communitys customizable and attractive floor plans that offer 1,588 to 1,883 square feet of living space. She has fact checked lifestyle topics ranging from destination wedding venues to gift guide round-ups for a variety of publications including Brides, The Spruce, and TripSavvy. The schools are very. Parent: Having been at the school since its inception and assisting in many ways from start-up fundraising, marketing, assisting in the classroom and coaching, I can tell you that the Scholars Academy is a gifted school like no other. And for golfers, they have a wonderful public course (Oak Island Golf Club) on the Island.