Best Places to Retire in North Carolina
March 6, 2023 | by Mark H
Are you thinking about retiring in North Carolina? You're not alone! The Tar Heel State has become a popular retirement destination for many people, thanks to its mild climate, low cost of living, and abundant natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a quiet beach town, a vibrant city, or a charming small town, North Carolina has a lot to offer retirees. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best places to retire in North Carolina.
1. Asheville
Asheville is a vibrant city located in the western part of North Carolina. This city has a population of around 92,000 people and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, mild weather, and thriving arts scene. Retirees who choose Asheville can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The town is also home to a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art shows, and theater performances.
The cost of living in Asheville is relatively high compared to other small cities in North Carolina. Retirees who choose Asheville can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
2. Boone
Boone is a small college town located in the western part of North Carolina, near the Tennessee border. This town has a population of around 19,000 people and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, mild weather, and thriving outdoor recreation scene. Retirees who choose Boone can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, and fishing. The town is also home to a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art shows, and theater performances.
The cost of living in Boone is relatively low compared to other small towns in the mountains of North Carolina. Retirees who choose Boone can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
3. Wilmington
Wilmington is a coastal city located in the southeastern part of North Carolina. This city has a population of around 120,000 people and is known for its beautiful beaches, mild weather, and historic downtown area. Retirees who choose Wilmington can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The town is also home to a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art shows, and theater performances.
The cost of living in Wilmington is relatively low compared to other beach towns on the East Coast. Retirees who choose Wilmington can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
4. Durham
Durham is a vibrant city located in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, just northwest of Raleigh. This city has a population of around 270,000 people and is known for its excellent healthcare facilities, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene. Retirees who choose Durham can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including parks, trails, and golf courses. The town also has a thriving arts scene, with a variety of theaters, galleries, and cultural events throughout the year.
The cost of living in Durham is relatively low compared to other major cities in the US. Retirees who choose Durham can expect to pay around $1,200 to $1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
5. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a small college town located in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, just west of Durham. This town has a population of around 60,000 people and is known for its excellent healthcare facilities, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene. Retirees who choose Chapel Hill can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including parks, trails, and golf courses. The town also has a thriving arts scene, with a variety of theaters, galleries, and cultural events throughout the year.
The cost of living in Chapel Hill is relatively high compared to other small towns in North Carolina. Retirees who choose Chapel Hill can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
6. Hendersonville
Hendersonville is a small town located in the western part of North Carolina, near Asheville. This town has a population of around 14,000 people and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, mild weather, and thriving arts scene. Retirees who choose Hendersonville can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The town is also home to a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art shows, and theater performances.
The cost of living in Hendersonville is relatively low compared to other small towns in the mountains of North Carolina. Retirees who choose Hendersonville can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
7. Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is a vibrant city located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, between Greensboro and Charlotte. This city has a population of around 250,000 people and is known for its excellent healthcare facilities, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene. Retirees who choose Winston-Salem can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including parks, trails, and golf courses. The town also has a thriving arts scene, with a variety of theaters, galleries, and cultural events throughout the year.
The cost of living in Winston-Salem is relatively low compared to other major cities in the US. Retirees who choose Winston-Salem can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
8. Pinehurst
Pinehurst is a small town located in the Sandhills region of North Carolina, just south of Raleigh. This town has a population of around 15,000 people and is known for its excellent healthcare facilities, world-class golf courses, and beautiful natural scenery. Retirees who choose Pinehurst can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including golfing, hiking, and fishing. The town also has a thriving arts scene, with a variety of theaters, galleries, and cultural events throughout the year.
The cost of living in Pinehurst is relatively low compared to other small towns in North Carolina. Retirees who choose Pinehurst can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
9. Charlotte
Charlotte is a vibrant city located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, between Winston-Salem and Raleigh. This city has a population of around 900,000 people and is known for its excellent healthcare facilities, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene. Retirees who choose Charlotte can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including parks, trails, and golf courses. The city is also home to a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art shows, and theater performances.
The cost of living in Charlotte is relatively high compared to other cities in North Carolina. Retirees who choose Charlotte can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
10. New Bern
New Bern is a small coastal town located in the eastern part of North Carolina, about 35 miles northeast of Wilmington. This historic town has a population of around 30,000 people and is known for its beautiful colonial-era architecture, charming downtown area, and picturesque waterfront. Retirees who choose New Bern can enjoy mild winters, long summers, and plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The town also offers a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
The cost of living in New Bern is relatively low compared to other beach towns on the East Coast. Retirees who choose New Bern can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities.
Summary
North Carolina offers a wide range of retirement options for seniors looking for a comfortable and affordable place to settle down. Whether you're looking for a small town with a low cost of living or a vibrant city with world-class amenities, there's something for everyone in this state. From the mountain towns of Asheville and Hendersonville to the beach communities of Wilmington and New Bern, North Carolina has it all. So if you're considering retiring in North Carolina, be sure to check out these top 10 places and find the perfect place to call home.
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