5 of the Best 55 Plus Communities in North Carolina
Disclaimer: Links and mentions of North Carolina 55+ communities in this post do not constitute an endorsement. Price ranges, services, and amenities can change — please visit a community’s website for the most up-to-date information. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which community destination is best for your situation.
Deciding where to retire can be one of the most significant financial and life decisions you make. North Carolina is a natural choice for many, offering affordable living, beautiful scenery, and historical charm. With over 300 miles of coastline, the beach is never far away – and winters tend to be mild so that you can enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Kiplingers Personal Finance Magazine notes several points of favorability for North Carolina retirees, where Social Security income is not taxed. Other types of retirement plans – including many public government plans and railroad pensions – are also exempt from state tax. Retirees caring for health conditions will be pleased to learn that prescriptions in this state are exempt from sales tax. And while groceries are exempt from state tax, residents can expect these items to be taxed by their localities.
With nearly 200 active adult communities in the state, it’s clear that this has become a hotspot for relocation after age 55. In this post, we’ve researched some of the best 55+ communities in terms of lifestyle, location, affordability, and safety.
To compile this list, we considered the following:
Location and amenities (proximity to beaches, golf courses, airports, and other points of interest)
Nearby access to quality healthcare
Established and enforced age restrictions (55+)
Ratings and reviews (55places.com, Niche.com, Yelp, Google)
Living options available (floor plans, housing types, price points)
Homebuyer interest (popularity)
Security and surrounding crime rates
What is a 55+ community?
A 55+ community is an age-restricted community that may not necessarily be exclusive to retirees. These developments require residents to be over the age of 18, and they often require full-time residents to be over the age of 55; younger visitors are welcome for certain portions of the year. 55+ community members often enjoy convenient hobbies and amenities, including access to outdoor and fitness activities, social life infrastructure, and provided transportation to nearby places for shopping, entertainment, and healthcare.
These communities are a popular choice for Americans making a move to retire, downsizing as they prepare for retirement, or just simplifying their lives after reaching the age of 55. Housing options may include everything from single detached houses to duplex- or condominium-style units.
What are the most popular retirement cities in North Carolina?
According to U.S. News & World Report, some of the most popular or best cities in North Carolina for retired or older Americans include:
Winston-Salem (population 259,188)
Raleigh (population 469,960) and Durham (population 280,936)
Hickory (population 58,242)
Asheville (population 113,353)
Greensboro (population 317,834)
Charlotte (population 862,609)
Fayetteville (population 208,551)
The news site notes the affordable cost of living, access to continuing education, and proximity to beautiful, free outdoor activities as reasons why these cities are ideal.
