Top 10 Incredible Retirement Destinations in North Carolina by 2025
Pondering a move for your golden years? North Carolina has got you covered, boasting a plethora of options to accommodate your retirement plans. These ten cities in the Tar Heel State stand out due to their excellent medical care systems, idyllic weather, and diverse choices of towns and cities. So, let's delve into the top 10 best cities in North Carolina for a serene and comfortable retirement.
List of Best Cities
Unlocking the Secrets of North Carolina
Retirement is a significant milestone, complete with a myriad of options to consider. Time and location play crucial roles in shaping your post-career life. With its budget-friendly options, stunning landscapes, and thriving cultural scene, North Carolina emerges as an enticing choice. Every city in this state promises opportunities to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the vibrant culture that university towns have to offer. The Research Triangle is within arm's reach, providing accessible innovative medical treatments, clinical trials, and lucrative consulting gigs, making it a magnetic choice for anyone planning to retire.
So, buckle up and discover your top 10 picks for the best cities to retire in North Carolina, listed in alphabetical order:
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1. Cary
Bursting with a population of more than 150,000, Cary boasts an impressively low crime rate. Bonus: 20 of the top medical facilities in North Carolina reside within 25 miles of its downtown, making it an appealing option, even with a hefty median home sales price of $567,500 as of October 2023 (as per Redfin data). Relocating from a high-cost-of-living area to Cary could still make your retirement budget work while providing you with comfortable accommodations.
2. Chapel Hill
As a college town packed with 59,000 residents, Chapel Hill epitomizes a small-town vibe, offering the best of both worlds without being overwhelming. The crime rate remains low, while the cost of living creeps just above the national average. A 13-mile drive brings you to the Research Triangle, and 16 of the top hospitals in the state sit within a 25-mile radius. Regrettably, the real estate market can be steep, with the average sales price as high as $542,000 in October 2023.
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3. Charlotte
In the hunt for a more sizable city attraction in North Carolina, look no further than Charlotte, teeming with a bustling population of 809,000. Its cost of living, while barely surpassing the national average, boasts a crime rate below both the national and state average. A commute of 151 miles to the Research Triangle guarantees you'll have access to 27 top hospitals. Housing within Charlotte is a more relaxed affair, with a reasonable average sales price of $412,500 in October 2023.
4. Concord
If you're seeking a small yet captivating town with just the right balance of cost and safety, consider Concord. Home to approximately 85,000 residents, this city represents a mix of charm, affordability, and security. The cost of living lingers just below the national average, while crime remains at a low level. The average sales price for a Concord home in October 2023 clocks in at a mere $377,000, an inviting price tag compared to the national average.
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5. Greenville
For those craving a middle-ground mix of population sizes, Greenville nestles nicely due to its near 90,000 residents. Despite a slightly elevated cost of living compared to the national average, the housing market is relatively reasonable with a median home price of $305,000 in September 2023. Greenville's crime rate stays below the average, and North Carolina boasts seven top-notch hospitals within a 25-mile drive.
6. Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a tantalizing option, particularly for retirees yearning for a coastal flair. Although the cost of living edges above the national average, available real estate promises a comparatively tender price tag, with the average home sales price resting at $199,500 in October 2023. Jacksonville delights in having just three top hospitals in North Carolina within a 25-mile drive, but healthcare remains accessible for your essential needs.
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7. Kannapolis
Dreaming of a small-town sensation? Kannapolis, boasting a modest population of 45,000, delivers an intimate atmosphere. Situated about 25 miles from Charlotte, this scenic escape promises a serene, low-crime environment with budget-friendly housing, with the average home price in October 2023 hovering around $305,000. Living in Kannapolis rewards you with 13 of the top North Carolina hospitals within a 25-mile radius.
8. Raleigh
For retirees desiring a lively mix of society and culture without paying an arm and a leg, Raleigh is the ideal match. Although its cost of living surpasses the national average, its attractions include its low crime rate and proximity to the Research Triangle, which is just 16 miles away. Proudly hosting 25 of the highest-ranked hospitals in North Carolina within a 25-mile drive, this city offers a compelling balance between convenience and affordability.
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9. Wilson
When seeking the quieter recesses of a North Carolina countryside town, consider Wilson. Home to just under 50,000, its cost of living and crime rate remain below the national average, while the real estate market seems competitive, with October 2023 median home sales prices arriving at $250,000. Although the Research Triangle requires a 65-mile trip, you'll benefit from six top hospitals within a 25-mile radius.
10. Winston-Salem
Rounding out this top 10 list is Winston-Salem, a lively city teeming with more than 240,000 residents. Its reduced cost of living and low crime rate make it a precious find, especially given the vibrant city's lively energy. Capping off at an average home sales price of $260,000 in October 2023, this city embraces 11 of the best hospitals in North Carolina within a 25-mile drive.
Which of these North Carolina gems catches your fancy?
Why North Carolina Deserves Your Consideration
North Carolina emerges as an excellent choice for retirement, showcasing a retirement-friendly tax structure, affordable housing, safe cities, and unparalleled medical care. The state values its retirees, exempting all Social Security benefits from income taxes, while other forms of retirement income are taxed at a rate of just 4.99%.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is the best place to retire in North Carolina?
By no means is a "one-size-fits-all" answer to this question. Preferences related to climate, population, access to medical facilities, and lifestyle must all play a crucial role when determining the best North Carolina retirement locale.
Is North Carolina a suitable state for retirees?
Absolutely! North Carolina is an enticing option for retirees, boasting a wide array of choices, weather that suits many preferences, and a supportive infrastructure for seniors.
What is the best county in North Carolina for retirees?
According to the Raleigh News & Observer, Carteret County is notoriously popular among retirees for its outstanding balance of activities, living conditions, and affordability.
Where do most seniors reside in North Carolina?
The highest population of seniors is found in Asheville, boasting a staggering 30% senior population, according to Home Bay research.
The blessings that North Carolina bestows on its retirees are countless, ensuring your golden years are nothing short of memorable and fulfilling.
Retirement planning involves considering both location and finance, and North Carolina offers attractive options in both aspects. With a budget-friendly cost of living and thriving cultural scene, retirees can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Cary, for instance, boasts budget-friendly options despite its high median home sales price, making it an appealing choice for those relocating from high-cost areas.
Retirement saving and finance are crucial elements to consider. In North Carolina, retirees can benefit from a retirement-friendly tax structure, exempting all Social Security benefits from income taxes, while other retirement income is taxed at a modest 4.99%. This tax structure can help stretch retirement savings and ensure a more comfortable financial situation during the golden years.
