2023 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina

North Carolina is an attractive state for retirees and its low taxes allow you to stretch your savings. Undiscovered beaches let you enjoy a leisurely coastal retirement without a massive Florida or California price tag. Plus, vibrant cities give you an exciting place to spend your time.

NewHomeSource found the top 10 cities to retire in North Carolina. Finding the perfect place for this amazing chapter in your life means investing in your quality of life and your future.

Top 10 Cities to Retire in North Carolina

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1. Lumberton

2. Wesley Chapel

3. Kinston

4. Eden

5. Wadesboro

6. James City

7. Roanoke Rapids

8. Hamlet

9. Sawmills

10. Reidsville

Common Questions About Retiring in North Carolina

1. Lumberton

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.2%

Median Home Price: $121,388

Number of nearby hospitals: 6

Violent crimes per 1000: 24.34

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 70.18

Lumberton is a community nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful natural setting. Retirees looking to stay active and explore the outdoors during their golden years can live a life they love in Lumberton. Rounding out this wonderful neighborhood is a safe environment and a low cost of living.

2. Wesley Chapel

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.5%

Median Home Price: $124,716

Number of nearby hospitals: 11

Violent crimes per 1000: 14.6

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 39.7

Dreaming of village life steeped in history near the Charlotte area? Wesley Chapel is just the ticket. Located in Union County, the family-oriented community attracts retirees for its affordable cost of living, access to healthcare professionals, and low crime rate.

3. Kinston

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 24.5%

Median Home Price: $129,105

Number of nearby hospitals: 2

Violent crimes per 1000: 10.49

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 50.39

Retirees looking for a laid-back retirement will love life in Kinston. This beautiful riverside community gives active adults the chance to relax in an unbelievably affordable city. If you’re ready to live life on your terms, start your search for your new home in Kinston today.

4. Eden

Drone view of a roundabout in a city that splits at a river. Trees and greenspace extend into the background.

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.8%

Median Home Price: $135,158

Number of nearby hospitals: 3

Violent crimes per 1000: 4.11

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 23.96

Eden is a charming small town outside Greensboro. If you’re looking to enjoy peace and quiet during your retirement, Eden will be the perfect paradise for you. Retirees love Eden’s low cost of living, affordable median home prices, and low crime rate.

5. Wadesboro

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.2%

Median Home Price: $137,542

Number of nearby hospitals: 2

Violent crimes per 1000: 22.03

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 60.14

Wadesboro is a delightful city in Anson County. This community supports retirees seeking a lively but suburban sprawl. Looking to live a life you love on a fixed income? The city can assist and make the most of your newfound freedom – without blowing your budget. Start your search for the perfect retirement home in Wadesboro today.

6. James City

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.2%

Number of nearby hospitals: 1

Median Home Price: $138,300

Violent crimes per 1000: 21.5

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 58.8

James City is a great place for anyone who loves green space. The rural-feeling suburbs includes lots of parks and wide open spaces. If you’re seeking peace and tranquility with affordable, retirement-friendly city living, consider James City.

7. Roanoke Rapids

Masculine person wearing a fishing vest and shorts stands knee-deep in quick flowing water, holding a fishing rod with a line cast.

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.1%

Median Home Price: $148,352.00

Number of nearby hospitals: 2

Violent crimes per 1000: 7.54

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 36.49

This town in Halifax County is perfect for retirees looking for a small-town feel. Roanoke Rapids has plenty of activities to keep you busy, including bowling, historical sites, a cultural arts center, and a bird park. Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted to spend time hunting and fishing at the Roanoke River, where they can camp, boat, and fish. It’s an idyllic spot for family or community gatherings.

8. Hamlet

The Old Train Depot: A brown building with green trimand a red roof. A small sign that reads "Hamlet, NC" hangs from the second story,

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.5%

Median Home Price: $148,425

Number of nearby hospitals: 3

Violent crimes per 1000: 8.14

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 36.03

Hamlet truly has something for every type of retiree – and with a low cost of living to boot! The city is full of southern hospitality and a charming small-town atmosphere. Spend a day with friends and connect with their community while you savor a simple and idyllic life.

9. Sawmills

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.9

Median Home Price: $150,600

Number of nearby hospitals: 5

Violent crimes per 1000: 25.2

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 64.2

Sawmills is a beautiful city in Caldwell County, that gives active adults the chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature during their golden years. Just a short drive away from Asheville and Charlotte, Sawmills is a great spot to invest in a comfortable life that still provides you with easy access to urban areas.

10. Reidsville

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.9%

Median Home Price: $154,228

Number of nearby hospitals: 5

Violent crimes per 1000: 8.54

Nonviolent crimes per 1000: 37.66

Active adults love living in Reidsville, NC. Miles of walking trails wind through this historic town on the bank of the Haw River. Retirees who want to maintain a high level of activity during their golden years can hike while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Both Lake Reidsville and Haw River State Park are prime locations where you can enjoy riverside entertainment and Mother Nature at her finest.

Common Questions About Retiring in North Carolina

Is North Carolina tax-friendly for retirees?

In North Carolina, your Social Security benefits are not taxable; however, the state taxes most other retirement income at the flat rate of 5.25%.

How much do you need to retire in North Carolina?

To retire comfortably in the state of North Carolina starting today, you will need to have saved at least $65,000.

Here is the complete list…

city name	people over 65	violent crimes	property crimes	access to doctors	median home price
Charlotte	10.20%	5,988.00	30,866.00	13	$220,300
Raleigh	10.60%	1,232.00	8,695.00	13	$248,300
Greensboro	13.70%	2,440.00	10,994.00	4	$156,300
Durham	11.60%	2,051.00	11,089.00	14	$224,100
Winston-Salem	14.10%	2,133.00	12,302.00	9	$147,900
Fayetteville	11.60%	1,839.00	7,428.00	6	$131,000
Cary	12.20%	114.00	1,560.00	15	$356,400
Wilmington	16.50%	759.00	3,593.00	7	$246,400
High Point	14.70%	828.00	3,725.00	9	$151,900
Concord	12.00%	117.00	1,586.00	12	$206,600
Greenville	10.20%	437.00	2,837.00	5	$161,200
Asheville	18.10%	695.00	5,923.00	9	$270,400
Gastonia	15.60%	556.00	3,672.00	11	$155,200
Jacksonville	6.20%	225.00	1,664.00	3	$154,900
Chapel Hill	11.20%	67.00	1,077.00	12	$399,700
Huntersville	10.20%	79.00	948.00	12	$301,500
Rocky Mount	17.30%	424.00	1,627.00	3	$113,100
Apex	7.90%	53.00	527.00	3	$327,800
Burlington	17.20%	460.00	2,490.00	2	$134,100
Kannapolis	13.40%	132.00	1,154.00	10	$144,400
Wilson	18.70%	220.00	1,545.00	5	$123,600
Wake Forest	11.40%	24.00	393.00	15	$297,300
Hickory	16.90%	165.00	1,792.00	7	$168,600
Indian Trail	9.40%	60.00	550.00	12	$216,100
Mooresville	12.10%	65.00	1,050.00	9	$232,700
Holly Springs	7.50%	25.00	256.00	11	$320,900
Monroe	12.80%	332.00	1,881.00	12	$164,000
Goldsboro	16.40%	267.00	1,985.00	5	$127,300
Salisbury	18.30%	249.00	1,413.00	9	$129,100
Matthews	17.10%	58.00	1,112.00	13	$249,200
Garner	14.60%	79.00	1,076.00	8	$190,000
New Bern	21.80%	125.00	999.00	1	$155,900
Sanford	11.30%	63.00	745.00	3	$142,200
Cornelius	15.00%	42.00	363.00	13	$322,400
Fuquay-Varina	13.10%	26.00	295.00	10	$255,900
Morrisville	6.40%	12.00	379.00	15	$331,800
Mint Hill	19.10%	59.00	383.00	12	$268,300
Statesville	15.90%	201.00	1,017.00	7	$151,800
Thomasville	16.80%	86.00	953.00	9	$116,800
Asheboro	16.80%	695.00	5,923.00	9	$120,900
Kernersville	17.40%	65.00	1,141.00	9	$181,300
Clayton	10.40%	29.00	497.00	7	$192,900
Leland	25.80%	36.00	323.00	7	$243,200
Carrboro	9.50%	31.00	403.00	12	$368,800
Lumberton	16.00%	366.00	2,438.00	3	$109,800
Clemmons	19.10%	35.00	263.00	10	$226,600
Havelock	5.30%	52.00	536.00	2	$138,500
Kinston	22.90%	242.00	1,229.00	2	$101,800
Shelby	20.10%	124.00	620.00	3	$119,300
Boone	6.80%	26.00	261.00	5	$268,100
Lexington	16.40%	121.00	812.00	10	$104,200
Lenoir	20.60%	78.00	799.00	7	$111,300
Elizabeth City	15.10%	91.00	810.00	1	$137,800
Knightdale	8.90%	42.00	326.00	8	$183,000
Morganton	19.90%	82.00	613.00	8	$160,100
Pinehurst	40.90%	11.00	113.00	3	$293,100
Waxhaw	8.80%	25.00	156.00	12	$329,400
Mount Holly	12.20%	26.00	288.00	13	$172,300
Harrisburg	9.40%	7.00	125.00	10	$288,900
Stallings	14.20%	14.00	199.00	13	$250,300
Hope Mills	9.50%	111.00	773.00	5	$134,900
Mebane	10.60%	45.00	691.00	7	$189,600
Graham	17.30%	85.00	434.00	4	$133,800
Laurinburg	18.20%	160.00	762.00	2	$103,200
Henderson	16.50%	242.00	828.00	4	$100,100
Eden	20.00%	88.00	513.00	3	$87,500
Roanoke Rapids	16.60%	128.00	706.00	2	$112,400
Southern Pines	27.20%	46.00	366.00	4	$289,700
Hendersonville	16.50%	61.00	680.00	10	$100,100
Reidsville	21.00%	105.00	890.00	5	$103,500
Lewisville	19.70%	28.00	221.00	9	$195,400
Newton	17.30%	46.00	458.00	9	$110,200
Davidson	14.10%	8.00	121.00	14	$448,300
Smithfield	21.80%	71.00	461.00	8	$142,200
Belmont	12.40%	43.00	531.00	13	$210,600
Spring Lake	5.40%	73.00	444.00	7	$94,300
Elon	19.70%	378.00	2,494.00	2	$253,500
Archdale	17.40%	28.00	223.00	9	$138,000
Summerfield	14.10%	12.00	66.00	8	$361,100
Weddington	13.70%	5.00	75.00	12	$457,900
Lincolnton	18.90%	54.00	360.00	7	$153,800
Kings Mountain	18.10%	15.00	343.00	4	$123,600
Tarboro	23.00%	42.00	328.00	4	$112,100
Mount Airy	26.80%	34.00	424.00	4	$153,700
city name	people over 65	violent crimes	property crimes	access to doctors	median home price

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare, and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city.

Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.

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Jessi Gonzalez

Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for New Home Source. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.