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
1. Eden
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.0%
Median Home Value: $87,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 88
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 513
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
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 its low crime rate.
2. Spring Lake
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 5.4%
Median Home Value: $94,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 73
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 444
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 7
Spring Lake is a delightful town on the outskirts of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg. This delightful community lets retirees looking to live a life they love on a fixed income make the most of their newfound freedom – without blowing their budget. Start your search for the perfect retirement home in Spring Lake today.
3. Hendersonville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.5%
Median Home Value: $100,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 61
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 680
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 10
Hendersonville is a great place for anyone who loves to support local businesses and communities. The city’s historic downtown offers a bustling business hub of shops, restaurants, museums, farmers markets, and entertainment centers.
4. Henderson
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.5%
Median Home Value: $100,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 242
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 828
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 4
This town, right outside of Raleigh, is perfect for retirees looking for a small-town feel. Henderson has plenty of activities to keep you busy, including bowling, taking in a movie at an outdoor theater, some fun rides at an amusement park. Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted to spend time at Kerr Lake, where they can camp, go boating, and fishing. It’s an idyllic spot for family or community gatherings.
5. Kinston
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.9%
Median Home Value: $101,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 242
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,229
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Retirees looking for a laid-back retirement will love life in Kinston, NC. 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.
6. Laurinburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.2%
Median Home Value: $103,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 160
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 762
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Laurinburg truly has something for every type of retiree – and a low cost of living to boot! The city’s charming history and architecture will appeal to art and history buffs who want to step back in time. Spend a day with friends and connect with their community while you savor the simple life. Retirees looking for high-octane fun can head over to the ATV park. No matter how you spend your retirement, you’ll love life in Laurinburg.
7. Reidville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.0%
Median Home Value: $103,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 105
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 890
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
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.
8. Lexington
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.4%
Median Home Value: $104,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 121
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 812
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 10
If you like the idea of living in a historic and peaceful community, while still having easy access to metropolitan hubs, you will love life in Lexington, NC. This charming suburb of Greensboro offers retirees a comfortable community and a low cost of living, without forcing them to sacrifice their lifestyle.
9. Newton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.3%
Median Home Value: $110,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 46
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 458
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 9
Newton is a beautiful suburb of Charlotte, that gives active adults the chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature during their golden years. If you’re looking to invest in a comfortable life that still provides you with easy access to urban areas, you’ll love Newton.
10. Lumberton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.0%
Median Home Value: $109,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 366
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,438
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Lumberton is a beautiful 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.
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…
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.
Other North Carolina Resources
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.
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