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. 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
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
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
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…
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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