Also called Pleasure Island
(d) Just south of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Wrightsville Beach is famous for its crystal clear waters and wide sandy beaches. Locals appreciate the active lifestyle, with opportunities to surf, paddle and run “the loop”, a popular fitness trail. Oak Island offers a serene coastal environment with less tourist traffic compared to other coastal towns.
Residents enjoy extensive beaches, fishing piers, and a variety of local restaurants and fish markets. The island's 10 miles of sandy shoreline provide ample space for relaxation and recreation. The nearby town of Southport adds to the charm with its historic sites and waterfront restaurants. The area is less commercialized and offers a quiet retreat.
Activities include climbing the Currituck Beach lighthouse, exploring the Whalehead Club's historic mansion, and enjoying water sports. Duck is known for its walkable village atmosphere and for its pet-friendly boardwalk along Currituck Sound. Residents and visitors enjoy boutique stores, local restaurants and a variety of water activities. The city hosts the Duck Jazz Festival every year on Hispanic Heritage Day weekend, which encourages a strong sense of community. While popular with tourists, Duck maintains the relaxed charm of a small town.
Salvo offers a quiet, relaxed lifestyle with pristine beaches and access to Pamlico Sound. It's less touristy and provides a haven if you're looking for a bit of solitude. Nags Head combines classic beach charm with modern amenities. Locals love Jockey's Ridge State Park, which houses the highest natural sand dunes on the East Coast, perfect for hang gliding and watching the sun go down.
The city offers a variety of dining and shopping options. Southport oozes historic charm with its maritime heritage and picturesque waterfront. Residents enjoy exploring antique stores, dining at oceanfront restaurants, and attending local festivals. The city has been a filming location for numerous movies, adding to its appeal.
While welcoming visitors, Southport maintains a relaxed pace and a strong sense of community. Places like Oak Island and Salvo tend to offer more affordable housing compared to some of the more exclusive areas, such as Figure Eight Island or Bald Head Island. Carolina Beach and Oak Island are popular with families thanks to their attractions, schools, and close-knit communities for children. Except, Beaufort and parts of Oak Island offer a quieter, less touristy environment, ideal for residents seeking peace and space.
Cities near Wilmington, such as Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight Island, benefit from close proximity to strong school systems and educational resources. In between visits to the beach, Sunset Beach retirees can enjoy other recreational activities, such as birdwatching, planetarium shows and community events. Once you've found one of the best places to retire in North Carolina that bears your name, call PODS and let them help you get there when you're ready to the big move. If you're thinking of moving to a coastal town in North Carolina, know that Sunset Beach has a low housing density, as it focuses on maintaining the atmosphere of a small town.
With all of these beautiful coastal towns to retire to in the Carolinas, there's something for everyone, but they all include sandy and surf beaches. Carolina Beach is a complete package to consider when you retire, providing the feeling of enjoying a relaxing getaway along stretches of sandy beaches where you can fish, while having the modern amenities so much needed by retirees, including nearby Medicare hospitals. For retirees looking for beaches and a limited budget, North Carolina is one of the best places to start looking for a cozy place to to retire. Whether you dream of leisurely strolling along uncrowded beaches or are looking for a lively beachside community with year-round activity, the North Carolina coast has a city that fits your lifestyle.
Flat Rock, also known as the “Little Charleston of the Mountains,” is one of the most charming towns in North Carolina, with a lot of history. Nags Head, a popular retirement resort community, is one of the best places to retire in North Carolina near the beach. James is ranked as one of the 10 best places to retire in North Carolina and has something interesting to offer for every type of retired. Emerald Isle is another of the best cities to retire to in North Carolina next to the beach, as it is located on the western side of the impressive barrier island of Bogue Banks.
Locals enjoy strolling down Front Street, visiting the North Carolina Maritime Museum, and taking boat trips to nearby islands. Carolina Beach offers a bustling waterfront, colorful murals, and a variety of local shops and restaurants. The famous Myrtle Beach hardly needs an introduction, as it is one of the most recognized names in the Carolinas. In addition, North Carolina offers some tax benefits for retirees, including low property taxes compared to other states.
