The Best Places to Retire in North Carolina · 1.Retirees don't have to be history buffs to appreciate the six historic districts designated by Elizabeth City. A simple walk will transport residents to past times, and there are numerous walking tours available that bring the historic past to life. Discover even more the importance of Elizabeth City at the Albemarle Museum, which guides participants through the many twists and turns of the region's chronology. Elizabeth City reverently maintains old houses and architecture, but it is far from being old-fashioned.
There is an optimistic energy fueled by the many events that bring residents together. Retired people will enjoy jazz nights, art walks, lawn movies, and annual festivals to celebrate parties, movies, and potatoes (yes, potatoes). Salisbury, a Piedmontese city of 34,000 people, has comprehensive services, entertainment and learning opportunities similar to those of neighboring Charlotte and Greensboro. A walk down Main Street passes by two eclectic museums, galleries and boutiques, and family-friendly restaurants serving everything from seafood even special pies.
Salisbury is home to the nationally certified Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, a center where retirees can access recreational programs, fitness classes and support services for their financial, logistical and legal needs. In addition, the city has more than 17 retirement communities at different prices. Nicholas Sparks says he found inspiration for his iconic novel, The Notebook, in New Bern. Retirees also find inspiration in this quaint North Carolina city, whether their passion is art, nature, food or golf.
New Bern is located at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse rivers, immersing this city of 30,000 inhabitants in riverside pleasures and boating in abundance. At the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, drink in six acres of beautiful riverfront parks, the perfect setting for gazing at breathtaking sunrises and starting the day off on the “right foot” with an active walk or bike ride. Follow trails through thick woods or head to the city center for breakfast at one of the many locally owned cafés and restaurants. Here you can enjoy a mix of shops typical of a larger city, but with the friendliness of a close-knit city.
As North Carolina's first capital, New Bern strives to preserve its three centuries of history. Visit important sites and take interactive tours to learn about the variety of residents who shaped the city, from Swiss colonists to occupying British troops and emancipated slaves. Architectural wonders stretch across the streets and the port, with Tryon Palace as the jewel in the crown. Laurinburg is a southern North Carolina city where retirees (affordably) focus on the important things in life.
With 15,000 residents, it features first-rate amenities and easy access to the outdoors. Visit the John Blue House and Heritage Center, take pictures in the Art Garden, or stroll through the picturesque San Andrés University, which houses an equestrian center that hosts numerous events throughout the year. The city's delicious dining options range from seafood to plates Japanese and barbecues. If you've been thinking about moving to retire, you have a lot of options, including the best places to retire in North Carolina.
The state has great medical systems, an incredible climate, and lots of different types of towns and cities to choose from if you decide that's where you want to spend your retirement years. Let's take a look at North Carolina's top 10 cities and what they have to offer to a potential retiree. There's no question that North Carolina should be in your sights if you're planning to move to get even more out of your retirement budget. Not only is it home to science and technology that can help make your later years more successful, but it's also affordable, safe, and incredibly profitable for retirees.
In North Carolina, all Social Security benefits are exempt from income taxes, and other forms of retirement income are taxed at a fixed rate of just 4.99%. According to a report published in the Raleigh News & Observer, Carteret County is ranked No. According to research from Home Bay, the highest population of seniors is in Asheville, at 30%. You can breathe easy when you retire in this North Carolina city.
Winterville has the fourth best safety score in the state, and its Vident Medical Center is recognized for its geriatric services and overall quality of care. In addition, Winterville topped SmartAsset's list of the most affordable places to live in North Carolina, as determined by evaluating property taxes, insurance and mortgage payments. This makes Winterville a prime place to retire, as lower costs can make a better quality of life more accessible. Anyone who wishes to live in North Carolina part-time before fully retiring to enjoy the above-mentioned tax benefits must show that they spent more than 183 days in the state within a fiscal year to declare that the state of Tar Heel is their primary residence.
Here, it can be more affordable than you think to fulfill your dream of oceanfront living in North Carolina. The city combines the advantages of urban life with the attractive North Carolina countryside for a balanced retirement experience. Overall, North Carolina is a great state for retirees, with retirement-friendly tax structures, affordable housing, safe cities, and some of the best health care in the world. Surprisingly, North Carolina ranked third in this regard, behind only Florida and Texas, after receiving 55 direct hits, seven of which were between category 3 (winds of 111 to 129 miles per hour) and category 5 (winds of more than 157 miles per hour).
Dozens of galleries also celebrate North Carolina craftsmanship and creativity, most notably Community Artists Gallery & Studio. More specifically, WalletHub ranks North Carolina as the 41st best state for the best health systems, while the state rises to 24th place among the United States. Columbus is considered one of the best places to retire in North Carolina because of its reputation as a wine and equestrian country. For more information on smaller communities that serve the needs of maturing adults, read Small Towns Eligible for Retirement in North Carolina.
The North Carolina environment is sometimes difficult for people who suffer from asthma and allergies; however, the exact place where you reside in the state makes a big difference in this regard. News & World Report ranks several North Carolina hospitals among the best in the country; Duke Hospital was named the best hospital in North Carolina, just ahead of hospitals at the University of North Carolina. Sales taxes and property taxes are also halfway compared to other states, making North Carolina a solid financial option for increasing your retirement income. Meanwhile, among people who suffer from asthma, no area in North Carolina scores below “better than average” in its asthma rankings.
Below are some of the best North Carolina cities to retire to, all with populations of at least 20,000 residents. However, North Carolina does charge state income taxes and taxes most sources of retirement, such as 401 (k) plans, pensions and IRAs, hence the “moderate tax” label.
