With its romantic historic mansions; a thriving downtown with great shops, restaurants, and bars; a picturesque Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River; and a youthful vibe thanks to the local University of North Carolina campus, this magnet is also a quick drive to the sands of Wrightsville and Carolina beaches. Most Affordable Beach Communities in North and South Carolina Here you'll find quality homes and a relaxed lifestyle with a wide variety of amenities and activities to chose from. In addition to providing you with information on coastal Carolina's top lifesytle communities, Carolina Ocean Living can personally assist you with your community search. Why do retirees move to North Carolina? - 2023 Cresswind Myrtle Beach - By award-winning Kolter Homes. The neighbors are very sociable, laid back and friendly. A cult favorite, this Outer Banks island is accessible only by boat or ferry from Hatteras and Cedar islands and has a relaxed romance imbued with salt air. Imagine owning high-demand real estate. Featured Review: Current Resident says Flat Rock is a small area but it is close to Saluda, the border of South Carolina, and Hendersonville. Only electric carts and bicycles can travel the roads, making sure you catch everything while you're in paradise. It is also very safe and has lots of outdoor and water activity options. I've been blessed and fortunate to have cultivated a career of over 30 years of retirement plan, sales executive, marketing, & presentation management experience, primarily serving in the large . The most comprehensive retirement guide for Myrtle Beach, SC that examines livability, entertainment, sports, health, and leisure and fun. Residents enjoy outdoor activities like include swimming in the ocean nearby, playing golf, fishing, crabbing, boating and more. 14 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. 2. Explore these North Carolina beach communities and find your ideal beachfront property. We are a go to major tourist destination for golf and have the world reknown Pinehurst No. The beach itself is wide, sandy, fringed by turquoise waters everything, in fact, youd want a beach to be. Amenities include a plantation-style clubhouse, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a 75-slip marina, and a network of walking and biking trails. You'll find both hotels and vacation rentals in which to enjoy a classic beach vacation. It's also home to the Jockey's Ridge State Park, which is the East Coast's tallest natural dune system and an incredible place to try hang gliding. Featured Review: Former Resident says I had lived there for six years and it is one of my most favorite places to live. Speak with our licensed and experienced community specialist for guidance with your search. With a variety of home designs, retirees are sure to find something that suits their style and budget. #11 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. #20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. D.R. Learn more aboutThe Farm at Brunswick here. 01 of 18 Emerald Isle Brad Styron/Courtesy of Crystal Coast TDA This westernmost community on Bogue Banks is a treasured vacation getaway for families, with its 12 miles of clean shores, clear waters, and old-fashioned neighborhoods and vibe. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars. TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly. Progressing through the new year, the housing market is seeing a positive trend as the economy regains its strength and begins bouncing back. Pensacola, Florida. BEST PRICED LOT IN KILMARLIC! This award winning master-planned community offers a waterfront club lifestyle with a 27-hole Fred Couples Signature Golf Course, tennis, swimming, deep water marina for boating and fishing, and more. Homebuyers can find reasonably priced homes starting in the low $200s that offer low-maintenance exteriors, elegant finishes, open kitchens, spacious great rooms, and charming front porches. Stroll along the picturesque docks on the Calabash River or join a deep-sea fishing tour to catch your own dinner. Ocean Isle Beach NC / 910-575-2933. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. Marina and Boating Communities, NC Coast Retirement Communities Featured Review: Current Resident says We moved here in October 2020 and love it! #25 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. Competing for attention with all the great, Read More The 20 Best Places to Live in New JerseyContinue, Racism is the unfounded belief that one race is superior or inferior to another and that biological characteristics can predetermine the social or moral traits of a person. Real Estate Ad:3477091. They have a great selection of restaurants, things to do, and scenery to look at! . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Retreat Ocean Aisle Beach is a coastal real estate community ideal for retirement and is a great place for families of all ages. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. The Best Beach Towns for Retirement - Southern Living 7 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. There are smaller development such as Ocean Ridge and Thistle. #12 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. The South's Best Beach Towns 2022 - Southern Living Ocean Isle Beach, NC - Located just 5 minutes to pristine Sunset Beach, North Carolina, Sandpiper Bay offers residents a myriad of resort-like amenities, including championship golf, pools, fitness, tennis and convenient access to restaurants and shopping. Although there are no lifeguards so beware. Read 6 reviews. 27 of the Most Adorable Tiny Houses in North Carolina - NC Tripping #16 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. Lots start at $1.1 million and homes range from $1,875,000 to $2,875,000. Raleigh. Sometimes this can work out well, but in other cases it can be more hassle than its worth. Bright white cottages with red roofs, stately sea captains' homes, two lighthouses, local shops, and water in seemingly every direction (what with the confluence of the river and the Intracoastal Waterway) create vistas at every bend in the road. . This gated active adult community is located within the award-winning master-planned development of Nexton and will offer retirees beautiful home designs and world-class amenities within an attractive setting. This new 55+ community by Del Webb will offer 547 single-family homes situated within the master-planned development of RiverLights. Plus, there's almost seven rooms per house on average, so you'll have lots of space. This 4,500-acre retreat features a wide features a wide array of neighborhoods, architecture, and price points. It is located on the western edge of the High Plains by South Platte River Valley and close to the Rocky Mountains. Southport has three museums, but the town itself is a vintage postcard sent from a halcyon past. North Carolina Communities | Best Places to Live in North Carolina 4. 4. Featured Review: Current Resident says I loved growing up in a small beach town. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. Tracey Minkin is an award-winning writer and editor whose work has appeared in national and regional magazines as well as digital platforms including Southern Living, Coastal Living, Travel + Leisure, Outside, Food & Wine, Men's Journal, VERANDA, and many more. Read 38 reviews. With nearly 85 percent of its total area a preserved landscape of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and scrubby, subtropical forest, plus 14 miles of pale sands, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, locally owned shops, and a community of beautiful beach houses, this is most certainly a Treasure Isle. Housing is reasonable. #8 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. Elizabeth also has a strong background in e-commerce content as both a fact checker and writer. These affordable homes are priced in the low $200sand have two or three bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. We're leaders in spacious 55+ communities in North Carolina. Oyster Bay, Sea Trail and Sandpiper are the three major developments in Sunset Beach. Families (not to mention singles and retirees) who decide to make their visit a little more permanent wont be disappointed, With a decent clutch of schools, plenty of amenities, an affordable cost of living, superb recreational opportunities, and one of the prettiest beaches in North Carolina, theres no doubting its a great place to live. Read 15 reviews. . Homes priced from $200,000 to $2 million; Lots from $50,000 to $500,000; Condos from $150,000 to $600,000. Our neighborhoods are friendly and prople say hi to one another while walking or out in yard, people wave and ask if you need help if they see a problem. Duck has devoted extensive energy and funds to the nourishment of its beaches (named among the Best Restored Beaches for 2018), but it's important to note that access is for residents and vacation property renters only. New study reveals best places to retire in North Carolina - WRAL In Roman times, the town of Baiae, by the Tyrrhenian Sea in Italy, was a resort for those who were sufficiently prosperous. It really feels like you have the opportunity to get to know every teacher and student personally. Find North Carolina Oceanfront Communities | NC Beach Communities Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. There are tons of coastal spots in places such as Delaware, Virginia, the Carolinas, Washington, Oregon and even Michigan where beach life is inexpensive. The beach is wide, clean, and the perfect place to kick back and relax in the sand. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. Menu burger Close thin Facebook Twitter Google plus Linked in Reddit Email arrow-right-sm arrow-right Loading Home Buying Calculators 12 of 13 Kiawah Island, South Carolina Laurey W. Glenn 15 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars. Amenities and local activities at this Coastal Carolina community include private beach access, walking trails, an abundance of fishing and water recreation, and many nearby golf courses, shopping, and dining. This includes three major universities: Duke University, the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University. 6. Named by Southern Living as one of the best beach towns in Northern Carolina, Emerald Isle is a small, charging community that makes the perfect home for families, singles, and professionals alike. Featured Review: Current Resident says Well maintained properties. This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. This active adult community is spread across 360 acres of beautiful landscape and will consist of 1,000 single-family homes upon completion. The schools are very good but there are very few job opportunities other than doctor, nurse, lawyer, teacher and real estate. Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,178. . The iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk with its carousel, arcade, carnival rides, and ice cream parlous is the place to be in the warmer months, especially on Thursday evenings when it comes alive with firework displays and live music shows. The beaches are easy to navigate to (by bike or golf cart), clean, not crowded, and you can relax with a book or drink in your hand. Maine's most populous city has four distinct seasons with warm. Custom Homes, Homesites, Maintenance Free, Single Family Homes . Value - 7.5/10. Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, the Fort Myers metro area boasts a number of beaches within its reach, such as Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel and Captiva islands. Current Resident: I have lived in Nags Head my entire life it's a part of an island called the Outer Banks and I absolutely love living here. This little, eight-mile-long barrier island on North Carolina's southernmost stretch of coast is a laid-back escape that families love, and a $15 million beach replenishment project in 2017 doubled down on its sandy gifts. The tax burden in Roxboro is 18.40%. Several of these offer larger lots of over 1-acre summer smaller of about 10,000 ft.. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Southern Shores for 13 years and absolutely love it here. Raleigh and Durham. I worked at a local ice cream shop, and we were slammed all summer long. The community is just 30 minutes from Wilmington, NC and one hour from Myrtle Beach, SC. Retire in Coastal North Carolina Imagine spending your days relaxing by the pool or listening to the peaceful sounds of the ocean. Located along the southwestern coast of Brunswick County, The Pointe at Ocean Isle Beach is an oceanfront North Carolina beach community between Myrtle Beach, SC, and Wilmington, NC. #21 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. Junior: Charlotte secondary is a very small school, but that's what makes it so great! A minus. The average age here (60) is relatively high, reflecting its popularity as a retirement spot. [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] In addition to her fact checking background, she also has over six years experience of reporting, writing, and copy editing articles for digital magazines including Woman's Day and The Knot. This fast growing state of almost 10.5 million people (2019), 16.7% of its population is 65 or over. Buyers can choose from three elegant home design collections that range in size, style, and price points. Our diversity is broad. According to the U.S. News and World Report, some of the best beaches and beach town options in North Carolina include Emerald Isle, Bald Head Island and Cape Hatteras. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture. So many things to see and do, and the people are extremely friendly and helpful. Read 3 reviews. Featured Review: Current Resident says It is a wonderful community. A+. This is an escape complete with pirate lore; long stretches of pristine sands all protected by the National Park Service; a fishing village with summer pleasures like ice cream, seafood, and boat charters; and its own bright white, picturesque lighthouse. Trinity View Retirement Community. There's plenty to do, with a lighthouse and nature center to visit and prime paddling on the Intracoastal side of the island. Resort-style community with 2- and 3-bedroom detached single homes and 2-car garages started $300's. This riverfront port is technically a city, but there are so many things to love about visiting and enjoying Wilmington, it's impossible to leave it off the list. Sperling's Best Places rates South Carolina . In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. 10 Best Places to Retire in South Carolina - SmartAsset Featured Review: Senior says GDS is an extremally nice and well rounded school. The island came to life in the summer. Despite lying only two miles off the North Carolina coast and due south of Wilmington, this three-by-one-mile barrier island feels like a secret hideout from a Robert Louis Stevenson story. Lots priced from $100,000 to $250,000; Homes from the $400,000s to over $1 million. With so much volatility in the real estate industry these past few years, many retirees are scratching their heads and wondering, Is it a buyers or sellers market? Understanding the differences is vital because timing is everything. I sold my home in 2021 and moved to another in Southern Shores, just closer to the beach. Search gated, golf, and retirement communities based on amenities or location. 7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. If youre ready to find your own winter retreat this season, here are some of the best places to consider. Your Next Move Starts Here - Stay Informed and Inspired Charlotte. 2 golf course system which has hosted the US Open many times in the past and is on the schedule for several future tournaments as well. There's a reason this tiny harbor town at the outlet of the Cape Fear River was voted America's Happiest Seaside Town in 2015. 7 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina - WorldAtlas Quiet, calm, and as peaceful as a summer breeze, its the perfect place to experience the simple pleasures in life. Welcome to North Carolina, where woods, water and outdoor recreation come together to create the ultimate lifestyle. They provide studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes in various floor plans. It is a close-knit community, with community events all during the year. THE SHOOK HOME - Chambersburg, PA CCRC . Normal July high temperature: 67 degrees. The Tar Heel State, which has become a popular destination, especially among retirees, boasts a mild climate, cost-effective living, and plentiful recreation opportunities.North Carolina provides a relaxed coastal lifestyle or a bustling city experience to suit all . Sure, youve got all the amenities youll need, but rather than chain stores and drive-ins, youll get an eclectic range of independent boutiques and eateries. It is a military friendly town with very little traffic. Top 55+ Waterfront Living communities | activeadultliving. There are many amenities within the community such as the various lakes and horseback riding. Elegant clubhouse, private cabana, deep water marina with harbormaster's house and private boat launch, tennis courts, swimming pool, state-of-the-art exercise facilities. World-class amenities include: 18 holes of golf at Cape Fear National Clubhouse, Restaurant & Pro-shop Fitness & Wellness Center with Indoor & Outdoor Pools Hammock Lake Park, Pool, and Fitness Center Retirees can get into active adult communities like Bay Crossing in a $239,000 two-bedroom condo all the way up to a fully kitted-out four-bedroom for $620,000. 1. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love my small town so much! B+. North Myrtle Beach High School is located in Little River so it's right next door, which makes the commute really easy. It is packed with challenging courses and great faculty and staff who work diligently to ensure that students are ready for college and obtain the opportunity to pursue their own path. Topsail Island was not even accessible by car until WWII; the Missiles and More Museum shares the island's history as the former home of a secret missile operation. Here are the top 10 cities for LGBT people to retire. "It's a popular gay retirement. The downtown is lively, home to numerous attractions (including the very visit-worth North Carolina Maritime Museum), and blessed with enough entertainment and amenities to keep everyone happy. New Orleans, known for its historic French Quarter, is a "haven" for the LBGT community due to its "abundance . From our age qualified community in Asheville to our family-oriented mobile homes in . Home prices are better than many beach resorts and the Island has municipal water AND now sewer (no more septic tanks). A salary of $157,000 in Cary, . Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. initiative combines industry-leading health and safety standards with virtual technologies designed to keep real estate moving forward, and give our employees, customers and partners confidence and support to stay safe. Founded in 1996, Private Communities Registry, LLC (PCR) is the trusted online resource for real estate shoppers interested in amenity-rich, master-planned lifestyle communities. These 6 Cities Are The Best Places To Retire In North Carolina The schools are great with educated teachers, and are very sport oriented. This family-friendly island near Wilmington has 10 miles of south-facing beaches, not to mention a fishing pier and nostalgic pleasures that include ice cream and miniature golf. Contact Us; Testimonials; Navigation Links: All Locations > North America > USA > North Carolina > Currituck > Kilmaric Golf Club: BEST PRICED LOT IN KILMARLIC! North Carolina Communities. Emerald Isle. There's not much that I would want to change maybe just a couple more options for shopping because we don't have too many. Read 5 reviews. Gated Communities in North Carolina - The Retirement Net Ocean Ridge Plantation Presented by ASAP Realty. In addition there is a very noticeable lack of school spirit from the student body, and while the school and a hand full of student are working to raise school spirit it is still something to be addressed. Homes. Current Resident: I retired here. Best Places to Retire Best Places Real Estate Money Home 150 matches Sort by: Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M -. Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand is just 30 minutes away. Recreational offerings include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, walking & biking trails, tennis & pickleball courts, fishing ponds, and weekly activities for all interests. North Carolina Real Estate for Retirees | Homes & Condos These homes feature open layouts, first-floor master suites, walk-in closets, and modern kitchens. This classic summer vacation spot is also home to natural gifts, including Carolina Beach State Park, with some of the area's finest fishing and the Flytrap Trail, named for the carnivorous Venus Flytrap plants along its path. Little inclines in roads, all well maintained. Newton Overall SnackAbility 6 /10 Population: 13,081 Residents also have a rich lineup of resort-style amenities based around the 12,500 square-foot clubhouse, which is full of social spaces, recreational facilities, and activities. Lots start at $20,000; Homes priced from $400,000. The 10 Best Places To Retire In North Carolina For 2023 - HomeSnacks Baby Boomers in search of a beachside retirement hotspot dont have to flock to Florida for a coastal environment. South carolina retirement guide | South carolina Best Places to Retire 182 Communities in North Carolina View All Filter communities by. Ad # 3477091: Click photo . The shoreline itself provides endless opportunities for rest and relaxation. As beach towns go, youll struggle to find much better than Wrightsville Beach. Because the sand gets packed pretty tight a the waves wash over it you can even bicycle on the beach. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. The first stop on the Outer Banks for many, Nags Head has beautiful beaches with free parking, an iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus, and a funky arts and culture scene. Ideally located along the pristine coast of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, the acclaimed Sea Trail Plantation community has been a four-season fun spot serving families and visitors for 20-plus years. 4 gorgeous beach towns where you can retire comfortably on $40,000 a The cities are vibrant, the towns are charming, and the landscape will leave even the most jaded city slicker a little breathless. At the southern end of the coast and a quick hop from buzzy Wilmington, this laid-back beach town on a 4-mile-long barrier island has charm in spades, from a bird nesting sanctuary at the south end to its iconic Johnnie Mercers Pier. D.R. There are many amenities within the community such as the various lakes and horseback riding. These beautiful new home designs are priced starting in the low $200s and feature open floor plans, spacious gathering areas, walk-in closets, luxurious master suites, gourmet kitchens, and formal dining areas. Whether you stay a week, a year, or an entire lifetime, youre unlikely to regret your decision. You are close by to tourist attractions in nearby North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach but do not have to fight the traffic during the summer. The cost of living is average. Read 18 reviews. There are lots of restaurants, so many different shopping areas. Lets take a look at what it means to live in an age-restricted community, and whether its important enough to you as you begin or continue your search for a new home. Unlike most beaches it is a south facing beach. Where to Retire | Top Coastal Communities | Best Retirement Little traffic and slow speeds make dog walking, cycling etc a pleasure. North Carolina is the kind of state that offers a little something for everyone. America's Bestand Most AffordableBeach Towns for Retirement Residents living in this exciting age-restricted community also have easy access to sandy beaches, cultural attractions, entertainment, shopping, and restaurants within the Charleston area. Residents will also enjoy top-notch amenities at the proposed clubhouse, such as a fitness center, multi-purpose room, outdoor pool and patio, and walking and biking trails. Current Resident: We moved here in October 2020 and love it! There are many things to consider before selling your own home. Amenities include three clubhouses, a private beach club, tennis, racquetball, swimming, fitness, a nature park, and a community garden. Whether youre looking for something small and quaint or big and boisterous, theres a North Carolina beach town to match. Thomas Kelly Jr. - LinkedIn Cannonsgate at Bogue Sound is a gated waterfront community located just across the Intracoastal Waterway from Emerald Isle on North Carolina's Atlantic Coast, near the historic town of Beaufort. Kolter Homes began building Cresswind Myrtle Beach in 2013 and plans to offer 400 single-family homes upon completion. If you are looking for a place to retire with lots of amenities, friendly neighbors, numerous social activities, but not intrusivelook no further. Del Webbs newest 55-plus community in Summerville, SC will offer 1,000 single-family homes upon completion. She has fact checked lifestyle topics ranging from destination wedding venues to gift guide round-ups for a variety of publications including Brides, The Spruce, and TripSavvy. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. With the warm tides of the Atlantic Ocean washing the shore, the wide, pristine beaches, and the photographic lighthouses dotted along the shoreline, its unquestionably a stunning place to visit. Neighbors are very friendly but mind their own affairs. Arden, NC 28704. There is a notebook there and you can leave a message. Current Resident: Oak Island is a nice quiet area to retire in. The town itself is a delight, with charming, Victorian-era homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Little River is a city just over the bridge of North Myrtle Beach. I agree that 55places and its affiliates, partner providers or agents may call, text, or email me about my inquiry, which may be made with automated means. There are some positive signs happening through February and a few trends that 55+ homebuyers can look forward to as we progress through the next 30 days. 14 Communities Sort by Coming Soon Pleasant Falls Community by DRB Homes Anderson Mill Road & Nazareth Church Road Moore, SC 29369 DRB Homes 888-686-9205 Get More Information Horizons at Summers Corner - The Legends Community by Lennar 1027 Maydock Drive Summerville, SC 29485 Lennar 268 Reviews 843-473-7488 from $383,385 - $410,000