Best Places to Retire North Carolina

North Carolina is quickly becoming a retirement haven. In fact, it has even beaten out two of the most popular states for retirees: Florida and Arizona. Here are the five best places to retire in North Carolina.

Tax Benefits of the Best Places to Retire North Carolina

Over the years North Carolina has developed tax friendly policies that attract retirees. If your main source of income is Social Security North Carolina is a great option for you as they don’t tax this type of income. You will also benefit from their low property taxes and sales tax that’s around the national average.

In 2013 North Carolina repealed their estate tax meaning that you can transfer any amount to your heirs without paying state taxes. This is another benefit that is attracting those with substantial income to retire in North Carolina.

Natural Beauty

North Carolina is a beautiful state; from the ocean to the mountains. You haven’t seen true fall colors until you’ve experienced it here. Along with its cultural history you will always have something new to experience.

Retirement Home Options in North Carolina

 As North Carolina has continued to grow as a retirement state, more retirement homes have become available. These are available at a variety of price ranges, care levels, and locations to meet whatever your needs are now and in the future.

Now that you know what North Carolina has to offer retirees, let’s look at some of the best cities to choose from.

1.    Asheville

If you enjoy going to a good brewery, Asheville is the place for you. With more breweries per capita than any other US city you will never run out of amazing craft beers to taste. Along with its arts and music scene Asheville provides the perfect place for retirees. Here you will enjoy the beautiful scenery, temperate climate, and downtown entertainment.

This town is large enough to provide a lot of city life conveniences while still being small enough to maintain a quaint feeling. Asheville also has amazing outdoor options as well. Biking, hiking, and golf are common pastimes for residents. Follow this up by hitting the downtown shops, watching the street performers, and then relaxing with a drink at an amazing restaurant.

2.    Brevard

If something a little smaller is more your speed Brevard is another mountain town located in western North Carolina. Their goal is “to promote a high quality of life, support economic prosperity, and cultivate community while honoring its heritage and culture.” This beautiful town offers waterfalls, mountain biking, and rock climbing for retirees who want to remain active. In Brevard you will enjoy nearby Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest thanks to its moderate year-round climate.

3.    Davidson

Lakeside living is also easily available in North Carolina. Davidson is a small town with just under 13,000 people located on the shores of Lake Norman. With its small-town feel and southern hospitality, you will enjoy a quiet lifestyle.

With nearby Charlotte only half an hour away you can always enjoy the city before returning to your lovely community. Davidsons’ historic character and walkable downtown area make it a great community. Along with fishing, boating, and nearby hiking trails you will never get bored living in this beautiful small town.

4.    Highlands

If 13,000 people still seems too big you will enjoy the tiny town of Highlands, with less than 1,500 permanent residents. However, keep in mind that this number peaks to around 20,000 people during the heavy tourist times: spring through fall.

This tourism provides ample business opportunities for its more entrepreneurial residents. Highlands also features the beautiful landscape North Carolina is known for. You will enjoy hiking to beautiful waterfalls, antiquing in downtown, or watching a play at The Highlands Playhouse founded back in 1983.

5.    New Bern

New Bern is a little bit closer to the sea with a population of just over 30,000 people. You may even recognize its downtown streets from the movie “The notebook”. New Bern is also the second oldest town in North Carolina and was even the capital in colonial days. While it remains a small town it still has a beautiful arts scene. Street performers, waterfront concerts, and bi-monthly art walks ensure retirees will enjoy the finer things in its four historic districts.

Conclusions on Places to Retire North Carolina

North Carolina has plenty to offer retirees and you can find just about any lifestyle you’re looking for in one of the many cities or towns here. With great tax policies, beautiful scenery, year-round temperate climate, and retirement community choices, North Carolina has everything you need. Your family members will love to visit with all of the experiences North Carolina has to offer.

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