North Carolina 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

39 Active Adult Communities in North Carolina

Retirement communities in North Carolina have been favored by retirees since the twentieth century. Famous names, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, made this state their home during summer months and ultimately during their retirement years. Today, retirement communities in North Carolina have grown in popularity. Before, many retirees sought quiet retirement in warm coastal areas, like Florida; however, now, they’re seeking destinations with four-season-climates, continuing education, and proximity to cultural and recreational attractions.

North Carolina retirement communities have emerged as popular second retirement destinations for the so-called "half-backs" or "second chance" retirees. These individuals first retired in places like Arizona and Florida and then settled in North Carolina for one reason or another.

Many 55+ aged individuals who’ve settled in retirement communities in North Carolina continue to work part-time or full-time. The state provides a great environment for those who want to continue to work. North Carolina is the most industrialized state in the south and is a major hub for the high-tech industry, as well as government and research.

 

Active Adult Retirement Communities in North Carolina

 

Unlike the rest of the country’s real estate market, North Carolina’s has done well over the last several years. North Carolina has weathered the real estate downturn relatively unscathed, and with a large industry base, major universities and a growing number of retirees, this shouldn’t change anytime soon. As developers take notice of this, we expect to see a more and more active adults move to retirement communities in North Carolina.

Countless retirees journey to areas from Charlotte to Raleigh-Durham, in search of the best retirement communities in North Carolina every year. These retirement communities in North Carolina are popular among retirees, but they’re also popular among working, active adults who enjoy relaxing. These active adults, in particular, are interested in communities, such as Sun City Carolina Lakes near Charlotte and Carolina Preserve in Cary, that offer active living near the city.

North Carolina retirement communities in smaller cities, like Asheville and Hendersonville, have also become popular destinations. Buyers are attracted to these areas for their laid-back lifestyle, mild climate and beautiful scenery. But surprisingly, property is more expensive in smaller cities, like these, than in larger cities, like Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham.

 

Climate

 

North Carolina’s climate varies depending on where you’re located. Most of the state experiences a humid, subtropical climate, except for in the far western part of the state in the Appalachian Mountains. Along the coast, the ocean moderates the temperature and provides residents with milder winters and slightly cooler summers. Summer highs along the coast are often in the upper 80s. The central region, from Charlotte to Raleigh-Durham, experiences slightly hotter summers and cooler winters. It’s not uncommon for winter highs in central North Carolina to exceed 50 degrees. The coolest temperatures in North Carolina are experienced in the higher altitudes in the western part of the state. Here, summer highs are in the mid-80s and winter highs are in the 40s. Annually, this region averages 17 inches of snow. The rest of the state experiences just 2 inches, that tends to melt within a day or two.
 

 

Recreation and Culture

Recreational enthusiasts can enjoy everything from beaches to mountains in North Carolina. Golf is a favorite activity for many residents of North Carolina retirement communities. Golf course communities in North Carolina are plentiful. The Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains make for great hiking, biking, fishing and camping. The colleges and universities throughout the state provide countless sporting and cultural events. Places like Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill offer a wide variety of performing arts, museums and art galleries. 

 

Taxes

 

North Carolina ranks slightly worse than average in overall tax burden on its residents. The state income tax is graduated from 6 to 8.25 percent, depending on your income bracket. In addition, there is a $7,200 deduction for married couples who are 65 and older. Social Security income is exempt. There is a state sales tax of 4.25 percent but local governments can add to that. There are no sales tax exemptions. Real estate taxes in North Carolina range from .8 to 1.6 percent of the home’s value.

 

Employment and Healthcare

 

Jobs are plentiful for the 55+ crowd who are still seeking work. Places like Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham are fueled by research and high-tech firms. Consequently, a wide variety of other businesses have moved to the region to help feed this growth. The result is an abundance of job opportunities for those who are not quite ready for retirement. Places on the western and coastal parts of the state may have more difficulty finding full-time employment; though, a variety of part time work is available. Some of the best healthcare in the country is found in North Carolina. Duke Medical Center is consistently ranked among the top ten health care organizations in the country.