Charlotte, NC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

13 Active Adult Communities in Charlotte Area

Charlotte, North Carolina has quickly emerged as a top retirement destination for active retirees. Some are drawn to Charlottes dynamic lifestyle, others to a four-season climate that still offers generally mild winters. Many second chance retirees who originally moved to Arizona or Florida later relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina.

The North Carolina real estate market has weathered the past few years better than most places. Protected by its large, diverse industry base and major universities, Charlotte housing equity continues to hold firm. In fact, central North Carolina has proven such a draw to both retirees and non-retirees across the country that 1 out of every 4 Charlotte residents is a transplant, and the trend is unlikely to stop any time soon. Charlottes vibrant sense of community will appeal to the 55+ retiree who wants to keep active and working and maybe even reenter the workforce or start a new career.

Developers have taken notice. Popular active adult communities have been springing up in Charlotte and its surrounding suburbs. Several age-restricted and non age-restricted communities are luring retirees with communities that offer single level homes, amenities and lifestyle opportunities. With so many active retirement options to choose from, you are certain to find one that is right for you.

Retirement Real Estate & Charlotte Active Adult Communities

Many age-restricted communities in central North Carolina are designed to appeal to the active adult who chooses to continue working without being bothered with such details as lawn care. At the same time, there are many active adult communities in Charlotte that cater to older adults who seek to enjoy an active lifestyle, with easy access to a wide range of amenities.

The largest active adult community in Charlotte is Del Webb Sun City Carolina Lakes, which is actually just across the border in Fort Mill, SC. Since opening in 2005, the community has been a hit with active adults who want the renowned Del Webb lifestyle near the culture of Charlotte. This 3,400 home community includes a large clubhouse and amenity center, an 18-hole golf course and desirable ranch homes.

Just around the corner from Sun City Carolina Lakes is Four Seasons at Gold Hill, which is a more intimate age-restricted community of 303 homes. Additionally, there are numerous age targeted villa townhome communities in and around Charlotte. Age targeted communities are open to residents of all ages but due to the type of homes and amenities offered, the hold particular appeal for older adults.

Climate & Geography

Because of its location on the Gulf of Mexico jet stream, Charlotte enjoys a humid subtropical climate warmer than most places at comparable latitude. Average yearly daytime temperatures are comfortably in the 70s. Summers are warm and humid, with summer daytime temperatures commonly reaching the high 80s. Only in January do the nighttime temperatures regularly dip just below freezing, although occasional snow or ice also falls in December and February.

Charlotte is a sunny place. Most months average just 3 inches of rain, usually delivered by brief tropical thunderstorms except in winter. The total snowfall for most winters is well under one foot. Most of it melts on its own as the sun rises. However, outlying areas closer to the mountains can receive as much as two feet of snow.

Charlotte is far enough inland that direct hits by tropical storms are rare. Even the infamous Hurricane Hugo had been reduced to barely category 1 by the time it reached Charlotte.

Recreation, Social & Culture Activities

Charlottes sunny weather means that outdoor activities are many and diverse. If the many golf courses in the area do not suffice, Myrtle Beach, the Golf Capital of the World, is just an hour away. The sun-soaked beaches of Hilton Head Island are also within an easy drive. Other popular outdoor activities in Charlotte include tennis, sailing, biking, horseback riding, and hiking in the Blue Ridge or Great Smoky Mountains.

If kayakers find North Carolinas river systems too tame, try out the man-made rapids at the National Whitewater Rafting Center, located in Mecklenburg County, just west of Charlotte. At The Peninsula, a 55+ country club community just outside Charlotte, homeowners may join the Peninsula Yacht Club and take advantage of its state-of-the-art marina.

Charlotte is the birthplace of NASCAR and the Nextel Cup. This heritage will be preserved in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, due to open in 2010. Drag races abound at the zMAX Dragway, a new NHRA dragstrip in Concord, while stock car races can be found at the Metrolina Fair racetrack.

As the birthplace of Billy Graham, it should come as no surprise that the City of Churches is home to over 700 thriving religious communities covering a wide range of faiths and denominations. The majority of these are Protestant Christian, but even a traditional Latin Mass can be found at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Mount Holly. Charlotte also has two synagogues and a Jewish community center.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Residents of the Charlotte area enjoy a cost of living index that is 90.7% of the national average. At the same time, home equity in this part of the country has not taken the same tumbles as elsewhere.

North Carolina income tax is slightly higher than the national average, with state income tax brackets ranging from 6% up to 8.25%. However, North Carolina allows a seniors income deduction of $7,200 for married couples over 65 years of age. Social security benefits are entirely exempt. State sales tax is 4.25%.

Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County, which has the highest real estate property taxes in North Carolina. Taxes are between 1.31% and 1.36% of appraised value, depending upon Charlotte district. North Carolina has no inheritance tax. Its estate taxes are tied to federal estate tax legislation, which is currently due to be reinstated in 2011. Complete up to date information can be obtained at the North Carolina Department of Revenue website. For buyers who choose a community across the border in South Carolina, tax information can be found at the South Carolina Department of Revenue website.

Healthcare & Education

Continuing an active working lifestyle is just part of the high quality of life Charlotte has to offer older adults. Many who move here are not quite ready to hang up the office tie just yet. Charlottes strong, diverse economy makes it easy for active adults to find jobs in a wide range of fields.

Charlotte also has nearly a dozen high quality hospitals and health care facilities. Duke Medical Center is consistently ranked among the top ten health care organizations in the country.

Active adults can pursue continuing education at several colleges and universities throughout the city, including Johnson and Wales University, Queens University of Charlotte, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the citys largest postsecondary institution. Pfeiffer University also has a satellite campus in Charlotte.