There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a new place to live—and, for some, the weather is one of those factors. So, when cold temperatures hit, they’re ready to move south for the winter. North Carolina is a popular destination for those snowbirds due to its milder winter weather compared to places further north. It also offers a wide selection of active adult communities that will appeal to snowbirds for reasons ranging from desirable locations near popular beach towns to championship golf courses.
Here are the 10 best communities in North Carolina for snowbirds to consider:
Trilogy Lake Norman – Denver, NC
Low $300s – High $700s
Snowbirds who like a lot of options should consider Trilogy Lake Norman. The gated 55+ community features 1,100 single-family homes and has an impressive list of more than 20 different floor plans for potential buyers to consider. Homes range from 1,345 to 2,553 square feet and have one to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two- or two-and-a-half car garages.
Beyond the wide variety of floor plans, the community also has plenty of desirable amenities, including a generously-sized clubhouse that features a restaurant, a grand living room, a number of gathering rooms, and a lounge. There are also plenty of ways to get in a workout on the property for those who like to stay physically active. Trilogy Lake Norman residents have access to a fitness center, an indoor lap pool, several athletic courts, and walking and biking trails that are spread throughout the development.
Snowbirds who like to spend time on the water will appreciate the neighborhood’s short distance from Lake Norman, North Carolina’s largest man-made lake. Those who like to spend time in a bustling city will also appreciate the community’s proximity to Charlotte, which is only a 30-minute drive away.
Request more information about Trilogy Lake Norman.
Carolina Preserve – Cary, NC
Mid $300s – Low $600s
Located in the middle of the renowned Research Triangle, Carolina Preserve is ideal for snowbirds who want to retreat to a charming town, but still have easy access to busier areas like Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The age-restricted community has a mixture of attached and single-family homes with floor plans ranging from 1,217 to 2,637 square feet. Options have two to four bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and two- or two-and-a-half garages.
Aside from its desirable location, Carolina Preserve also boasts a variety of sought-after amenities, including an expansive 34,000 square-foot clubhouse that plays host to a fitness center, an indoor lap pool, a ballroom, a demonstration kitchen, plus, hobby and craft studios. Residents also have access to many outdoor amenities ranging from a 15-acre lake and resort-style pool with beach-style entry to a putting green and four clay tennis courts.
Request more information about Carolina Preserve.
Compass Pointe – Leland, NC
Low $400s – Low $900s
Close to historic Wilmington, Compass Pointe should be on any snowbird’s radar, especially those looking to hit the Atlantic. The community is situated within 10 minutes of the popular beach town.
The gated neighborhood features a combination of attached and single-family homes with dozens of available floor plans that range from 1,641 to 3,492 square feet and have one to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and two-car garages.
In addition to its prime location and lengthy list of floor plans, Compass Pointe has plenty of noteworthy amenities, including an 18-hole golf course featuring a driving range, a pro shop, and practice facilities. The amenity center features a catering kitchen, multipurpose rooms, and a lounge. Residents also have access to a 7,000-square-foot wellness center, ideal for fitness and relaxation. Outdoor amenities include a resort-style pool, a lake beach, a dog park, lighted tennis courts, and walking and biking trails.
Request more information on Compass Pointe.
Del Webb at Traditions – Wake Forest, NC
Mid $400s – Mid $700s
Snowbirds looking for a community with lots of amenities should consider Del Webb at Traditions in Wake Forest, an age-restricted neighborhood with a seemingly endless list of amenities, which include everything from a clubhouse and fitness center to a coffee bar, indoor pool and spa, and dance studio. Other noteworthy amenities include a craft studio, a catering kitchen, a community garden, several athletic courts, and walking and biking trails.
Homes within the community are typically ranch-style and range from 1,656 to 2,536 square feet of living space. Nine distinct floor plans are available and have between two to four bedrooms, two to four-and-a-half baths, and two-car garages.
Request more information about Del Webb at Traditions.
Carolina Arbors – Durham, NC
Low $400s – Mid $600s
Situated in the vibrant city of Durham, Carolina Arbors is conveniently located in the state’s Triangle Area, which gives snowbirds access to a wide variety of activities, plus a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This 55+ community also offers a vast selection of single-family floor plans with more than a dozen available to prospective buyers. The plans range from 1,152 to 2,562 square feet and have between one to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and two- or two-and-a-half car garages.
Carolina Arbors’ resort-style amenities are an added perk for homeowners. The list includes a 34,000 square-foot clubhouse with an indoor pool and spa, a recreation center, a lounge, and a fitness center. Outside, residents will find a resort-style pool and patio area, athletic courts, a botanical garden, and walking and biking trails that are spread throughout the property.
Request more information about Carolina Arbors.
Laurel Ridge – Carthage, NC
Low $400s – Mid $400s
The Laurel Ridge community gives snowbirds the chance to escape the winter weather, while also allowing them to escape the everyday hustle. Made up of an intimate 41 single-family homes, this community lets its residents enjoy a slower pace and low-maintenance lifestyle. There are six floor plans available, ranging from 1,715 to 2,657 square feet with three to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two- or three-car garages.
Laurel Ridge is conveniently located near multiple shopping centers. Here, homeowners can easily grab any daily needs and conveniences. Residents looking to get outdoors can also visit several parks and greenspaces as well as golf courses.
Request more information about Laurel Ridge.
St. James Plantation – Southport, NC
Low $200s – Low $1Ms
Southport’s St. James Plantation is ideal for snowbirds who like to play golf. This gated community is home to four different golf courses, each with its own clubhouse and amenities like on-site restaurants. The community has plenty to offer those who don’t golf as well. St. James Plantation’s list of amenities includes a full-service marina with 151 boat slips, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, and more.
In addition to its extensive list of amenities, the neighborhood offers a vast selection of floor plans sized from 1,280 to 3,096 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and one- or two-car garages.
Request more information about St. James Plantation.
Johnson Manor – Mooresville, NC
Mid $200s – Mid $300s
With only 114 homes, Mooresville’s Johnson Manor is a great option for snowbirds who prefer to live in a small, tight-knit community. The five different floor plans within the active adult neighborhood range from 1,473 to 1,950 square feet and have two to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and two-car garages.
Notable amenities within Johnson Manor include a clubhouse with exercise, meeting, and reading rooms as well as a catering kitchen. Outside, residents can find a covered patio where residents can socialize, community gardens, and walking and biking trails. The community’s location also provides easy access to both Lake Norman and Uptown Charlotte.
Request more information about Johnson Manor.
Cresswind Charlotte – Charlotte, NC
Mid $200s – Mid $300s
Cresswind Charlotte not only offers snowbirds an enviable location that’s only 15 minutes from Charlotte, it also offers its residents the opportunity to downsize for the winter. Who wants to take care of a bunch of extra space when they don’t have to? The community’s single-level floor plans start as small as 1,500 square feet and have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two-car garages.
Without as many chores to take care of, residents have extra time to take advantage of Cresswind Charlotte’s amenities, which include a large clubhouse, a fitness center, a catering kitchen, and an indoor pool. They’ll also have access to several outdoor amenities, including an outdoor pool as well as tennis, pickleball, and bocce courts.
Request more information about Cresswind Charlotte.
The Landing at Rocklyn – Clemmons, NC
High $200s – Mid $300s
The Landing at Rocklyn is another option that will appeal to snowbirds who want to escape cold temps in a small town. Upon completion, The Landing at Rocklyn will have a total of 54 single-family, ranch-style homes. There will be three models available ranging from 1,673 to 1,883 square feet. Floor plans feature two to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two-car garages.
Community amenities include an outdoor pool, patio area, as well as pickleball courts.
