When winter arrives and temperatures drop, many snowbirds start heading south in search of sunshine and warmer days. North Carolina has become a top choice for seasonal residents thanks to its mild winters, scenic landscapes, and welcoming lifestyle. The state also boasts a wide variety of active adult communities, offering everything from prime coastal locations to golf course living and vibrant social calendars.
If you’re considering spending your winters in the Tar Heel State, here are some of the best communities in North Carolina for snowbirds to explore:
Trilogy Lake Norman – Denver, NC
High $400ks – Low $1Ms
Snowbirds who appreciate a wide range 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 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 offers a generously sized clubhouse with a restaurant, several gathering rooms, and a lounge. There are also numerous opportunities to stay physically active on the property for those who prefer to work out. Trilogy Lake Norman residents have access to a fitness center, an indoor lap pool, several athletic courts, and walking and biking trails.
Snowbirds who like to spend time on the water will appreciate the neighborhood’s short distance from Lake Norman. Also, the community is only a 30-minute drive from Charlotte.
Carolina Preserve – Cary, NC
High $400ks – High $700ks
Located in the Research Triangle, Carolina Preserve is ideal for snowbirds who want a charming town eith easy access to Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The age-restricted community has attached and single-family homes with floor plans ranging from 1,217 to 2,597 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 an expansive 34,000 square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, an indoor lap pool, a ballroom, a demonstration kitchen, and 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.
Compass Pointe – Leland, NC
Mid $400ks – Low $1Ms
Compass Pointe should be on any snowbird’s radar, especially those looking to hit the Atlantic. The community is situated within 10 minutes of historic Wilmington. This gated neighborhood features a combination of attached and single-family homes with dozens of. floor plans. Homes 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, Compass Pointe has an 18-hole golf course with 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. Outdoor amenities include a resort-style pool, a lake beach, a dog park, lighted tennis courts, and walking and biking trails.
Del Webb at Traditions – Wake Forest, NC
High $500ks – High $700ks
Snowbirds looking for a community with lots of amenities should consider Del Webb at Traditions in Wake Forest. This age-restricted neighborhood includes a clubhouse and fitness center, a coffee bar, an indoor pool and spa, and a 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. The nine floor plans offer two to four bedrooms, two to four-and-a-half baths, and two-car garages.
Carolina Arbors – Durham, NC
Low $400ks – Low $800ks
Carolina Arbors is conveniently located in the state’s Triangle Area, which gives snowbirds access to a wide variety of activities, shopping, dining, and entertainment. This 55+ community also offers single-family floor plans ranging from 1,152 to 2,562 square feet with 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 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.
Laurel Ridge – Carthage, NC
Mid $300ks – Mid $500ks
The Laurel Ridge community gives snowbirds the chance to escape the winter weather while also allowing them to escape the everyday hustle. Just 80 single-family homes, this community lets its residents enjoy a slower pace and a low-maintenance lifestyle. There are six floor plans ranging from 1,715 to 2,593 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. Also, residents looking to get outdoors can visit several parks and greenspaces as well as golf courses.
St. James Plantation – Southport, NC
Below $100k – Mid $2Ms
Southport’s St. James Plantation is ideal for snowbirds who like to play golf. This gated community is home to four golf courses, each with its own clubhouse and amenities like onsite 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 floor plans from 1,280 to 3,096 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and one- or two-car garages.
Johnson Manor – Mooresville, NC
Mid $300ks – Low $500ks
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 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, community gardens, and walking and biking trails. The community’s location also provides easy access to both Lake Norman and Uptown Charlotte.
Cresswind Charlotte – Charlotte, NC
High $300ks – Low $700ks
Cresswind Charlotte not only offers snowbirds an enviable location 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 you don’t have to? The community’s single-level floor plans start as small as 1,448 square feet with 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.
The Landing at Rocklyn – Clemmons, NC
Low $300ks – Mid $400ks
The Landing at Rocklyn is another option that will appeal to snowbirds who want to escape cold temperatures 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 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, a patio area, and pickleball courts.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Snowbird Home in North Carolina?
Whether you’re looking for a lakeside retreat, a beach-town getaway, or a cozy spot near a bustling city, North Carolina has a snowbird-friendly community to suit your lifestyle. With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect seasonal home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Let the experts at 55places.com guide you every step of the way.
Our team specializes in active adult communities and can help you explore your options, narrow down your search, and find the ideal snowbird home to match your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started!
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