Charlotte, NC is a mid-size city with all the luxuries you’d typically find in a bigger city, but without the hassles that come along with a larger metropolis. In the Queen City—as it is adoringly called by locals—you’ll find a wide array of museums, performing art theaters, delectable restaurants, boozy breweries, and plenty of sights to see.
And, let’s not forget all the professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, and the Charlotte Knights, the minor league baseball team for the Chicago White Sox. Along with all of the cultural amenities and entertainment, the city is also home to top-notch medical facilities and an international airport.
However, even with all the city has to offer its residents there are still affordable 55+ communities within a short drive of the city’s center that is perfect for retirement. Here are five communities near Charlotte with houses currently on the market for around $250K.
Ridge Road Villas – Charlotte, NC
Low $200s – Mid $200s
The small community of Ridge Road Villas located in Charlotte’s University area is comprised of only 72 attached, ranch-style homes. Built between 2007 and 2014 by Epcon Communities, Ridge Road Villas offers four floor plans for residents to choose between, and each plan features a great room, sunroom, courtyard, and two-car garages. Home sizes range from 1,733 to 2,335 square feet.
The neighborhood is ideal for potential homebuyers looking for low-maintenance living as the community handles both home and lawn maintenance. For residents who want to stay in shape, there are several ways to do so. In addition to an expansive exercise room, there’s an outdoor pool for a leisurely swim or the option to walk or bike on the community’s trails. Beyond the amenities at the Vineyards, residents can also enjoy its convenient location with several shopping and dining choices nearby.
The Gables at Kepley Farm – Salisbury
High $100s – Low $200s
Located about 45 miles from Uptown Charlotte in the historic town of Salisbury sits the age-restricted community The Gables at Kepley Farm. The neighborhood is comprised of 260 single-family homes that are available as new or resales. All homes are single-level, but range in size starting at 1,500 square feet to 1,900 square feet of living space and vary between Spencer Lane Construction’s four designs.
While the neighborhood has a wealth of amenities for residents to take advantage of, one of the most impressive is the 4,000 square-foot clubhouse, which features a cozy great room with a grand fireplace, big-screen TV, plus, a hobby and game room. Nearby residents will find eight golf courses, High Rock Lake, several large parks, and museums waiting to be explored.
The Villages at Oak Tree – Mooresville
Low $200s – Mid $200s
Just about 30 minutes outside of Charlotte sits the charming town of Mooresville, which moves at a slower pace than the city, but is close enough for residents to easily take advantage of all the city’s amenities. Within Mooresville, active adults will find the close-knit community known as The Villages at Oak Tree — a 55+ community with less than 200 homes that include single-family and attached options.
Originally built in 1999 homebuyers can take their pick from resale homes built by the Bonanza Development Corp. Houses range in size from 1,100 to 1,500 square feet of living space on one floor. Floor plans also feature large master suites.
Amenities within the neighborhood include a clubhouse, exercise room, multi-purpose room, and a library that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying a good book. Staying physically fit is an easy task for residents with walking and biking trails spread throughout the property. There’s also a scenic pond to take a stroll around. As an added perk, there’s a dedicated lot to store residents’ boats and RVs.
