Raleigh-Durham Area, NC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Raleigh-Durham Area Climate & Geography

55+ communities in Raleigh, NC, experience a humid climate with average yearly daytime temperatures in the 70s. Summers are warm and humid, with daytime temperatures reaching the high 80s. Only in January and February do the nighttime temperatures regularly dip. They get just below freezing with occasional snow or ice, due to the higher altitudes of the Piedmont region.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in the Raleigh-Durham Area

Raleigh-Durham's sunny weather means that outdoor activities are plenty and diverse. There are more than enough golf courses in the area. But, if you ever want a change of scenery, Myrtle Beach, the Golf Capital of the World, is just a short drive away. Additionally, there are plenty of sports events and entertainment at Duke University in Durham and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Beaches are also within an easy drive from the Raleigh-Durham 55+ communities, as is Orientals Intracoastal Waterway. Other popular outdoor activities retirees can find include tennis, biking, horseback riding, and hiking in the Piedmont.

Raleigh-Durham Area Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living within a 55+ community in Durham, NC, or Raleigh, NC, is average. North Carolina is tax-friendly to retirees, with an income tax rate of 4.5% in 2024 and further reductions to come. North Carolina does not tax Social Security income, nor does it have an estate tax. The counties of North Carolina tax real estate independently.

Health Care in the Raleigh-Durham Area

There are 46 hospitals in the area, including 6 Duke University Health System hospitals, a leading health care organization.

Continuing a physically and socially active lifestyle is part of the high quality of life the area has to offer residents. Many who move to a North Carolina 55+ community enjoy staying involved in work. Central North Carolina's highly diverse economy makes it easy for active seniors to find jobs in many fields.

Retiring in the Raleigh-Durham Area FAQs

What are the best places to retire in the Raleigh-Durham area?

Durham, Raleigh, Cary, and Clayton are popular areas in the area that retirees settle in. Here are a few communities for adults 55 and older that residents rate highly:

• Carolina Preserve
• Creekside at Bethpage
• The Walk at East Village

These communities offer residents resort-style living with clubhouse amenities, fitness centers, pickleball courts, various floor plans, and more.

How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in the Raleigh-Durham area?

As of 2023, the average cost of residing in an age-restricted community is between $1,500 to $4,000 per month. This is due to HOA fees, onsite amenities, security services, and other expenses.