Bolivia, NC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Active adult retirees retire to Bolivia to enjoy easy access to North Carolina beaches, beautiful natural recreational areas and abundant opportunities for golfing. Bolivia area retirement communities offer luxurious in home amenities, as well as common areas with both indoor and outdoor recreational options. North Carolina taxes are favorable for retirees and while summers are hot winters are mild and comfortable.

Climate & Geography

Bolivia is a small town in the southeast part of North Carolina, it lies 18 miles southeast of Wilmington and 53 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach. The town takes up less than one square mile and as of the 2020 census has a population of 149 people. The area sees about 44 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of August. Average winter temperatures range from 43° to 55°. Summer in Bolivia is hot with summer temperatures averaging between 77° and 87° with 77% humidity.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

There are a variety of leisure options for active adults in the Bolivia area, including:

Art & performances

• • Odell Williamson Auditorium

Historical sites and museums

• • Orton Plantation
  • Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson state historic site

Outdoor activities

• • Brunswick County Botanical Gardens
  • Carolina National Golf Club
  • Green Swamp Nature Preserve
  • Lakes Country Club

Cost of Living & Taxes

North Carolina has a slightly lower than average tax burden on its residents. The state income tax has recently changed from a graduated income based tax to a flat tax rate of 4.99%. Social Security is not taxed and if you are over 65 up to $35,000 of your retirement income is tax exempt.

State sales and property taxes vary by area. There are no sales tax exemptions for groceries, but prescription drugs are tax free. The average property tax for Bolivia homeowners is 0.49% of home value. Sales tax in Bolivia is 6.75% of which 2% is Brunswick County sales tax. Cost of living in Bolivia is 21% lower than the national average, mostly due to housing being significantly lower than average.

Health Care

The two closest hospitals to Bolivia are Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia which is rated as high performing in hip fracture treatment. Dosher Memorial Hospital is in Southport and is also rated high performing in hip fracture treatment. The other hospital in the larger area is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, a Level II trauma center which is over 20 miles away in Wilmington, NC.