Calabash, NC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Calabash is a small fishing town that is located in Coastal North Carolina, known as the "Seafood Capital of the World." Just an hour away from cities like Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, Calabash offers active adults peaceful, relaxed living near the ocean. 

Climate & Geography

The climate in Calabash is classified as humid subtropical, which means summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild with almost no snowfall. The town receives more sunny days and more rainfall than the national average. 

Calabash is located at the southernmost tip of North Carolina near the Atlantic Ocean, with the town’s southwestern edge along the state border of South Carolina. The Calabash River runs along Calabash’s southeastern border. Calabash was built on low-lying land on what is known as North Carolina’s coastal plain region.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Calabash residents looking to explore the area will find that they have several entertainment options. The surrounding area hosts a number of free outdoor concerts during the summer months. The area is also home to a number of golf courses for active adults to enjoy. Calabash is minutes away from beachfront cities like Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, making it easy to enjoy the sunshine during the warmer months.

Sunset River Marketplace is a local art studio and shop in Calabash. The shop sells artwork and jewelry exclusively crafted by artists from the Carolinas, and hosts a number of events throughout the year. There are several local dining options in Calabash, many of which are on the waterfront and feature the town's renowned Calabash-style seafood.

Calabash is just an hour drive from larger cities like Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, convenient for anyone that wants to experience the city life.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Calabash is lower than the state and national averages. The lower cost of housing in Calabash makes the biggest impact on decreasing the overall cost of living, although grocery and utility costs in Calabash are lower than the national average as well.

Income tax in North Carolina is 5.49 percent, and Social Security is not taxed. Property taxes in North Carolina are generally on the lower end of average.

Health Care

The Myrtle Beach area regularly scores very high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index.

Hospitals near Calabash include McLeod Seacoast Hospital and ER in Little River, South Carolina, and Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia, North Carolina. New Hanover Regional Medical Center, located in Wilmington, North Carolina, is ranked as the No. 10 hospital in the state and is rated high performing in six procedures/conditions according to U.S. News.