Garner, NC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Garner is a mid-sized suburban town in North Carolina, 40 miles south of the Virginia border. Its prime location and historic appeal have made it an attractive option for retirees. Besides that, the city is within driving distance of Raleigh and is home to a variety of natural attractions, such as state parks and lakes. 

Climate & Geography

A suburb of Raleigh, Garner is located in Central North Carolina. Summers are sunny and hot, while winters are mild with little to no snow. Residents can expect more rain than the national average and over 200 sunny days a year. 

Garner is built mostly on prairieland, but it is in driving distance of different terrains such as mountains, beaches, and nature preserves. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

In Garner, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and interact with nature. Some popular areas include Lake Benson Park, Garner Veteran’s Memorial, Garner Recreational Park, and more. At these locations, residents can go hiking, biking, camping, sightseeing, and fishing. 

Downtown, residents will find a number of restaurants and breweries, as well as a movie theater. Notable amenities in the city include Garner Performing Arts Center, Conundrum Escapes LLC, and the Rush Hour Karting Center. These and other locations offer activities for the whole family. Also, Garner is within 15 minutes of Raleigh, where retirees can find plenty more attractions and recreational activities. 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Garner is about the same as the national average and only slightly higher than the rest of North Carolina. The costs of housing, groceries, and utilities for Garner are below the U.S average.

North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits, and homeowners 65 and older may qualify for an Elderly Exclusion on property taxes. The sales tax rate for North Carolina is 4.75 percent, and Garner does add a 3 percent tax on top of that rate. 

Health Care 

The Raleigh metro area ranks in the top 45 communities on Gallup’s Well-Being Index.

There are 11 hospitals and medical centers within a 20 mile radius of Garner. Of these, there are four that are rated high performing by U.S News. They are WakeMed Health and Hospitals-Raleigh Campus, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Johnston Health-Smithfield, and UNC Rex Hospital, which is rated high performing in nine procedures and conditions.