Overview
Stanley is a town in Central North Carolina along the Catawba River. Its low cost of living and rural setting have made it an attractive option for retirees. Besides that, it is also within driving distance to Charlotte, giving residents a comfortable balance between small-town charm and big city excitement.
Climate & Geography
The town has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to mild winters. Residents can expect more rainfall than average, almost no snowfall, and approximately 210 sunny days throughout each year.
Stanley is situated northwest of the Charlotte metro area. The main downtown area of Stanley is well developed and made up of residential and commercial neighborhoods, while the rest of the surrounding terrain is mostly flat, low-lying land with heavily forested areas on the outskirts of the town.
Recreation, Culture & Entertainment
Stanley’s town center is populated with local businesses ranging from antique shops to restaurants, and even art galleries. The Town Hall offers bingo nights, field trips, and monthly events for residents to enjoy.
The town has four local parks: Plum St. Community Park, Thompson Park, Parkwood Community Park, and Harper Park. These are great for a family outing, hosting a barbecue, and even just sitting back and enjoying the breeze. Those in search of world-class amenities and a metropolitan city, are in luck, Charlotte is located less than an hour drive away.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Stanley is lower than the state and national averages, with the cost of health care being the only index that is just above the average.
North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits, and homeowners who are 65+ may qualify for an exemption on property taxes. The sales tax rate for North Carolina is 4.75 percent, and Stanley adds a 3 percent tax on top of that rate.
Health Care
Stanley’s main hospital is CaroMont Regional Medical Center. The Charlotte metro area ranks among the top 50 communities in Gallup’s Well-Being Index, and is home to four highly rated hospitals, two of which are nationally ranked by U.S. News: Carolinas Medical Center and Levine Children’s Hospital.