Waxhaw, NC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Waxhaw is in southern North Carolina, about 7 miles from the South Carolina border and 20 miles south of Charlotte. Waxhaw is a great place to find active adult retirement living due to the numerous parks and trails, small town feel, recreational activities, and North Carolina’s low tax burden.

Climate

The Waxhaw area sees about 17 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of August. Average winter temperatures range from 34° to 50°. Summer in Waxhaw is very hot with summer temperatures averaging between 71° and 90° with 72% humidity.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

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

Historical sites and museums

• • JAARS Museum of the Alphabet
  • Historic Waxhaw Foot Bridge
  • Museum of the Waxhaws and Andrew Jackson Memorial

Outdoor activities

• • Cane Creek Park
  • Mineral Springs Greenway

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 Waxhaw homeowners is 0.73% of home value. Sales tax in Waxhaw is 6.75% of which 2% is Union County sales tax. Cost of living in Waxhaw is 4% higher than the national average, mostly due to housing being higher than average.

Health Care

Waxhaw’s closest medical centers are Novant Health Matthews Medical Center in Matthews, Atrium Health Pineville in Charlotte, and Atrium Health-Union in Monroe. All are within 15 miles of Waxhaw and are award winning hospitals.

Novant Health Matthews Medical Center is a 157 bed hospital with awards for stroke care, cardiac care, health equity, and maternity care. They are accredited by the American College of Cardiology, American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American College of Surgeons. 

Atrium Health Pineville has 235 beds and has been named as one of IBM Watson’s top 50 cardiovascular hospitals for 4 years in a row. They have also been named as one of the best rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. New & World Report.

Atrium Health-Union is a 157 bed acute care hospital. They have received recognition by U.S. News & World Report, American Hospital Association, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the American Heart Association.