Top 18 Ideal Retirement Destinations in North Carolina

In this article, we highlight the top 18 retirement locations in North Carolina. If you prefer to jump straight to our top-ranked picks, visit the 5 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina.

North Carolina: The Emerging Hub for Retirement

As per a report from the U-Haul Holding Company (NYSE:UHAL), Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas are the leading growth states for 2022 in the US. The report highlights North Carolina’s significant progress, ranking it fourth in growth, a massive leap from its 19th position in 2021. The U-Haul Growth Index measures the net gain of U-Haul one-way trucks arriving versus departing, providing an accurate depiction of a city or state’s capacity to attract and retain residents. North Carolina, known as the Tar Heel state, shows promising results in this aspect.

“North Carolina is great for people who like to spend time outdoors. We have everything from beautiful coastal areas and the Outer Banks in the eastern part of the state, to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west. Living here is affordable and offers access to just about anything families could want or need.”

– Brandy Christie, U-Haul Holding Company (NYSE:UHAL) of Raleigh president

A study by Hire a Helper states that 12% of American retirees who have moved, have done so in search of cheaper housing. With this in mind, North Carolina ranks second with 9.6% (one in ten) of retirees choosing the state for their retirement moves.

Why Choose North Carolina for Retirement?

Retiring to North Carolina offers several advantages for retirees. One of the key benefits of retiring to North Carolina is its affordable cost of living. As per the MERIC Index 2023, North Carolina’s living cost is 3.8% lower than the national average. The state also offers tax exemptions on all Social Security retirement benefits.

Best Places to Retire in North Carolina

We have compiled a list of the best places to retire in North Carolina using data from sources such as Travel and Leisure, US News & World Report, and New Home Source. Here are our top picks:

18. Wilmington: Offers a vibrant port city lifestyle with a cost of living 4% lower than the national average.
17. Carolina Beach: A coastal town with a relaxed pace of life and a cost of living 1.9% lower than the US average.
16. Beaufort: A coastal landscape offering plenty to do for retirees with a cost of living 0.7% lower than the national average.
15. Elizabeth City: Known for its friendly community and affordable cost of living, 15.6% lower than the national average.

You can continue reading to see our top 5 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina.

Disclosure: none. 18 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina is originally published on Insider Monkey.


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