9 Most Comfortable Towns in North Carolina for Seniors
With its stunning coastline to the east and the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, North Carolina has it all. Thanks to its diverse topography, relatively low cost of living, and pleasant weather, it is no surprise that the Tarheel State is a popular place for retirees. Are you deciding where to put down roots in your retirement years? Explore these nine towns to see which part of North Carolina is calling your name.
Pinehurst
Magnolia Place in the center of Pinehurst Village, Pinehurst, NC. Editorial credit: KAD Photo / Shutterstock.com
If your retirement plans revolve around perfecting your golf swing, there is no better North Carolina town for you than Pinehurst. Known as the “Golf Capital” of the US, there are over 40 courses in the area for all skill levels, with one of the most popular places to tee off being Pinehurst Resort. Seniors living on a fixed income will also love that the average cost of living in the town is 6.1% lower than the national average, and it has a lower-than-average crime rate as well.
If you are not a golfer, there is still plenty to love about living in Pinehurst. The Sandhills Horticultural Gardens span 32 acres and offer a relaxing way to spend time outdoors without picking up a golf club. Do you want to build a community in your senior years? Quail Haven Village is a quaint retirement community that helps local seniors live their best lives with a focus on wellness and enrichment activities like seated yoga classes and card nights.
Hickory
Main square in downtown Hickory, NC. Editorial credit: J. Michael Jones / Shutterstock.com
Another popular town for North Carolina seniors, Hickory, is about an hour northwest of Charlotte. With an average home price of $285,180, Hickory is as affordable as it is charming. Museum-lovers will find plenty of ways to spend their time, whether exploring the history of flight at the Hickory Aviation Museum or learning about animal habitats at the Catawba Science Center.
Staying active as you age can be challenging, but the city of Hickory makes it easy with the Unifour Senior Games. For over 30 years, the town has welcomed seniors from nearby counties to participate in 65 athletic events ranging from swimming to pickleball and corn hole. To help you prepare for the games, go for a light jog in Bakers Mountain Park, which features around six miles of trails.
Marion
McDowell County Courthouse in Marion, NC. Editorial credit: J. Michael Jones / Shutterstock.com
When you want to experience life in the mountains but are looking for the slow-paced life of a small town, consider Marion. Just over half an hour from Asheville, Marion has picturesque views without the hustle and bustle of a major tourist attraction. Thanks to the Mission Hospital McDowell, seniors in Marion can get the healthcare services they need right in town. The hospital specializes in cardiology, outpatient physical rehabilitation, and more, offering retirees peace of mind.
One of the area’s most unique attractions is Linville Caverns, where you can explore stalactite and stalagmite formations at a comfortable 52°F year-round. On weekends from May to October, head to the Marion Tailgate Market, which features local merchants selling baked goods, crafts, and more. Known for its moonshine, take a tour of the Copper Creek Distillery, where you can enjoy free tastings from Thursday to Saturday.
New Bern
Sidewalk with benches in New Bern, NC. Editorial credit: Wileydoc / Shutterstock.com
Another affordable North Carolina town for seniors is New Bern, which boasts a 16.4% lower average cost of living compared to the rest of the US. Situated on the Neuse River in the eastern part of the state, New Bern helps promote a healthy lifestyle for residents with its robust medical facilities and annual health fairs.
The town’s Senior Activity Center is a fun place to spend time with peers, whether you prefer to play a round of board games, practice oil painting, or simply have some social time while you sip on a cup of coffee. History fans will love exploring the North Carolina History Center, where you can learn about New Bern’s 300-year past. If you prefer to do your exploring outside, head to the 2.7-mile loop at Island Creek Forest Walk Trail, which is a popular site for birdwatchers.
Carolina Beach
Aerial view of Carolina Beach, North Carolina.
What could be better than spending your golden years by the water? As far as coastal living goes, Carolina Beach is slightly less expensive than the national average, and it is a convenient 20-minute drive from the larger city of Wilmington.
Life is nothing without a bit of sweetness, so head to the town’s famous shop for a sweet treat: Britts Donut Shop, which opened in 1939. When you are hanging out with your grandkids, stop into the Carolina Beach Arcade, where you can play fun games head-to-head and cash in on small prizes. Of course, the main appeal of living in a beach town is spending time by the water, and Carolina Beach has a lovely boardwalk with hanging swings where you can take in an early morning sunrise.
Boone
Main Street in Boone, North Carolina. Editorial credit: J. Michael Jones / Shutterstock.com
If you prefer the mountains to the beach, head west to Boone, which is a bustling town for seniors. The area has several independent living facilities and memory care centers that cater to seniors of all kinds. When you want to feel like you have stepped back in time, visit the Hickory Ridge History Museum, which features the country’s longest-running Revolutionary War outdoor drama production.
From June to August, head to the Jones House Cultural Center for the town’s summer concert series, which are free and feature local and regional acts that perform nearly every genre of music. Your grandkids will love Tweetsie Railroad, Boone’s train-themed amusement park with rides, live entertainment, and a small zoo.
Black Mountain
Close-up of Town Hardware and General Store in Black Mountain, NC.
Another beautiful Western North Carolina town to explore is Black Mountain. Since 2007, the Lakeview Center for Active Aging has offered local retirees a convenient place to spend their golden years. The center has a walking path and fishing spots, and it even offers catered hot lunches in addition to weekly activities like Spanish conversation practice.
The downtown area is another popular spot, with its cafes and nostalgic shops like the Town Hardware & General Store. During the fall, there is no better place to enjoy the view of the changing leaves than Lake Tomahawk Park, with its walking trail, lake, and tennis courts. Theater lovers should check out the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, which features local productions of popular shows like A Christmas Carol.
Washington
Looking west down Main Street in Washington, NC. Editorial credit: Kyle J Little / Shutterstock.com
About half an hour east of Greenville sits the small town of Washington, near the Pamlico River. With an average home price of $236,260, Washington is one of the more affordable places to live in North Carolina, especially for budget-conscious seniors.
If you want to add to your art collection in retirement, you’ll love Washington’s River Walk Gallery, which features original pieces by local artists. Avid campers can head to Goose Creek State Park, which has tent sites, cabins, and RV hookups, in addition to swimming spots and hiking trails. For those who prefer to interact with wildlife in a more controlled environment, the North Carolina Estuarium has over 200 exhibits with aquariums and interactive displays.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. Editorial credit: J. Michael Jones / Shutterstock.com
Nothing quite captures the idea of “small-town life in America” quite like the fictional town of Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show. Fortunately, the real hometown of Andy Griffith that inspired Mayberry is Mount Airy, and it is just as charming. Best of all, it has a low average cost of living so that you can enjoy the TV-worthy town even on a budget.
You can feel like you are part of your favorite TV show with a visit to the Mayberry Replica Courthouse on Main Street, which is perfect for photo ops. However, even if you are not a fan of the show, there is still plenty to love about Mount Airy. Riverside Park features a canoe launch and greenway where you can soak up some vitamin D. When you want to sip on your favorite glass of wine, head to Round Peak Vineyards, which has picturesque views and a collection of wines, ciders, and beers.
Spend Your Golden Years in Beautiful North Carolina
Whether you want to enjoy the beach, mountains, or the slow pace of a small town in your retirement years, North Carolina is full of comfortable spots for seniors. From teeing off on some of the most impressive golf courses in the country to exploring trails amidst the changing leaves, the Tarheel State is welcoming for seniors and their families. Now, the hardest decision you’ll have to make is whether to settle on the coast or in the mountains.
