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Best Places to Retire in North Carolina

Best Places to Retire in North Carolina
Do you want to retire in North Carolina? Below are our recommendations for the best places to retire in North Carolina. Click on the destination links to find area description and characteristics, area amenities and things to do, climate and weather, housing options, cost of living, senior assistance, area demographics and job & volunteer opportunities.

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retire in Hickory MetroHickory Metro, North Carolina - Hickory is located in Catawba County in the foothills of western North Carolina. The city encompasses a total area of 29.8 square miles of which 29.7 miles is land and 0.08 square miles is water (Lake Hickory). The city's population is approximately 40,000 and growing. Hickory is well known for its lush, scenic beauty as well as its small town charm.


retire in Mount AiryMount Airy, North Carolina - Mount Airy, North Carolina is a city of just over 10,000 people located in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest North Carolina. Mayberry RFD icon Andy Griffith grew up in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and it's no coincidence that a stroll down Mount Airy's Main Street reminds people of the town of Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show.

retire in Blowing RockBlowing Rock, North Carolina - Blowing Rock is a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina known for scenic beauty and friendly charm. Blowing Rock is located on the Eastern Continental Divide and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pisgah National Forest, giving residents and visitors access to gorgeous views and myriad outdoor activities.


retire in High Point, Piedmont Triad AreaHigh Point, Piedmont Triad Area, North Carolina - The local businesses, lovely neighborhoods, and beautiful parks and lakes make the perfect recipe to accommodate your lifestyle. As the 37th largest metro area, the cost of living is among the lowest in the nation. Greater High Point is centrally located in the Piedmont, anchored by four major interstate highways.

retire in Wilkes CountyWilkes County, North Carolina - Friendly people, mountain views, rich history, outdoor recreation, and charming downtowns welcome those looking to live or retire in the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina. Located only a short drive to Winston-Salem and Charlotte, the Wilkesboros are accessible with a major highway access leading to the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.


retire in Wilson, North CarolinaWilson, North Carolina, North Carolina - Wilson, North Carolina has a population base of 80,000 full of southern charm, wonderful attractions, a diverse economy, historic downtown with rich historic efforts and preservation.

retire in DurhamDurham, North Carolina - A unique mix of rich history, pioneering achievements, and diverse culture – that's what makes Durham the kind of place that is always engaging. The national accolades it's earned as a place to live, work, and play only prove what anyone who's been here has already experienced – and experience is the key.

retire in Moore CountyMoore County, North Carolina - While it’s impossible to accurately rank all of Moore County’s incredible assets, its location has to be near the top of the list. Located on the eastern seaboard, halfway between New York and Miami, Moore County sits just south of one the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States—Raleigh-Durham, NC.

retire in Lake NormanLake Norman, North Carolina - Nestled on the banks of beautiful Lake Norman are the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville. These unique towns present a wide array of leisure amenities for visitors and guests including shopping, golfing, NASCAR, fishing and other water activities.

retire in Piedmont-TriadPiedmont-Triad, North Carolina - The City of Asheboro, named an All-America City by the National Civic League, is conveniently located in the Heart of North Carolina approximately 70 miles from the capital Raleigh, and Charlotte.

retire in Knightdale, Eastern Wake CountyKnightdale, Eastern Wake County, North Carolina - Knightdale is a great place for new beginnings. Our research for a comprehensive branding campaign that included input from hundreds of engaged Knightdale residents. Knightdale has a lot going for it: *We're one of the fastest-growing communities in the Triangle metro region. *Our median age (30.8) is the youngest in Wake County.

retire in South AtlanticSouth Atlantic, North Carolina - Nestled among Apex, Cary and Fuquay-Varina, all towns experiencing growth from the heavily populated Raleigh and Research Triangle Park areas, Holly Springs is rapidly growing. The Town of less than 1,000 just two decades ago in 1990 has grown to more than 30,000.

retire in Winston-Salem RegionWinston-Salem Region, North Carolina - We are in the foothills of NC. We have a historic area and a city area and a countryside area in our community. We are called the Triad area of North Carolina. We are between the mountains of Asheville (about 3 hours away and the beach which is about 4 hours away from us). We have lots of retirement communities scattered throughout different parts of the Triad area.

retire in FayettevilleFayetteville, North Carolina - The population of the Fayetteville area, which includes Fort Bragg and Pope Field, is just over 300,000. Fayetteville, with over 203,000 residents, is Cumberland County's county seat and its largest municipality. Fayetteville is the 6th largest city and the 5th largest metropolitan area in North Carolina. It is among the fastest-growing areas in the state.

retire in Yancey CountyYancey County, North Carolina - Beautiful mountain area located in the Black Mountain Range of Western North Carolina

retire in SandhillsSandhills, North Carolina - Very rural area.

retire in Transylvania CountyTransylvania County, North Carolina - Transylvania County is known best for its over 250 waterfalls. People have visited this area for decades seeking out that most beautiful of cascades. Many have stayed after falling in love with the natural beauty of this area. After all, Transylvania County is about 50% protected public land. Brevard is the county seat of Transylvania County and is a vibrant, charming, Main Street town.

retire in McDowell CountyMcDowell County, North Carolina - AREA: County - 442 sq. mi. Approx. 75% of land is forested, 67,000 acres of which is Pisgah National Forest lands. Lake James, the first lake on the Catawba River, was built in 1920’s and includes 150 miles of shoreline.

retire in Tarboro, Edgecombe CountyTarboro, Edgecombe County, North Carolina - Beautifully historic region. Agriculture abounds with fields of cotton, sage and sweet potatoes. the Tar River runs through the entirety of Edgecombe County. Tarboro is the county seat recognized for it's 45-block historic district and Colonial Town Common (as Boston).

retire in Lake Chatuge-Clay CountyLake Chatuge-Clay County, North Carolina - 132 miles of lake shoreline, hiking trails, bicycle trails. Also mountain trails for hiking, camping and horse-back riding. Trout and Bass fishing in our lake and Hiawassee river and various other streams. Camping along the lake side. Cabins to rent and 2 motels and large retreat to stay in. Home of the famous "NC Punkin Chunkin" event every 3rd weekend in October.


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