Is North Carolina a Good Place To Retire? Explore Pros & Cons
Written by Jordan McElwain — Updated: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Learn about retirement in North Carolina, from taxes and income to lifestyle choices
Those who retire in North Carolina gain access to natural beauty, charming small towns, and vibrant cities bursting with creativity. This growing retirement destination has gorgeous mountains, relaxing beaches, and warm southern hospitality.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of retiring in North Carolina. We’ll also dive into the details of safety, climate, housing options, healthcare, and more to give you a full picture of what a North Carolina retirement could look like.
Pros and cons of retiring in North Carolina
Here’s a closer look at what makes North Carolina a great place to retire and drawbacks you should want to consider before packing your bags.
Pros
Tax-friendly policies for retirees: Social Security retirement benefits are exempt from income taxes. Retirement income from retirement accounts and pensions is taxed at 4.5%, which is lower than the national average. Property taxes are also relatively low, with an average property tax rate of 0.73%.
Many affordable areas: Compared to other East Coast states like New York and Florida, North Carolina offers a relatively low cost of living. Housing and rental prices are more affordable than most states, and the cost of everyday expenses—like groceries, utilities, and transportation—tend to be lower. This makes it easier for retirees to live comfortably on a fixed income. My good friends’ parents actually retired to North Carolina to enjoy waterfront property at a fraction of the cost they’d find in Florida.
Growing retirement community: With more retirees relocating to North Carolina each year, the state has a growing number of adult communities. These communities are designed with retirees in mind, offering amenities like golf courses, fitness centers, and social clubs.
Outdoor activities: With a variety of landscapes ranging from the beaches of the Outer Banks to the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, golfing, and swimming.
Cons
High healthcare costs: While North Carolina has some excellent healthcare facilities, it has relatively expensive healthcare costs. Insurance premiums, medical care, and prescription costs can add up, taking money away from your retirement savings.
Humidity and pollen: Summers are very hot and humid and the spring brings high levels of pollen, which can be a huge drawback for those with seasonal allergies.
Hurricane risk: North Carolina’s coastal regions are at high risk for hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. As hurricanes worsen, you may want to think twice about where you choose to settle.
Limited public transportation: While larger cities like Raleigh and Charlotte have public transportation options, many parts of North Carolina, especially smaller towns and rural areas do not.
Safety in North Carolina
North Carolina is generally a safe state with many low-crime communities, but, like any place, crime rates can vary depending on the area. Pinehurst, Whispering Pines, and Davidson were ranked as some of the safest cities to live in in 2024.
It’s important to get a feel for the area you’re considering retiring in and look at the local crime statistics. Unfortunately, crime rates in North Carolina are slightly above average and have increased over the past couple of years.
Climate and outdoor recreation in North Carolina
North Carolina’s climate is the biggest draw for retirees. While summers can be excessively hot and humid, you do get four distinct seasons—and winters are relatively warm. Here are the seasonal temperature averages:
Spring: Between 60°F to 80°F
Summer: Between 80°F to 90°F
Fall: Between 40°F to 70°F
Winter: Between 30°F and 50°F in the mountains and 40°F to 60°F in coastal areas
This range of temperatures allows retirees to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. North Carolina is home to a number of national parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Whether you’re into fishing, kayaking, or birdwatching, North Carolina offers world-class outdoor activities to suit every interest. The state also boasts some of the best golf courses in the country, especially in places like Pinehurst.
Housing and cost of living in North Carolina
One of the most significant advantages of retiring in North Carolina is the affordability. The cost of living is 5% lower than the national average, and housing costs are 14% below the national average, making it a more affordable choice when compared to other popular retirement destinations.
There are many housing options available, ranging from modern apartments in cities like Charlotte or Raleigh to cozy homes in suburban neighborhoods, or even spacious houses in rural settings. For those looking to downsize or live in a retirement community, North Carolina has over 650 assisted living facilities, 67 continuing care retirement communities, and a variety of active adult communities.
The average price for an existing home in North Carolina was around $390,000 in 2024, slightly below the national average of $404,500. However, the average cost of an assisted living facility in North Carolina is $5,769—slightly above the national average of $5,511.
Retirement taxes in North Carolina
North Carolina is considered a semi-tax-friendly state for retirees. While the state does not tax Social Security benefits, it does tax withdrawals from retirement accounts and pensions. Here’s a breakdown of taxes to consider:
State income tax: The state has a flat income tax rate of 4.25% as of 2025, which is relatively moderate compared to many other states.
Sales tax: The state sales tax rate is 4.75%, but local taxes can increase the total rate to as high as 7.5%.
Property tax: The average property tax rate in North Carolina is .82%, lower than the national average. However, property taxes can vary by county.
Some retirees may qualify for the Homestead Property Exemption. This option is for permanently disabled adults in North Carolina over 65 with low income. The program excludes a portion of the appraised value of a home from being included in property taxes, helping them to save money.
Quality of healthcare in North Carolina
Access to quality healthcare is a key consideration for retirees, and North Carolina has a mixed reputation. While the state has a number of top-rated hospitals and medical centers, healthcare costs are relatively high, there are limited nurse practitioners, and access to care in more rural areas can be limited.
The state is ranked eighth in the nation for high healthcare premiums, and the overall cost of healthcare can be a concern for retirees.
Medicare in North Carolina
Once you reach age 65, you’re eligible for Medicare. Over 2 million people in North Carolina are on Medicare. 86% of North Carolina Medicare beneficiaries are on Medicare due to age—the other 14% quality due to certain disabilities.
Most people enroll in Medicare for the first time during their Initial Enrollment Period, which is a 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday. During this time, you first sign up for Original Medicare, which is made up of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Once you’re enrolled, you can choose to stay on Original Medicare or leave Original Medicare for one of several Medicare Advantage plans in North Carolina. There are several factors to consider, and we recommend getting a full understanding of Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage to ensure you choose the right healthcare coverage for your situation.
The best places to retire in North Carolina
With so many great cities to choose from for retiring in North Carolina, deciding between vibrant city life, peaceful country life, or something in between can be difficult. Here are some of the best places for older adults to consider:
Raleigh: The state capital offers a perfect balance of urban amenities, cultural attractions, and high-quality healthcare. It’s near Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With top universities and a thriving arts scene, Raleigh is a great place for retirees who want to stay active and engaged.
Charlotte: Known for its sports scene and cultural offerings, Charlotte is a bustling city that still maintains a relatively low cost of living. It’s ideal for those who want a more urban lifestyle while still enjoying southern charm.
Asheville: Known for scenic mountain views, great weather, and its creative atmosphere, Asheville is a charming city for artsy retirees. It has many cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s near various hiking trails and access to the Blue Ridge Mountains Highway.
Winston-Salem: Winston-Salem is the wine region of North Carolina. It has long summers and a slow-paced life with various small-town city centers and beautiful vineyards.
Boone: This small town in the Appalachian Mountains is ideal for retirees who prefer a quieter, more rural lifestyle. Boone has a laid-back atmosphere with great accessibility to supreme hiking trails and mountain scenery.
Wilmington: This coastal city has a mild climate, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed environment. The vibrant downtown area has a riverwalk, art galleries, and various restaurants. It has a lower cost of living when compared to other coastal retirement destinations and is accessible to major highways and airports.
Resources for retirees in North Carolina
North Carolina offers many resources to help retirees settle into their new lifestyle. The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) provides programs for healthcare and long-term care. Additionally, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers eligible retirees vouchers for fresh produce at local farmers’ markets.
The state also has over 170 senior centers that offer a variety of social, health, and fitness programs for retirees, helping retirees maintain an excellent quality of life.
Retiring in North Carolina
North Carolina is a great place to spend your golden years. The state is semi-tax-friendly and has slightly below national average home prices. It also offers a range of lifestyles from city living to more rural mountain and coastal locations.
Still considering your retirement plans? Check out our guides to Virginia, Washington, DC, Nevada, Delaware, and Tennessee.