Many retirees are drawn to living in North Carolina — a state that offers warm summers and moderately cool winters, as well as a blend of cultural amenities and outdoor activities. Jump to the best places to retire in North Carolina or keep reading to learn what makes the state a good place to retire.

Is North Carolina a good place to retire?

North Carolina can be a great place to retire for seniors looking for moderate weather, a vibrant cultural scene, and many ways to explore the great outdoors. According to Empower research, almost one-third of Americans plan to save money when they retire by moving to another city or state. Many retirees find North Carolina a good place to retire not only for the way of life, but also the affordable cost of living in many areas. Plus, the state offers several tax-friendly perks to residents over 65: Social Security income is not taxed, an enhanced homestead extension is available for seniors, and there are no inheritance or estate taxes.¹

Does North Carolina tax Social Security?

In North Carolina, Social Security income is exempt from state income taxes, though retirees may still owe federal income taxes on a portion of their Social Security benefits. Other forms of retirement income, such as wages, pensions, capital gains, or withdrawals from retirement accounts, are generally taxed as individual income at 4.5%.²

North Carolina homestead exemption for over 65s

North Carolina offers an Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exemption for North Carolina residents who: (1) are 65 or over, (2) own property and make the home their primary residence, and (3) do not exceed the income limit of $37,900. Those who qualify may receive an exclusion of either $25,000 or 50% of the taxable value of the residence — whichever is greater.³

Best places to retire in North Carolina

Here are 10 of the best places to live in North Carolina for retirees based on the state’s population, housing, cost of living and healthcare, and amenities.^4,5,6,7

Asheville 

• Population: 94,992
• Share of population 65+: 19.2%
• Median home value: $484,190
• Cost of living vs. national average: 3% higher
• Cost of living vs state average: 2% higher
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: 2% higher
• Amenities score: C+

Asheville is the perfect city for retirees seeking a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a four-season climate. While the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, the city is still relatively affordable compared to other major cities.  One of the best places to retire in the North Carolina mountains, Asheville is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and national forests. Plus, almost 1 in 5 Asheville residents are over 65, making it easy for new retirees to find community. 

Chapel Hill

• Population: 64,028
• Share of population 65+: 12.5%
• Median home value: $647,331
• Cost of living vs. national average: 4% higher
• Cost of living vs state average: 4% higher
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: 9% higher
• Amenities score: A+

Chapel Hill offers small-town charm with the perks of city living, with a cost of living just above the national average. This college town boasts A+ amenities for younger and older Americans alike, including great restaurants, a bustling arts scene, and beautiful parks and recreational spaces. Located just two hours from the ocean or the mountains, Chapel Hill residents can enjoy access to different landscapes.

As part of the larger Research Triangle area of Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, the city boasts many opportunities for retirees to further their education and is home to the UNC Medical Center.

Charlotte

• Population: 943,476
• Share of population 65+: 10.8%
• Median home value: $405,421
• Cost of living vs. national average: 1% lower
• Cost of living vs state average: 2% lower
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: Equal to national average
• Amenities score: A+

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, offering a mix of Southern charm and abundant amenities. The city is relatively affordable compared to other major U.S. cities, with an overall cost of living 1% lower the national average. Home prices are also reasonable, with the median home price coming in just below the national average, making it easier for retirees to buy their forever homes.⁸

The city has several top-rated hospitals and medical facilities, providing access to quality healthcare at a cost in line with the national average. Plus, sports fans can enjoy minor league baseball, NBA, and NFL games. Many people relocate to North Carolina’s largest city for job opportunities, and seniors could find options to work in retirement. 

Durham

• Population: 301,870
• Share of population 65+: 13%
• Median home value: $410,512
• Cost of living vs. national average: 2% lower
• Cost of living vs state average: 2% lower
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: 4% higher
• Amenities score: A+

With its pleasant climate, world-class healthcare, and affordable cost of living, Durham is one of the best cities to retire in North Carolina. For many it offers the best of both worlds: A thriving downtown with plenty of natural beauty to explore.

Fayetteville

• Population: 209,496
• Share of population 65+: 12.7%
• Median home value: $221,106
• Cost of living vs. national average: 6% lower
• Cost of living vs state average: 6% lower
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: 6% higher
• Amenities score: B-

Fayetteville is a growing, mid-sized city located in the Sandhills region of southeastern North Carolina. Fayetteville's cost of living is more affordable than both the national and state averages, and housing is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it a budget-friendly option for retirement. The city has a strong military community, with urban and rural areas to explore. 

Greenville

• Population: 95,138
• Share of population 65+: 10.9%
• Median home value: $236,523
• Cost of living vs. national average: 2% lower
• Cost of living vs state average: 2% lower
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: 3% higher
• Amenities score: C

Greensboro is a mid-sized city with a small-town feel. It has all the amenities you might find in one of North Carolina’s larger cities with a comparatively lower cost of living.  Its central location in the state makes it easy to access other parts of North Carolina, including the coast and the mountains. For those that want to stay closer to home, Greensboro offers a variety of activities for retirees, including a lively downtown, cultural attractions, and golf courses.

Hickory

• Population: 45,081
• Share of population 65+: 16.6%
• Median home value: $288,906
• Cost of living vs. national average: 6% lower
• Cost of living vs state average: 6% lower
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: 8% lower
• Amenities score: F

Hickory is one of the most affordable places to retire in North Carolina — cost of living, healthcare, and housing are all below the national average. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Hickory is perfect for outdoorsy retirees who can enjoy the natural landscapes and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. Despite a lower amenities score, Hickory residents can be in the mountains within 30 minutes or drive to either Asheville or Charlotte in an hour. 

Raleigh

• Population: 499,825
• Share of population 65+: 11.7%
• Median home value: $449,796
• Cost of living vs. national average: 3% lower
• Cost of living vs state average: 3% lower
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: 12% higher
• Amenities score: A+

As North Carolina’s capital city, Raleigh is a popular retirement destination known for its affordability, A+ amenities, and access to top-tier medical institutions. Raleigh’s cost of living is lower than both the state and national averages. The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as opportunities for lifelong learning at higher education institutions. North Carolina residents who are 65 and older are eligible to audit courses for free at NC State University.⁹

Wilmington

• Population: 125,284
• Share of population 65+: 17.8%
• Median home value: $416,708
• Cost of living vs. national average: 4% lower
• Cost of living vs state average: 5% lower
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: 9% higher
• Amenities score: C-

Located in the southeastern part of the state, Wilmington is one of the best places in North Carolina to retire near the beach. The city is just minutes away from Carolina, Kure, and Wrightsville beaches, meaning retirees can enjoy coastal charm at an affordable cost of living. Wilmington enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it appealing for retirees seeking a comfortable and less harsh winter environment. Beyond the beach, the city offers a vibrant downtown of shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as access to a range of outdoor activities from kayaking to fishing. 

Winston-Salem

• Population: 255,769
• Share of population 65+: 14.8%
• Median home value: $257,523
• Cost of living vs. national average: 7% lower
• Cost of living vs state average: 7% lower
• Cost of healthcare vs national average: 6% higher
• Amenities score: D-

Located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Winston-Salem is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for retirees. The historical city boasts a low cost of living at 7% lower than the national average, as well as access to quality healthcare facilities. Despite a lower amenities score, retirees will find a variety of restaurants, music venues, and even vineyards to enjoy. Almost 15% of Winston-Salem’s population is made up of those 65 and older.

Is North Carolina a good place to retire?

With its attractive cost of living, natural beauty, and thriving cities, North Carolina is a great option for retirees looking for laid-back living. The state offers a mix of coastal areas, mountainous regions, and inland cities, allowing retirees to explore a variety of landscapes and attractions.