Deciding where to retire is a major life decision, and North Carolina stands out with its affordable living, stunning scenery, and historical charm. With over 300 miles of coastline, the beach is never far away – and winters tend to be mild so retirees can enjoy the outdoors year-round. It’s no surprise that so many are drawn to the best 55 plus communities in North Carolina, where you find comfort and convenience.
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North Carolina retirees enjoy tax-friendly benefits, including no state tax on Social Security income. Other types of retirement plans – including many public government plans and railroad pensions – are also exempt from state tax.
Retirees caring for health conditions will be pleased to learn that prescriptions in this state are exempt from sales tax. Moreover, groceries are exempt from state tax, offering further savings, though some localities may apply taxes.
With nearly 200 active adult communities in the state, it’s clear that this has become a hotspot for relocation after age 55. In this post, we’ve researched some of the best 55+ communities in terms of lifestyle, location, affordability, and safety.
To compile this list, we considered the following:
- Location and amenities (proximity to beaches, golf courses, airports, and other points of interest)
- Convenient access to quality healthcare
- Established and enforced age restrictions (55+)
- Ratings and reviews (55places.com and Google)
- Living options available (floor plans, housing types, price points)
- Homebuyer interest (popularity)
- Security and surrounding crime rates
What is a 55+ community?
A 55+ community is an age-restricted community that may not necessarily be exclusive to retirees. These developments require residents to be over the age of 18, and they often require full-time residents to be over the age of 55. Younger visitors are welcome for certain portions of the year.
55+ community members often enjoy convenient hobbies and amenities, including access to outdoor and fitness activities, social life infrastructure, and transportation to nearby places for shopping, entertainment, and healthcare.
These communities are a popular choice for Americans who are planning to retire and downsize or simplify their lives after reaching the age of 55. Housing options may include everything from single detached houses to duplex or condominium-style units.
What are the most popular retirement cities in North Carolina?
According to U.S. News & World Report, some of the most popular or best cities in North Carolina for retired or older Americans include:
- Winston-Salem (population: 255,089)
- Raleigh (population: 493,589) and Durham (population: 304,014)
- Hickory (population: 44,942)
- Asheville (population: 95,376)
- Greensboro (population: 306,263)
- Charlotte (population: 935,017)
- Fayetteville (population: 210,135)
The news site notes the affordable cost of living, access to continuing education, and proximity to beautiful, free outdoor activities as reasons why these cities are ideal.
Why do seniors choose North Carolina to retire?
There are many reasons why North Carolina is an appealing destination for Americans making a move to retire or to downsize in anticipation of retirement. Some of the most notable include:
- No state tax on retirement income
- Low housing costs
- Coastal living – over 300 miles of coastline, with islands and outer banks to explore
- Historical sites
- All four seasons with mild winters
- A tuition waiver available for residents over age 65 to pursue free continuing education
Our picks for some of the best 55+ communities in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to more than 200 active adult communities, offering a wide variety of options for retirees seeking a vibrant, engaging lifestyle. Based on the parameters we listed above, we’ll provide information about some communities we feel are worth extra consideration. We’ll also provide a section on how you can locate 55+ communities in your area.
All prices in this post are based on active listings at the time of writing and advertised price ranges provided by community sales offices.
Carolina Arbors
This community is located in the strategically situated “The Triangle,” anchored by Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham. Developed by real estate giant Del Webb, Carolina Arbors is comprised of over 1,200 low-maintenance homes and has completed construction in 2019.
With small floor plans beginning around 1,100 square feet and larger homes ranging up to 2,500 square feet, homeowners can choose a home size to suit their retirement lifestyle.
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Price range: Low $400K – High $700K
With an average 5-star rating, reviewers at 55places praise the floor plans in this community, highlighting the spacious kitchens and oversized closets. Google reviews hold 4.5 stars, with residents saying the company stands out for its friendly staff and beautiful neighborhoods, filled with a variety of amenities. Dwellers praise the well-maintained communities that provide a comfortable living experience.
Carolina Arbors is anchored by a world-class community center, Piedmont Hall, which includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, art studios, and a well-equipped fitness center. Clubs connect community residents who would like to get involved in common interests, from politics to poker.
Museum enthusiasts will love the nearby Raleigh, often called the “Smithsonian of the South” for its impressive collection of museums, many of which offer free or affordable admission.
Website: ourcarolinaarbors.com
Phone number: (984) 219-7051
Cresswind Charlotte
Cresswind Charlotte covers 370 acres of scenic woodlands, offering residents a peaceful and natural setting. With 850 single-family homes, the neighborhood provides plenty of space and privacy. The homes range in size from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet, catering to various lifestyle needs. Residents enjoy easy access to nature while being part of a vibrant community.
The community employs a full-time lifestyle director, and there are many opportunities to stay active and get involved. On-site events fill the community calendar, and residents can enjoy festivals, food trucks, and social hours without leaving the community grounds.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Price range: Mid $400K – High $600K
Google reviews are mixed for this community specifically, though the good outweighs the bad by a significant margin, giving the community an average of 4.0 stars. Positive reviews praise community safety and resort-style amenities.
Critics cite unresponsive staff, though the larger Cresswind brand under Kolter Homes is a well-established and recognized name in age-restricted living.
The Cresswind Charlotte clubhouse offers residents a variety of amenities, including a fitness center with a yoga and aerobics room, an indoor pool with lap lanes, an arts and crafts room, and a social ballroom. Outdoors, residents can enjoy multiple pickleball courts, tennis courts, Bocce courts, a resort-style pool, and a courtyard with a fireplace and grilling area.
Moreover, this development stands out for its close proximity — less than a mile — to the Mint Hill Medical Center. As it’s located in Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina and one of the top 25 cities in the U.S., residents can easily access the conveniences of big-city living, including excellent infrastructure and easy access to healthcare. They can also enjoy a variety of attractions, such as museums, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and a nationally recognized public library system.
Carolina Preserve at Amberly
Carolina Preserve is a neighborhood of the larger Amberly planned community, which includes its own town center and extensive amenities for residents. Both single-family and attached homes are available to purchase, allowing buyers to scale the level of care they’d like to manage with a retirement home. Originally developed by Del Webb and later taken over by Pulte Homes, Carolina Preserve is home to over 1,300 residences.
Residents won’t have to look far to get involved here: volunteer opportunities, community events, and an extensive list of interest groups facilitate connections between neighbors.
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Price range: High $400K – High $800K
With an average 5-star rating, reviews at 55places are overwhelmingly positive, citing the many opportunities for community involvement as a great part of living at Carolina Reserve. Over 40 Google reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars written by locals, residents, and area Realtors® praise the amenities available here.
Carolina Preserve at Amberly features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sporting courts, a trail system, and a pottery studio, which offer new hobbies for anyone seeking to stay active.
Cary is about halfway between Raleigh and Durham, offering a suburban environment with easy access to the conveniences of larger cities. Minutes outside the community entrance lie big-box stores, grocery shopping, golfing, healthcare, and even an emergency veterinary office.
Website: carolinapreserve.com
Phone number: (919) 467-7837
Trilogy® Lake Norman
On the banks of Lake Norman and within 30 minutes of Charlotte, Trilogy® Lake Norman is home to over 1,100 properties and still growing. Builder Shea Homes has been mindful of luxurious upgrades in these homes, all constructed in 2015 or later.
Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and built-in smart home connections are standard in new builds. A variety of top-tier community spaces here facilitate regular social gatherings, performances, and community events and play host to an extensive list of homeowner-led club meetings.
Location: Denver, North Carolina
Price range: Low $400K – Low $1M
Over 160 Google reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars cite professional staff, exceptional building quality, and luxurious surroundings as major strengths. With an average of 4.0 stars, reviews at 55places are mixed. Some praised the excellent-quality homes and great proximity to Charlotte, but others, after reviewing the disclosures, became concerned about potential issues and decided to look for other options.
This adult resort community offers high-end amenities, including a culinary studio and boat club access.
Lake Norman is expansive, featuring several charming lakeside towns and a lifestyle that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Sailing, fishing, walking and cycling trails, and a beautiful shoreline are only a few steps outside the community gates. Downtown Denver hosts several pharmacies, restaurants, and shopping centers, and a sizeable Atrium Health System campus is 20 minutes away in nearby Lincolnton.
Website: mytrilogylife.com/lakenorman
Phone number: 704-585-8780
Del Webb Wilmington
Del Webb Wilmington provides the relaxed vibe of a coastal resort and offers easy access to the attractions and activities of a vibrant small city. With the pleasant, year-round weather in Wilmington, residents freely enjoy outdoor activities and a dynamic lifestyle. The residential development hosts over 500 homes.
Riverlights, the broader development surrounding this age-restricted community, was recognized with a Best Neighborhood designation in Where to Retire magazine in 2019.
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Price range: Low $400K – High $1M
Google reviews for Del Webb Wilmington average 4.3 out of 5 stars. Residents express their appreciation for the effortless access to the water, which offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and immersing themselves in the area’s natural beauty. A 5-star review at 55places highlights the vibrant lifestyle within the development, praising the wide variety of clubs and activities that contribute to its appeal.
Aside from the quick access to beaches, Del Webb Wilmington offers the amenities many buyers are looking for in an age-restricted community: indoor and outdoor swimming, pickleball courts, and organized social activities.
Since the community is located in the residential outskirts of Wilmington, residents love the easy access to the city and its many activities, as well as public parks and the coast. The Pine Valley shopping center is within 15 minutes and is anchored by a Publix supermarket. There are pharmacies, an Aldi, banking, and gas stations nearby.
How can I find a 55+ community near me?
North Carolina is home to a wide variety of 55+ communities, each offering its own unique blend of amenities, home styles, and social opportunities. One way to see your options is to search the internet with phrases such as “55 and older communities near me” or “retirement communities near me.” Check ratings, reviews, and comments posted on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and industry websites.
Another way to find a quality 55+ or retirement community near you is to consult a top real estate agent in your area. An experienced agent who knows your market can provide valuable insights into community characteristics, such as crime rates, affordability, home construction quality, and the reputation of the governing association.
12 questions to ask before you buy a home in a 55+ community
Here are 12 essential questions to ask before you commit to purchasing a home in a 55+ community.
1. Will I own the home, or is this a lease community?
This may seem obvious, but when it comes to 55+ or retirement communities, various types of property can be available. You may wish to own your home for financial reasons, or you may wish to lease a unit to maximize your flexibility in retirement.
Some communities offer both. Others may allow you to own and lease out your property. You’ll want to be sure to check community rules before renting your property out if that is part of your retirement plan (for instance, if you’re out of state for part of the year). Not all communities permit renting residents.
2. What is included in your monthly payment?
Identifying all the costs of living in the community is important, not just rent or mortgage payments. You will want to consider whether various things are included with your monthly property expenses; a few to consider are:
- Landscaping and pool maintenance
- Homeowners association (HOA) fees
- Community class fees
- Admission to community features like restaurants, classes, clubs, or spas located on the grounds
- Shuttle service to amenities nearby
Be sure to get the most for your dollar and that you aren’t paying for amenities that will go unused.
3. What are the community rules?
Most active adult communities have a set of rules that residents must follow. These might include:
- Visitor restrictions (age, number, and duration of stay for children and grandchildren)
- Pets (limits on the number, breeds, and sizes)
- Parking (how many vehicles can be parked and where, how RVs and boats will be accommodated)
- Exterior paint colors
- Dress codes in public areas
- Lawn and landscaping maintenance enforcement
- Renting (limitations or restrictions)
- Renovation and improvement restrictions
- Noise (daytime and nighttime decibel allowances)
4. What are your new neighbors like?
Good neighbors play a considerable role in your quality of life, especially when you retire. Learn about what life is like in the neighborhood.
If possible, attend some community events and get to know some of the residents in your prospective neighborhood. Many communities offer “discovery” events, including overnight guided tours of various home options and neighborhood amenities.
Many 55+ communities offer social events like book clubs, art classes, fitness activities, cookoffs, and more to connect residents. You may be looking for a community of like-minded people with shared interests or seeking exposure to diversity where you live.
No matter what you’re looking for, knowing what’s in store socially will factor into your decision-making process. For example, some communities value quiet and calm, while others offer a more lively pace.
5. What plans are there for the adjacent property?
This is a crucial question for newly-constructed 55+ communities. Knowing what you can expect to find nearby can be increasingly important as your age advances (and potentially your mobility declines). Know whether properties adjacent to your own are planned for further residential development or if there are other things in store.
If you plan to stay at this property indefinitely, you’ll want to know whether that vacant lot nearby is fated to become an elementary school or a regional airport. Such developments could have a long-term impact on your property’s appeal and value.
6. What type of assessments have been made?
Assessments can be expected for any community development, but for seniors living on a fixed income, being able to predict your property taxes may be crucial to balancing the rest of your budget each month. Even once your mortgage payment is a thing of the past, property tax bills will continue — and you’ll want to know what to expect.
In addition, property taxes vary depending on where you are looking to buy, so be mindful of the cost and whether it has a history of fluctuating.
7. Is the community financially sound?
Before you commit to purchasing or leasing a home, you should know if the developer and association are on solid financial ground. These parties are often responsible for community maintenance and amenities, so verify their solvency as much as you want to ensure your home is the right fit.
In short: do your homework. Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed information about board governance or community financials.
8. Is the community able to keep up with future growth?
Is there sufficient infrastructure, wise planning, and expandable space to grow as needed? What if the interests of the community shift over time? If the community has been established for years, are there long-range plans to repair and replace key infrastructural components like water lines and local streets?
These responsibilities may fall within the purview of your village or community rather than in the city where you reside. Be sure you know who is responsible for these decisions and their costs.
9. Is there a reserve fund for maintenance?
Also sometimes known as a sinking fund, a reserve fund is a financial safety net for significant unexpected future expenses incurred at the community level (for instance, re-roofing the community center). Know whether there is a reserve fund set aside for large community maintenance projects like replacing pool furniture after a storm or facilitating an air conditioning replacement at the clubhouse.
While some communities maintain funds for these expenses and address them as needed for residents, others may expect you to actively raise funds as an HOA member. Either way, how large upkeep expenses are handled may impact your decision to buy in a particular development.
10. What other projects belong to this developer?
Research the builder of your home and the larger community, and ask for references. How long has the company been in business, and have they successfully invested in similar communities in other cities or states?
A company or investment group with the proven ability to drive property values upward will likely do the same for your new neighborhood. On the other hand, if the company has allowed its previous investments to decline, you may need extra reassurance that history won’t repeat itself — or you may wish to seek property elsewhere.
11. Is the governing association easy to work with?
You will want a community board with a proven track record of working together and finding solutions. If you discover a dysfunctional board led by power-hungry or inept individuals, it may cause great angst and harm the unity of the entire community.
Ask several different residents and check with your real estate agent. Find out if the board and its members are competent, effective, and civil. One free resource to research your association or HOA is communityassociations.net.
12. What lifestyles are accommodated?
You will want to consider whether you’d prefer an active community of younger senior residents or a neighborhood where you can age into services like assisted living or memory and hospice care if needed.
Do you want a single-family home, or are you looking to purchase a unit within a larger building? Is handicap accessibility vital to you or a family member? Do you need a community that is fully navigable on foot or by a golf cart?
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Check out the community surrounding your neighborhood
Vetting the 55+ community with the 12 questions above will help you uncover crucial insights into what life might be like within the boundaries of those neighborhoods, but you will want to look beyond the front gates.
To truly identify the best 55+ community, you should also research the history, reputation, culture, and amenities of the surrounding host city or town. Then, find out what the area offers that can improve or enhance your retirement years.
- How far away are the nearest hospital and other medical facilities?
- What are the safety and crime rates of the surrounding city or town?
- How easy is it to access major highways and commuting routes?
- Is it located directly on a busy, noisy highway or near other potential noise disturbances like a schoolyard?
- Are there various conveniences nearby, such as restaurants, banks, or grocery stores?
- For pet owners, are there parks, groomers, and veterinarians nearby?
- Is there a bus route or commuter rail that serves the area?
- Are there nearby churches or places of worship that fit your beliefs?
- Are there undesirable businesses or manufacturing facilities nearby?
- Is it near enough to an airport for convenience, or too close with excessive noise?
- Are there connecting bike paths or walking and hiking trails?
Q&A: More tips and insights about 55+ communities in North Carolina
What is the largest 55+ community in North Carolina?
The Connestee Falls gated community is the largest age-restricted development in North Carolina, with more than 1,400 homes.
How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in North Carolina?
There are 55+ communities in North Carolina to suit nearly every price point, from residents with a restricted cash flow to those with a taste for top-tier luxury.
Smaller condominium units are available starting in the high $100K, while luxury properties list well into the millions. For retirees looking to move into an age-restricted community without purchasing property, many options are available on a rental-only basis.
What is the 80/20 rule in some 55+ communities?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development mandates that to comply with fair housing laws, age-restricted communities for residents aged 55 and up must fill at least 80% of their units with at least one occupant fitting the age designation. There are no restrictions on the age of the population in the remaining 20% of residences.
Communities wishing to market themselves as 55+ must be clear about their intent to house older populations and have a method in place for verifying resident age.
When should I visit a prospective 55+ community?
To get the clearest picture, it’s best to visit at different times of the year. You may love an area you visited on vacation in the fall, but that does not mean you will like it in the winter.
Remember, you are making long-term retirement plans, so multiple visits are worth the time and investment. It’s also valuable to consider several different retirement locations and compare the benefits and drawbacks.
Are there real estate agents that specialize in helping seniors?
Yes. Agents can receive a specialty certification from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) to become a Seniors Real Estate Specialist or SRES. An SRES agent will be well-versed in the areas of retirement, downsizing, and more. See our post: Should You Hire an Agent Who Is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist?
Try before you buy
There are so many options for these types of communities in North Carolina. If you can, take the time to visit a few of the locations that are most interesting to you. This will help you discern one from the next and which 55+ community might be the best fit for you.
Working with a trusted real estate agent who is well-versed in the local market can help match what you are looking for with the many options available. In addition, connecting with an SRES agent or a top-performing agent in the area you’re looking to purchase can make the search process much more streamlined — and enjoyable.
To get started, visit our free Agent Match platform to kick off your search for a great 55+ community in North Carolina.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of North Carolina 55+ communities are not endorsements. Additionally, program details may change frequently. Visit the community’s website for the most up-to-date information on each individual program.
Header Image Source: (Elijah Mears / Unsplash)
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