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Best beach towns to retire in north carolinaBest beach towns to retire in north carolina.12 Best Beach Towns In North Carolina
The combination of the relatively low cost of living and the beautiful surroundings, with many different options for staying active and pursuing your interests during retirement, make the Old North State a desirable location for either living in a retirement community to buying your own amazing home. Where are the best places to retire in North Carolina? Read on to find out the type of lifestyle you can lead in these cities and communities in our guide on where to retire in North Carolina.
This small coastal town is one of the best cities to retire in North Carolina. Asheville is an ideal place to retire if you like exploring the great outdoors.
The Asheville area is popular with artists, writers, and musicians thanks to its natural beauty and the opportunity to live alongside other creatives. This has attracted many highly educated individuals living and teaching here, but it also offers an excellent opportunity to be involved in ongoing education in retirement. It also has a busy, vibrant life with lots of shopping and restaurants, ideal for keeping busy and participating in the community.
Amenities are close and convenient for retirees, while the area is very scenic. Over a fifth of Reidsville residents are retired, but this is a very active retirement destination in North Carolina.
The historic town has miles of walking trails and beautiful scenery on the bank of the Haw River. Oak Island is also a dog lover's dream: Four legged friends are allowed on the beaches year-round, and they can be off the leash from October March A cult favorite, this Outer Banks island is accessible only by boat or ferry from Hatteras and Cedar islands and has a relaxed romance imbued with salt air.
This is an escape complete with pirate lore; long stretches of pristine sands all protected by the National Park Service; a fishing village with summer pleasures like ice cream, seafood, and boat charters; and its own bright white, picturesque lighthouse.
Most families rent a vacation home for a week or more, meandering around town, fishing, swimming, and relaxing around the bonfire. With history running through its veins including pre-Civil War Fort Macon , the oldest town on Bogue Banks—with its back to Bogue Sound and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the south—is also home to the nostalgic and 1,foot-long Oceanana Fishing Pier , plus a steady swell for surfing.
This barrier island town has amenities to please the entire family, like a town park with splash pad, skatepark, and mini-golf, and the nearby aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. At the southern end of the coast and a quick hop from buzzy Wilmington, this laid-back beach town on a 4-mile-long barrier island has charm in spades, from a bird nesting sanctuary at the south end to its iconic Johnnie Mercers Pier. Mix in a surf vibe on the Atlantic, a boating and SUP-centric world on Banks Channel, miles of broad beaches and a deep bench of old-fashioned Carolina beach cottages for sale and rent, and you've got a sense of the magic that makes Wrightsville Beach all-out fun.
Yes, named with a smile for the abundance of waterfowl that traditionally lured hunters to this northern end of the Outer Banks, this resort town has low-key sophistication that's utterly winning, including a vibrant small community of independent shops and restaurants and a respected jazz festival.
Duck has devoted extensive energy and funds to the nourishment of its beaches named among the Best Restored Beaches for , but it's important to note that access is for residents and vacation property renters only. The first stop on the Outer Banks for many, Nags Head has beautiful beaches with free parking, an iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus, and a funky arts and culture scene.
It's also home to the Jockey's Ridge State Park, which is the East Coast's tallest natural dune system and an incredible place to try hang gliding. Whatever you're seeking, this lively beach community has plenty of watersports, family activities, and beachside events in the summer. It's not just all about the fun to be had driving on the broad sands of this southern coast getaway at the northern end of Pleasure Island; or hitting its vintage boardwalk which features old-school amusement rides in summer , lively beach bars, and superb seafood spots.
This classic summer vacation spot is also home to natural gifts, including Carolina Beach State Park , with some of the area's finest fishing and the Flytrap Trail, named for the carnivorous Venus Flytrap plants along its path.
With no high rises and an emphasis on conservation, this small town at the southern end of the mile-long barrier island that shares its name is a magnet for families seeking old-fashioned escape and beach life. Named by Southern Living as one of the best beach towns in Northern Carolina, Emerald Isle is a small, charging community that makes the perfect home for families, singles, and professionals alike.
With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. Replete with historic homes, scenic parks, and tree-lined avenues, its distinctly family-friendly vibe is complimented perfectly by its gorgeous waterfront, its low crime rate, walkable streets, and excellent selection of schools.
The iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk with its carousel, arcade, carnival rides, and ice cream parlous is the place to be in the warmer months, especially on Thursday evenings when it comes alive with firework displays and live music shows.
The beach is one of the best in the area, with soft sand, surf-ready waves, and a smorgasbord of activities to enjoy. Calm, sedate, and gorgeously green, Duck is the perfect option for city folk who secretly hate the city. The peaceful vibe is perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and even more majestic homes.
For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. The shoreline itself provides endless opportunities for rest and relaxation. Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone.
Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach.
Wrightsville Beach. Often described as one of North Carolina's best beaches , Wrightsville Beach, lures visitors with its easy access and wonderful waterfront.
The beach is wide, and the water here is clear with an aquamarine color. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday's beginning at 8am.
It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. Wrightsville Beach is just a short drive from Wilmington, so getting here is easy and quick; parking is in well-marked lots, and you can pay by the hour and recharge your time via your phone.
The main gathering spot is at Crystal Pier. Here, you'll find people fishing, strolling hand in hand, or just hanging out gazing out at the ocean. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Wrightsville Beach. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. Beaufort is full of history and is North Carolina's third oldest town.
Surrounded by water on three sides, the town has a maritime feel about it. Homes dating from the 17 th century are on beautiful tree-lined streets that entice you to stroll along and think about what life used to be like here over years ago. Down at the dock areas there is always something to see or do, whether it's a fisherman showing off his catch or people catching up on an outdoor patio. One of the fun things to do here is take a harbor tour, where you'll almost certainly be able to see dolphins racing in your bow wake.
Nearby, the Rachel Carson Reserve has wild horses, birdlife, and turtles among other wildlife. One of the highlights of a visit to Beaufort is a stop at the North Carolina Maritime Museum , where treasures from Blackbeard's sunken pirate ship discovered just offshore are on display. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Beaufort.
Atlantic Beach. One of the larger towns along the North Carolina Coast, this vibrant outdoorsy place reels you in and makes you want to stay a while. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. Be sure to stop by the weigh-in area in the afternoon when the boats return with their catches, some of which are enormous. All that great fishing translates into great seafood at the many fine restaurants spread throughout the town.
Fresh catches are prepared in ways that will delight your taste buds. If you can plan for it, the North Carolina Seafood Festival happens the first weekend in October each year and is considered one of the most popular festivals in the state.
The town itself is easy to navigate by foot. Stroll past the various shops, stop by the waterfront to catch the action, and then retire to a waterfront patio to soak up the views of Sugarloaf Island.
Head over the bridge to Atlantic Beach for a little sun and sand. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morehead City. Sunrise at Southport. Strategically located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River , Southport has a maritime heritage dating from The town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is wonderfully restored to its original glory, and over 40 movies and television shows have been shot here.
The best way to capture the town's essence is to walk around. The main things to see and do are easily reached by foot, and if you find yourself tired out by the adventure, stop in at one of the restaurants and recharge with a fine seafood meal.
Best beach towns to retire in north carolina. 12 Best Coastal Towns in North Carolina
Stay in a home on the sound side for a great view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. The Olde Town Square is the social center of downtown, drawing crowds for festivals and other family-friendly events. Initially named for a politician by the name of Swann, the town has since enthusiastically adopted the swan as its mascot, and you'll see the graceful bird displayed on signs and in private gardens.
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Travel North Carolina. By Tracey Minkin. Tracey Minkin. Southern Living's editorial guidelines. Share Tweet Pin Email. Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Business Expand child menu Expand. Finance Expand child menu Expand. Travel Expand child menu Expand. Cars Expand child menu Expand. Motorcycles Expand child menu Expand. Lifestyle Expand child menu Expand.
Watches Expand child menu Expand. It also has a busy, vibrant life with lots of shopping and restaurants, ideal for keeping busy and participating in the community. Amenities are close and convenient for retirees, while the area is very scenic. Over a fifth of Reidsville residents are retired, but this is a very active retirement destination in North Carolina. The historic town has miles of walking trails and beautiful scenery on the bank of the Haw River. Hiking and enjoying natural beauty and wildlife by the river would be your main outdoor activities in Reidsville, which is ideally situated for an active retirement while also keeping you within easy reach of care facilities and other amenities.
Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8, residents. The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The town also features many quaint shops and restaurants to help keep you entertained and socializing. Living in Brevard means being close to multiple activities, from biking to equestrian to hiking in the great outdoors. Ascend the sand dune step after sliding step to the top, where you are rewarded with commanding views out over the surrounding area and the Atlantic Ocean. If the wind is up, which it frequently is in the Outer Banks, you may be lucky enough to see the hang gliders launching themselves off the dunes.
If you feel this is something you just have to try, lessons are available right at the park. Nags Head is well located for easy day trips. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nags Head. Duck Photo Copyright: Lana Law.
Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. You won't find any big box stores or chain restaurants here, it's all local and sometimes eclectic establishments with a low-key scene. The main town area of Duck is set on the broad and flat Currituck Sound and is protected from the worst of the Atlantic Ocean weather. Duck is also unique for its extensive, elevated, one-mile boardwalk out over the water that connects various restaurants, shops, and parks while providing great views out over the sound.
A wonderful walk along the Duck Boardwalk starts at the kayak launch parking area and heads south along the shoreline ultimately ending at Aqua Restaurant, where you can have a leisurely lunch on their wonderful outdoor patio. In addition to dining, shopping, and walking, additional things to do include fishing from the boardwalk, crabbing on the sound, cycling along the six-mile Duck Trail, or catching a free show at the Amphitheater. One of the town's major musical events is the Duck Jazz Festival.
This free event takes place the second week of October each year. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Duck. Kitty Hawk is located just north of Kill Devil Hills, and if you are driving along the highway , with its big box stores and shops, you could be forgiven for not noticing that you are in a new town.
Kitty Hawk is the place where Orville and Wilbur Wright first managed to fly. Just south of town you'll find the impressive Wright Brothers National Memorial.
The beach at Kitty Hawk is long and wide with golden brown sand, ideal for long beach walks. Similar in nature to Nags Head, most of the services are along the main highway. Here, you'll find an extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a Children's Museum, and beach shops. Kitty Hawk has a small pier at the northern end of town, right where highway joins up with Highway The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn.
For a change of pace from the beach, you can walk along the wonderfully serene boardwalk, where you'll have a good chance of spotting the local wildlife, including yellow-bellied slider turtles, deer, otters, and egrets. For an even closer look, launch a kayak or canoe and explore the twisty waterways. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk. Boardwalk in Carolina Beach. Just a short drive from Wilmington brings you to golden sands and warm waters at Carolina Beach.
The famous vintage Carolina Beach Boardwalk is full of fun things to do, including carnival rides, a carousel, an arcade, ice-cream shops, and restaurants with beachfront patios. In the summer, there are fireworks every Thursday night and live music concerts featuring a variety of musicians across the musical spectrum. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. Walking trails meander through wooded areas.
And, since the Intracoastal Waterway is nearby, boating and fishing are Because of its easy-going lifestyle, multitude of recreational activities and proximity to larger cities, Sunset Beach is drawing
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