Best Places to Retire in North Carolina 2024

Hollywood star Bill Murray is undoubtedly one of the most famous actors of his generation. He starred in amazing flicks such as Ghostbusters and Lost In Translation, and he is considered a Hollywood A-lister. However, Mr. Murray is pretty much as far as you can get from being a Hollywood type! Instead of the hustle of LA, he decided to move to North Carolina! It’s not surprising, considering that there are so many benefits to living in this wonderful state. The cost of living is fairly low, and the area is surrounded by beautiful nature. In addition to that, people are friendly, and there is a nice laid-back pace, which defines local life. These qualities make it an amazing state where to consider retiring. Keep reading to learn more about what makes North Carolina special, and join us as we dive deeper into ten of the best places where to retire if you are considering moving to North Carolina

1) Eden

Eden is a small town, but it is conveniently located near Greensboro, a nice and lively city with a bit of a faster pace. As the name might imply, Eden is a heavenly, quiet, and relaxing place where to spend your retirement. The cost of living is affordable, and housing is too, with the median value of home properties going at around 83 thousand US dollars. This is the perfect place for people who want to enjoy a quiet lifestyle, with the added benefits of being able to retire in style and still being close enough to a larger city.

2) Kinston

Kinston is a really beautiful community by the river, and it is a really fantastic place for those people who want to spend the retirement in close proximity to nature. However, this is also perfect for those who still like a city-living format. This means that Kinston provides the best of both worlds. You don’t need to move to a secluded area in order to enjoy some time in nature and truly make the most out of your retirement!

3) Lexington

Lexington is a beautiful mid-sized town, and it is a place that’s full of history. Living here is fun and exciting, but it can also be very relaxing. The pace of this community is very laid-back, but it does not mean that this town is sleepy! On the contrary, this place offers many fantastic opportunities if you want something to do and be more social in your retirement.

4) Newton

Charlotte, NC, is a wonderful city in its own right, but if you want to make the most of your experience there, you should consider the suburb of Newton. This particular suburb is quite stunning, and it is indeed more affordable. If you aim for comfort, but you still want to be fairly close to some urban amenities, this is the place where you should consider retiring in North Carolina.

5) Lenoir

If you like nature, Lenoir is the retirement destination for you. This place is located in the very beating heart of some of the most striking forests that the state of North Carolina has to offer. This makes for a quiet, nature-friendly lifestyle that’s suitable to those looking for privacy and relaxation during their retirement. The cost of living is fairly affordable, and the crime rate is very low as well.

6) Laurinburg

The low cost of living and the beautiful housing opportunities are definitely two of the biggest selling points in Laurinburg. This amazing community features so much history, and it is a true joy to walk around such a stunning town. The architecture features some amazing old-fashioned sights, and this is the kind of place that history buffs are surely going to love! In addition to that, Laurinburg is home to an amazing community filled with supportive and engaged people.

7) Reidsville

Reidsville is a bit more pricey place when compared to other options on this list. However, it is also closer to some of the most attractive nature in the state. It is a really great place for retirees who love to stay active and spend time in nature. In particular, it is close to the beautiful Haw River, which is home to some beautiful trails, as well as some camping sites. If you want a more active lifestyle, this option will suit you best!

8) Spring Lake

Spring Lake is a stunning and charming little town, which is not too far from larger urban hubs such as Fayetteville and Fort Brag. The cost of living is relatively low, and you can also purchase a beautiful home for your retirement for less than 100.000 dollars. Even the crime rate in the town is really low, making this a place where you can retire and enjoy a tranquil time with your loved ones!

9) Rocky Mount

Exciting and colorful, yet relaxing and laid-back. These are only some of the words that come to mind when describing Rocky Mount and its endearing community! People are amazing here, and the quality of life is great. After all, everyone is a bit nicer when they have a care-free life!

10) Lumberton

Last but certainly not least, the wonderful town of Lumberton is amazing, and it is close to some of the nicest natural landmarks in North Carolina. This is the place to be if you are interested in safety, nature, and low-cost living!

In conclusion, this list barely scratches the surface, as North Carolina really is a charming state, where living is easy, cost-effective, and fun! This is a place where you can make the most out of your retirement and tailor your lifestyle according to what you envision, without the need to spend a lot of money in order to accomplish that! If it’s good enough for Bill Murray, it should be good enough for most people out there!