About North Carolina

A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in North Carolina

Written by Melissa McClave

Experience the Natural Charms of North Carolina

As one of the most popular locations for retirement-age seniors on the East Coast, North Carolina appeals to active 55+ adults who want to spend time outdoors year round.

The state offers retirees an opportunity to enjoy all four seasons! Temperatures remain fairly mild even in summer and winter with heat waves and cold fronts a rarity.

The climate makes North Carolina well suited to a variety of outdoor activities. The state's mountainous western regions have rivers and lakes perfect for boating, fishing, and hunting. Summers allow for hiking, swimming in community pools and spending time at the beach while colder months offer seniors a chance to ski and ice skate.

In addition to its more rural and agricultural areas, North Carolina has metropolitan cities like Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Charlotte, offering seniors sporting events, live concerts, shopping, and entertainment. Areas near North Carolina’s top cities for retirement also offer empty nesters casinos, fine dining at 5-star restaurants, golf courses, and more!

Cultural gathering places are common in the relatively conservative state of North Carolina, with Christian churches and temples being the most abundant. The growing population of South Asian residents is contributing to the cultural diversity of the state and adding a welcoming introduction to exotic festivals and traditions.

If you’re looking to travel during your retirement, North Carolina’s major cities serve as travel hubs. The largest airport, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), has dozens of flights each day traveling to destinations around the world.

North Carolina offers seniors an array of move-in ready single story housing options. Popular community types for active 55+ seniors include age restricted communities, golf course communities, and both lakeside and oceanside waterfront communities.

Where to Retire in North Carolina

From the cities of Charlotte and Raleigh to the quiet rural towns in the Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina offers variety to 55+ active adults looking for a place to call home.

Blue Ridge Mountains

North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains region covers much of the western half of the state. The area is defined by its connection to nature. Hiking trails and mountain bike paths crisscross the forests, the myriad of lakes are perfect for fishing and boating. The diversity of wildlife in the forests beckon hunting enthusiats. All of this is either at your back door or within a few hours drive.

Nestled among the mountains, Asheville has a thriving art and cultural scene complete with local craft breweries and lively shopping districts. There are also many local parks and nature preserves waiting to be explored by active seniors.

Piedmont

Central North Carolina, known as Piedmont, is a rural agricultural area. Southern charm and history can be felt in residential towns like Unionville and Franklinton, historic Denver, the shopping center of Apex, and lakeside Cornelius.

Piedmont is home to Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest metropolitan city and the primary travel hub in the state. Suburbs such as Iron Station are perfect for retirees looking to retire near the city.

Durham is nicknamed the ‘City of Medicine’ for its exceptional healthcare offerings. The nearby suburb of Wendell, a satellite area of Raleigh, offers a friendly, small-town feel to seniors.

Additional popular retirement locales in Piedmont include Fuquay Varina and Mount Holly which feature outdoor parks and hiking trails.

Coastal Plains

The Coastal Plains of North Carolina lie along the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. Beach towns like Ocean Isle Beach offer waterfront property and easy access to beaches and coastline.

The port city of Wilmington has historic landmarks ranging from Civil War sites and antebellum-age plantations to World War II-era relics and navy ships. Greenville is a college town full of dining, shopping, and live entertainment. It’s also known as a medical hub with top-notch health services for seniors.

Staying Active in and Around North Carolina’s 55+ Communities

North Carolina is known for its outdoor activities and access to lakes, beaches and mountainous forests.

Whether you’re looking for fun things to do around the state or you’d prefer to see what’s available within senior communities, there are an abundance of ways to stay active and healthy in North Carolina during your retirement.

Things to Do in Your 55+ Active Adult Community

Seniors can stay on-property in the best retirement communities, enjoying hobbies, exercise, and other pastimes. North Carolina’s master planned 55+ communities offer access to a range of activities that make it easy to stay active, no matter the weather.

Visit the Clubhouse

Community clubhouses promote fellowship with like-minded neighbors, frequently hosting live entertainment and educational seminars for seniors. Interest groups meet for hobbies like knitting and cooking as well activities that keep 55+ active adults in motion at community recreation and fully-equipped fitness centers.

Swim in the Community Pool

Many 55+ communities in North Carolina feature private, on-site outdoor pools, while others have heated indoor pools you can swim in year round!

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for seniors, as it’s easy on the joints. Hydrotherapy can relieve pain and improve your range of movement.

Play Tennis or Pickleball

Active 55+ adult communities in North Carolina often have sport courts for activities such as tennis and pickleball. Pickleball courts are commonly located indoors offering seniors a perfect way to stay active rain or shine!

Venture Off-Property for Popular Senior Activities

North Carolina is filled with things to do for empty nesters, from playing games like slots and blackjack at one of the states’ casinos to attending a race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the famous venue for NASCAR. Rural areas also offer hiking and hunting to nature loving seniors.

If professional sports is your passion, North Carolina has a teamto cheer on in every season. It’s home to professional teams in the NFL ( Carolina Panthers), the NBA ( Charlotte Hornets), the MLS ( Charlotte FC), and the NHL (Carolina Hurricanes). It’s also home to some of regions most prestigious professional Arena League indoor football clubs. Every region of North Carolina hosts a minor league team, whether it’s baseball, basketball, hockey, or soccer , there’s a clubs near you.

If you’re looking to travel, the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the busiest in the state, flying millions of passengers to exotic destinations around the world. Domestic options for travel include regional airports and the Amtrak train, departing for major cities like New York, Chicago and Dallas.

Golf at Ocean Ridge Plantation

There are picturesque golf courses throughout North Carolina. Practice your swing at the driving range or spend the afternoon on the course with fellow retirees.

One standout North Carolina golf course for seniors is Ocean Ridge Plantation. It doubles as a golf and beach community, with four golf courses and miles of white sand.

Fish North Carolina’s Lakes

If you don’t own a new home in a master planned waterfront community, take a trip to one of the state’s lakes for a day of boating and water sports. Fishing is popular for seniors in North Carolina hoping to hook black bass, bluegill, perch, catfish and crappie!

Head to the Beach

North Carolina borders the Atlantic Ocean, which means there are many beaches within a short drive from many 55+ active adult communities.

Spend time relaxing in a beach chair or stroll along the shore and boardwalk. Fish off the pier, or stay active with water sports like swimming and paddle boarding.

Reasons to Retire in North Carolina

North Carolina is popular with retirees for its low cost of living. Taxes are lower than many states, and Social Security income is not taxed at the state level.

North Carolina’s four mild seasons, year round temperate climate, and minimal snow for a low-maintenance lifestyle, is perfect for active oldr adults looking for a place to retire.

For those who want to stay active in retirement, North Carolina is ideal. Its lakes, rivers, and ocean are hubs for hunting, fishing, hiking, and boating!

Senior Living Communities in North Carolina

North Carolina has senior housing options to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Consider affordable options like manufactured homes or condominiums (condos) communities where HOA dues handle property maintenance outside of resident’s units.

Luxury 55+ apartment rentals offer downsizing empty nesters. One, two and three bedroom floor plans with outdoor space, updated interiors, and elevators to top floors offer residents convenience and security. Luxury apartments also frequently offer gated-access, covered parking and an on-site pool!

Waterfront Communities

North Carolina’s lakes and ocean shores mean there are many waterfront communities that double as 55+ active lifestyle communities. They offer scenic views near nature and easy access to senior-friendly activities such as hunting, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Oceanfront properties offer seniors picturesque views, shopping, and dining in beachfront boardwalk areas.

Golf Course Communities

Retiring in a golf course community offers seniors a convenient way to play a weekly round of golf!

Country clubs in master planned golf course communities often include tennis and pickleball courts, an on-site swimming pool, and fitness facilities. Perks of membership can be resident only access, a putting green and driving range, upscale dining and access to a bar and lounge.

Communities

If safety and comfort within your neighborhood is a priority for you, consider living in a gated 55+ community, where only residents and their guests are allowed to enter. Community amenities support an active lifestyle, such as pools, tennis and pickleball courts, golf courses, and fitness clubs and classes.

Healthcare Options in North Carolina

North Carolina has many top-notch healthcare options for seniors including specialists, chronic pain management services, assisted living communities, and general practitioners.

There are also quality hospitals and other healthcare facilities such as the headquarters of Novant Health and the Carolinas Medical Center hospital. North Carolina features leading universities like Duke University and UNC teaching the world’s future doctors, ensuring that local healthcare will be available and affordable for years to come!

north carolina 55+ Active Adult Living Communities

Top Showcase Community

Trilogy® Lake Norman by Shea Homes

At Trilogy Lake Norman, 55+ homebuyers will experience a vibrant, and active lifestyle rich in natural beauty, and effortless style. Located approximately 30 minutes from Uptown Charlotte near the tranquil waters of Lake Norman, this southern charmer has plenty of sweet tea on tap and sophist......

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55+

No. of Homes : 1100

From : High $300s

Single Family Detached

New Homes

Top Showcase Community

Wildbrook by Freedom Homes

Tucked away in the most natural of settings, Wildbrook is the perfect community of new homes for sale from the mid $300's in Denver, NC. Near the western shores of Lake Norman, Wildbrook is convenient to shopping, numerous water activities and endless sunsets. Freedom Homes will offer a c......

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55+

From : Mid $300s

Single Family Homes

New Homes

Top Showcase Community

Cresswind Charlotte by Kolter Homes

At Cresswind Charlotte, 55+ homebuyers will experience a vibrant, and active lifestyle rich in natural beauty, and effortless style. A recent Kolter addition, this beautiful community will be home to 850 single-family Craftsman homes, surrounded by more than 370 acres of scenic woodlands, and......

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55+

No. of Homes: 850

From : High $300s

Single Family Homes

New Homes

Top Showcase Community

Wendell Falls by Newland Communities

Wendell Falls is a new community based on new thinking about ways to live and ways to work. We like to say it's where small-town community meets big-city urbanity. And it's located just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. So come all you dreamers and......

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All Age Community

From : Mid $300s

Townhomes, Single Family Homes

New Homes

Top Showcase Community

Brookside - Freedom Series by DR Horton

Welcome to the Brookside a community of new homes nestled in the quaint town of Troutman, NC. D.R. Horton has thoughtfully designed, flexible 2-story, 1st floor owner suite and even ranch plans that focus on today's family lifestyles featuring superior craftsmanship. With this combination of loca......

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All Age Community

From : Mid $300s

Single Family Homes

New Homes

Top Showcase Community

The Farm at Ingleside - Freedom Homes

This community is designed to be your private retreat while surrounded by conveniences of shopping, restaurants and easy access to I-77. It is also just minutes from renowned Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in NC. Amenities will include a clubhouse w/ great room, fireplace, kitchenette......

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55+

No. of Homes: 422

From : Low $400s

Single Family Homes

New and Resale Homes

Top Showcase Community

Cresswind Wesley Chapel by Kolter Homes

Cresswind Wesley Chapel is a next generation, active adult community located in Wesley Chapel, North Carolina. Roughly 40 minutes from Charlotte City Center. The community will feature a signature collection of new homes uniquely designed for active adults, and an award-winning lifestyle program ......

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55+

No. of Homes: 606

From : Mid $400s

Single Family Homes

New Homes

Cadence: Designer Collection by Lennar
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Raleigh NC / 919-337-9420
- Townhomes
- Townhome Communities
- New Homes
Devaun Park
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Calabash NC / 877-375-6500
- Single Family Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New Homes
Summerdale by Lennar
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Fuquay Varina NC / 919-337-9420
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Meadowbrook: Summit Collection by Lennar
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Fuquay Varina NC / 919-337-9420
- Single Family Homes
- Master Planned Community
- New Homes
Geneva Sterling: Sterling Collection by Lennar
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Fuquay Varina NC / 919-337-9420
- Single Family Homes
- Master Planned Community
- Coming Soon
Olde Towne Village
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Asheboro NC / 888-894-4215
- Townhomes
- Townhome Communities
- New Homes
Four Seasons at Renaissance, K. Hovnanian's® Four Seasons
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Morrisville NC / 919-484-2705
- Single Family Detached
- Active Adult Communities
- New Homes
Cedar Lakes: Traditional Collection by Lennar
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Rolesville NC / 919-337-9420
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- Resale Homes
2018 Market: Ardmore Collection by Lennar
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Holly Springs NC / 919-337-9420
- Townhomes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Woodlands Creek
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Monroe NC / 704-776-4261
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Harmony at Waterstone: Ardmore Collection by Lennar
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Hillsborough NC / 919-337-9420
- Townhomes
- Townhome Communities
- New Homes
Stoneridge Farm by DR Horton
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Zebulon NC / 800-798-0616
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- Coming Soon
Alexander Glen by Lennar
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Rockwell NC / 704-759-6048
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Ashbury Green
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Mebane NC / 919-563-1333
- Carriage Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Byers Creek - Legends by Lennar
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Mooresville NC / 704-759-6048
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Murrayville Crossing by DR Horton
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Wilmington NC / 910-742-7946
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Taberna Golf & Country Club
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New Bern NC / 252-634-1600
- Single Family Detached, Townhomes, Patio Homes
- Golf Course Communities
- Resale Homes
Bee Tree Village
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Swannanoa NC / 828-215-9064
- Condominiums, Carriage Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New and Resale Homes
The Glens at Stillwell Village
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Huntersville NC / 704-947-7635
- Duplex, Patio Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club
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Hendersonville NC / 800-958-2905
- Estate Homes, Carriage Homes, Golf Villas
- Golf Course Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Magnolia Place
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Lowell NC / 704-905-4062
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Enclave at Massey
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Fort Mill NC / 803-548-6861
- Townhomes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Four Seasons at Renaissance - Premier Collection by K Hovnanian's Four Seasons
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Morrisville NC / 919-656-0921
- Single Family Detached, Ranch Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Casalino
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Matthews NC / 704-766-8822
- Single Family Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New Homes
Cambridge Park-Signature Collection by DR Horton
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Mebane NC / 800-798-0616
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- Coming Soon
Vista at Bills Mountain
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Lake Lure NC / 866-519-2400
- Townhomes, Homesites
- Mountain Living
- New Homes
The Oaks of Sippihaw
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Fuquay Varina NC / 919-562-1234
- Single Family Detached, Ranch Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Carolina Preserve at Amberly by Del Webb
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Cary NC / 919-467-7837
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
St. James Plantation
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Southport NC / 910-253-4805
- Condominiums, Homesites, Single Family Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- Resale Homes
The Courtyards at Heritage Grove
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Wake Forest NC / 844-323-4502
- Ranch Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
The Villas at Allyns Landing
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Raleigh NC
- Villa Homes
- Lakefront Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Meadow Brook Estates by Express Homes
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Mount Holly NC / 704-345-1069
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- Resale Homes
McKee Place
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Derita NC
- Townhomes
- Townhome Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Wilderness Trail
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Banner Elk NC / 828-390-0648
- Estate Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New Homes
National Golf Club
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Pinehurst NC / 910-295-0012
- Single Family Homes
- Golf Course Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Fendol Farms: Residences II Collection by Lennar
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Durham NC / 919-337-9420
- Single Family Homes
- Master Planned Community
- New Homes
Toll Brothers at Weddington - Signature Collection
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Apex NC / 844-840-5263
- Single Family Homes
- Luxury Communities
- New Homes
Amberly Glen: Sterling Collection by Lennar
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Cary NC / 919-337-9420
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- Resale Homes
Sea Watch at Sunset Harbor
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Bolivia NC / 877-732-9282
- Single Family Homes
- Waterfront Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Maggie Valley Club
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Maggie Valley NC / 800-438-3861
- Townhomes, Condominiums, Homesites, Carriage Homes, Cottages
- Golf Course Communities
- New and Resale Homes
McLendon Hills
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West End NC / 877-228-3057
- Custom Homes
- Lakefront Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Enclave at White Oak Creek
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Apex NC / 919-466-9300
- Single Family Homes
- Luxury Communities
- New Homes
Traditions at Heritage Wake Forest, M/I Homes
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Wake Forest NC / 919-205-2120
- Single Family Homes
- Master Planned Community
- New Homes
Seven Falls Golf & River Club
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Hendersonville NC / 866-473-2557
- Townhomes, Golf Villas
- Golf Course Communities
- Resale Homes
Rivermist on Dutchman Village
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Southport NC / 877-517-8583
- Single Family Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New Homes
Ocean Ridge Plantation
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Ocean Isle Beach NC / 800-556-6570
- Homesites, Single Family Homes
- Coastal Living
- New and Resale Homes
Lawson - Southern Trail
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Waxhaw NC / 704-243-0095
- Single Family Detached, Ranch Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Richmond Pines Country Club
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Rockingham NC / 910-895-3279
- Single Family Homes
- Golf Course Communities
- Resale Homes
Palmetto Creek Plantation
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Bolivia NC / 800-203-8554
- Townhomes, Single Family Homes
- Luxury Communities
- New Homes
Rea Farms: Metro by Lennar
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Charlotte NC / 704-759-6048
- Townhomes
- Townhome Communities
- Resale Homes
Landfall
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Wilmington NC / 910-256-6111
- Single Family Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Kensington Village by Express Homes
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Mooresville NC / 704-345-1069
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
The Orchards at Traditions by DR Horton
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Wake Forest NC / 800-798-0616
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Killian's Pointe - Traditions
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Denver NC / 704-483-6000
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Bellewood: Carolina Collection by Lennar
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Angier NC
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Twin Lakes Resort
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Chocowinity NC / 252-946-5700
- RV Resort
- RV Parks
- Rental
The Farm at Brunswick
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Carolina Shores NC / 910-795-1405
- Townhomes, Condominiums, Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New and Resale Homes
The Cottages
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Pineville NC / 704-944-9265
- Single Family Homes
- Active Adult Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Villas of Sun Valley
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Indian Trail NC / 704-635-7138
- Single Family Homes
- Active Adult Communities
- Resale Homes
Grandale Place
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Durham NC
- Single Family Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New Homes
Morgan's Branch
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Belmont NC / 704-469-5474
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Qualla Village
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Brevard NC / 800-559-1093
- Single Family Homes
- Active Adult Communities
- Resale Homes
Cobblestone Manor
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Huntersville NC / 704-228-0978
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
The Coves at Round Mountain
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Colletesville NC / 904-562-1818
- Custom Homes, Cottages
- Active Adult Communities
- New and Resale Homes
CopperRidge on Lake Norman
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Mooresville NC / 704-609-8077
- Lots, Single Family Homes
- Waterfront Communities
- Resale Homes
Bald Head Island
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Bald Head NC / 800-888-3707
- Condominiums, Homesites
- Waterfront Communities
- New and Resale Homes
The Village of Carolina Place
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Pineville NC / 704-541-0016
- Single Family Detached, Apartments, Carriage Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Verdict Ridge Golf & Country Club
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Denver NC / 704-257-0100
- Townhomes, Homesites
- Country Club Communities
- New and Resale Homes
The Cliffs at High Carolina
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Asheville NC / 828-215-9064
- Estate Homes, Golf Villas
- Luxury Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Ridgefield Farms
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Cary NC / 919-328-3372
- Villa Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Lake Toxaway
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Lake Toxaway NC / 828-966-4020
- Homesites, Carriage Homes
- Lakefront Communities
- Resale Homes
Briar Chapel, M/I Homes
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Cary NC / 919-724-7010
- Single Family Homes
- Master Planned Community
- Resale Homes
Killian's Pointe - Vintage
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Denver NC / 704-483-6000
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Compass Pointe
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Wilmington NC
- Attached, Single Family Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Villas at Forest Hills
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Pinehurst NC / 910-687-4893
- Townhomes
- Townhome Communities
- New Homes
The Preserve at Legacy Lakes
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Aberdeen NC / 910-684-4044
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Balsam Mountain Preserve
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Sylva NC / 866-452-3456
- Single Family Homes
- Mountain Living
- New and Resale Homes
Pinnacle Falls
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Hendersonville NC / 828-606-3030
- Single Family Detached
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New and Resale Homes
The Orchards of Flat Rock by DR Horton
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Flat Rock NC / 828-243-8800
- Single Family Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New Homes
Adelaide Estates
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Monroe NC / 704-766-8178
- Single Family Homes
- Luxury Communities
- New Homes
Bailey Springs
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Cornelius NC / 704-228-0978
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Meadows at Coddle Creek - Freedom Homes by Freedom Homes
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Mooresville NC / 704-345-1069
- Ranch Homes, Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
The Courtyards at Harrisburg
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Harrisburg NC / 888-224-1061
- Patio Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Amberly Glen: Classic Collection by Lennar
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Cary NC / 919-337-9420
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- Resale Homes
Vista at the Riverbank
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Tryon NC / 866-519-2400
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Preserve at White Oak Estates Collection
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Apex NC / 919-238-6879
- Single Family Homes
- Luxury Communities
- New Homes
The Carolina Club
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Grandy NC / 252-453-3588
- Single Family Homes
- Golf Course Communities
- New and Resale Homes
Brunswick
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Calabash NC / 910-469-1837
- Condominiums, Attached, Single Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- Resale Homes
Emerald Regency @ Landfall by Emerald Homes
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Wilmington NC / 910-742-7946
- Single Family Homes
- All Age Community
- New Homes
Grandover
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Greensboro NC / 336-707-9799
- Single Family Homes
- Golf Course Communities
- New Homes
The Woodlands at Olivers Landing
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Hickory NC
- Single Family Homes
- Active Adult Communities
- Resale Homes
Southside Village
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Asheville NC / 828-254-9842
- Townhomes, Condominiums, Lots
- Master Planned Community
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Brightwood Trails, Ryland Homes
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Durham NC / 919-596-4087
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About North Carolina

A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in North Carolina

Written by Melissa McClave

Experience the Natural Charms of North Carolina

As one of the most popular locations for retirement-age seniors on the East Coast, North Carolina appeals to active 55+ adults who want to spend time outdoors year round.

The state offers retirees an opportunity to enjoy all four seasons! Temperatures remain fairly mild even in summer and winter with heat waves and cold fronts a rarity.

Where to Retire in North Carolina

From the cities of Charlotte and Raleigh to the quiet rural towns in the Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina offers variety to 55+ active adults looking for a place to call home.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Piedmont

Durham is nicknamed the ‘City of Medicine’ for its exceptional healthcare offerings. The nearby suburb of Wendell, a satellite area of Raleigh, offers a friendly, small-town feel to seniors.

Additional popular retirement locales in Piedmont include Fuquay Varina and Mount Holly which feature outdoor parks and hiking trails.

Coastal Plains

The Coastal Plains of North Carolina lie along the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. Beach towns like Ocean Isle Beach offer waterfront property and easy access to beaches and coastline.

Staying Active in and Around North Carolina’s 55+ Communities

North Carolina is known for its outdoor activities and access to lakes, beaches and mountainous forests.

Things to Do in Your 55+ Active Adult Community

Visit the Clubhouse

Swim in the Community Pool

Many 55+ communities in North Carolina feature private, on-site outdoor pools, while others have heated indoor pools you can swim in year round!

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for seniors, as it’s easy on the joints. Hydrotherapy can relieve pain and improve your range of movement.

Play Tennis or Pickleball

Venture Off-Property for Popular Senior Activities

Golf at Ocean Ridge Plantation

There are picturesque golf courses throughout North Carolina. Practice your swing at the driving range or spend the afternoon on the course with fellow retirees.

One standout North Carolina golf course for seniors is Ocean Ridge Plantation. It doubles as a golf and beach community, with four golf courses and miles of white sand.

Fish North Carolina’s Lakes

Head to the Beach

North Carolina borders the Atlantic Ocean, which means there are many beaches within a short drive from many 55+ active adult communities.

Spend time relaxing in a beach chair or stroll along the shore and boardwalk. Fish off the pier, or stay active with water sports like swimming and paddle boarding.

Reasons to Retire in North Carolina

North Carolina is popular with retirees for its low cost of living. Taxes are lower than many states, and Social Security income is not taxed at the state level.

North Carolina’s four mild seasons, year round temperate climate, and minimal snow for a low-maintenance lifestyle, is perfect for active oldr adults looking for a place to retire.

For those who want to stay active in retirement, North Carolina is ideal. Its lakes, rivers, and ocean are hubs for hunting, fishing, hiking, and boating!

Senior Living Communities in North Carolina

Waterfront Communities

Oceanfront properties offer seniors picturesque views, shopping, and dining in beachfront boardwalk areas.

Golf Course Communities

Retiring in a golf course community offers seniors a convenient way to play a weekly round of golf!

Communities

Healthcare Options in North Carolina

North Carolina has many top-notch healthcare options for seniors including specialists, chronic pain management services, assisted living communities, and general practitioners.