Guide to Best Places to Retire in North Carolina
Best Places to Live & Retire in North Carolina
Beaches, Mountains, History and Great Weather
Ideal-Living offers a free comprehensive service that begins with helping you find your Ideal Lifestyle. Until you know how you want to live, you can’t know where you want to live. We offer a wide array of tools to help
you get answers to the questions that are keeping you from moving to your ideal destination. That includes finding the best place to retire in North Carolina.
Our resources can help you find best retirement communities in North Carolina in the best retirement locations. We can help you gain all this information as well as talk with representatives from the top retirement and resort communities in North Carolina, this includes communities in Wilmington, Southport, Raleigh, even the North Carolina high country areas like Boone and Asheville.
In addition to its natural beauty, great climate, and combination of mountain, lake and coastal communities, North Carolina also offers numerous tax benefits for residents and retirees.
No tax on social security benefits
Property tax deferment program for qualifying seniors
Prescription drugs are exempt from state sales tax
No inheritance tax
Those over 65 may qualify for Homeowners Exemption
Our free Digital Retirement Guide and Ideal-Living Magazine offer an abundance of information on which states, towns and cities are the best for retirees, vacationers and second-home buyers.
Because we can give you first-hand information on so many communities, virtually any type of community or neighborhood is available for you to consider, such as:
Coastal Communities
Golf Communities
Active Adult Communities
Mountain Communities
Lake Communities
Gated Communities
Inland Communities
Green Communities
Vacation Homes
Luxury Homes
University Towns
Small Towns
Affordable Homes for Retirement
Ideal-Living provides you the resources to not only compare North Carolina against other states, but also compare communities within North Carolina. And not just a few communities, but over 20 of the most popular communities in North Carolina. From the beaches to the mountains, all that North Carolina has to offer is at your fingertips.
Sample Communities to Discover
Kingbird
Introducing Kingbird, a groundbreaking community nestled in Rocky Point, NC. This first-of-its-kind gated community offers a lifestyle unlike any other on the East Coast. Own 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50+ acres to craft your legacy on private, expansive parcels of land. Kingbird invites visionary individuals and families to embrace a lifestyle defined by freedom, solitude, and limitless potential, all within minutes of Wilmington’s vibrant culture and the serene Carolina coast.
Kingbird redefines the essence of large acre living by blending autonomy, community, and prime location. Here, you can shape your future—whether it’s a family estate, an outdoor sanctuary, or a corporate retreat facility. At Kingbird, owning land is more than just owning property; it’s about investing in a community that celebrates individuality and builds foundations for generations to come.
“Kingbird is more than just a place to live; it’s the ability to have your land, your way,large-acre as the backdrop for a lifestyle based on autonomy and freedom. It’s a sanctuary where residents can build, create, and thrive on their own terms,” said Kevin Smith, Kingbird Developer. “Our vision is to foster a community where neighbors and privacy coexist seamlessly, offering an unmatched living experience in an unbeatable location.”
Features of Kingbird Include:
- Expansive, Customizable Parcels: From 10 acres to 100+ acres, your land becomes a canvas for your vision.
- Prime Location: Close to Wilmington’s beaches, attractions, and international travel hubs.
- A Unique Lifestyle: Build a life of freedom, privacy, and connection, underpinned by the values of the Kingbird Creed.
Kingbird invites you to take the first step toward a life that embodies true freedom and individuality. Stake your claim in a community that believes in living boldly and building legacies that endure. Visit https://livekingbirdnc.com to learn more, request more information, and start turning your vision into reality.
St. James Properties
St. James Plantation, located along Southeastern North Carolina’s Intracoastal Waterway near the charming towns of Southport and historic Wilmington, remains one of the most desirable communities in the region. The community boasts over $100 million in top-tier amenities, including a private oceanfront beach club, a 475-slip marina with dry stack options, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, including the Signature Wellness Center, four welcoming clubhouses, and 81 holes of championship golf. Residents can also enjoy 36+ miles of biking and walking routes, five dining options, Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball, parks, community gardens, and over 100 social clubs.
With a mild Carolina climate offering four distinct seasons, the area is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring nearby antique shops, boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and historical landmarks dating back to the 1700s. Additionally, the region is home to well-equipped adult educational institutions and first-class medical centers. Real estate options in St. James include spacious custom homes, new cottage homes, and condominiums, with single-family homes ranging from the $600,000s to over $1 million, and homesites starting in the $200,000s.
Plan your visit right now! Call 800-245-3871 or visit our website: www.StJames-Properties.com.
Kingfish Bay
Discover Kingfish Bay: A Coastal Retreat in Calabash, NC
Welcome to Kingfish Bay, one of the Carolina Coast’s premier private communities, located in the charming village of Calabash, North Carolina. Overlooking the serene Calabash River, this gated community spans over 60 acres of hardwood forest, wetlands, and picturesque coastal bluffs. Nestled near the vibrant attractions of North Myrtle Beach and the peaceful shores of Sunset Beach, Kingfish Bay offers the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility, all within walking distance of Calabash’s renowned restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Exceptional Amenities for Relaxed Living
Residents also enjoy exclusive access to the Oceanfront Beach Club at nearby Sunset Beach—a rare HOA-owned beachfront escape, offering premium beachfront parking. Enjoy breathtaking views and serene moments at the private Waterfront Park, complete with walking trails, picnic areas, fire pits, bocce ball, and a pier extending into the river. A second pier with day boat slips and a kayak launch is in development, adding even more opportunities for recreation and wildlife watching.
Residents also enjoy exclusive access to the Oceanfront Beach Club at nearby Sunset Beach—a rare HOA-owned beachfront escape. At the heart of Kingfish Bay, the 5,000-square-foot Community Center boasts a resort-style pool, spa, fitness center, cinema room, putting green, and spaces for social gatherings, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Diverse Home Options to Fit Your Lifestyle
Kingfish Bay offers a variety of home plans tailored to coastal living. Choose from charming coastal cottages or larger single-family homes, each nestled among lush palm trees and beautifully landscaped spaces. Build your dream home through our Custom Home Program, with options for waterview or single-family lots that highlight the natural beauty of the area. Move-in-ready homes are also available, offering convenience without sacrificing charm.
A Community Rooted in Coastal Charm
Kingfish Bay is more than a place to live—it’s a lifestyle rooted in the coastal charm of Calabash. Known for its seafood and warm hospitality, this top-rated town enriches the community’s close-knit, relaxed atmosphere. Discover a life where every day feels like a retreat at Kingfish Bay, where you’re not just living—you’re Living Relaxed.
Get Started
Finding and choosing the right active adult community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation package, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the top communities in North Carolina, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey.
Free Package includes:
- ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide
The ultimate guide to find your ideal destination, life and home. This annual guide contains more than 15 state maps, a location-based cost of living and climate comparison chart and discovery travel packages.
- ideal-LIVING Magazine
Quarterly print magazine features the best places to retire and/or purchase your ideal second home.
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Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
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