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Guide to Resort Communities in North Carolina



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Guide to Resort Communities in North Carolina

Resort communities offer the comfort of home with the luxury amenities of a vacation destination. Features such as on-site restaurants, pools, tennis courts, and pickleball courts are available for residents. Clubhouses are always busy with scheduled events and activities for residents and their guests. Neighbors become friends through interest clubs and socials hosted throughout the year.

There are a variety of resort communities to choose from. For example, those who love to hit the links may find their perfect home in a golf community, while those who prefer the sand and sea can find their haven in a coastal community.

Aside from amenities and lifestyle offerings, important considerations when selecting a new home destination include factors such as preferred climate, cost of living, and tax considerations.

Social activities

Being part of an exclusive community means that neighbors get to know each other well. Onsite amenities, such as clubhouses and pools, foster these close relationships. Staff members also organize themed dinners, holiday events, and special interest groups.

Top-Notch Amenities

Resort communities offer updated facilities. Pools, fitness rooms, and tennis courts are generally found onsite. Those who have particular interests such as golf or sailing can find resort communities that cater specifically to those activities.

 

Family-Friendly Environment

Resort communities are diverse. They may also be gated communities, active adult communities and/or coastal communities. They can be a sanctuary to young families and empty-nesters alike. From playgrounds to lounges, these communities offer amenities to entertain residents of any age. 

Further, these amenities add value to the neighborhood, which benefit homeowners in these communities.

Sample Communities to Discover

Riverlights

Wilmington, NC
Single-family, active-adult, and luxury: $400K - $1M+

Nestled along the Cape Fear River in the coastal town of Wilmington, NC, Riverlights is a vibrant, master-planned community full of small-town charm. The perfect location makes all the difference – along the Cape Fear River and just five miles from historic Wilmington, rated the most charming beach town on the East Coast with award-winning restaurants and shops. When you live in Riverlights, your days radiate with the positive energy that happens when you live on the water in the Carolina sunshine.

 

There are plenty of opportunities to walk, run, or ride bikes along miles of trails, kayak in the 38-acre freshwater lake, or roam free in any one of the community’s many parks. Whether enjoying a riverfront walk along the boardwalk and dock, gathering with neighbors for an oyster roast, or watching the sunset on the waterfront, exploration happens here daily. Our Lakehouse clubhouse includes a zero-entry pool with lap lanes, a fitness center, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, including a firepit overlooking the lake. Our brand-new Riverhouse clubhouse features a resort style pool with lap lanes, four pickle ball courts, fitness center, plus gathering spaces with a scenic backdrop.

 

Riverlights has home options suited to any stage of life – from low-maintenance townhomes to luxury and single family homes – from six quality homebuilders The coastal North Carolina community offers 10+ beautifully decorated model homes open daily for walk-ins allowing home shoppers to get a feel for the lifestyle that awaits in Riverlights.

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River Dunes

Oriental, NC
Homes: $225K - $1.1M Lots: $90K - $585K

River Dunes is an award-winning coastal retreat on the coast of North Carolina. You’ll find big water, big views, and big adventure here. River Dunes offers the best in coastal living and year-round boating, set in an unparalleled location with fourteen miles of shoreline on the big waters of the Pamlico Sound, Intracoastal Waterway and Neuse River. The award-winning master plan embraces gathering spaces, spectacular water views, and outdoor living. Traditional coastal architecture and a bustling Harbor Village draw upon the rich heritage of life on the coast. River Dunes is a place for enjoying the back porch with neighbors, the peace of an early-morning kayaking trip and fellowship on the docks in the afternoon. Enjoy luxurious guest accommodations, live music at the Pavilion and dining with friends.

The 400 slip Marina features floating docks, fuel, dockage and deep water access for boats up to 150′. The Harbor Village in the heart of the community offers dining, shopping, provisions, fitness, tennis courts, a day spa, accommodations, bikes, kayaks, trails and the new Design Center. The Harbor Club has a spectacular clubhouse with waterfront dining, pool, and hot tubs.

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Retire NC

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina has always been recognized for its natural diversity and gracious hospitality, which now has made it into an extremely popular retirement destination. Choices abound for a healthy, happy retirement setting, whether you want to relax on the beach or enjoy the great outdoors in our mountains or stay busy in a bustling city. The North Carolina Certified Retirement Community designation means a city has completed a comprehensive evaluation process with requirements outlined by the North Carolina General Assembly. These Certified Retirement Communities are recognized for providing the amenities, services and opportunities retirees need to enjoy active and productive lives.

City of Reidsville

City of Reidsville

LIVE SIMPLY, THINK BIG isn’t just our tagline, it’s our way of life. We aren’t limited by
our size and neither are our dreams. Whether you want to spend your retirement volunteering,
spending time with friends or finally opening that small business you always dreamed of, you
can "Do What You Love in Reidsville"; Being "retired" doesn’t mean you can’t live out your
dreams, it means you now have the freedom to do it!
https://www.riseupreidsville.com/retire

Johnston County

Johnston County

Johnston County (JoCo) offers you more than you expect in retirement! Discover a blend of history, entertainment, dining, lodging, and outlet shopping, along with a generous helping of true southern hospitality. With a growing culinary and craft beverage scene, as well as revitalized downtowns, you don’t have to travel far from home to find what you are looking for. The unique communities that make up JoCo have one thing in common–a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people.
https://www.johnstoncountync.org/retire-joco/

Rumbling Bald

Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

If you are looking to build or purchase in an exceptional mountain golf community, it’s time to look closer at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. You will find a few choice, undeveloped properties within our community at pleasantly affordable prices along with several spectacular homes in a variety of settings. You can come today; enjoy our lake and golf, and choose the opportunity to live in a remarkable community.
https://rumblingbald.com/living-here

Person County

Person County

Nestled in the northern piedmont of North Carolina, a short commute from the Triangle and southern Virgina, Person County is home to rolling hills, farmers markets, lakes, and trails. With two beautiful wineries, live music venues, historic general stores, and Uptown Roxboro, Person County values its history and community while embracing the new. No matter what you choose, life in Person County is homegrown, just for you.
https://itsbetterinperson.com/

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Get Started

Finding and choosing the right resort community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation guide, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the best resort 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.
  • ideal-LIVING E-Newsletter
    Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
  • Tickets to ideal-LIVING Live Events
    The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.

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