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Guide to Active Adult Communities in North Carolina
Guide to Active Adult Communities in North Carolina
Active adult communities are designed for retirees and working seniors who prefer a dynamic lifestyle in a fun, social environment. These master-planned communities offer resort-style amenities such as clubhouses and pools, as well as lively social and activity calendars
While many active adult communities are age-restricted—which typically means that at least one member of the household must be 55 years or over—others welcome residents of all ages.
Homes Built for Comfort and Entertainment
Single-family, one-story homes are the norm in active adult communities. They can be customized to each household’s needs. Homes usually offer layouts and features that are standard in modern homes. Generally, master suites are complete with a spacious closet and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in tub. Newer homes also include office spaces for working seniors.
Houses in these neighborhoods are made for entertaining. Open living spaces, large patios, and screened porches make for ideal social gatherings. Visiting friends and family can stay overnight in the guest bedrooms.
Landscaping maintenance is often provided for all residents.
Elevated Amenities for Residents
While many active adult communities operate independently, some are located within larger master-planned residential developments. Both types of communities offer exclusive amenities such as pools and clubhouses.
Workout facilities deliver classes and programs that cater to all fitness levels. Low-impact aerobics and yoga are some of the most popular programs offered.
Those who would rather be outdoors can take advantage of walking trails, parks, and picnic areas. Pickleball courts, tennis courts, and lawns for croquet and softball games are available for athletic residents to use.
Active adult communities may also include services that cannot be found in regular neighborhoods. Residents can walk to onsite restaurants, golf courses, and water features like lakes or ponds. For those who want services to come to them, hair stylists and physical therapists may be available on-call.
Hubs and Clubs for Various Interests
Activity directors help new residents connect with their neighbors. They organize clubs for community members of various interests such as gardening, cooking, and woodworking.
Residents can keep sharp by attending academic classes and visiting lectures in the community centers. Live concerts and film screenings will appeal to those who love performance arts.
Community service clubs are popular, too. Neighbors can organize charities, drives, and other public service events for the community at large.
Idyllic Communities in Ideal Locations
The best active adult communities are located near town or city landmarks. Hospitals and healthcare facilities, for example, are situated nearby. Residents have easy access to physicians and dentists that specialize in senior wellness.
Prospective residents should choose a community that best fits their lifestyle. Some neighborhoods are only a short walk or ride away from bustling city centers. Others are closer to quieter, small-town shops.
Sample Communities to Discover
Compass Pointe
Located on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, only 10 minutes from Wilmington, Compass Pointe is a gated, private community that offers an unmatched resort lifestyle. Every day feels like a vacation where you can relax by our award-winning pool, float along the lazy river, join one of 100+ community clubs, or get some exercise at our fitness center, indoor pool, or golf club. Come see for yourself why Compass Pointe was honored with the 2020 Best Health & Fitness Community and America’s Best Places to Live 2021.
Amenities:
- Private, Gated Entrance
- The Grand Lanai
- Resort Oasis Pool
- Compass Pointe Golf Club
- Clubhouse (under construcion) & Pro Shop
- The Pointe Wellness Center & Spa
- Indoor Pool
- Lazy River
- Tennis & Pickleball Courts
- Recreation Lawn
- Putting Greens
- Latitudes Restaurant and Bar
- Dog Park
- Cardinal Lake with Canoe & Kayak Launch
- Outdoor Amphitheater
- Sidewalks Throughout for Walking and Biking
- Golf Cart Paths Throughout
Future Amenities:
- Club Member Pool & Bar
- Club Member Fitness Center
- Club Member Golf Simulator
Flowers Plantation
Located just minutes from Raleigh yet tucked away from the hustle of the city, Flowers Plantation continues to thrive as Johnston County’s premier master-planned community. Bordered by US Hwy 42, Buffalo Road, and the Neuse River in Clayton, this award-winning development was the first of its kind in the region and earned back-to-back honors as North Carolina’s Community of the Year by the North Carolina Home Builders Association in 2013 and 2014.
Today, Flowers Plantation is home to more than 40 unique neighborhoods, two on-site elementary schools, and a private Thales Academy, along with over 10 miles of scenic walking trails and 50 acres of peaceful lakes. The community blends residential charm with everyday convenience thanks to two commercial districts: Flowers Crossroads, featuring a Harris Teeter, medical offices, dining, and boutique retail; and Flowers Marketplace, the newest retail hub anchored by Publix.
The community also offers luxury apartment living, townhomes, and newly built single-family homesites, providing flexible options for residents at every stage of life. With homes available for immediate move-in or purchase, there’s something for everyone. At full buildout, Flowers Plantation will include nearly 7,800 homes, with pricing ranging from the mid-$200s to over $700K.
Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle enriched by exceptional amenities. The clubhouse, fitness center, and resort-style pool—operated by the East Triangle YMCA—serve as a central hub for recreation, wellness, and community programs, right within the neighborhood.
Exciting new growth is on the horizon with the addition of The Waterfront District, a dynamic mixed-use area that will offer walkable access to dining, retail, recreation, and potential future residential opportunities—all centered around a scenic waterfront setting.
“You don’t need a car here. The streets are all golf-cart friendly,” says Reid Stephenson, Flowers Plantation’s Chief Executive. “You can get your kids to school, come home from work, enjoy our parks and recreation, and make convenient runs to the grocery store—all without ever leaving the community.”
Whether you’re raising a family, enjoying retirement, or somewhere in between, Flowers Plantation offers a connected, comfortable lifestyle with something for everyone to call home.
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 active adult 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.
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