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Guide to Active Adult Communities in North Carolina



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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 calendarsScreen Shot 2021-09-03 at 7.11.19 AM.png

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

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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Carolina Riverside by Del Webb

Belmont, NC
Ranch homes from the low $400ks

Ideally situated near historic downtown Belmont and bordered by the South Fork of the Catawba River, you’ll find Carolina Riverside, a vibrant 55+ community of new homes designed by nationally recognized Del Webb home builders. Active lifestyles begin here, with a future recreation hub featuring an exclusive 19,000 square-foot clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, an onsite lifestyle director who will plan regular events and activities, pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, and more. Carolina Riverside will offer 11 flexible, open-concept ranch-style floorplans designed with the buyer in mind. Residents will have easy access to the Catawba River, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and more. Carolina Riverside is located minutes from downtown Belmont with great local restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. If you’re interested in a bustling scene, residents have easy access to Uptown Charlotte’s sporting events, shows, and entertainment.

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osprey landing

Osprey Landing

Southport, NC
Homes from the mid $300s

Welcome to Osprey Landing, a new single-family home community in charming Southport, North Carolina. In one of the most desirable coastal areas, Osprey Landing offers residents a relaxed lifestyle with a blend of seaside living and everyday convenience. Named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine, Southport is a historic city abundant with charming streetscapes and coastal beauty. The area offers stunning beaches, marinas, boating, fishing, shopping, exceptional dining, art galleries, golfing, and more! Within the community, Osprey Landing features an outdoor lap-size pool with a water slide, an open-air pool house Cabana, lawn maintenance, and more! Offering multiple home designs and types, single family land and home packages range from the mid $300’s to the high $600’s.

Visit www.billclarkhomes.com to explore your new home options today!

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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.

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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