Guide to Best Places to Retire in North Carolina



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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 helpyou 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

Sunalei

Zionville, NC
Large custom homesites from the high $90s, Custom land and homes from $1.2 million

Sunalei: Mountain Living Above The Rest
In the heart of the North Carolina Mountains, amid the majestic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains llies Sunalei, a community that beckons you to embrace the art of mountain living. A hidden gem nestled in the wilderness, Sunalei stands tall above the rest, offering an escape from the bustling world and a sanctuary for those who seek authenticity, tranquility, and adventure.

The Vision:
Sunalei was born from a vision inspired by the rich heritage of the Great Camps, a vision that honors the natural landscape and the spirit of mountain living. The community’s creators envisioned a place where time stands still, and every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature. With its sprawling private homesites, it’s a haven for those who value privacy, unhindered views, and the feeling of truly escaping from it all.

The Location:
Located just 13 miles from the charming town of Boone, Sunalei is perfectly situated in the High Country of North Carolina. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and conservation lands, including the awe-inspiring Elk Knob State Park, the community offers the best of both worlds. It’s a place where you can relish in the serene solitude of the mountains while having easy access to vibrant mountain towns, local cuisine, shopping, and cultural experiences.

The Blue Ridge Mountains serve as a breathtaking backdrop, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking heart-pounding thrills or someone who finds solace in quiet hikes, Sunalei is your gateway to exploration. And it’s not just about the adventures but also the moments of tranquil contemplation, the kind that can only be found above 4,000 feet above sea level.

The Properties:

The Sunalei homesites are carefully chosen and designed to complement the landscape. Each parcel is distinctive, whether it borders the conservation lands near the headwaters of the New River or nestles in the heart of the forest. These private homesites offer a canvas for you to create your ideal mountain retreat. Ranging from 2 to 12 acres, they provide ample space for families and are designed to be passed down to future generations. Homes at Sunalei reflect nature. Architectural guidelines encourage the use of log siding and natural stone, creating a rustic yet luxurious blend of style and modern conveniences.

 

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New Homes near Wilmington NC | The Home Place of Southport | Coastal

The Home Place of Southport

Southport, NC
Homes from $429.5K

Models Open Daily!

The Home Place of Southport is located in coastal North Carolina, just between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. The community features 52 charming, brick low-maintenance homes with highly desired retirement smart features. At the Home Place of Southport, you’ll enjoy a low monthly HOA which includes lawn maintenance as well as Homeowners’ Insurance.

This new gated neighborhood offers single-family Villas and Garden Home Duplex designs, featuring the Beach Boca floorplan consisting of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a two-car garage, and a screened lanai with an optional bonus and bath. Prices begin in the $400s.  The Beach Boca floorplan was recently awarded the Gold Award by the Wilmington/Cape Fear Home Builders Association in the 2023 Parade of Homes.

The community is located just a few minutes from the seaside town of Southport, North Carolina which is home to the North Carolina State 4th of July Festival, a historic waterfront, and dozens of restaurants and eclectic shops. The Home Place of Southport is an ideal community to enjoy an active, yet relaxed lifestyle.  Call us today to schedule a visit.

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Kingbird

Rocky Point, NC
Large Acre Parcels Ranging from 10 acres - 100+ acres

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.

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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 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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    The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.