North Carolina 55+ Communities

Homes for Sale in 55 Plus Communities in North Carolina

Homes for Sale in 55 Plus Communities in NC

Purchasing a luxury property in a master-planned North Carolina community is an aspiration for many, with accessible real estate prices, incredible scenery, and no shortage of places to explore and make the most of retirement.

From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Cape Hatteras shoreline, the state's diverse geography, high-quality healthcare services, and mild climate make it one of the most popular retirement destinations.

What Are the Best 55+ Communities in North Carolina to Retire In?

Many NC retirees consider communities with lakeside or mountain views, miles of hiking routes, and well-appointed courtyards and sports courts for recreational use to be the best place to retire, as these areas blend the best of outdoor living and fresh air with luxury homes and facilities.

North Carolina’s wide-open spaces provide endless options, but the here are a few areas often regarded as some of the most ideal places to find retirement community homes for sale:

  • Tuckasegee, on the shores of Bear Lake, tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains: This NC town is close to Asheville for convenience, with community homes including access to wellness clubs, swimming pools, and lakeside dining.
  • Belmont, a quiet, peaceful North Carolina suburban city within thirty minutes of Charlotte: These resort-style 55+ communities are great for golf, outdoor sports, and hiking, with exclusive dog parks, social clubs, and sports facilities.
  • Wilmington, awarded the title of one of America’s top ten small cities: This town has multiple luxurious residential communities for active retirees, from gated golf resorts with eighteen-hole championship courses to complexes with quality condos, townhouses, and wellness centers.

Other superb retirement properties are available for sale in larger towns and cities such as Asheville, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, and Durham, each with its own unique selling points.

Health Care in North Carolina

Retirees looking for communities in North Carolina often prioritize those close to excellent healthcare facilities and services, and have numerous options, with the state home to world-class hospitals and specialist centers. This includes Duke University Hospital, which is rated as one of the finest hospitals nationwide.

Cost of Living in North Carolina

Choosing a state to call home in retirement can be a difficult decision, and understanding the ongoing costs of living in upscale home communities in North Carolina, alongside the average cost of homes for sale, is important. North Carolina offers a cost of living that is 5% beneath the national average, with homes costing 14% less, alongside affordable transportation and utilities–all of which combine to help make sure that retirement savings and incomes can support high living standards.

Retirement-friendly taxation policies mean North Carolina remains in the five most popular retirement states, with no state taxation against Social Security benefits, estates, or inheritances. While there is a NC state income tax that applies to IRAs, pensions, and 401(k)s, the lower housing and living costs often counterbalance this.

Are North Carolina College Towns Good for Retirement?

There is no doubt that North Carolina is a fantastic option for active adults, with homes close to the vast waters of Lake Norman or Lake Mattamuskeet providing numerous water-based sports team activities and events. College towns like Greensboro, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, NC stay busy with free community festivals and are a perfect match for retirees who want a buoyant, vibrant, and thriving community!


Filtered Results (9)

Carolina Gardens by Del Webb

Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina 55+ Community
Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina

This Wake County, North Carolina 55 plus community offers an active adult lifestyle with a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse, outdoor recreation, and quick access to the attractions of the Triangle region. Amenities include a fitness center, swimming pools, tennis & pickleball courts, bocce ball, walking trails, community gardens, and a dog park. Homes priced from the upper $300,000s. Read More...

Discovery Package Available
Request More Information

Carolina Overlook by Del Webb

Clayton, North Carolina 55+ Community
Clayton, North Carolina

Carolina Overlook by Del Webb is a 55+ active adult community in Clayton, North Carolina. The low-maintenance North Carolina retirement community in Johnston County is conveniently located within 30 minutes of the Triangle area, and includes amenities like a state-of-the-art clubhouse, onsite lake, pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, walking trails, and more. Floorplans ranging from 1,223 to 3,683 square feet with premium options start in the mid $300,000s. Read More...

Request More Information

Carolina Riverside by Del Webb

Belmont, North Carolina 55+ Community
Belmont, North Carolina

Carolina Riverside by Del Webb is a 55+ active adult community in Belmont, North Carolina. The low-maintenance North Carolina retirement community is conveniently located within 30 minutes of Charlotte, and includes amenities like a state-of-the-art clubhouse, pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, walking trails, and more. Floorplans from renowned builder, Del Webb, range from 1,223 to 2,712 square feet with premium options start in the low $400,000s. Read More...

Request More Information

Cresswind Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina 55+ Community
Charlotte, North Carolina

This Charlotte, NC 55+ community is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still within easy reach of Uptown attractions. Resort-style amenities include an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and walking & biking trails. Clubs and programs are offered for every hobby. NASCAR, golf, and mountains are easily accessible. Homes priced from the $400,000s to the $700,000s. Read More...

Request More Information

Cresswind Wesley Chapel

Monroe, North Carolina 55+ Community
Monroe, North Carolina

This master-planned active adult (55+) community in suburban Charlotte blends modern conveniences with a rural, small-town atmosphere. Forbes named the region one of the nation’s “Best Places to Retire,” citing its good climate, good air quality and no state income tax on Social Security. Residents will have convenient access to Uptown Charlotte, the airport, shopping, golf and more. Priced from the $400,000s to the $800,000s. Read More...

Request More Information

Del Webb Mallory Creek

Leland, North Carolina 55+ Community
Leland, North Carolina

Del Webb at Mallory Creek in Leland, NC, is a 55+ active adult community blending tranquility and convenience, just 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington and 30 minutes from popular beaches. It offers resort-style amenities like a clubhouse, pools, a fitness center, pickleball courts, and a community garden. Residents enjoy a golf cart-friendly environment, walking trails, a dog park, and various clubs and activities. With nearly 800 new ranch homes and easy access to major highways, the NC community is perfect for an active, engaged retirement. Homes priced from the upper $300,000s. Read More...

Request More Information

Flowers Plantation

Clayton, North Carolina 55+ Community
Clayton, North Carolina

This 3,000-acre gated community is located just 20 minutes outside of North Carolina's Research Triangle. Along with quick access to the Triangle's renowned healthcare, shops, dining, and entertainment venues, this master-planned community offers a diverse selection of amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, walking trails, and more. Homes and townhomes from the $300,000s to $1 million. Apartment rentals starting at $1,450/month.. Read More...

Request More Information

Riverlights

Wilmington, North Carolina 55+ Community
Wilmington, North Carolina

This Wilmington, NC river-front coastal community is set along the Cape Fear River and is located less than 5 miles from historic downtown Wilmington and 12 miles from area beaches. The community features a 38-acre fresh water lake for non-motorized boats, miles of multi-use trails with a waterfront boardwalk, 8+ parks and open spaces, public day docks, a separate 55+ active adult community with private amenities, and the Marina Village community hub, which is home to local shopping, dining and more. Townhomes priced from the high $300,000s to the low $500,000s; Homes priced from the $400,000s to $1 million+. Read More...

Request More Information

Trilogy® Lake Norman

Denver, North Carolina 55+ Community
Denver, North Carolina

Trilogy® Lake Norman is a new gated and master-planned 55+ retirement community about half an hour northwest of downtown Charlotte. The community will combine resort-like social and recreational amenities with a selection of new homes for sale near Lake Norman and Interstate 77. Homes are priced from the $400,000s to the $600,000s. Read More...

Request More Information