Get Back to a Better Place

White sand beaches, majestic mountain vistas, mild winter weather, some of the nation's best college basketball, and lots of barbeque have put North Carolina on the map as one of the top states with the highest net migration numbers.

5.25% personal income tax rate

Average Property Taxes: 0.85% of property value

World-Class Healthcare

North Carolina is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. It does not tax Social Security retirement benefits. The state also has low property taxes and sales taxes near the national average."

Why not move to a better place? North Carolina boasts 3,375 miles of coastline from the Outer Banks to the South Carolina border and more than 100 mountains with elevations over 5,000 feet. It's also an economically vibrant state with the banking industry in Charlotte and the tech and medical industries in the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill). Most retirees are looking for quality healthcare, and you won't find better than Duke University and UNC Healthcare Systems that branch out with satellites throughout the state. The mild winter weather encourages a healthy living atmosphere year-round. You can ski the mountains in the winter one day and surf or fish on the coast the next day. And, if you are a sports fan, you'll have more than ample opportunity to view college and professional teams.

Editor's Choice

Healthy Lifestyles

Mountainsto-Sea Trail

Stretching 1,175 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, this trail meanders through amazing small NC towns with incredible vistas and views. Whether you want to take a short walk along the trail or bike from one end to the other, the trail offers the perfect retreat for people of all skill levels.

Brunswick Islands

On the shores of southeastern North Carolina lie five barrier islands with more than 45 miles of coastline to explore and more than 30 championship golf courses. Grab your kayak or your paddleboard and paddle along the Intracoastal Waterway or through the marshes to catch a glimpse of a pod of dolphins.

Pinehurst Golf

It all started in 1897 when Dr. Leroy Culver designed the first nine holes at Pinehurst No. 1. In the North Carolina sandhills lined with long-leaf pines, you'll find golf of legends, including the famed Pinehurst No. 2, the centerpiece of Pinehurst Resort. This course has hosted more golf championships than any other course in America.

Editor's Choice

Wilmington

Wilmington Riverwalk

Stroll along the almost two miles of the Cape Fear River in charming historic downtown Wilmington. The Riverwalk is lined with shops and tasty restuarants. You can watch the sunset from a riverfront cafe. The marina at the north end of the Riverwalk accommodates large sea vessels and even a few houseboats.

WilmingtonandBeaches.com

Wilmington Food Scene

The historic district is home to more than 40 locally owned restaurants, cafes, and pubs that offer casual to fine dining options. As a coastal city, the seafood is top-rate, and you can find quaint restaurants in the beach towns and throughout the city. From oceanfront options to farm-to-table, there is something for every taste.

Wilmington Area Beaches

Beach life is a main draw to the Wilmington area with its three area beaches. The Caribbean-blue waters of Wrightsville Beach draw visitors for all water sports or just lounging on the beach. Carolina Beach is a family-friendly beach where you will not regret standing in line for a famous Britt's Donut on the Boardwalk.

Topping

"Best of" lists everywhere, Wilmington, NC, is a small coastal city with lots of charm. The area has seen massive 16+% growth over the past 20 years. And, neighboring Brunswick County is the fastest growing county in North Carolina and is one the fastest growing counties in the U.S. Home to multiple community colleges and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the area is perfect for those seeking lifelong learning opportunities. Situated between the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway with easy access to the many beaches, Wilmington is the perfect spot for waterlovers. It's easy to see why the region attracts so many people with its stunning beaches, historic downtown, and easy-living atmosphere.

Population: 297,533 (metro area)

Climate: Mild climate with warm winters and even warmer (hot) summers.

Transportation: Wilmington International Airport

Culture: You can watch a traveling Broadway show or listen to the symphony at the Wilson Center in downtown Wilmington.

Recreation: The area beaches offer every watersport imaginable from fishing to kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. The cross-city biking trail connects the river to the sea.

Healthcare: In 2021, Novant Health has committed over $5 billion to purchase and upgrade the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, as well as partnering with Chapel Hill, NC-based UNC Health and its medical school to expand the medical education program.