10 Welcoming Towns to Retire in North Carolina
North Carolina retirement choices get clearer when you stop thinking in regions and start thinking in daily rhythms. Some towns revolve around walkable historic centers where the courthouse, depot, and main street still shape community life. Others lean into outdoor routines: lakefront paths, orchard drives, or quick escapes to mountain trails.
Practical needs matter just as much: reliable healthcare nearby, low crime, and home prices that can sit below $200,000 in places like Goldsboro while climbing above $500,000 in Cornelius or Carrboro. Add festivals, farmers' markets, local theaters, and busy restaurant scenes, and you get towns that support both rest and momentum. The ten communities below show how varied “welcoming” can be across the state.
Monroe
Monroe presents a commendable blend of Southern hospitality, small-town charm, and contemporary facilities, making it an optimal choice for individuals approaching retirement. The downtown district is rich in historical significance, featuring historic buildings and landmarks at every turn. The Union County Courthouse functions as the focal point of this area, complemented by the Monroe Depot, which narrates the story of the early settlers of the region.
A tranquil, leisurely walk along the lakeshore through the scenic Lake Monroe Park awaits each morning as residents acclimate to their new environment in Monroe. The city also offers numerous dining and shopping venues, ranging from the downtown area to the Monroe Mall. Many retirees appreciate the availability of healthcare providers and the relatively low housing costs, with an average home price of $338,000. Monroe is an exceedingly picturesque locale, ideal for relaxing and enjoying a slower pace of life in retirement.
Hendersonville
If you are seeking respite from urban life and wish to experience the tranquility of small-town America, Hendersonville offers an ideal setting. This historic municipality, established in 1838, is encircled by museums and heritage sites that appeal to history enthusiasts. The downtown district is remarkably scenic, evoking a sense of stepping back in time with each walk along the main street. Traveling through the adjacent regions, visitors are treated to picturesque views of North Carolina's western mountains and Hendersonville’s renowned apple orchards.
Retirees are particularly drawn to Hendersonville due to its modest population of just over 13,000 residents and the affordable cost of living. Housing costs are notably lower than the national average, and the community emphasizes fostering strong local relationships. Throughout the year, numerous events, including festivals and farmers’ markets, are held to engage residents and visitors alike. Retirees residing in Hendersonville will discover an array of activities, from exploring the vibrant shops and dining establishments downtown, visiting Art MoB Studios and Marketplace to appreciate works by local artists, to embarking on nearby hikes to enjoy scenic landscapes and waterfalls.
Goldsboro
Goldsboro is an appealing destination for retirees seeking a relaxed yet engaging lifestyle. The city boasts a rich history, highlighted by landmarks such as Union Station—a restored train station still serving Amtrak and Greyhound routes. For those interested in heritage, numerous museums are available to explore. Annually, retirees enjoy events like Street Jams in summer, which fill the streets with music, food, and fun. The city offers plenty of shopping, coffee shops, and dining options. Its friendly community and recreational choices are sure to impress. Plus, easy access to quality healthcare and affordable home prices under $200,000 make Goldsboro an excellent place to settle.
Cornelius
Some retirees love small-town life. With a population of nearly 33,000, Cornelius will let you experience plenty of respite from the chaos you may be accustomed to. The city has gorgeous parks and green spaces, such as Lake Norman, where you can relish your new landscapes. There are also numerous restaurants, such as Big Bite'z Grill, art galleries, museums, shops, and entertainment venues to help keep you engaged!
Access to good healthcare is abundant in Cornelius. A study conducted by Smartasset voted the town the seventh best place for retirees to find a great doctor. The average home price is a little above average, at around $519,000. You might opt for apartment living, which could get you right into the heart of the city.
Sanford
Boasting a population of nearly 32,000, Sanford is another town with an influx of young people coming to attend Central Carolina Community College. With that comes more opportunities to find things to stay occupied around town. You will find places to eat, like the Local Joe's Tap & Grille. There are many entertainment options, such as the TempleTheater.
Retirees looking for a town with a lower cost of living will enjoy Sanford. The average cost for a home is $282,000. There is also a lot of access to good health care with physicians and specialty clinics throughout the area. Sanford could be the best choice for seniors looking for a new home after retirement.
Morrisville
This old town could be perfect for retirees who want to slow down their way of life. Morrisville boasts a population of 32,000, making it a candidate to live in small-town America. This town has a lot of southern charm, but enough modern amenities to which retirees may be drawn.
The cost of living in Morrisville is comparable to other towns in North Carolina with homes being sold for an average of $504,000. The crime rate is low and there is a sense of community that seniors will feel at home with. The downtown area is very inviting with shops and restaurants retirees will love. There are also plenty of events to keep busy with like the Music in the Park where you can get some delicious food and enjoy live music.
Mt. Airy
If you are looking for a small town, you might want to consider moving to the most famous one in the world, Mayberry. Mt. Airy was the hometown of Andy Griffith and he used it as the template for the close-knit community he created for his famous television show. Today, Mt. Airy's population is just over 10,000, and it has the most picturesque downtown area you have ever seen. Every year there is an influx of visitors coming to see the Andy Griffith Museum and take their picture at key locations that inspired their favorite TV show. True fans will adore experiencing the Mayberry Days events.
In addition to its fame, Mt. Airy has much more to offer retirees who want to keep an active lifestyle. Ideal for hiking, The Pilot Mountain State Park is not far away and the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains surround the town. The cost of living is lower than average with homes being sold for around $204,000. Retirees can come to Mt. Airy and live comfortably without worry!
Wilson
Not everyone who retires is to slow down too much. Wilson has a population of 48,000 people. Because of that, you will find no end of things to do in the city. Wilson is full of restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. There are plenty of places to take in some history and culture like the worlds greatest tobacco market. Entertainment is abundant in Wilson, particularly with its Oktoberfest events.
Home prices in Wilson are low at $211,000. There are also plenty of opportunities to find quality healthcare with clinics and hospitals in the area. Retirees looking to continue city life at a lower cost will find a lot to enjoy in Wilson.
Carrboro
Much like many of the mill towns scattered throughout the state, Carrboro has transitioned to being a town with a lot of history while having a modern sense of community. With a population of just over 21,000, you will enjoy a sense of small-town life while still experiencing a busy downtown area. Enjoy the Carrboro Farmers Market, have a drink and some crab cakes at ACME Food and Beverage Company, or listen to some live music at Johnny’s Gone Fishing.
The cost of living in Carrboro is lower than average, but home prices can still be around $535,000. You will also find plenty of access to medical care at Carrboro Medical Center with the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area being close by. If you like to live small but do not like seclusion, a town like Carrboro may be what you are looking for.
Salisbury
There is a lot of North Carolina history in the town of Salisbury. From its origins as a settlement for trading with Native Americans to becoming one of the fastest growing communities in North Carolina. Today, with a population just over 35,000, retirees are moving into the area because of the low cost of living and the sense of community. There are many things to do in Salisbury including visiting historic locations, enjoying restaurants like the Italian Grill, and attending festivals like the Buskar’s Bash and the Bell Tower Brewfest.
Retirees can enjoy the fact that home prices are an average of $271,000. In addition, medical care is abundant with physicians and specialty clinics located all over the area and the Rowan Medical Center nearby. Many people choose to move to Salisbury and find a new purpose in Salisbury.
When looking for a place to settle after retirement, North Carolina offers a variety of ideal towns with unique advantages and charm. The beautiful vistas of Asheville, the novelty of Mt. Airy, and the hustle of Charlotte all offer retirees a vibrant lifestyle while still having what they need to live a comfortable life. Affordable living, quality healthcare, and an abundance of culture and entertainment wait for you in these communities. Whether you crave green space and outdoor activities, a sense of community, or access to art, North Carolina has what you need to enjoy your retirement years in happiness.
