7 Best Towns In North Carolina To Retire Comfortably

When choosing a new town for retirement, a few things instantly come to mind: good weather, affordability, and lively places to keep you busy. Fortunately, North Carolina grants all of these — and more. The "Tar Heel State" also offers low taxes and numerous close-knit communities, allowing retirees to form meaningful friendships and live their golden years comfortably. This article will explore seven top-notch towns in North Carolina.

Tryon

Tryon has carved a niche as a world-class community for horse riding and equestrian events. To get a sense of the culture, experience the Tryon International Equestrian Center, one of the most popular venues in the region — home not just to international competitions, but also concerts, game rooms, and other special monthly events. Oh, and did we mention it features a resort with killer mountain views, from the comfort of your window?

Alternatively, the 56-year-old Tryon Fine Arts Center has proven to be a vital organization for art lovers and prospective enthusiasts. It offers live performances, theater productions, exhibits, and lectures. The establishment also provides lessons related to painting and music.

Last but not least, Tryon is nestled right in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These mountains are esteemed for their breathtaking peaks and abundance of wildlife. The hiking and camping community frequents them regularly, thanks to impeccable views. This is especially true during fall, when the terrain morphs into a tapestry of orange, red, and gold, drawing tens of thousands of outdoor lovers.

According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price, as of May 2025, is $592,500. However, the median sold home price (i.e., the final sale price) stood at $485,000, since it's currently a buyer's market.

Surf City

How lovely are Surf City's beaches? Nice enough to have the entire town named after it! According to the Star-News, the name "Surf City" first appeared as part of a real estate scheme to reflect the area's geography. Given the scenic beaches and golden sunsets, investors saw an opportunity and initiated a series of developments to blossom the region into the dreamy coastal getaway it is today. But don't get the wrong idea; Surf City isn't exclusively a tourist town — there are over 4,000 permanent residents here.

Many enjoy access to Kenneth D. Batts Family Park year-round, a haven for nature and wildlife. Based on eyewitness accounts, it is not uncommon to see turtles, ospreys, and herons. But best of all, the park features a long boardwalk that stretches into the marsh, perfect for photo opportunities amid dusk and dawn while enjoying a peaceful walk.

Conversely, the Seacoast Art Gallery and Surf City Murals are locally beloved spots to witness the town's creativity. The gallery includes handmade pieces inspired by local geography, whereas the latter is a community project, free to attend and see murals.

To grab a bite, Surf City Line offers a wide array of tacos, wings, and chicken sandwiches with bold flavors and generous portions. Best of all, it's perched in a prime location by the beach, letting your taste buds enjoy every bite while gazing into the ocean.

If this town has sparked your interest, it'll cost you about $564,000, based on median home sales.

Laurinburg

According to Yahoo Finance, the cost of living in Laurinburg is 29.9% cheaper than the national average. In addition, Laurinburg's historic downtown gives residents a warm atmosphere.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you're in luck. The Chalk Banks Access of Lumber River State Park is within a 17-minute drive, where you can treat yourself to hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, and camping.

However, if you prefer something more relaxed with a slower pace, Hammond Park is conveniently located in Laurinburg and is known for its quiet, pristine vibe. It's a great spot to socialize and meet like-minded people. The pavilions make this easy, as they’re regularly utilized for community picnics.

Finally, suppose you're looking for a good place to eat. In that case, Captain Larry's Seafood & Steakhouse is one of the top restaurants in the city, with thousands of customers praising the establishment for its fresh and flavorful scallops and other seafood.

Based on 362 homes for sale, the median listing price for Laurinburg is a modest $185,000 per Realtor.com's data.

Reidsville

The United States Census Bureau estimates Reidsville's population at just 14,646. While not a lot, Reidsville's historical roots and rich cultural heritage outweigh its diminutive population. A crucial chapter in Reidsville's history is the tobacco industry, which played a vital role in shaping regional economic affairs while providing locals with consistent revenue for decades.

A brief six-minute drive away will take you to the quiet Chinqua-Penn Walking Trail. This unique environment is ideal for animal lovers, as several species have been spotted — cows, deer, birds, and turtles are among the most commonly seen. Moreover, the trail houses a stunning green bamboo forest alongside a soothing waterfall.

The Pennrose Park Country Club is a short drive from downtown for a more convenient socializing venue. It offers members a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, and delicious food to savor with fellow members and potential new friends.

Making Reidsville your home will not cost you a fortune. As of May 2025, Zillow data shows the average home was valued at just $201,059.

Sanford

You probably have never heard of Sanford. Yet, it played notable roles in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Later, Sanford became a manufacturing powerhouse and was a significant producer of bricks, manufacturing an astounding 10% of America's bricks by the 1950s.

To learn more about Sanford's storied past, the Railroad House Historical Society is a quirky little museum offering well-curated exhibits explained by passionate storytellers and volunteers. The venue is situated near a vintage steam train built 114 years ago.

For a more engaging experience, immerse yourself in North Carolina's outdoor scene at San-Lee Park, a majestic retreat offering endless fun. Rent a paddle boat to jump in the water and beat the heat, and when you're done, enjoy a barbecue at the picnic tables. San-Lee also boasts two serene waterfalls alongside walking trails to complement the park's ambiance.

And when you crave a bite, Brick City Grill has you covered. This local restaurant is famous for classic American cheeseburgers, savory chicken breast, and steak served with gravy, among other delectable options.

According to Zillow, buying a home in this historic settlement will cost a little over $288,000. Given the numerous amenities and perks of living in Sanford, prices have increased modestly over the last year.

Asheboro

Ever wonder what it would feel like to visit the world's largest natural habitat zoo? Wonder no more — it's right here in Asheboro. The award-winning North Carolina Zoo spans 2,600 acres and is home to more than 1,700 animals, including elephants, lions, Arctic foxes, and the American bison, to name just a few.

Outside the world-class zoo, Asheboro offers a plethora of places to explore. One such standout is the family-friendly North Asheboro Park, known for its pristine, spacious grounds and wide range of amenities, including pavilions, a basketball court, a volleyball arena, a tennis court, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Finally, like many top retirement towns, Asheboro offers access to a stunning nature retreat called the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness, located just a quick 17-minute drive away. This national forest spans over 5,100 acres and is considered a prime destination for photographers and hikers, thanks to its jaw-dropping rolling hills and creeks. While some pathways are easy to traverse, others are more suited for experienced hikers. But overall, the calm wilderness is a treat for every nature lover.

Based on 1,072 different listings on Realtor.com, buyers can expect the median home price in Asheboro to be $292,500.

Mount Airy

Breathtaking forested foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains surround the region of Mount Airy. Getting a sense of the area won't be too difficult, not when the nearby Pilot Mountain State Park is only a 15-minute drive away. This awe-inspiring getaway is home to an iconic 2,400-foot summit, offering once-in-a-lifetime panoramic views you'll never forget. And best of all? The trails are neatly kept, with endless opportunities to capture North Carolina's physical features. If you're unable to hike, fret not. You can ascend to the top in the comfort of your car, free of charge, if you arrive at the park before 10 am on a weekend.

Another local favorite is Riverside Park. Aptly named for its access to the Ararat River, this urban oasis is frequented by kayakers who use it as a launching spot to paddle along the river. Furthermore, the park contains a serene trail beside the river, perfect for walking, running, or biking.

Finally, be sure to check out 13 Bones Restaurant, known for serving top-notch American baby back ribs, steaks, and fresh seafood.

As of May 2025, Mount Airy's median home listing price is $269,900. However, given favorable market conditions, the median sold home price is only $202,200.

There you have it. These seven towns not only offer comfort but also the chance to live out your best years in harmony with nature. Whether you aim to climb the 2,400-foot peak in Pilot Mountain State Park or trek along Surf City's boardwalk, these North Carolina towns have all the outdoor space you need to enjoy a comfortable retirement.

The slower pace of life, mixed with friendly communities and amenities, is not something to be taken for granted — so give the Tar Heel State a closer look if you're seeking a comfortable, fulfilling, and rewarding retirement.