8 Best Cities To Retire In North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the best places to retire in the U.S., thanks to its mild climate, affordable cost of living, and access to quality healthcare. Its vibrant cultural scene offers plenty of opportunities for learning, socializing, and leisure. Whether you prefer the mountains, the coast, or a charming small town, the state has something for every retiree. Here are the 8 best cities to retire in North Carolina, each offering an excellent quality of life, diverse activities, and a welcoming atmosphere to make the most of your golden years.
Raleigh
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, was founded in 1792 as one of the country’s first planned cities. Nestled where the rolling Piedmont hills meet the flat Atlantic coastal plain, it blends historic charm with modern living. Most of the city lies in Wake County, with a small portion stretching into Durham County. The climate is gentle and moderate year-round, making it easy for seniors to enjoy the city’s outdoor parks, historic neighborhoods, and tree-lined streets without facing extreme weather.
At the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, retirees can enjoy Broadway shows, ballet performances, or orchestral concerts in a venue known for its intimate yet grand atmosphere. Art lovers will find plenty to explore at the North Carolina Museum of Art, where indoor galleries showcase European and contemporary works, and the outdoor sculpture park allows for leisurely strolls amid large-scale installations and scenic trails. Nature enthusiasts often head to William B. Umstead State Park, a 5,500-acre haven for hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching, providing a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown. On the healthcare front, Raleigh is home to Duke Raleigh Hospital and UNC REX Healthcare, both nationally recognized for patient care and outcomes, giving retirees peace of mind alongside lifestyle perks.
High Point
Known as the “Furniture Capital of the World,” High Point is a mid-sized city in central North Carolina with just over 116,000 residents, a meaningful share of whom are seniors attracted by the city’s calm pace, practical layout, and cost-effective lifestyle. High Point stands out as one of the more affordable cities in the U.S., with a median home price hovering around the low-to-mid $290,000 range, making homeownership accessible for retirees looking to stretch their savings while enjoying a comfortable standard of living.
Beyond its reputation in furniture design, the city offers retirees genuinely distinctive leisure experiences. The world-famous High Point Market and the whimsical 36-foot-tall World’s Largest Chest of Drawers give the city its unique character, while Oak Hollow Festival Park provides lakeside relaxation and seasonal regattas. Cultural life is equally strong, with the annual John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival celebrating the legendary musician’s local roots. For healthcare needs, residents benefit from access to High Point Medical Center, part of the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist system, ensuring quality medical care close to home.
Winston-Salem
Known as both the "Twin City" and the "Camel City," Winston-Salem combines the histories of its separate Winston and Salem communities, celebrating its tobacco industry heritage. For retirees mindful of housing costs, the city stands out: the median home price hovers around $314,450, making it one of the more affordable options in the region. Beyond the cost of living, Winston-Salem offers retirees a diverse range of engaging and distinctive leisure activities.
History enthusiasts can stroll through the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, where 18th-century Moravian architecture and living history bring the past to life. Nature lovers will appreciate Quarry Park’s scenic walking trails, while art aficionados can explore the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, the historic estate of R.J. Reynolds. For healthcare, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is widely known and respected well beyond Winston‑Salem. It’s a major academic medical center with a long history of providing advanced care and training for future physicians, and it serves patients from across North Carolina and the Southeast.
Charlotte
Charlotte is a major Southeastern city set amid gentle hills about 80 miles from the Appalachian Mountains and 175 miles from the Atlantic, a geography that helps keep winters mild and summers manageable for retirees who prefer moderate seasons. Charlotte’s housing remains surprisingly accessible for a major U.S. city, with a median home price around $430,000, making it one of the more affordable options in the Southeast for retirees looking to balance comfort with value.
For retirees, Charlotte’s appeal lies in having plenty to do without feeling overwhelming: Retirees who are longtime racing fans can revisit decades of motorsports history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame or enjoy a single highlight event like the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, while professional teams such as the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Charlotte FC offer the option of an occasional live game rather than a full-season commitment. Slower-paced outings are easy to build into the week, from strolling through the Mint Museum on the site of the original U.S. On the healthcare front, retirees benefit from access to Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center, a flagship hospital widely recognized for strong patient outcomes and advanced specialty care, offering reassurance that top-tier medical services are close at hand.
Gastonia
Just west of Charlotte, Gastonia is the largest city in Gaston County, home to roughly 80,000 residents, including a growing population of seniors seeking a comfortable suburban lifestyle. While not the cheapest option, its median home price of $300,000 places it among the more affordable cities near a major metropolitan area.
Retirees can enjoy Monster Golf, featuring mini golf, bowling, a laser maze, and an arcade, while outdoor adventurers will find Crowders Mountain nearby, offering steep hiking trails, 150-foot rock cliffs, and panoramic views of the North Carolina Piedmont. Water enthusiasts can paddle, raft, or boat along Lake Wylie, and the Schiele Museum of Natural History provides interactive exhibits, a planetarium, live animals, and even a dinosaur safari. Residents also benefit from excellent healthcare, with Gastonia’s local hospitals, including CaroMont Regional Medical Center, a major acute‑care hospital recognized for its commitment to patient safety and quality care.
Durham
Durham is an increasingly attractive destination for retirees seeking a balanced, enriching lifestyle with excellent access to healthcare. Often referred to as the “City of Medicine,” Durham is home to more than 300 top-tier medical facilities, offering peace of mind for those who prioritize long-term health and wellness in retirement. Its location within the Research Triangle Park (RTP) further enhances access to cutting-edge medical research, specialists, and university-affiliated hospitals such as Duke University Hospital and the Duke Health system, making Durham an especially reassuring place to retire. The median home price in Durham is around $430,000, offering better value than many comparable metro areas while still providing urban amenities.
Retirees in Durham benefit from a vibrant yet manageable city that values diversity, inclusivity, and community. Attractions range from the Durham Performing Arts Center for concerts and theater, to the American Tobacco Historic District for dining and history, and peaceful outdoor escapes like Eno River State Park and Sarah P. Duke Gardens. At its heart, the city is home to Duke University and North Carolina Central University, offering lifelong learning opportunities, art museums, lectures, concerts, and collegiate sporting events. According to Discover Durham, more than 5,000 cultural and community events take place each year, including live concerts and Broadway shows at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and seasonal festivals such as the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a coastal city known for its colonial port-town character, historic neighborhoods, and youthful energy driven by its university presence. Wilmington’s lively downtown waterfront draws visitors for extended stays, combining rich history with a scenic Riverwalk, charming boutiques, and standout restaurants that deliver the energy of a larger city while preserving an unmistakable small-town coastal feel. What truly sets Wilmington apart are distinctive leisure experiences such as the 230-block National Register Historic District shaded by live oaks, the scenic Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River with cafes and shops, water-taxi access to the iconic WWII Battleship North Carolina, and easy proximity to island beaches for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Retirees step back in time aboard the legendary USS North Carolina and imagine life in the South Pacific during World War II as you walk the decks of the most decorated U.S. battleship of the war, exploring its nine levels, crew quarters, massive gun turrets, and command spaces. Nearby, Airlie Gardens offers a serene escape with 67 acres of landscaped grounds, tranquil lakes, more than 75,000 azaleas, a historic chapel, and the iconic Airlie Oak dating back to 1545. The world-famous North Carolina Azalea Festival is also held each spring, bringing people together. For healthcare, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is widely regarded for its high-quality patient care and advanced medical services.
Cary
Cary’s story begins in the 1750s with a small settlement called Bradford’s Ordinary, but it was Allison Francis “Frank” Page who shaped the town’s identity, naming it after Samuel Fenton Cary, a prominent Prohibition leader from Ohio. Incorporated in 1871, Cary grew rapidly when the Seaboard and North Carolina railroads intersected here, laying the foundation for its evolution into a thriving tech and research hub.
Today, beyond its safe streets, the city offers distinctive leisure experiences: visitors can enjoy Fred G. Bond Metro Park, a sprawling 310-acre haven with trails and a lake, or catch outdoor concerts and festivals at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Sports enthusiasts can visit the USA Baseball National Training Complex, while nature lovers can explore the 140-acre Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. History and art aficionados can enjoy exhibitions and crafting classes at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, housed in a restored 19th-century building. For healthcare, the area is well-served by top facilities such as WakeMed Cary Hospital, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care.
Settling Down in North Carolina's Cities
From the historic charm and green spaces of Cary to the coastal beauty of Wilmington, the vibrant culture of Asheville, and the small-town serenity of Hendersonville, retirees have plenty of options to suit their preferences. With access to quality healthcare, recreational opportunities, and welcoming communities, these 8 cities stand out as some of the best places in the state to enjoy a fulfilling, active, and comfortable retirement. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, North Carolina makes it easy to find a place to call home for your golden years.
