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It’s a pleasure to introduce you to a collection of unique North Carolina destinations that all carry the important designation of being Certified Retirement Communities awaiting your exploration.
Part of the beauty and lure of North Carolina is the state’s perfect match for retirees and those planning for retirement years. And all across the state, there are communities and towns that have committed to retirees in the form of having gone through state certification.Â
The 16 communities profiled in this publication all offer that state-certified welcome—an open-armed invitation to be your retirement destination.
Across our three beautiful regions—Mountain, Piedmont, and Coastal—these communities share a commitment that is above and beyond others across our state and the nation.
Each has established a formal committee to welcome retirees along with efforts to include churches, clubs, medical facilities, businesses, colleges and universities, and other pillars in their community outreach and welcome to retirees.
 These destinations have also made a financial investment to retirement, under state legislation approved in 2010 and updated in 2018. As such, they are uniquely equipped and committed to your successful retirement—to your opportunity to have it all in North Carolina!
 Please use this guide to explore these 16 communities’ assets and offerings. They await your visit!Â
And please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide further details or specifics on any aspect.
With a warm North Carolina welcome,
André Nabors
Partner & Community Relations Manager
andre.nabors@visitnc.com
Just What Is a North Carolina Certified Retirement Community?
Countless North Carolina destinations are well-suited for active retirees, but a special handful took extra steps to become a Certified Retirement Community. This designation means the town, city, or county has the necessary health care, infrastructure, and social network to serve aging residents. To be considered, each Certified Retirement Community detailed how they currently support retirees and will augment such plans in the coming years. Above all else, they committed to making mature adults feel welcome and secure in their new homes.Â
Ready to learn more?Â
Visit retirenc.com
Yes, North Carolina!
Affordability, beauty, great weather, and ease of transportation top the list of lures.
Our working years can provide a great hint on the best place for our retirement years.Â
How? Simply consider your favorite vacation destinations and attributes as a base for research.
Beautiful mountains? A fabulous and varied coastline? Easily accessible and friendly cities and small towns?
North Carolina has them all, and in genuine bounty.
Add in on top of those attributes things like low taxes, great health care, and four distinct, enjoyable seasons, and an ideal retirement destination comes into focus.
Welcome to North Carolina!
Where there is no tax on Social Security and the cost of living averages just 90% of national figures.
Where the second-largest state highway system in the U.S. along with four international airports and six regional airports complement a great Interstate system, daily Amtrak service, and picturesque coastal ferries.
Where natural beauty abounds at every turn, from 322 miles of refreshing coastal shoreline, across a gentle piedmont to the rise of mountains reaching 6,000 feet.
Where our 10 national park sites and 42 state parks include such national treasures as the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the mountains and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound.
Where our vast collection of golf courses, both public and private, is highlighted by stunning Pinehurst.
Where adults over 65 are welcome to audit any course in the state completely free.
Add to all that the state’s official welcome mat for retirees in the form of a set of Certified Retirement Communities, each of which is profiled in this publication.
A new life awaits in North Carolina!
