The. By 63, you no longer pay taxes. If you're considering retiring to the coastal region of North Carolina, it's important to have a plan in place in case of a hurricane. So what does that mean for you? Contents1 Which county in NC has the lowest property taxes?2 Do you have to pay property taxes after 65 in NC?3 [] A cost of living index above 100 means North Carolina, North Carolina is more expensive. North Carolina is one of the original thirteen colonies, allowing it to gather a rich history spanning centuries. You can just as easily find a charming apartment in the city or a farmstead, if you so choose. Pros & Cons of Retiring in South Carolina - RetireGuide These same mountains include fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. This is very ideal for retirees. The Outer Banks (OBX) are barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina and include Hatteras Island, Ocracoke, Roanoke Island, and Bodie Island. March 2023 Blog Posts - EZ Search Real Estate Blog Although North Carolina has several world-renowned hospitals, not all citizens have the same level of access to health care. Simmons, Christian. Let's look at some pros and cons of retiring in North Carolina to see if it could be the right state for you. All-in-all, you will find that the big city vibe doesn't come with a significant price tag. Required fields are marked *. Consider leaving a review on Google or Facebook. Retirefearless.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. According to the Census Bureau, both states ranked in the top five for net migration of people aged 60 and older. encounter a violent crime, and 24% encounter a property crime, with the overall crime rate being 28.72. Truthfully speaking, the friendly community feel took some adjusting at first because Ive mostly lived in large cities where being greeted by name was deemed unusual. You will need to invest in a car to get the most out of living in North Carolina. Obviously your lifestyle with depend on your way of life in North Carolina. Cost of Living Data Series. Residents could spend years exploring the state's caverns, gorges, and state parks, but retirees will need to plan their excursions for the summer months before the . For instance, with the highest average rent in the United States, a one-bedroom apartment in the District of Columbia costs $2,324 to rent.So, if you move to North Carolina, youll be saving quite a bit on your monthly cost. Pros and Cons of Living in North Carolina | Expat Exchange Here's What You Need to Know. With its picturesque beauty, stunning coastline, and southern hospitality, it isnt hard to see why North Carolina draws people from all over the country. Theres something for everyone in the mountains of North Carolina. Fall and spring are a good time to enjoy scenic views of the outdoors. North Carolina is home to the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pros and Cons of Retiring in South Carolina The advantages of retiring in South Carolina include an affordable lifestyle where your money can go much farther than in many other parts of the country. Historically, Virginia has had a reputation for wealth creation. North Carolina may not be a state traditionally thought of when it comes to retirement, but its popularity is on the rise. Generally speaking, North Carolina offers more diversity in locations and scenery, from major cities and beaches to full-blown mountain ranges. As you think about it, the state does have a lot to love for retirement. Oops! Besides housing, the state also offers comparatively cheaper food options than other states like New York State or Washington State. By 2026, the individual income tax will drop to 3.99%. The similarities end with the choice of meat (both use pork), from there the methods differ. If you fancy yourself a city-dweller, you wont be disappointed either. Raleigh, the state capital, could also be a suitable retirement destination that includes many big city offerings without quite as much activity as Charlotte. Low Employment Opportunities 3. It can be exciting to move somewhere new, start fresh, and . But thats not all there is to this wonder.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'retirefearless_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-retirefearless_com-medrectangle-4-0'); North Carolina has some majestic views, temperate weather, lower-than-average cost of living, above-average healthcare, and a welcoming population. Low Cost of Living 2. Overall, the cost of living in North Carolina comes in 5 points below the national average. 12 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in NORTH CAROLINA But North Carolina also displayed a high prevalence of food insecurity and people commonly avoiding seeking health care due to the cost. The Rainbow Falls Trail in Gorges State Park and the Looking Glass Rock Trail are a few other beautiful trails worth exploring. Pros of Retiring in Virginia: Robust Economy: Even though the COVID-19 pandemic considerably affected the state's economic growth, Virginia still remains one of the US's strongest economies. A website run by locals in various cities, with the hopes of making big life decisions a little easier on you. North Carolina offers a relatively low cost of living to its residents. State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2020. The Southern states have seen massive growth recently, with the region becoming one of Read More, These Markets Are Projected to Have the Most Home Price Change in 2023. . Estimate how long you'll live and explore retirement options for a long life. You will also want to think through what is included at the community you are considering. Another pro of retiring in North Carolina is excellent health care. Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Morehead City, and Asheville had higher housing costs than New Bern, Fayetteville, Greensboro, and Jacksonville. Hurricanes in North Carolina are accompanied by intense winds and unpredictable weather patterns that can cause flooding and severely damage your home. According to a chart from the U.S. News & World Report, North Carolina also has a poor ranking for Medicare quality, coming in at 38th. Poverty is seen as a significant contributor to the relatively higher crime rate in the state. Your money will go far there, helping you to have a full retirement. Come and see how Leisure Care communities are helping seniors rediscover (and sometimes reinvent) themselves. The access to nature and plethora of outdoor recreational is hard to beat. For full transparency, we clearly identify our sources in a list at the bottom of each page. Brevard. Property tax rates are moderately high in North Carolina, but there is a senior discount that is quite significant. This can take out a big chunk of your retirement savings. New Study Reveals Best Places to Retire in North Carolina Theyre All Small Towns. Explore the local galleries for hand-crafted pottery and other creations. High Crime Rate 2. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up for helpful guides, interesting topics, and tips from locals. It wont come easy (Ill touch on this shortly as well). Williamston. If youve ever wondered how some of our favorite Hollywood stars continue to make a living after their film days are over, they usually have several options. Receive Helpful Content Straight ToYour Inbox. The report noted that North Carolina had several health pros including good flu vaccine coverage and a low prevalence of falls. If youre moving to North Carolina with the hopes of escaping the grind and bustle of daily living, youll find reprieve. First off, accommodation is the biggest expense that any states residents have to incur. After all, this state has a lot to offer. The low property taxes in the state are one of the reasons for the below-average housing costs. The job market in Raleigh is thriving right now. Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility. 10 Reasons to Retire in North Carolina - Corbinton Living North Carolina does have a low corporate tax rate, making it more business-friendly. (30) Living in North Carolina (99) Living in Ohio (11) . Not only will you get amazing service when you visit the store or supermarket, but youll also receive kind gestures from random people you bump into on the streets. Overall Score. But dont just take my word for it, with an unemployment rate sitting at 3.8%, North Carolina isnt one of the easiest states to find work. North Carolina compensates for its affordable cost of living by putting a significant tax burden on its citizens. When evaluating the cost of senior living first think through your current expenses because so much of senior living is all-inclusive. She has written copy for both digital and print pieces ranging from blogs, radio scripts and search ads to billboards, brochures, mailers and more. Aging in America Rankings. Whether or not you have access to healthcare programs, insurance, and good hospitals and doctors, is and should be a major factor to consider. He covers Medicare and important retirement topics. You may be surprised to learn that the home of Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill might value public education enough to fund it, but no dice. Cons of Retiring in North Carolina Threat of hurricanes. What is the property tax in North Carolina? - 2023 It came in as the 20th most-taxed state. "North Carolina Retirement." Winters were a bear and I was desperate to get out, as such, moving to a place with mild winters was non-negotiable. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'retirefearless_com-box-4','ezslot_5',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-retirefearless_com-box-4-0'); When moving to a new state, especially with the purpose of living out your retirement years, there are more than a few things to consider. and youll see what all the fuss is about. But one mountain city that stands out is Asheville. Most of all, retirees with eyes on West Virginia must weigh the pros and cons of rural living. Its all about the meat in this method, and sauce would serve as a mere distraction although a small side of ketchup-based sauce is provided, for those so inclined. Retiring in NC: Best Places to Retire & Cost of Living - RetireGuide Even a carefully planned retirement lifestyle may come with unintended consequences. Retrieved from. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including a lack of providers, transportation issues, and a lack of insurance. Pros of retiring in North Carolina Beautiful scenery Diversity in locations Low cost of living And the state has the added benefit of generally affordable housing and a low cost of living, even within the cities. According to WRAL, there are also several small mountain towns scattered throughout the state that can also appeal to retirees. And the state has the added benefit of generally affordable housing and a low cost of living, even within the cities. And its true, with median home prices coming in at $330,000, many folks end up moving to North Carolina to fulfill their lifelong dream of owning a home (myself included). You never know when the threat will come to fruition so youll want to be prepared. In my experience, locals are very friendly, but theres a reserved nature about them. North Carolina has a diverse range of weather and climate, depending on which region you retire to. From Sir Walter Raleigh landing in NC in 1587 to NC succeeding during the Civil War, this state has witnessed its fair share of nation-defining historical events. Where do most retirees live in North Carolina? If youre a history enthusiast, you can explore the many museums at Beaufort or Cape Fear and get lost in the centuries of history.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'retirefearless_com-leader-1','ezslot_14',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-retirefearless_com-leader-1-0'); The true reality of a state can often be judged through its people, and if thats the case, then North Carolina truly is the most charming state in the US. Thats not to say that youll be greeted with open arms (Ive found locals to be friendly, yet reserved Ill cover this in detail shortly) but you will be welcomed and treated with respect. This can be attributed to several factors, including a lower-than-average cost of housing. Although the good news is that Maine . Now to answer the big question: Is North Carolina a good place to live? Charlotte. With a GDP per capita of $64,582, the Virginian economy is ranked 15th out of the country's 50 states.. On average, individualstate and municipal taxescost 9.8% of ones yearly income. North Carolina experiences moderate temperatures in all four seasons. Usually, there are two options to steer clear of hurricane damage. But North Carolina has a lot to offer, from stunning scenery to tax breaks for seniors. Moreover, there are also smaller university hospitals in the state that are nationally ranked. Resorts are spread throughout the mountains and many are open for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Its important to remember that Original Medicare is essentially the same in every state since it is a federal program. https://www.wral.com/new-study-reveals-best-places-to-retire-in-north-carolina-they-re-all-small-towns/19879509/, https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/articles/best-places-to-retire-in-north-carolina, https://assets.americashealthrankings.org/app/uploads/2021-senior-report-%E2%80%93-state-summaries.pdf, https://taxfoundation.org/state-individual-income-tax-rates-and-brackets-for-2020/, https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series, https://web.archive.org/web/20230126082510/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/aging, https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-beaches-in-north-carolina/, This article contains incorrect information, This article doesn't have the information I'm looking for, Winner of the Florida Society of News Editors Journalism Contest, Member of the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education, Founded an independent, student-run publication at UCF, Leah, H. (2021, September 16). The average monthly rent for, a 2-bedroom apartment in North Carolina is $825, , which is much lower than in many other states. Contact us today to get started. Theyre non-negotiable in my book because they prevent things from molding overnight. RetireGuide.com. The answer really depends on what youre looking for in retirement since each state offers different benefits. Residents 65 and older can deduct up to $12,000 per person of retirement income, subject to income-eligibility limits. One of the most significant disadvantages of retiring in North Carolina is a lack of public transportation. True to form, locals focus on getting to know their neighbors and building a sense of community. Know what that means? The state is home to a handful of great cities, but most of the Tar Heel State is rural. This post is for you. The only downside to the easy going vibe is the lack of ambition you may come across from time to time. As with other retirement communities, it also offers a variety of differently styled homes and ways to live in retirement. Benefits of Retiring In North Carolina (Pros & Cons) - Retire Fearless Best North Carolina Beaches. It's somewhat of a hobby, and we want to share what we've learned with you. It also has a lot to offer retirees, from big cities to tightknit mountain communities. One of the downsides to living in Maine is the fact that the income tax and retirement income tax rate can be as high as 7.15%. North Carolina offers many advantages for older adults. Overall, North Carolinas health care is not bad by any means, but its also not close to the states in the top tier. Between the breathtaking Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains, youll be spoiled of choice. However, European countries had beforehand . I knew that living in North Carolina would require becoming acquainted with a humid sub-tropical climate, but even after 12 years I still cant get used to it. If youre more interested in a small-town retirement, the U.S. News & World Report also pointed to Hickory as an option, which is opposite from Charlotte. One of the most significant advantages of retiring in South Carolina is the low cost of living. One option that stands out is Hendersonville. The city mixes the old with the new in an innovative way, bringing history to life with Civil War landmarks, the Discovery Place, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and even Carowinds, a sprawling theme park all within the Queen City. The largest employers in the state are: Walmart, Duke University, Food Lion, Wells Fargo, Lowes and Bank of America. (n.d.). One of the reasons people retire to North Carolina is the stunning scenery. One big perk for retirees is that North Carolina will not tax your Social Security, which can give you thousands of extra dollars each year. Five-star service. NC isnt the worst state for retirees when it comes to income taxes, but it isnt the best either. Now to answer the big question: Is North Carolina a good place to live? The Appalachian Mountains run through western North Carolina, providing ample hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Taxes - North Carolina's recent income tax reform lowered its rate to a flat 5.57 percent, but there are several states that don't tax resident income at all. RetireGuide.com. South Carolina, a state with plenty of history and marshland was actually not discovered until a while after North America had been founded. North Carolina is an overall safe state for you and your family to call home. This could include having an evacuation route and plan and supplies to ride out the storm. Fuel costs are also cheaper than the rest of the country, sometimes by as much as $0.50 per gallon. We will work closely with you and your family to create a lifestyle that meets care and budget needs while making the most of every day of retirement. The median home cost in the city is $260,000, but you can save some by relocating to Durham if you prefer. This trail starts from Georgia and passes through North Carolina, making it all the way to Maine. However, the state will tax other types of retirement income, including 401(k) and pension distributions. North Carolina is a retiree's paradise when it comes to outdoor recreation. South Carolina Is Tax-Friendlier to Retirees Than North Carolina.Kiplinger ranks South Carolina as one of the most-friendly states for taxes on retirees. Christian is a former winner of a Florida Society of News Editors journalism contest and has written professionally since 2016. Should You Retire in Georgia or Florida? Let's Compare! Sauna-quality humidity (yay!). Our fact-checking process starts with vetting all sources to ensure they are authoritative and relevant. Decent Essays. When you think "retirement destination," North Carolina may not be top of mind. 6. North Carolina cost of living is 90.6. Many of our outpatient clinics are located near Mission Hospital, right in the center of Asheville. Being called maam isnt a reference to your age, fret not. 21 Pros and Cons of Living in Charlotte, NC - Vittana.org Sorry there was an error. The lack of proper public buses, trains, and other modes of transportation make it challenging to travel and explore different parts of the state. Pros & Cons of Living in Asheville . 25 Pros And Cons Of Living In Greenville SC (Updated 2023) - Home Mindset Read More. If you prefer the sea to mountaintops, the state has you covered in that department as well. Everything is a lot cheaper here, especially when it comes to housing. Today, we're going to highlight 7 of the best places to retire in North Carolina. Roxboro. But I dont want to fool you, its not all sunshine and peach cobbler gossip runs rampant in the rural parts of town and youll need to be mindful of the tea youre spilling. Dine Well, Live Well at The Vero at Orange, One Month Rent-Free Incentive at Treeo Raleigh, Memory Care at MacKenzie Place Fort Collins, February Fitness Frenzy at Fairwinds Rio Rancho, True restaurant dining, with made to order meals, Gym memberships and fitness classes through PrimeFit, Assisted living and memory care services, if needed. With that said, after researching one too many US states with retirement potential, I decided to dig deeper into the hidden wonder that is North Carolina. Still, its worth pointing out, especially for those looking to grow their careers after moving to North Carolina. North Carolinas Medicare quality ranking reflects the availability and effectiveness of Medicare Advantage plans in the state, which are sold privately and are available regionally. Just when you think summers in North Carolina cant get worse, youll experience the threat of a looming hurricane. North Carolina maintains seasons but doesnt suffer from the same regularly severe weather as northern states. Especially if you are moving from up north, youll find that even the largest cities compare favorably to the cost of living that youre used to. Please wait a moment and try again. MLA Youve come to the right place. What more could you want in a new community? 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Asheville, North Carolina The sales tax is around 6.98%, with municipalities having special leverage. Thinking about living in North Carolina? . On the flip side, NC has a high-than-usual crime rate, increased chances of hurricanes, higher taxation, and a poor transportation system. This is something to keep in mind if you're considering retiring to North Carolina. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in North Carolina - Redfin Besides housing, the state also offers comparatively cheaper food options than other states like New York State or Washington State. We love planning for retirement. North Carolina offers mild weather and beautiful seasons while also keeping older adults closer to the communities they came from, offering a more pleasing retirement life. For starters, Social Security income is not taxed and if youre over 65 years old, up to $35,000 of your retirement income is exempt from state taxes. These include Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Asheville. Most pay between 6.75% to 7%, although there are a handful of counties where the rate is 7.5%. Small City . Retrieved from, Loughead, K. (2020, February 3). Summers on the beaches, winters in the mountains, breathtaking views in the fall, and beautiful blooms in the spring North Carolina has it all. A coworker joked that North Carolinians are the best neighborhoods and acquaintances a person could have because respect is a second language. The residents of this state display that Southern charm regularly. Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in North Carolina responded: "People who live in North Carolina enjoy the mild climate, the beautiful beaches, and the friendly people. cost 9.8% of ones yearly income. The Appalachian Mountains form most of North Carolinas territory, providing the state withmiles of hiking trails. The low property taxes in the state are one of the reasons for the below-average housing costs. North Carolina VS South Carolina - Which One is Better - Movingist The summers are good for the beach, while winters are good for skiing in the mountains. All this to say, both the outdoor recreation and road trip possibilities are endless while living in North Carolina. You can thank me later. How To Apply For Medicare: A Step-by-Step Guide, Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Pros of living in North Carolina 1. Essentially, the public transport in North Carolina doesnt cover a huge ground and is rather under-serviced, so it becomes particularly tricky to get from one place to another without a car.