Retirement is one of life’s most significant transitions, and choosing the perfect location to enjoy your golden years is a decision that deserves careful consideration. North Carolina has emerged as one of the premier retirement destinations in the United States, offering a compelling blend of natural beauty, moderate climate, cultural amenities, and comparatively affordable cost of living.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of North Carolina’s best towns for retirees. The Overall Retirement Score encompasses numerous factors that contribute to quality of life for retirees, while our additional 5 criteria offer deeper insight into specific aspects that make these communities special. Here’s the list.
17. Saluda
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.30
- Walkability: 38.26
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 71.86
- Vibrant Score: 16.34
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Saluda
Saluda comes in at 17 on our list with a 97.30 Overall Retirement Score. It offers the best walkability among our top towns at 38.26, allowing for easier pedestrian access. The high Urban Sophistication score of 71.86 indicates excellent cultural amenities, while the moderate Vibrant Score of 16.34 suggests a balanced pace of life. Known for its historic downtown and mountain views, Saluda provides small-town charm with sophisticated offerings. The median home price is approximately $472,500.
16. Barnardsville
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.35
- Walkability: 17.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.40
- Vibrant Score: 11.34
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Barnardsville
Barnardsville earns an impressive 97.35 Overall Retirement Score, placing it at #16. With limited walkability at 17.59 and moderate Urban Sophistication at 48.40, it offers a balance of amenities and rural charm. The low Vibrant Score of 11.34 indicates a quiet, peaceful environment. Located in the mountains north of Asheville, Barnardsville provides a serene setting. The median home price is approximately $425,000.
15. Trent Woods
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.44
- Walkability: 15.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 86.71
- Vibrant Score: 29.77
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Trent Woods
Trent Woods scores a strong 97.44 for Overall Retirement, ranking it #15 on our list. While walkability is limited at 15.59, it boasts an impressive Urban Sophistication score of 86.71, indicating abundant cultural amenities. The Vibrant Score of 29.77 suggests a moderately active community. Located near New Bern, Trent Woods offers suburban living with easy access to urban amenities. The median home price is approximately $492,500.
14. Lake Lure
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.49
- Walkability: 7.90
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 58.24
- Vibrant Score: 20.37
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Lake Lure
Lake Lure achieves a strong 97.49 Overall Retirement Score, earning the #14 position. While walkability is limited at 7.90, it offers good Urban Sophistication at 58.24 and a moderate Vibrant Score of 20.37. Famous for its scenic lake and mountain views, Lake Lure provides a resort-like retirement setting. The median home price in Lake Lure is approximately $545,000, reflecting its popularity as a retirement destination.
13. Kure Beach
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.00
- Walkability: 23.21
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 68.92
- Vibrant Score: 32.35
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Kure Beach
Kure Beach scores an even 98.00 for Overall Retirement, placing it at #13. It offers moderate walkability at 23.21 and strong Urban Sophistication at 68.92, indicating good cultural amenities. The Vibrant Score of 32.35 is among the highest on our list, reflecting a more active community. As a coastal town, Kure Beach provides oceanfront living with a median home price of approximately $749,500, making it one of the most expensive options on our list.
12. Columbus
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.17
- Walkability: 24.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.01
- Vibrant Score: 22.27
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Columbus
Columbus achieves a 98.17 Overall Retirement Score, ranking #12. With a walkability rating of 24.30, it offers moderate pedestrian access. The Urban Sophistication score of 54.01 indicates reasonable cultural amenities, while the Vibrant Score of 22.27 suggests a moderately active community. As the seat of Polk County, Columbus provides small-town charm with essential services. The median home price is approximately $300,000.
11. Oriental
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.19
- Walkability: 14.04
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 70.24
- Vibrant Score: 8.96
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Oriental
Oriental scores an impressive 98.19 for Overall Retirement, placing it at #11. While walkability is limited at 14.04, it compensates with high Urban Sophistication at 70.24, indicating good cultural amenities. The low Vibrant Score of 8.96 suggests a peaceful atmosphere. Known as the “Sailing Capital of North Carolina,” Oriental offers a waterfront lifestyle with a median home price of approximately $325,000.
10. Black Mountain
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.27
- Walkability: 29.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.04
- Vibrant Score: 27.08
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Black Mountain
Black Mountain achieves a 98.27 Overall Retirement Score, ranking #10 on our list. With a walkability rating of 29.05, it offers reasonable pedestrian access. The Urban Sophistication score of 48.04 indicates moderate cultural amenities, while the Vibrant Score of 27.08 suggests a moderately active community. Located near Asheville, Black Mountain combines mountain charm with accessibility. The median home price is approximately $450,000.
9. Sapphire
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.30
- Walkability: 3.00
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.98
- Vibrant Score: 20.25
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Sapphire
Sapphire scores a strong 98.30 for Overall Retirement, placing it at #9. While walkability is limited at 3.00, it offers good Urban Sophistication at 64.98 and a moderate Vibrant Score of 20.25. Located in the scenic mountains of western North Carolina, Sapphire is known for its natural beauty and upscale communities. The median home price in Sapphire is approximately $475,000.
8. Swan Quarter
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.73
- Walkability: 10.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.22
- Vibrant Score: 0.57
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Swan Quarter
Swan Quarter earns a 98.73 Overall Retirement Score, ranking it #8 on our list. This coastal community offers limited walkability at 10.31 and very low scores for Urban Sophistication (7.22) and Vibrancy (0.57), making it ideal for those seeking a truly quiet, rural retirement. As one of the more affordable options on our list, Swan Quarter has a median home price of approximately $250,000.
7. Blowing Rock
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.76
- Walkability: 23.06
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 73.33
- Vibrant Score: 31.01
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock achieves a strong 98.76 Overall Retirement Score, placing it at #7. With a walkability rating of 23.06, it offers moderate pedestrian access. The high Urban Sophistication score of 73.33 indicates abundant cultural amenities, while the Vibrant Score of 31.01 reflects an active community. Known for its picturesque mountain setting, Blowing Rock commands a median home price of approximately $550,000.
6. Sunset Beach
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.79
- Walkability: 4.80
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.92
- Vibrant Score: 29.74
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach scores an impressive 98.79 for Overall Retirement, ranking #6. While walkability is low at 4.80, the town offers decent Urban Sophistication at 59.92 and a relatively higher Vibrant Score of 29.74, suggesting more community activity than some other towns on our list. As a coastal community, Sunset Beach provides oceanfront living with a median home price of approximately $475,000.
5. Highlands
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.81
- Walkability: 8.02
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.50
- Vibrant Score: 17.39
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Highlands
Highlands earns a strong 98.81 Overall Retirement Score, placing it at #5. Though walkability is limited at 8.02, its moderate Urban Sophistication score of 49.50 indicates reasonable cultural opportunities. The Vibrant Score of 17.39 suggests a quiet atmosphere that many retirees find appealing. Known for its upscale mountain lifestyle, Highlands has a median home price of approximately $600,000, making it one of the pricier options on our list.
4. Laurel Park
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.00
- Walkability: 42.65
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 81.79
- Vibrant Score: 24.70
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Laurel Park
Laurel Park scores an even 99.00 for Overall Retirement, earning the #4 position. It features a respectable walkability score of 42.65, making it more pedestrian-friendly than many other towns on our list. With high Urban Sophistication at 81.79 and a moderate Vibrant Score of 24.70, Laurel Park offers cultural amenities in a reasonably active community setting. The median home price in this attractive mountain town is approximately $450,000.
3. Flat Rock
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.02
- Walkability: 29.43
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 90.39
- Vibrant Score: 21.96
- Transit-Friendly: 23.82
About Flat Rock
Flat Rock achieves an excellent 99.02 Overall Retirement Score, placing it at #3. With a walkability rating of 29.43, it offers better pedestrian access than many towns on this list. Its standout feature is the impressive 90.39 Urban Sophistication score, indicating abundant cultural opportunities. The Vibrant Score of 21.96 and Transit-Friendly score of 23.82 suggest a modestly active community with some transportation options. Median home prices in Flat Rock hover around $475,000.
2. Glenville
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.09
- Walkability: 6.26
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.95
- Vibrant Score: 8.13
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Glenville
Glenville scores impressively with a 99.09 Overall Retirement Score, earning the #2 spot. Its walkability rating of 6.26 indicates limited pedestrian infrastructure, while the Urban Sophistication score of 34.95 suggests moderate cultural offerings. With a Vibrant Score of just 8.13, Glenville offers a serene environment for those seeking peace and quiet. The median home price in this tranquil mountain community is approximately $450,000.
1. Cashiers
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.44
- Walkability: 1.02
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.23
- Vibrant Score: 14.81
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Cashiers
Cashiers takes the #1 spot with an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 99.44, making it North Carolina’s best town for retirement according to our data. While its walkability score is quite low at 1.02, the town compensates with good Urban Sophistication at 64.23, indicating decent cultural amenities. The Vibrant Score of 14.81 suggests a quieter lifestyle, which many retirees prefer. The median home price in Cashiers is approximately $545,000, reflecting its desirability as a retirement destination.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s suitability for retirees by analyzing factors such as healthcare access, cost of living, climate, recreational opportunities, senior services, safety, and community engagement. This holistic score helps identify locations that best meet the diverse needs of retirees.
- Walkability: Measures how pedestrian-friendly a town is based on factors like sidewalk availability, street connectivity, and proximity of essential services to residential areas. Higher walkability scores indicate locations where retirees can maintain independence and physical activity without relying on vehicles.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Assesses the availability and quality of cultural offerings such as museums, theaters, educational opportunities, restaurants, and shopping. This metric is important for retirees seeking intellectually stimulating environments and diverse leisure activities.
- Vibrant Score: Evaluates the energy and activity level of a community, including factors like population diversity, event frequency, and nightlife options. This score helps match retirees with communities that align with their desired lifestyle pace.
- Transit-Friendly: Measures the quality and accessibility of public transportation options, important for retirees who may eventually reduce or eliminate driving. Good public transit supports independence and mobility for aging residents.
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Rocket Homes – https://rocket.com/homes/market-reports/nc/saluda
- Rocket Homes – https://rocket.com/homes/market-reports/nc/barnardsville
- Redfin – https://www.redfin.com/city/17513/NC/Trent-Woods
- Rocket Homes – https://rocket.com/homes/market-reports/nc/lake-lure
- Rocket Homes – https://rocket.com/homes/market-reports/nc/kure-beach
- North Carolina Real Estate Market – https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/north-carolina-housing-market/
